LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) — Taste of Our Towns (TOOT), Carnegie Hall’s fundraiser, highlights the best in food and music in the region during the event, and this year’s entertainment lineup is no different.
According to a press release, the lineup for this year includes The State Birds, the Thomas Taylor Band, the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra (WVJO), and the Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players (GROUP). Each group will being their unique style to their performance, offering attendees a variety of entertainment.
The State Birds (Photo courtesy of Carnegie Hall)The State Birds are a ‘super group’ of award-winning West Virginia artists, preserving traditional old-time music while adding their own elements into the classics. Tessa McCoy’s fiddling pairs with Cody Jordan’s clawhammer and three-finger banjo playing, backed by the guitar work of Jesse Milnes and bassist Joanna Burt-Kinderman. Every member provides vocals and harmonies, tying together the unique instrumentation, the release stated. The group will put on a show that highlights the music passed down to them, honoring those that came before them, as they forge their own path.
The Thomas Taylor Band (Photo courtesy of Carnegie Hall)The Thomas Taylor Band was founded in 2017, and aims to preserve traditional country music, the release stated. Mainly focused on the honky-tonk genre, they also play a variety of tunes, including western country swing. Members of the group are Thomas Taylor, Don Drummer, Bitch White, Alan Copenhaver, Jerry Wood, and Bill Clapham.
The West Virginia Jazz Orchestra (Photo courtesy of Carnegie Hall)The West Virginia Jazz Orchestra has brought big band jazz to the public since its founding in 2000 by Joe Buttram, Peter Hill, and Gary Williams, the release stated. The orchestra appointed Jeff Bryant as its director, leading the group of 21 musicians. Focusing on classic big-band music, the collective has two vocalists and performs at many different events, from park concerts and local festivals. The orchestra functions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, aimed at enriching the community through charitable and educational initiatives, the release noted, and is a cornerstone of musical heritage in the region.
The Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players (Photo courtesy of Carnegie Hall)The Greenbrier River Optimistic Ukulele Players (GROUP) is a friendly collection of musicians that meet up on Tuesdays at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, the release stated. GROUP also performs at different venues in the area, as well as community festivals and events.
TOOT will take place on October 11, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Lewisburg. Sponsors for the event include Greenbrier Valley Pediatric Dentistry (Kids’ Zone) as well as the American Beer Company (Beer & Cider Garden), the release stated. Sponsorships are still available, and those interested should contact Development Director Sally Bray by email for more information.