Thanks! Plain and Simple

Festivals are all over, all summer.

From Our Musicians

From fiddlers who often don't read music to classical performers who do, we have the joy of live music all over the state. Jam sessions and music festivals are our hallmark.

Musicians' personalities are as varied as their music. However, we have no shortage of musicians who want to perform in an all-day Thanks! Plain and Simple Day. (See Schedule)

For example, the Principal of Winfield High School was the first on our school list to call, and he suggested we meet with their band director, Scott Woodruff, who quickly suggested that their jazz band perform our theme song for our first Thanks, Plain and Simple Day.

More and more music is why people come to West Virginia. For example, Mountain Stage is called "West Virginia's best export" and is broadcast on both National Public Radio and Voice of America. Augusta Heritage is often called "West Virginia's best import" and people come from all over for this rare, total-music experience.

Our musical heritage is deep in our own culture and from the many cultures we brought as we came into the many regions of West Virginia throughout American history. This photo is the Sullivan Family, in Ritchie County, in 1907 - with banjo and guitar.

Keep checking for the list of artists who will perform for Thanks! Plain and Simple Day.

In the meantime, our theme song both brags about West Virginia and tells you that we look forward to your return, with your wild, sweet smile.

Come Home with Your Wild, Sweet Smile

Verse 1 = To West Virginians in the Military

Allow us to tell you; it's plain; it's simple; we just wanna say, "Thanks."

From our Mountaineer Spirit, we want you to hear it; in unity we say, "Thanks."

Now you've got a brave heart; serve with a good start; and you have a West Virginia smile.

Come home West from DC, East from Kentucky, down the Ohio River - anyway we're lucky, when you come home with your wild, sweet smile.

We from left, right and center, we wait summer and winter; for you, we keep on the lights.

We're most elevated, but not complicated. Come home with your wild, sweet smile.

Come home with your wild, sweet smile. Come home with your wild, sweet smile.

ASK FOR NOTES TO MUSIC

THIS SITE WILL HAVE MORE AUDIO SOON.

Verse 2 = To West Virginians in the Military

Allow us to tell you; it's plain; it's simple; we're from a place we like.

We got corn bread and green beans, open faced greetings, served in a style that's right.

Now you've got a pure heart; could use a new start; and you wanna see yourself smile.

Come home West from DC, East from Kentucky, down the Ohio River - anyway you're lucky, in West Virginia with a wild, sweet smile.

We're not north, south or center; wait summer and winter; for you, we turn on the lights.

We're most elevated, but not complicated. West Virginians with a wild, sweet smile.

Feel at home with our wild, sweet smile.

West Virginia Symphony

Vandalia

Cultural Dances

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, 2005

Fiddle or
violin?

Here in West Virginia, I have more music in my life, and I take part in more music - of all kinds - than I did in all my years away from home.
"Music here is more...
more accesible,
more affordable,
more personal,
more fun."

Submit your comment on music or other topics.

SEE HOW TO CONTRIBUTE