LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Carnegie Hall’s Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) fundraiser showcases not only the best culinary treats in the region, but also great music throughout the event. This year’s entertainment includes The State Birds, the Thomas Taylor Band, the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra (WVJO), and the Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players (GROUP). The festival takes place on Saturday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Lewisburg.
The State Birds are a “super group” of award-winning multi-instrumentalists from West Virginia, keeping traditional old-time music alive while putting their own spin on age-old classics. Tessa McCoy’s driving and intricate fiddling is paired with Cody Jordan’s versatile clawhammer and three-finger banjo playing. They are backed by unbeatable rhythm from Jesse Milnes on guitar, with the heartbeat of the band being bass player Joanna Burt-Kinderman. Each member provides vocals and harmonies that tie together their diverse instrumentation. The State Birds put on a show that honors those who passed the music on to them while blazing their own path forward.
Formed in 2017, the Thomas Taylor Band is dedicated to preserving and continuing traditional country music. They focus primarily on the honky-tonk genre, but also have a vast catalog of material, including western country Swing. The band members include Thomas Taylor, Don Drummer, Butch White, Alan Copenhaver, Jerry Wood, and Bill Clapham.
The West Virginia Jazz Orchestra has been bringing the vibrant sounds of big band jazz to audiences since its formation in 2000. Founded by Joe Buttram, Peter Hill, and Gary Williams, the orchestra quickly appointed Jeff Bryant as its music director, shaping a dynamic ensemble of 21 talented musicians. Specializing in classic big band-era music, the group features two vocalists and performs at a variety of local events, from concerts in the park to community festivals. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the orchestra is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the Greenbrier Valley and Allegheny Highlands through charitable and educational initiatives. Whether swinging through timeless jazz standards or supporting young musicians, the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s musical heritage.
The Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players – or GROUP, is a friendly group of musicians that gathers on Tuesdays at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg. The group also performs throughout the region at venues, community events, festivals, and even in parades. Newcomers are always welcome.
2025 TOOT Sponsors include Greenbrier Valley Pediatric Dentistry (Kids’ Zone) and the American Beer Company (Beer & Cider Garden). Sponsorships are still available. Contact Development Director Sally Bray at TOOT@carnegiehallwv.org for more information.
For more information, please visit www.carnegiehallwv.org or call (304) 645-7917.
Carnegie Hall WV is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala. The Hall is located at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV. For more information, please call 304.645.7917 or visit www.carnegiehallwv.org.
