Editor's note: This story was produced by journalism students in the WVU Reed School of Media and Communications. Read more at journalism.wvu.edu .

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Like many Appalachian traditions, folk music was born from a blend of cultures – Scots-Irish ballads, West African banjo rhythms, Native American drumming, and more. Over time, those influences merged into a sound that became distinctly Appalachian, a living record of the region’s stories and spirit.

For Morgantown-based musician Mary Linscheid, keeping that musical tradition alive is both a passion and a responsibility.

“Tradition is dynamic and continues to change and grow with the people,” Linscheid said. “I often like to say that the traditions sustain me, so I will, in turn, sustain the traditions. That’s why you

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