 Junior Appalachian Studies major, C. Matthew Weaver, 38, can play 19 instruments and will be performing at the Grand Ole Opry on April 16. Photo Zack Wilson | Chief Photographer C. Matthew Weaver, 38, is a junior Appalachian Studies major who will graduate in December, but before he does, he will count his April 16 performance as one of his most memorable.
“It’s a humbling experience,” Weaver said. “I will be standing in the sacred circle. Everybody gets emotional the first time they stand there.”
Weaver grew up in a musical family and does not learn music by reading it. Rather, Weaver can hear music and then play it back.
As part of his musical career, Weaver spent six years performing on and off with Dolly Parton’s brother, Randy.
Weaver also premiered in a bluegrass off-Broadway show, “Smoke on the Mountain.”
“I’ve been blessed and it’s a gift,” he said. “I keep pushing my horizons.”
Throughout Weaver’s travels for music, he wanted to come back to a university.
“I knew I wanted to transfer to a four year college, then I searched through about eight colleges and I fell in love with App,” he said.
About five years ago he found out about Appalachian State University’s Appalachian Studies program.
“I am so impressed with the Appalachian Studies Department,” Weaver said. “I have such high respect for the instructors they actually care for us as students.”
Weaver now commutes from his hometown of Salisbury for class and spends some of his free time playing with friends.
“He is a very good friend and playing music is part of what we do,” Mike J. McKee, associate professor of economics, said. “It’s terrific and we play all the old time stuff that was played at the Grand Ole Opry back in the day.”
McKee and Weaver met throughout his time at Appalachian and McKee finds Weaver to be more mature than the traditional student.
“He is quite a bit more mature than the average student,” McKee said. “He’s a fine person we enjoy a jam at our house Wednesday nights and everybody misses him when he is gone.”
Weaver formed connections in the music industry over the years and was invited to the 85th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry last October. From there Weaver worked his way until he was asked to perform in three weeks.
Weaver will be donning an Appalachian “A” pin given to him by Chancellor Peacock during his performance.
“I’ll feel great that I have represented Appalachian and wear the Appalachian “A,” its positive representation of the University,” he said.
For those interested in making the trip to Nashville, Tenn. to see Weaver’s perfomance, the Grand Ole Opry will be featuring a show entitled “Mountain Heart,” at 7 p.m.
Story: MARY ELIZABETH ROBERTSON, Lifestyles Editor
Photo: ZACK WILSON, Chief Photographer
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