Phyllis Marks, who is recorded on the Augusta Heritage series of tapes, sang this year for the 50th time in the West Virginia Folk Festival in Glenville, WV. She sang a great version of Eggs and Marrowbone, I believe that is from Child. Mrs. Marks's breath doesn't alway hold out but her voice is still clear as a bell.

And at the other end of the spectrum in age, Elizabeth LaPrelle, of Rural Retreat, VA, is 17 years old. You can hear her here. Her new CD has The Devil's Nine Questions and Gypsen Davey on it. Actually, I signed onto Mudcat this evening intending to start a thread on Elizabeth's singing and her CD. May still get around to it.

Another well known singer in West Virginia is Ginny Hawker. Ginny produces the Glenville festival. I have heard a version of The Silk Merchant's Daughter (American version of Jackaroe, I think) that Ginny sang, and I know she does others.

I suspect Bobby MacMillan, of Elkins, WV, also sings a lot of the American versions of Child. He was on the staff at Augusta Vocal Week when I was there 2 years ago and Sheila Kaye Adams praised his knowledge of the music very highly.

Neat question but could be a bit more specific. For example, Judy Cook is a local performer (and friend) who sings many, many American versions of Child ballads. She has performed at least twice in the British national folk festival, I believe doing mostly American ballads.

Rita Ferrara