Zachary Gipson hosts Evie Ladin on the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour

Attic Theatrics founder, Zachary Gipson, will play host to the dynamic singer, songwriter, claw-hammer banjoist, and dancer, Evie Ladin on the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. 

George Schricker, director of the Moon and usual host of the show remarks, “Zachary was a perfect choice to substitute as his extensive background in musical theater sets him up perfectly for this opportunity. His previous work directing and producing the successful run of “The Somewhat True Tale of Robinhood,” by Mary Lynn Dobson, demonstrated his prowess as a skilled director and actor. Cap that off with three sold-out runs of the hilarious and original “Saturday Night Under the Moonlight,” produced in tandem with writer, actor, and our radio announcer Derek Jensen, and you can understand why “Zach” was a natural choice for the job. He knows and loves the space, and everyone here loves him.”

Gipson will sing the theme song, host the game show, interview Evie throughout the production, and lead the audience in the singing of the show's opening and closing song, “The River Goes Round.”  Gipson remarks on the upcoming experience, “I can’t wait to work with Evie Ladin; she has an extensive performance resume and has worked all over the country–her diverse background in the study of Appalachian musical traditions through clawhammer banjo, folk dances, and old-timey songwriting and singing styles is sure to light up the Wild Rose Moon!”

Indeed, Ladin, who was born in the Bronx, started taking banjo lessons at the age of eight, encouraged by John Cohen, banjoist of the pioneering NYC-based folk group, New Lost City Ramblers. She parlayed her Brown University studies into a trip to Nigeria to study African music traditions, danced with the notable dance company Rhythm in Shoes, and leads workshops in banjo, dance, songwriting, body percussion, and square dancing. Evie’s performances, recordings, and teaching reconnect Appalachian music/dance with other African-Diaspora traditions. She has been heard on A Prairie Home Companion and has appeared on stage at Lincoln Center, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, and Celtic Connections. She tours internationally with Keith Terry and her Evie Ladin Band and has produced numerous albums and instructional DVDs.

As per the usual format for the evening, Zachary will first introduce Evie, who will provide a 45-minute performance of her original work. After a brief break, he and others will explain the audience's role in recording the program for both radio and television, and then Zach will unleash the fun – singing along with music producer, John Bahler.

When not hosting the show or making theater happen at the Moon, Zach can be found at Culver Academies as Director of Theatrical Design and Production.  

Tickets for Evie Ladin’s appearance at Wild Rose Moon are $25 and can be acquired at wildrosemoon.com, attained in Plymouth, Indiana at A.S.K. for Flowers, or, if available, at the door of the Moon.