Press release from Madison County Arts Council:
Each spring the Madison County Arts Council is proud to host local raconteur, Joe Penland, in concert. “This will be a special experience for those who have seen Joe before. We are hosting him at the historic Mars Hill Radio Theatre in Mars Hill,” remarked Laura Boosinger, Executive Director, Madison County Arts Council. The theatre was built in 1942 by O.E. Roberts, at that time Athletic Director at Mars Hill College. The theatre would be the center of movie and music entertainment for the next five decades until it closed in 1992. Now restored to its original charm, the audience will be treated to a vintage theatre experience.
This year’s show will continue Joe’s fascination with North Carolina murder ballads and stories with the Legend of Frankie Silver. Frankie was convicted and hanged in Morganton, NC for the murder of her husband. She was the first white woman executed in Burke County. Some say her husband, Charles’ (aka Johnny) body parts were buried in three separate graves. In a time when women could not vote or serve on a jury and a defendant could not testify in court, her conviction was questionable at the very least.
Joe has read, listened to the stories and investigated the facts in this interesting case of love gone wrong. On Saturday, May 19, he will share his conclusions in story and song. Of course, there will be plenty of other ballads, stories, songs and country humor from Joe’s mountain home. Cathy Arrowood, Joe’s long-time musical partner will be along as well. Showtime is at 7:30, tickets are $15 in advance or $16 at the door and you can purchase them at www.madisoncountyarts.com or by calling (828) 649-1301.
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