WDVX Celebrates Two Decades of Exceptional Americana Programming

From its humble origins situated in “The Camper” located in the Fox Inn Campground north of Knoxville, through to its present stature as one of America’s — make that the world’s — foremost authoritative voices for authentic Americana and grassroots music, WDVX has established an enviable niche in the realms of roots music and other indigenous forms of folk, rock, blues and country. Lauded by listeners and artists alike, many of whom received their initial exposure on the station’s airwaves, WDVX has become a true bastion of Americana and traditional music in all its many forms.

“When I think of WDVX, I think of community radio,” says Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. “I know it stretches a lot further than just the community, but it captures the spirit of the place. It’s much more than just a radio station. It feels like a friend.”

To commemorate that remarkable legacy, the station will present the WDVX 20 Year Celebration on November 17, 2017 beginning at 7:30 p.m. EST at the historic Bijou Theatre in downtown Knoxville. The concert, which is sponsored by Sweet Audrey’s Jazz Club (opening in 2018) and Boyd’s Jig & Reel, will also be broadcast live on WDVX.

Darrell Scott, Sam Lewis, David Mayfield, RB Morris, Robinella, Missy Raines, Claire Lynch, Alex Leach, and Jill Andrews are slated to headline the special event and show.

WDVX Board President Matt Teglas said of the 20 year milestone and upcoming celebration concert, “WDVX is a vital part of East Tennessee’s cultural and community fabric. The 20 year celebration at the Bijou is a wonderful example of the grassroots effort that has provided a voice to East Tennessee and worldwide roots music artists.”

“So thankful to see WDVX reach this milestone!,” WDVX founder, Senior Creative Consultant and On-Air Personality Tony Lawson added. “May it continue to work with East Tennessee communities to help make our region a better place to live, work and play.”

“WDVX has had a great year celebrating two decades of Americana Roots radio in East Tennessee,” Program Director Katie Cauthen commented. “And while 2017 has been about looking back and reflecting on WDVX’s unique history, we are excited for what is to come in 2018 and beyond. WDVX has grown into an internationally known, yet tight knit community for music fans, and we will continue to bring with much enthusiasm the quality programming and events that we are proud to call East Tennessee’s Own for years to come.”

Each portion of the live variety show will be introduced by a WDVX personality, along with a special set focusing specifically on East Tennessee artists, hosted and curated by Cruz Contreras and Sam Quinn, from Knoxville’s own nationally-known band The Black Lillies. In addition, two-time IBMA award winner Phil Leadbetter has gathered many of the leading lights of the Bluegrass world — among them, Claire Lynch, Steve Gulley, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Missy Raines, Paul Brewster, Adam Haynes, Alan Bibey, Alex Leach, and Jason Burleson — for a special performance that promises to be one of many remarkable offerings showcased throughout the evening.

Produced by WDVX, the festivities will also feature a special tribute to the Everly Brothers and great moments from Knoxville’s musical history.

East Tennessee’s Own WDVX is a listener supported public broadcaster heard locally on 89.9, 102.9, and 93.9 and streaming on WDVX.com.  WDVX is a service of Cumberland Communities Communications Corporation, a 501c3 organization. Broadcasting from the Visitor Center in Downtown Knoxville, the station is recognized throughout the world as one of the nation’s foremost Americana outlets. Officially founded in 1997, its history reads like an all American success story.

Today, WDVX brings residents of East Tennessee — and the world, by way of streaming content — a varied assortment of music representing the best of Americana music in general, and the finest representation of regional arts and culture. It has played an integral role in helping to expose the talents of hundreds of both established and emerging artists making music in a variety of genres, including Americana, roots, blues, bluegrass, rock, folk and country. In addition, it creates and provides content to promote the cultural heritage of East Tennessee and the Southern Appalachian region by entertaining and educating audiences globally with original programs showcasing live radio performances, underrepresented arts, and emerging and local talent.

It;’s little wonder then that the station has received press coverage and kudos locally, nationally and internationally, including “ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings,” The Atlanta Journal Constitution, No Depression, PBS, the BBC, and from outlets as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.