SHEPHERDSTOWN – Shepherdstown Music and Dance opens its 2010-2011 concert series with a local premier of an award winning documentary film and concert at 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Shepherd University Reynolds Hall.

“The Mountain Music Project: A Musical Odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya” follows the journey of two traditional musicians, mandolinist Tara Linhardt and fiddler Danny Knicely, from the hills of Virginia to the mountains of rural Nepal, where they explore the extraordinary connections between Appalachian and Himalayan folk music and culture, particularly with the traditional musicians of the Gandharba caste.

The Gandharbas were once the wandering minstrels of rural Nepal, though today their traditions are at risk of extinction as radio, television and recorded music encroach upon rural Nepali life.

Throughout the film, the words, wisdom and anecdotes of elderly musicians from both Virginia and Nepal are heard, guiding viewers through this unique musical marriage.

Directed by Jacob Penchansky and filmed by Praveen Singh, whose wildlife films have graced the Discovery and National Geographic Channel, the film is an extraordinary feast of color and sound.

Mandolinist Tara Lindhardt and multi-instrumentalist Danny Knicely act as musical ambassadors to lead a tour of this mountain culture during this 56-minute documentary.

Following the film, there will be a short question-and-answer segment.

That feature will be followed by a one-hour concert with Tara, Danny and special guest Prem Raja Mahat to share some live music from both Appalachia and Nepal.

The program is the first concert in the Shepherdstown Music and Dance International Concert Series “Roots and Branches of Appalachian Music,” which explores music of the Appalachian region from its roots in the parent cultures of Europe, Africa and Asia to it’s synthesis into distinct regional styles.

Concert admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for members, $8 for students and free for Shepherd University students with Rambler ID.

For more information on this concert or the series, and to order tickets, go to www.smad.us or call 304-263-2531.