Dean Poloka, artistic director of the Slavjane Carpatho-Rusyn Ensemble, representing the 54th annual Pittsburgh Folk Festival. The festival now highlights the cultural diversity of more than 30 nationalities in the Pittsburgh area.

We’re proud to host The Turpentiners, a group of five extrodinarily talented musicians who play old time, bluegrass numbers with grace, ease and style. Featuring beautiful harmonies adorned with adept fiddle and harmonica runs, The Turpentines are sure to please the most discerning fans of country music.

Ron and Debbie Mesing & John and Wendy Mackin comprise bluegrass outfit The M&M Express. With dobro, double bass, guitar and banjo, these two couples sing in the high-lonesome sound that has been ever-evolving in our Appalachian hinterland. We are proud to welcome this quartet from Elizabeth, PA to our studios!

We’re pleased to host poet and musician Mark Weakland, who will both perform songs and read from his latest book of poetry, The Delicious Chocolate Donut. Mark will be accompanied by talented actress Chris Laitta, live in our studios.

Singer-songwriter Tori Plack is the winner of the 2010 “Pittsburgh’s Got Talent” contest. She joins us today to share some of her original compositions.