Poetry collections, recorded music, and stories available to read and listen to
Published Works
Cultural programming for universities and institutions exploring identity, sustainability, and resilience
Speaking & Lectures
Hands-on songwriting and poetry instruction for writers at every skill level
Educational Workshops
Live performances from intimate solo shows to full-band concerts
Musical Performances
Poetry collections, recorded music, and stories available to read and listen to
Published Works
Cultural programming for universities and institutions exploring identity, sustainability, and resilience
Speaking & Lectures
Hands-on songwriting and poetry instruction for writers at every skill level
Educational Workshops
Musical Performances
Live performances from intimate solo shows to full-band concerts
Poetry collections, recorded music, and stories available to read and listen to
Published Works
Live performances from intimate solo shows to full-band concerts
Musical Performances
Cultural programming for universities and institutions exploring identity, sustainability, and resilience
Speaking & Lectures
Hands-on songwriting and poetry instruction for writers at every skill level
Educational Workshops
Poetry collections, recorded music, and stories available to read and listen to
Published Works
Hands-on songwriting and poetry instruction for writers at every skill level
Educational Workshops
Live performances from intimate solo shows to full-band concerts
Musical Performances
Cultural programming for universities and institutions exploring identity, sustainability, and resilience
Speaking & Lectures
Live performances from intimate solo shows to full-band concerts
Musical Performances
Cultural programming for universities and institutions exploring identity, sustainability, and resilience
Speaking & Lectures
Hands-on songwriting and poetry instruction for writers at every skill level
Educational Workshops
Poetry collections, recorded music, and stories available to read and listen to
Published Works
SERVICES
From Solo Songs to Full Lectures—Authentic Mountain Storytelling That Creates Connection
Whether you need intimate performances or educational programming, discover experiences that bridge cultural divides through the power of storytelling.
At the heart of each program are stories that blend song and verse in ways that resonate with audiences of all kinds. My musical performances can be tailored to different settings, from intimate house concerts to festival stages.
Musical Performances
Original songs and poetry that explore themes of masculinity, place, and Appalachian identity
Performance Options
Solo – Mountain Roosters
An intimate performance of original songs and poetry drawn from my published work, reflecting on masculinity and lived experience in Appalachia. Perfect for listening rooms, libraries, and intimate venues.
Duo – With Logan Cooper
The show expands with layered instrumentation and harmonies, bringing greater depth and texture to the material while maintaining the storytelling intimacy.
Trio – With Annuet Soehnlen & Logan Cooper
A collaborative review of original songs, stories of how they came to be, and family harmonies that highlight the ways music and daily life intertwine.
Full Band – Whistle & Fish
A high-energy performance featuring four strong songwriters and award-winning fiddle and banjo, alongside guitar, mandolin, bass, and harmony vocals. This ensemble brings Appalachian songcraft into full bloom—rooted in tradition, but boldly original.
I offer workshops designed to meet participants where they are—from beginners just finding their voice to seasoned writers seeking new tools. Each workshop creates space for authentic expression while building solid craft skills.
Educational Workshops
Hands-on learning rooted in Appalachian traditions, emphasizing creativity, community, and sustainability
Songwriting Workshops
Learning the Lyrics
Beginner-level introduction to lyric analysis and songwriting basics
Participants study examples from traditional and contemporary songs, then draft and share their own verses. No musical experience required.
Songwriting Theory and Application
Intermediate workshop exploring structure, melody, and lyrical economy
Writers learn how to pair strong images with memorable forms, developing songs that stick with listeners.
Advanced Songwriting: Theory and New Tools
For experienced songwriters ready to push further
We dive into advanced forms, collaborative strategies, and methods for creating emotionally resonant songs that connect with diverse audiences.
Community Workshop
Sustainable Living & Creative Community
Talk-and-discussion format sharing practical wisdom
Learn from over a decade of experience in subsistence farming and intentional community. Participants reflect on their own lives and leave with ideas for resilience, creativity, and connection.
Workshop Format: Individual sessions or multi-day residencies for schools, universities, or community organizations
Ideal for: Schools, universities, community arts centers, writing conferences, retreat centers
Poetry Workshops
Rhythm, Rhyme, and Meter
A focused exploration of poetic sound
Discover how traditional forms can open new possibilities in contemporary writing, using the music of language to strengthen your voice.
Nonfiction Poetry & The Power of the Natural Object
A generative workshop drawing on lived experience
Build compelling lyric and narrative poems through attention to memory and the natural world around you.
These presentations bring Appalachian life and thought into conversation with larger questions of sustainability, identity, and resilience. Each lecture weaves together academic insight with authentic mountain perspective.
Speaking & Lectures
Scholarship, lived experience, and cultural critique for universities, conferences, and community organizations
Available Lectures
Successful Community Homesteading
Drawing on over a decade of experience in subsistence farming and intentional community
Explore the practical application of human resources to homesteading and community resilience efforts. Topics include shared labor, food systems, sustainable building practices, and cultural traditions that strengthen interdependence. Audiences gain both inspiration and practical insights into creating communities that thrive.
Be a Man: Masculinity in the Mountain South
An expanded exploration of themes from my musical and poetic work
This presentation examines masculinity in Appalachia against the backdrop of modern cultural identity crisis. Rooted in story and place, this technical exploration analyzes gender expectations, generational shifts, and the role of music, work, and tradition in shaping manhood.
Custom Programming Available
Every institution has unique needs. I can develop presentations that address your specific themes while maintaining the authentic mountain perspective and bridge-building approach that defines my work.
Ideal for: Universities, conferences, community organizations, educational institutions, cultural centers