Isaac Shelem Fadiga, known by his mononym Shelem (pronounced shuh-lem) is a 26-year-old hip-hop artist andproducer who strives to bring levity to the world through his bubbly personality and colorful creations. Born in SilverSpring, MD to parents from the Ivory Coast, he began producing, writing, and recording at age 14. After graduating fromMarshall University in Huntington, WV with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2018, he began his engineering career as hedeveloped a plan to launch his music career.Shelem’s debut project, The Jaunts, was released on September 22nd, 2018. As the pandemic brought live music to agrinding halt, Shelem diverted his focus to growing and interacting with his audience in a digital space and released his sophomore project titled UhhYup! The Mixtape in 2020. In 2021, Shelem was featured on NPR’s Slingshot Series andreleased his most notable single to date, “Suga Wata.” In 2022, Shelem presented a TEDx Talk blending engineeringand music production, then expanded his reach regionally with shows in Columbus, OH, Charlotte, NC and Ashland, KY. Website: www.shelem304.com

Justin Puett is the proprietor of Folklore Music Exchange, a guitar shop he owns. Additionally, he is involved in the Indie Rock band named The Parachute Brigade, where he showcases his guitar skills and vocal prowess.Originally hailing from the quaint town of Coal Mountain, Justin later relocated to Beckley at the age of 21. During his time there, he managed a local music store while residing in a band house, actively participating in an emo rock band known as Motion Theatre. Concurrently, he also contributed his talents to a cover band named The Incredibly Handsome Army Of Jasons.In 2012, Justin crossed paths with his future wife, Jodie Cox-Puett, leading to the formation of their band, The Parachute Brigade, which has since been going strong for 11 years.In 2019, Justin and Jodie made the decision to establish their own guitar shop in Charleston, christened Folklore Music Exchange. This May, they will be commemorating the fifth anniversary of its inception.Shop: https://www.folkloremusicexchange.com/Band: https://www.theparachutebrigade.com/

Proudly from Charleston, WV, the award-winning Better From Here is the latest pioneer in Appalachian emo. In the fall of 2022, five friends got together to make music in a church auditorium after hours. After too much time had been spent picking a name, the band agreed the name options would get “Better From Here.” The team then released their debut EP, “All of My Nights.” The EP propelled the band to win the Born & Bred Reader's Poll "Best Punk Artist of 2023," telling of the band’s promising future, which includes a full-length album to be recorded in 2024.

Corduroy Brown: Feel good, indie music from Huntington, West Virginia. The Corduroy sound has been described as: "A sound that makes you feel like everything is going to be ok." Corduroy crafts tunes that evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and genuine joy. Corduroy Brown danced with death in Morgantown West Virginia ICU due to a rare reaction to Covid. After being revived and placed on life support, he made a full recovery. Now themes of mental wellness and a willingness to live life to the fullest are represented in the music for his second time on the Earth.

Kate Boytek is many things; she's a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a singer, a songwriter, and a storyteller born and bred deep in the rolling hills and hollers of southern West Virginia. The emerging country music artist’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies, warm and genuine personality, and soulful vocal performances have captivated audiences nationwide.Kate recently landed a CMT premiere and regional radio airplay for her single "Anywhere" (a gentle, uplifting anthem of empowerment co-written alongside the Dove and Grammy-nominated songwriter Kim McLean). She has recorded with top producers, including Jason Wyatt (Kid Rock, The Lost Trailers) and Britton Cameron (Lonestar, Sister Hazel, Don Williams), and performs regularly at writers' rounds in Nashville.Boytek has solidified her reputation the old-fashioned way as a must-see live performer the old-fashioned way-hitting the road with the commanding stage presence of a young Stevie Nicks and strong vocal delivery often compared to Trisha Yearwood and Wynonna Judd.  In the past year, Kate played her first sold-out theater show as the headliner, several casino headlining dates, and over a dozen main stage fair and festival slots, including Down N' Dirty Fest, The Summer Shindig, Live On The Levee, River Road Music Festival and the Sternwheel Regatta, the biggest annual event in her home state of West Virginia, before a crowd estimated at over 30,000 fans.Kate has shared stages with countless other road warriors, hitmakers, and legends, including Jo Dee Messina, Chase Wright, Drew Parker, Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin, LOCASH, Ronnie McDowell, Eric Paslay, Zach Top, and many others.Kate’s impact also extends beyond live performance. Kate proudly serves as an official ambassador for the City of Charleston, WV, in conjunction with their Convention and Visitors Bureau. She spoke at Healing Appalachia before Jason Isbell about the region's struggle with opioid addiction, visited schools to encourage music education, and performed for AmeriCorps staffers and volunteers to thank them for their service.  This year will bring new music and video releases, more mother-daughter time, more unforgettable performances, more miles on the road, and more fans that become friends. Kate Boytek is gladly putting in all the work and doing all the things every day to be what most of us aspire to: someone who radiates authenticity, sincerity, and grace and leaves an indelible mark on every life Kate and her music touch.

