Music & Performing Arts

Southwest Virginia played a pivotal role in shaping the American Revolution. In 1775—more than a year before the Declaration of Independence—local leaders from what was then Fincastle County boldly signed the Fincastle Resolutions, a document that echoed the same fearless desire for political liberty that would soon ignite a nation. These men, many of them frontier leaders and militia captains, risked everything—family, land, and even their lives—by publicly defying the British Crown. Their commitment would ripple through history and contribute directly to the birth of the United States.

Filmed on location throughout Southwest Virginia, RESOLVED TO LIVE AND DIE brings this story to life through numerous re-enactments, that capture the peril, passion, and patriotism of the Revolutionary era. These cinematic scenes immerse viewers in the tension of the times, where even fellow colonists were divided—Tories loyal to England clashing violently with patriots seeking independence. This rift often escalated into brutal vigilante justice, reminding us that the revolution was not only fought on battlefields, but also in backyards and town halls.

Heroes like William Campbell emerged from this rugged landscape to lead Virginian Overmountain men in the decisive 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain, defeating British Major Patrick Ferguson and helping turn the tide of the war. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this powerful documentary illuminates the little-known but essential contributions of Southwest Virginia—then the western edge of the colonies—to the fight for American freedom.

I think my passion for broadcasting began at a very early age, while watching my Dad on TV, and listening to him on the radio. I remember going to work with him during his radio years, and although I didn't know it then, I was hooked!

Years later, after graduating college, I would start my career at the same TV station where Dad hosted an American Bandstand type show called "Top 10 Dance Party" back in the 50's. I started out at WSLS as a studio production assistant, then later moved into the news department as a reporter and weekend weather anchor.

I've lived all around the country throughout my career and have had many great and unforgettable experiences. Not to mention I've interviewed some great folks and celebrities, including  The Dixie Chicks, Debbie Reynolds, Jo Dee Messina, Bryan White, John Schneider and Sam Snead.

These days, you'll find me in front of the camera hosting and producing a local afternoon talk show, but I still handle producer, director, editor, writer and production coordinator duties when I freelance, and I’ve produced everything from web and marketing videos to commercials and programming. My passion, however, lies in developing and producing television and web shows, and segments.

Based on a memoir, four siblings must learn to take care of themselves as their responsibility-averse, free-spirit parents both inspire and inhibit them. When sober, the children's brilliant and charismatic father captured their imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly. But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Meanwhile, their mother abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn't want to take on the work of raising a family.

Jeannette Walls, who is originally from Phoenix and grew up in a constantly moving, unconventional family, is a renowned author and memoir speaker best known for The Glass Castle.

Her powerful memoir has been a New York Times bestseller for over eight years and was named a top 10 books of the decade by Amazon. In 2017, The Glass Castle was made into a movie starring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts. Jeannette Walls is the author of two other New York Times bestsellers, The Silver Star and Half Broke Horses.

She was the recipient of the Christopher Award, the Books for Better Living Award, and the American Library Association’s Alex Award. Hang the Moon, was named a LibraryReads Pick for March 2023 and a Most Anticipated Book of 2023 by Oprah Daily, Elle, and LitHub.

Since the publication of The Glass Castle in 2005, Jeannette Walls has shared her remarkable story of resilience and redemption with audiences around the world. As a highly acclaimed memoir speaker, she brings her experiences to life, offering insight into a childhood shaped by extreme poverty and unpredictability, yet grounded in fearless independence. Her talks inspire audiences to overcome adversity, embrace challenges, and pursue authentic lives.

Jeannette Walls graduated from Barnard College, which she attended through a combination of grants, scholarships, and a year spent answering phones on Wall Street. She has written for New YorkMagazine, Esquire, and MSNBC, and has appeared on The Today Show, Primetime, and The Colbert Report. After many years in New York, Walls currently lives with her husband in rural Virginia.