From 1880 to 1983, Hazel Green Academy in Wolfe County served as a private college preparatory school. Now, a non-profit organization run by students at Morehead State University’s Craft Academy uses the former campus as a space to bring Kentuckians together for a night of free local music.
Natalie Brooks, who works in tutoring and communications in Wolfe County, said the annual concerts, called Music on the Green, are meant to provide Kentuckians with connection and entertainment.
“The last three Thursdays in October, so this year, it’s the 16th, 23rd, and 30th, we host free concerts to anyone who is in the community or traveling here, and they can just come and attend a free concert so they can really connect back to their community,” said Brooks.
For more than four years, Craft Academy students have worked to revitalize the Hazel Green Academy’s campus. Brooks said the leadership team has focused on cleaning and repairing a building that can be used as a concert venue.
“This place was really a center for culture and education in Wolfe County, and when it got shut down, that kind of went away. So, in 2021, we got a hold of the campus and we fixed it up to where we could host concerts inside of the main auditorium building,” said Brooks.
The concerts, which run from six to eight p.m., feature local artists. The West Liberty Mountain Boys will perform on Thursday, October 16. An artist from Grayson named Dreyden Gordon will be featured on October 23. The concert on October 30 will feature Holly Forbes, who is a returning guest.
The Hazel Green Food Project, an equal opportunity food pantry located in Wolfe County, will be selling concessions at Music on the Green. All proceeds support the Hazel Green Academy Leadership Team and the Hazel Green Food Project.
Music on the Green is located at 33 Day Street in Hazel Green, Kentucky.