John “JB” McCuskey is West Virginia’s 21st State Auditor. He is currently in his second term, first elected in 2016. Previously, he served two terms in the House of Delegates and practiced law in Charleston.As Auditor, McCuskey has made it his mission to ensure an efficient, effective, and transparent government. On his watch, McCuskey has turned West Virginia into the most transparent state in the country by allowing citizens to access real-time data about how their tax dollars are spent through WVCheckbook.gov. He also established the Public Integrity and Fraud Unit which has opened more than 200 investigations into local governments, uncovering fraud totaling more than $2.5 million.A tool to fight fraud and abuse is the use of the state Purchasing Card. Over the past five years, McCuskey has pushed for more agencies, boards and commissions, and institutions of higher education to use the P-Card, which offers an efficient method for streamlining the payment process. The P-Card program nets the state tens of millions each year in cost avoidance savings. Since Auditor McCuskey took office, the state and local governments have earned more than $41 million in rebates from the use of the P-Card.McCuskey is also leading the nation in using augmented intelligence and machine learning to streamline government processes and mitigate fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars. The Auditor’s Office has established a platform, the first of its kind, to be used to track government spending and highlight fraud and important trends.Additionally, the Auditor is the Land Commissioner for the state of West Virginia. McCuskey pushed to rewrite decades old tax laws, to streamline the property tax process for taxpayers and collectors across the state. This will help speed up the process to prevent houses from becoming dilapidated during what was a very lengthy process. The legislation also created, for the first time, a payment plan for homeowners who fall on hard times.McCuskey is a native of Harrison County, West Virginia. His parents, John and Anne McCuskey, cultivated his deep love of the Mountain State and instilled in him the values of public service.He is a graduate of The George Washington University with a degree in Political Communication. He is also a graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. Before attending law school, McCuskey worked as a civilian for the Department of Defense at the Pentagon in the offices of the Army and Department of Defense General Counsels.Auditor McCuskey lives in Charleston with his wife, Wendy, and daughters, Charlotte Anne and Martha Elizabeth, and their dog Pearl, where they own a small business.Official Webpage: https://www.wvsao.gov/about

In late 2015 four friends got together to track what was to be Matt Mullins’ solo record, they quickly took notice that this was something different that they wanted to continue doing together. Matt’s solo album became a group project and since then the band has been writing new material and booking supporting of their debut album Family.Music.Beer., which was released in August 2016. With an eclectic mix of genres that have influenced the group, it’s hard to classify them as just an alt-country band.Matt Mullins & the Bringdowns are a Ya’llternative Rock Band. The stories in their songs are almost as diverse as the influences you hear in the music. Drummer Dylan McInturff and bassist Bob Campion fueled by a driving rhythm section. Stuart Hill creates sonic tapestries with his guitar that will leave you in awe. Add to that the lyrical prowess of raspy voiced singer/guitarist Matt Mullins and you have what the group feels to be the most honest music they have ever collectively created.Webside: https://www.bringdowns.com/Bill Withers Memorial Foundation: https://www.bafwv.org/billwithers.html

