January 10, 2025 – Matewan, WV – The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is excited to launch a new community concert series, Mate Street Melodies, designed to bring the people of Mingo County and the surrounding regions together through the power of music and storytelling. This initiative highlights the Matewan Community Center as a hub for local engagement, creativity, and connection.
The Mate Street Melodies series will feature:
- Matt Mullins & Randy Gilkey – January 18, 6 PM
- Woodbine – February 8, 6 PM
- Emmy of the Mountains – April 12, 6 PM
“This series is a way to give back to the local community while showcasing the Matewan Community Center,” said Thomas Jude, Manager of the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum. “We’ve hosted book talks and music events in the past, and we hope to build on those efforts. We’re also happy to rent the space out for anyone with an idea for a public or private event in Matewan. If you have a vision for bringing people together, this space is here for you—we encourage you to reach out to us and make it happen.”
The concerts will take place in the Matewan Community Center, housed in the former Matewan National/BB&T Bank building. The second floor of the building, originally the bank’s ballroom, was outfitted with a new sound system and equipment purchased through a grant from the Benedum Foundation, which is also funding this concert series. We envision this space growing into a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors alike can gather for events, performances, and celebrations.
“We’re really excited to build on the success of last month’s Christmas program, which was organized by Museum staff. People kept pouring in, and we want to see the community become more involved in making this space a happening one,” the Museum’s Director, Kenzie Walker said.
Admission is free, and donations to support the museum’s programming are encouraged.
For more information about the concert series or to inquire about event space rentals, contact info@wvminewars.org or visit wvminewars.org.
About the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum
The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is a people’s history museum based in Matewan, WV, and tells the story of the deadly, decades-long labor struggle between coal miners seeking unionization and the powerful industrialists who opposed them in the early 20th century. The Museum preserves and shares artifacts from the Mine Wars, exploring these historical events from multiple perspectives and through the lives of ordinary people. The Museum’s programming expands beyond the traditional museum walls and into the classroom, the landscape, and the community of central Appalachia.
