Larry Groce

Host and Artistic Director - Mountain Stage
  • Larry Groce
    Larry Groce
    Josh Saul

Larry Groce has served as Host and Artistic Director for Mountain Stage since its inception in 1983, and his musical tastes have been instrumental in defining the sound of the show. Larry grew up in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas alongside fellow Texas musicians Ray Wylie Hubbard and Michael Martin Murphy; and began to record professionally in 1969, while still a college student. From 1972 to 1985 he served as a National Endowment for the Arts-sponsored musician-in-residence, visiting schools in twenty different states. One of those residencies brought him to West Virginia, where he has made his home for over forty years. In 2005, Larry became Executive Director of FestivALL Charleston, a 10 day (and growing) festival of music, dance, theater and visual arts. He lives on Charleston’s East End with his wife Sandra; daughters Virginia and Bonnie; and Betsy the Wonder Dog.

Larry Groce Remembers Bill Withers

By & • Apr 5, 2020
Bill Withers
wikimedia commons

Bill Withers was not only an American pop music icon, he was a symbol of American music itself.

Larry Groce Remembers Guy Clark

By • May 18, 2016
Brian Blauser/Mountain Stage

Guy Clark was a big man and he cast a large shadow of influence over country folk music – what’s come to be called Americana. As a songwriter, he combined the two elements that are always present in a good song, real poetry and skilled craftsmanship. He took pride in his craft. Both his songs and the guitars he made attest to his great talent and attention to detail. He had solid commercial success over the years with many singers covering his songs, but he’ll always be most admired for his artistry.

Mountain Stage Offers FREE Admission to Thank Community After Water Crisis

By & • Jan 16, 2014
Brian Blauser/Mountain Stage

So many West Virginians have responded to the water crisis by helping their community. We’ve checked on elderly neighbors, we’ve delivered bottled water to the needy. Our emergency workers have put in long hours to restore our way of life.

So we’re saying “thank you” on Sunday by making this week’s Mountain Stage show free to the public. People who attend the show will be encouraged to donate to non-profit groups that are helping people hurt by the crisis.