Josh Pantry is a touring country musician who spends his time between Charleston, WV and Nashville, TN. Last year, Josh Pantry  played a total of 96 shows spanning over 7 states! Their tour included some pretty serious stages and festivals. From Bowery for Carolina Country Music Fest to the Down & Dirty Music Festival and many other fairs and festivals within the tri state area.Josh is a seasoned pro who has shared the stage with heavy hitters like, Chris Cagle, Love & Theft, Matt Stell, Jameson Rogers, David Morris, Jon Langston, David Nail, Restless Road, and Mikele Buck just this year.Josh, who is an active songwriter in the Nashville music scene, loves to play his own music as well as covers for all ages. His debut album Smilin from beer to beer is at 200,000 streams across all platforms! He brings a live show with a ton of energy and guaranteed to entertain a diverse crowd.https://joshpantry.com/

Michael Ervin is the founder of Coal River Coffee Company. Mike started Coal River Coffee Company with is wife Rachel. Mike's passion is to serve the best and freshest roasted coffees from around the world to everyone who walks in the doors. Rachel loves to bake beautiful and delicious food to share with all who visit the coffee shop. Both growing up in Saint Albans, WV and are grateful to base Coal River Coffee Company in their hometown. Located at 64 Olde Main Plaza in the heart of Saint Albans, WV. Their shop is within walking distance from the Coal River. Web: www.coalrivercoffee.comSponsors: The Appalachian OutpostHD Media

Colonel Eric Buer is a retired Marine Corps aviator. Specializing in the Bell AH-1 Cobra. Col. Buer lived to fly the Cobra, delivering incredible firepower and devastating America’s enemies in the aircraft that would become both his home and office. Wherever Marines fought and whenever their commanders needed support, he and his fellow Cobra aircrew were there. Col. Buer is the author of Ghosts of Baghdad. In Ghosts of Baghdad, you can be there too. Feel these pilots’ frustrations, experience their exhaustion, and lament alongside them in the face of tragedy. Ultimately, you will come to understand how a sense of duty, service, and shared sacrifice develops into an unbreakable trust and bond. Ghosts of Baghdad: https://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Baghdad-Marine-Gunships-Opening/dp/195502667X

Col. Eileen Collins is the first American woman to command a Space Mission. Eileen M. Collins is a former astronaut and a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. She retired from the Air Force in Jan 2005 and from NASA in May 2006 after a 28-year distinguished career. A former military instructor and test pilot, Collins was the first female pilot and first female commander of a space shuttle.Collins graduated from the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in 1990. She was selected by NASA and became an astronaut in July 1991. After tours at Kennedy Space Center (shuttle launch and landing) and Johnson Space Center (shuttle engineer and capsule communicator), she flew the space shuttle as pilot in 1995 aboard Discovery. She was also the pilot for Atlantis in 1997, where her crew docked with the Russian Space Station MIR. Collins became the first woman commander of a U.S. spacecraft with shuttle mission Columbia in 1999, the deployment of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Her final space flight was as commander of Discovery in 2005, the "Return to Flight Mission" after the tragic loss of Columbia. She has logged more than 6,751 hours in 30 different types of aircraft and more than 872 hours in space as a veteran of four space flights.Collins currently serves on several boards and advisory panels, is a professional speaker and an aerospace consultant. She is married with two children.Collins is also a member of the Air Force Association, Order of Daedalians, Women Military Aviators, Women in Aviation International, U.S. Space Foundation, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Ninety-Nines.Official Site: http://marklarson.com/eileencollins/one.htmlBook: https://a.co/d/5N3Bwhl

Mackenzie Spencer is the Executive Director of FestivALL Charleston. She is a long-time lover and advocate of the arts in Charleston and is excited to continue these efforts with FestivALL.Spencer previously served as the Communications Director for the City of Charleston and as Senior Marketing Coordinator for the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia.In addition to her career opportunities, she has also served on several volunteer committees for community organizations like Charleston Main Streets, Charleston Creativity Connector, FestivALL Charleston, Women for Economic and Leadership Development and the City of Charleston.Spencer graduated from the University of Charleston in 2013 with a degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in applied leadership studies.The Nick Scott Effect is avaiable in audio and video format where ever you get your podcasts! Also available on the the HD Media App and all HD Media properties. FestivALL: https://festivallcharleston.com/

