Mountain Stage Summer Series

Mountain Stage has been capturing the best in American roots music, folk, rock, blues, jazz, and Appalachian traditions since 1983, recording before a live audience and broadcasting on nearly 300 public radio stations across the country. Hosted by West Virginia native and Grammy-winning country legend Kathy Mattea, each two-hour show brings four or five diverse acts to the intimate Culture Center Theater in Charleston — where world-class performers play just feet from the audience in a setting that feels more like a living room than a concert hall.

2026 Summer Shows

This summer's lineup showcases the musical range that's made Mountain Stage a national institution:

• June 7 — John R. Miller, Bill Kirchen, Amy Speace, Floyd Mercantile, Michaela Anne | $30–35
• June 14 — Brandy Clark, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tristen, Philip Bowen | $30–35
• August 9 — The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Red Camel Collective, Heather Maloney, Inara George | $30–35
• August 23 — Tony Trischka's EarlJam, Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle | $25–30

The Experience

Attending a Mountain Stage taping is unlike any other concert experience. The Culture Center Theater seats roughly 500, so every seat is good — close enough to see the musicians' faces and hear the nuances of acoustic instruments. Shows are recorded to air on NPR Music, which means the performances tend to have an extra edge of artistry. Doors open 90 minutes before showtime; arrive early for the best seats (general admission).

Don't Miss

• Brandy Clark (June 14) — one of Nashville's finest songwriters, nominated for multiple Grammys
• Steep Canyon Rangers (June 14) — Asheville's beloved bluegrass band, longtime collaborators with Steve Martin
• Po' Ramblin' Boys (August 9) — hard-driving traditional bluegrass from East Tennessee
• Tony Trischka's EarlJam (August 23) — a tribute to Earl Scruggs from one of the world's great banjo masters

Getting There

Culture Center Theater is located at 1900 Kanawha Blvd E on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Charleston. Parking is available in the Culture Center lot and along Kanawha Blvd. Tickets available at mountainstage.org — shows regularly sell out, so buy in advance. The full season schedule is updated throughout the summer.