The latest encore of West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Mountain Stage returned to the airwaves, offering listeners a fresh glimpse into a live performance recorded last September in Charleston, West Virginia.
Host Conor Knighton guided the evening, introducing a lineup that blended indie‑rock pedigree with a shared love of America’s pastime, and set the stage for a night of baseball‑themed music.
At the heart of the show was The Baseball Project, a supergroup that writes and performs songs about baseball legends, events and culture. The ensemble, featuring Peter Buck and Mike Mills of R.E.M., delivered a new composition titled “To the Veterans Committee,” a musical endorsement of Dale Murphy’s Hall of Fame candidacy.
The evening also showcased sets by The Minus 5, the synth‑driven powerhouse of Bob Mould, the jangly guitars of Chris Stamey, and the roots‑rock energy of Loose Cattle, each adding their own flavor to the night.
The Soundtrack of a Baseball Legend
The performance highlighted how music can celebrate the sport’s history, weaving narratives of iconic players and moments into melodies that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers.
Presented in partnership with the Charleston Dirty Birds, the concert underscored the city’s vibrant cultural scene and demonstrated the collaborative spirit between local arts organizations and national broadcasters.
The broadcast, which also featured NPR as a media partner, offers audiences a chance to experience the intersection of sports fandom and musical creativity, promising more live sessions that blend these passions in future episodes.