Opera and rock seem like a somewhat unlikely combination for a concert, but this interview features one of the two performers who both found national and international success in two different kinds of music -- and who come together for a concert because of a friendship that started at Emory & Henry.

Michael Fath has been called "quite possibly the most versatile rock guitarist on the planet." He's the rock star. Mike Austin is the opera star whose rise began when a friend overheard him singing in the shower at Emory & Henry and urged him to join the choir. Choir director Chick Davis recognized the talent and mentored Austin. Not long after graduation in Emory, Austin attended Julliard and then moved on to opera stages around the world. He is known for his performance as the first African American to play the role of Othello in the U.S.

Their concert is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the McGlothlin Center for the Arts in Emory. Tickets at https://www.emoryhenry.edu/mca/

Phone: 276-944-6333

People, Inc. is a community action agency, headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia that now serves wide areas in Virginia with the motto of Building Futures and Realizing Dreams. For the purpose of this episode, People, Inc helps low-income citizens find affordable places to rent -- at a time of a major housing crisis.

With more than a thousand properties to manage and more to develop, People, Inc. VP of Development Bryan Ailey, walks us through the steps and challenges of the process.

It's called the Battle of Kings Mountain and was credited by Thomas Jefferson as turning the tide of victory over England.

Even though the 1780 battle took place in South Carolina, the march of patriots that won that important battle began at a mustering location on Colonial Road in current-day Abingdon.

In this episode, we talk with Leigh Ann Hunter who details the battle and the 20th Century efforts to honor those who fought there. For a time she worked in the Blair Keller Interpretive Center at the Abingdon Muster Grounds. She continues to guide large events at the Center, such as hosting all of Washington County, Virginia 4th Graders to pass along the important local history.

Special note: Blair Keller, for whom the Interpretive Center is named, is the father of This Conversation host Teresa Keller. This information is noted during the interview. Here is a link to more information about the battle and the Center.

https://www.nps.gov/places/muster-grounds-in-abingdon-virginia.htm