Morehead musician Jesse Wells is the Kentucky Arts Council’s featured artist for January and February.
Wells began his fascination with music at a young age, learning to play the mandolin at age 4.
“My dad handed me his mandolin, a very nice R.L. Givens A-style mandolin, when I was 4 years old. He said, ‘If you learn 20 tunes, I’ll give it to you,’” Wells said. “It didn’t take me long to take him up on his offer.”
Wells is a member of the arts council’s Performing Artists Directory via his participation in the group Kentucky Wildhorse. He has also been a recipient of a Kentucky Arts Council Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant.
Since 2001, he has been an instructor and music archivist for the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University.
As a performer, mentor and musical scholar, Wells said music has afforded him many unforgettable experiences.
“Through music I’ve had the opportunity to travel and meet people all over the world who feel connected to Kentucky through our music and culture,” Wells said. “I feel blessed every day to get to do what I do: Make music with friends and share the stories of Kentucky’s music and people.”
To learn more about Wells, visit the arts council's website at http://artscouncil.ky.gov
The featured artist’s page includes a story about his work, a video of Wells discussing his work and contact information for Wells.
(story provided by Kentucky Arts Council)