Nick Scott is celebrating 20 years in the broadcasting and entertainment industries. Nick's first industry employment was in April of 2003. Throughout the month of April (2023) Nick will be joined by former Program Directors, Radio Personalities, DJs, Instructors, and others he's met along the way. Growing up in the Eastern Panhandle of WV and now living in the capital city of Charleston, WV, EJ’s roots are in all genres of music---but specifically, country, rock, R&B, hip-hop and jazz. All of these musical appreciations  are the foundation for each crafted performance of DJEJ.Catch DJEJ mixing it up in various scenes throughout the region ranging from corporate functions, municipal events, galas, fundraisers, themed parties, weddings and privately booked parties.Reflecting on the skills and sounds of DJ Wonder, DJ AM, Z-Trip,Jazzy Jeff, DJ Scratch, Skratch Bastid,DJ ThroDown,DJ As1 and Miles Medina, EJ provides a mix full of blends, transitions and songs that are guaranteed to make you get up and move!https://playdjej.com/

Nick Scott is celebrating 20 years in the broadcasting and entertainment industries. Nick's first industry employment was in April of 2003. Throughout the month of April (2023) Nick will be joined by former Program Directors, Radio Personalities, DJs, Instructors, and others he's met along the way. Grover Collins’ obsession with radio began at a very early age. In fact, he was just five years old when he realized radio was his calling. By the age of 15, he began his radio career and eventually made the big move to Cincinnati in 1997 as an on-air personality for B-105.After a few years at B-105, Grover began working for Q102 in fall of 2001. By 2009, he moved back across the hall to B-105 as the station’s Program Director. Under Grover's leadership B-105 is a multi-year CMA and ACM Large Market award winners. Grover’s passion and adoration for B-105 is evident the second you meet him. He enjoys all types of music, attending concerts and even considers himself a movie buff—Goodfellas, Caddyshack and The Godfather are amongst some of his all-time favorites. Grover has been married to Holly Morgan for more than 20 years and has two children: Joey and Sophia. When Grover isn’t at the radio station, you can find him trying new restaurants, watching sports and penning witty, hilarious Facebook statuses.https://b105.com/

Nick Scott is celebrating 20 years in the broadcasting and entertainment industries. Nick's first industry employment was in April of 2003. Throughout the month of April (2023) Nick will be joined by former Program Directors, Radio Personalities, DJs, Instructors, and others he's met along the way. Wayne Box Miller is a member of the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network Broadcast Team serving as pre-game, halftime and postgame host. He is a media and communications professional with an emphasis on broadcasting, media and print. In addition he is a member of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Editorial Board where he pens op-eds articles on social issues and advocates for positive change. He’s also published three books, his most recent title, You Wake-up You Win!™ focuses on gratitude and developing a winning attitude in the face of adversity.Currently Wayne also serves as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at St. Xavier High School and, previously ran a sports marketing company that represented athletes including Eric Davis and Deion Sanders. Wayne was sports director and host of the award winning “Prime Time Sports Show” on WDBZ, Columnist for the Cincinnati Herald, and recurring guest on WLWT Channel 5’s Sports Rock.Box was Nick's radio instructor at The Ohio Center for Broadcasting from September 2002 to June of 2003. Podcast introduction music: "Who I Am For Now" - Corduroy Brown

Brandon Laxton and Tupelo Drive have quickly become an intensely followed and widely renowned country/rock group, collecting fans on the strength of their energetic live show. Mixing outlaw country with an edginess driven by their love for grunge and classic rock, the West Virginia musicians have stolen the hearts of various listeners. Their debut single “Ruint Without You” found abundant success among longtime fans and new patrons alike. Laxton and his band, composed of stellar guitarists BG Colombo and Skyler Humphrey; phenomenal drummer Lance Wilson; and first-rate bass guitarist Shane Humphrey, have rightfully earned their regional prestige through years on the road. Their tenacious live show has heavily contributed to their success in opening for notable artists Charles Wesley Godwin, Arlo Mckinley, Illiterate Light, and more. Brandon Laxton and Tupelo Drive are currently working alongside Grammy-nominated producer Duane Lundy on the production of their full-length debut album, which is set to release in summer of 2023.https://brandonlaxtonmusic.com/home

