By Terri Allen
William and Marteka Lake are rapidly making a name for themselves in the bluegrass music business. From Hacker Valley, West Virginia this young duo is making everyone stand up and notice. They have appeared with J D Crowe on the “Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour”, in Lexington, KY which went into over 90 million homes in America and was broadcast into 170 countries on the radio. They also played on the second longest running radio show in America, The Wheeling Jamboree USA”. They first appeared on the Wheeling Jamboree with Buddy Griffin, and later went back to play their own show. Mr. Griffin said, “Rarely have I seen kids so young with so much talent”. They opened up for Melvin Goins of the Goins Brothers at the Mountaineer Opry House in Milton, WV. Mr. Goins said, “That is some of the smoothest, purest bluegrass I have heard in my 60 years of playing”.
They have been endorsed by a national banjo company, Stelling Banjos; Geoff Stelling built Marteka a one of a kind banjo, and in her honor named the model after her, The Marteka Challenge. At 15-years-old this was an outstanding accomplishment for Marteka and William. They are featured in the National Ad campaign with Stelling as they continue to be showcased on the back cover of Banjo Newsletter.
In June 2014, the pair landed the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited which featured an interview with Marteeka where she tells their readers that “Bluegrass music was always talked about in our home” and “Flat and Scruggs was pretty much a household name”. She went on to say that “William lives and breathes Lester Flat, from his thumb and finger pick, hat cocked sideways, even the raised eyebrow thing.”
Everyone who hears this duo is awed by the talent wrapped up in these young musicians. The industry is paying attention as they continue to rise to fame. Their show at the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival is no doubt one that will be talked about for years as concert goers will share their memory of the time they saw these kids pick and sing.
Bowyer Drive will finish out the Friday night concert event on September 19th with their energetic music and strong family harmonies. This band is no stranger to the festival stage as they have performed at festivals all over West Virginia. Their country style melodies will beckon many to the dance floor as they kick off a top Country single or share a song they have penned themselves.
Make plans to take in a few of the concerts at the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival September 18th through the 21st where there are no gate fees and the concerts are free. Offering many genres of music styles each day with 40 hours of music on the stage there will be something for everyone.