The Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour is broadcast on Monday nights, at the Kentucky Theater, 214 Main Street, Lexington, Kentucky. The music is non-mainstream, acoustic and varied. New artists are featured, but are balanced by past performers like Odetta, Richie Havens, Kacey Jones, Cherryholmes and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. An eclectic group of performers from around and outside the U.S. graces the stage. Michael Jonathon says,“You don’t have to be famous to be on the show – just good. “
Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour – The Show
Michael Johnathon, the host, has a background as a folksinger and songwriter. The show has a worldwide radio audience approaching a million listeners each week. The Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour is also the world's first multi-camera weekly series broadcast on the internet.
The show begins promptly at 7:00 p.m., with all the audience seated by 6:45. Taping usually concludes at 8:15 p.m. Many attendees are patrons of the show. They are given priority seating, but all the seats in the theater provide a good view of the stage.Typical of a movie theater, food is available. Options include soft drinks, wines, beer, candies and popcorn.
The show is produced and performed by an all-volunteer staff.
Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour History
The show began in 1999 in a small studio, with an audience that only numbered in the dozens. They moved from there to the public library building and then to the current home, the Kentucky Theater. The show has grown in popularly and now has an estimated audience of one million. It is in worldwide syndication to over 400 radio stations, including Armed Forces Radio, broadcasting in 180 nations and on every Navy ship at sea. It is also rebroadcast on many PBS stations. The focus is, as it has always been, on roots based music.
The first performance at the Kentucky Theater was in October 1921. The local premier of “Gone With The Wind” was shown there in February 1940 – all seats had to be reserved in advance. In 1950, air conditioning was added. It was renovated in the 90’s and serves as an excellent home for Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour.
Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour Broadcast – Partnerships and Single Ticket Costs
Woodsongs is very much a community-supported program. Partnerships allow people to attend each performance (about 40 shows a year) at a very reasonable cost. A single partnership is $75.00 for a full year. Couple partnerships are just $95 a year (nearly $500 in tickets) and a family partnership includes four tickets (nearly $1,000 in tickets).
Single performance tickets are a reasonable $10 and just $5 for students. Reservations must be made in advance. Phone for reservations and pick up the tickets on the day of the attendance.
The cost of a ticket to the Woodstock concert in 1969 was $8.00 at the gate, this show, Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, costs no more than $10 a show. Attendees hear excellent music; participate in a live-broadcast show and leave feeling their money was well spent.
