Folk artist Abe Partridge, spurred by the Covid lockdowns, pursued Signs Following songs for six long years.

These songs (which mention the handling of serpents and consumption of deadly poisons) have been performed for decades by the "serpent handlers" of the Appalachians.

At a music festival in Kentucky, Abe Partridge – along with podcasting buddy Ferrill Gibbs – attempt to document these songs live, using a professional recording engineer. (Ryan Engelberger, Chase Park Transduction. Athens, GA.)

The service opens with Sister Dootsie Rose. Then, a five-member band – led by co-pastors Andrew and Taylor Hamblin – takes the stage.

The serpent-handling group of veteran musicians perform decades-old songs before an audience of more than 200 festival goers.

Abe's effort to record undocumented music becomes something greater. A public act of worship, captured pristinely by a group of professionals, gives the secular audience a glimpse of a faith as devout as they come.

Visit A.A.R.T. (the Alabama Astronaut Radio Transmission) for a 10-episode podcast following Abe into the world of undocumented folk art...

In Anniston, an Alabama newspaper attributes a mystery felony to serpent handling preacher Glenn Summerford.

The claim initiates a new quest for podcasters Abe Partridge and Ferrill Gibbs, tipped off about the article by Andrew Hamblin, serpent handling preacher from Gray, KY.

For months, Ferrill and Abe dig into the claim, and in the process discover parts of the Summerford story do not jibe with the media's coverage over the years.

Coloring the way Abe views journalists on the "Snake Beat" is the media's treatment of Andrew and Taylor Hamblin, who, one night, let down their guard for Ferrill and Abe. In a rousing display of trust and acceptance, the two instrumentalists play Ferrill and Abe an incredible version of the faith's most powerful song, Little David Play On Your Harp. It happens late in the night, capping an incredible overnight recording session.

Over the years, Abe Partridge and Ferrill Gibbs have maintained a steady appetite for hunting down songs of the serpent handling people.

New information – courtesy of a serpent handling preacher from Gray, Kentucky – diverted the fellows to an interesting trail.

Abe Partridge, songwriting artist turned prolific documentarian; and Ferrill Gibbs, Murrow Award-winning podcast producer, peel back the "big stinking onion" to see what lies beneath.

Meanwhile, imprisoned serpent handling believer Glenn Summerford still serves a 99 year sentence. Any day now, a fresh parole hearing comes.

Abe and Ferrill's journey began in 2020, with a podcast called Alabama Astronaut. (To start at the beginning, go there.) In 2024, they released a memoir of serpent handling believer Cody Coots, Marked for Life. It's a deep dive podcast into the mind of one serpent handling believer.

Music by Kenosha Kid.
Special thanks to freelance journalist Beth Braden.