Doug Skaff Jr. (D - Kanawha, 057). Doug is a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Doug was elected in 2018 and is currently Serving as the Minority Leader for the House of Delegates. Doug had previously served for 6 years from 2009- 2104. During that time he served as Chairman of the Small Business & Economic Development Committee, Member of the Finance & Roads & Transportation Committee and Chair of the Legislative Oversight Commission on Workforce Investment for Economic Development. Skaff also Co-Chaired a Bi-Partisan Generation Legislature Caucus that he created for all newly elected legislators and current legislators between the age of 25-45 that want to work together regardless of party to move our state forward. Skaff currently serves as President of HD Media where he oversees and manages its holdings including Charleston Gazette Mail, Herald Dispatch, Logan Banner, Coal Valley News, Putnam Herald, The Pulse, The Wayne County News, Tri State Weekly, Williamson Daily News, The Lincoln Journal, The Lincoln News Sentinel, High School Gameday, and all its streaming programs. The mission of his company is to be the most reliable and dependent provider of local news, to the largest audience possible by uncovering the truth, keeping people informed, and engaging the customers with the most fulfilling and rewarding experience. Doug's vision for HD media is be the leading multimedia company providing digital, print, and social products to engage the audience.

Brian Vander Ark is the lead singer and songwriter for The Verve Pipe.  RCA Records released their platinum major label debut Villains in 1996. The album featured the radio hit ‘Photograph’ and the #1 single ‘The Freshmen,’ one of the most successful multi- format tracks of 1997 and winner of an ASCAP Pop Award. Their follow-up release, the critically acclaimed self-titled LP The Verve Pipe, featured ‘Hero,’ a Top 15 hit at Modern Rock radio.In 2001, RCA released Underneath, which produced the singles ‘Happiness Is’ and ‘Never Let You Down,’ one of the most played songs for Adult Top 40 and Modern A/C radio that year. The album also included ‘Colorful,’ the emotive ballad featured in the film and soundtrack Rock Star, starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston and also co-starring lead singer Brian Vander Ark in his first major film role.In addition to their success on radio, TV and film, sold-out concert dates throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia, features in Spin and Rolling Stone and videos on MTV and VH1, the band have made numerous television appearances, including ‘The Tonight Show With Jay Leno’ and ‘Late Night With David Letterman.’The Verve Pipe continue to tour, performing both rock and kids shows throughout the U.S., including special appearances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Festival, Hangout Music Festival, SummerStage in Central Park, and many more.Brian's solo career includes four studio albums. In 2007, he created the Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms House Concert Series, and has played over 800 shows in the homes of his fans.  Brian also released an album of cover songs June 2016, and an additional album of songs written with actor/musician Jeff Daniels, released in the winter of 2017. To donate to the Aquene: https://www.facebook.com/Aquene.We.Are.Friends

Singer/songwriter Kate Boytek hit the stage for the first time at the tender age of five at her local country fair talent show. Singing opportunities were few and far between in Kate's tiny hometown of Logan, West Virginia, nestled deep in the Appalachian coalfields. Kate sang at dozens of local charity events, directed her church choir, and eventually attracted the attention of West Virginia native and legendary Grand Ole Opry and Bradley’s Barn audio engineer Vic Gabany. Now a wiser and more seasoned artist, Kate Boytek has re-emerged with a songwriting style that is both fresh and contemporary and yet has echoes of the classic singer-songwriters from the 1970s. Boytek's upcoming debut album will include tracks written by Kate along with veteran songsmiths including Britton Cameron (Lonestar, Sister Hazel), Kim McLean (Loretta Lynn, Trisha Yearwood, and Tim McGraw), Brian Carper (Aaron Lewis). With career guidance from veteran music executives Bernard Porter (Jason Aldean) and Burke Allen (America’s Got Talent Winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.), a treasure chest of first-class songs, and a personality that shines through like few others, Kate Boytek’s career, like the title of one of her new songs, is poised to go anywhere. https://kateboytekofficial.com/

Feenyx was born in Charleston, WV.  Feenyx is an American Hip Hop and R&B artist. Feenyx got his name after searching for a mascot for his label, Tymeless. The only animal he could find to represent him was the phoenix. Overtime he noticed his former name, Beatty Tymeless, wasn't catching enough attention. Feenyx believes God gave him confirmation for changing his stage name after realizing he'd been working across the street from The Phoenix on Peachtree for 3 years. Feenyx's music catalog is available on all music streaming applications. www.thefeenyx.com