Two full days of live performances will set the tone for the 32nd annual Kentucky Crafted: The Market as some of the state's best-loved musicians gather to perform on the Kentucky Stage, a two-day musical event that accompanies the Kentucky Arts Council's wholesale-retail art and craft marketplace.
More than 30 performers, representing 17 professional music acts from all corners of the Commonwealth, will converge on Lexington March 8-9 to perform on the Kentucky Stage during public days at The Market. The musical component of The Market has in recent years generated its own following.
"The Kentucky Stage has grown by leaps and bounds since the show returned to Lexington a few years ago," said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. "We now have visitors who come to The Market first and foremost for the music. It's great for our performers and is a real testament to the value Kentuckians place on music and musicians from their home state."
This year, Market visitors will see firsthand the passing of the state's important musical traditions from one generation to the next as master musicians and their apprentices join for truly unique performances on the Kentucky Stage. These musicians were previously awarded Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grants from the arts council to conserve, and in some cases establish, certain musical styles that have become significant in Kentucky's musical landscape.
Market visitors will hear music ranging from Celtic, popular, patriotic, folk, gospel, Americana, jazz and more. There will also be a performance by Louisville youths who form the River City Drum Corps, founded and directed by Ed White, recipient of the 2013 Governor's Award in the Arts Folk Heritage Award. All performers are adjudicated participants in the arts council's Performing Arts Directory, an online roster of performing artists from Kentucky. The schedule of performers is listed below.
Saturday, March 8, starting at 9 a.m. and running through 7 p.m.
Bob & Susie Hutchison, Franklin County
The Wulfe Bros., Jefferson County
Sue Massek, Washington County; with apprentice Erin Fitzgerald, Jefferson County
Roger Cooper, Lewis County; with apprentices Michael Garvin, of Greenup County; and Scott Miller, of Boyd County
Carla Gover, Fayette County; with apprentice Jeri Katherine Howell, Franklin County
John Edmonds with apprentice Devon Satterfield, Warren County
River City Drum Corps, Jefferson County
A Girl Named Earl, Jefferson County
Art Mize, Fayette County
Mark Whitley Band, Barren County
Sunday, March 9, starting at 10 a.m. and running through 5 p.m.
Marcus Wilkerson, Fayette County
Dale Pyatt, Madison County
TDH4, Fayette County
Hong Shao and apprentice Yuyao Ding, Jessamine County
Joe Hudson and Steve Rector, Muhlenburg County
Jay Flippin/Gordon Towell Jazz Duo, Rowan County; with Flippin's apprentice Elise Melrood, Madison County
Kentucky Wildhorse, Owen and Franklin counties
Squallis Puppeteers, Jefferson County
Kentucky Crafted: The Market is open to the public March 8-9 at the Lexington Convention Center. Advance tickets are $8 for one day and $12 for both days and can be purchased on the arts council's website. Tickets at the door are $10 for one day and $15 for both days. All activities at The Market, including the Kentucky Stage, hands-on events for children and adults, art exhibits, food samples and more, are included with the price of admission. Children 15 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
