Short Descriptions

www.robinandkate.com, www.katelong.com and www.robinkessinger.com

1/ Two of Appalachia's most compelling artists will deliver a high-energy, thought-and-laugh-filled evening with lots of audience participation. National flatpick guitar champion Robin Kessinger is a member of the legendary Kessinger family of old-time music. Kate Long's moving songs such as 'Who Will Watch the Homeplace' have become new Appalachian standards. When these two mix traditional guitar classics with musical storytelling and new songs that sound old, 'the feeling is down-to-earth, down-home, and deeply rooted,' as one presenter reported. 'Expect to laugh, cry, think, and come away with a full heart.'
 
West Virginia native Kate Long is a national award-winning songwriter whose songs about ordinary people dealing with life's dilemmas showcase her humor and heart. Rambles Magazine described her voice as 'a rich, deep force.'  She has performed at the International Storytelling Center, the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, and a variety of festivals and venues.
 
Robin Kessinger's guitar virtuosity has earned him the Winfield national flatpick guitar champion title and an international reputation for creative rendition of traditional tunes. For a decade, he coordinated Guitar Week for the Augusta Heritage Center. He also teaches at Steve Kaufmann's guitar camp, the Swannanoa Gathering, and other camps.

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2/ West Virginians Robin Kessinger - a national flatpick guitar legend – and national award-winning songwriter and storyteller Kate Long- return to __________ to deliver their high-energy mix of classic and new Appalachian songs, dazzling instrumentals, and laugh-out-loud stories.

(You may want to add a quote from somebody who saw us last time…)

As Portland (OR) musician Meryle Korn wrote, “Working together, their already-powerful talents create magic. Robin is a master guitarist steeped in music, and Kate is the songwriter I wanna be if I decide to grow up. Individually, each could easily keep an audience rapt.”

“If you’re not familiar with Kate’s songs, expect to laugh, cry, think, reflect, and come away with a full heart. Whether she and Robin are playing traditional tunes or songs of their own composition, the feeling is down-to-earth, down-home and deeply rooted. Go hear them!”

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3/ National champion flatpicker Robin Kessinger and national award-winning songwriter Kate Long

West Virginians Kate Long and Robin Kessinger promise to stir the heart, mind, and spirit with their mix of Appalachian traditional tunes and original songs about daily life, mixed with laugh-out-loud storytelling.  Here’s what presenters say about them:

"They had our whole crowd singing and laughing, even crying! Not to be missed. - Teri Hayes, Calliope, Pittsburgh Folk Music Association

"It doesn't get much better than either Robin or Kate. Together, they should knock your socks off! - Joe Dobbs, Music from the Mountains, WV public radio

"I have organized many concerts and have been privileged to hear some of the best musicians living. And never have I felt the warm glow I felt while listening to Kate Long and Robin Kessinger. - Suze Marshall, concert organizer, Vancouver, WA

"I just gotta say - DON'T MISS THEM. Robin is a master guitarist steeped in traditional music, and Kate is the songwriter I wanna be if I decide to grow up. Individually, each could easily keep an audience rapt. Working together, their already powerful talents create magic. (Did I mention how impressed I am with them?)."      - Merle Korn, Portland musician and concert producer

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4/ From the Pocahontas Times, Marlinton, WV

Kate Long and Robin Kessinger are two of Appalachia's most compelling performers. Their musicianship, storytelling skill and love of this region fuse into a magical evening of entertainment. Come ready to laugh and sing. This dynamic duo of West Virginia talent will perform at the Opera House on Saturday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m.

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5/ Kate’s witty, moving songs include    IBMA Song of the Year, "Who'll Watch the Homeplace" and "McNamara's Tear." She has won major national awards for fiction, songwriting, radio features and video editing.

Guitar wizard Robin Kessinger, a national flatpick champion, is an exceptionally soulful, creative player. He coordinates Guitar Week at the Augusta Heritage Workshops and teaches at Pocahontas County's own Allegheny Echoes Workshops.

Don't miss this chance to see two of West Virginia's finest talents. As Joe Dobbs, host of West Virginia Public Radio's "Music from the Mountains," says, "It doesn't get much better than either Robin or Kate. Together, they should knock your socks off!"