In keeping with the tradition of a locally hosted bluegrass music program, Morehead State Public Radio (WMKY) has announced Becki Alfrey as the new host of “Bluegrass Diversion.”
“Bluegrass Diversion” is WMKY’s weekly showcase of bluegrass music, with a spotlight on music news, concerts and festivals, interviews, in-studio guests, and listener requests.
“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to be part of a historic program that has promoted bluegrass, old-time and traditional music,” said Alfrey. “I hope to continue to the great work started by Lisa Lally, while following in the footsteps of Sandy Knipp, Jesse Wells, John Ryster, and others who’ve continued the tradition of hosting a live radio program with a focus on bluegrass and old-time music.”
“My hope is that listeners will gain insight from songs of our past, present, and new sounds for our future,” added Alfrey. “I love blending a mix of styles and genres, from fast-paced, toe-tapping songs to slowing it down with graceful melodies that remind you to take life one step at a time. I will pair the songs of my youth with those I have come to know and love, share the gifts by the musicians who write and play them.”
Alfrey was born into a musical family and started singing at an early age. However, it was not until Alfrey started taking classes at MSU’s Kentucky Center for Traditional Music that she truly realized her passion for music.
“I dug into the history, culture, highs and lows shared in the lonesome cries and joyous yodels to find myself,” said Alfrey. “I am blessed to have a family that still sings and plays, active in their churches or in bands, and I love to join them when we get together. As a two-time graduate of Morehead State University, I am proud to keep this tradition alive at Morehead State Public Radio and share my love for music with my listeners.”
Alfrey intends to focus on the history, people, and traditions of bluegrass, old-time bluegrass, and bluegrass gospel music on “Bluegrass Diversion.”
“The bluegrass community is very special and unique, providing an insight into the life of Appalachia, where depending on your location, you grew up in the hills and hollers, heading off to the mines to dig coal, heading north to Ohio to get a job, working the lumber yards or growing tobacco, basically, just trying to scratch out a living,” noted Alfrey. “This history ties us together throughout Appalachia. We have the stories of our elders who share their challenging times and how they came out of it to be successful. When we come together as a community, we are bound by the past and can be hopeful for the future.”
“Bluegrass Diversion” with Becki Alfrey can be heard on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Morehead State Public Radio – WMKY at 90.3FM.
WMKY serves more than 20 counties throughout eastern Kentucky from the campus of Morehead State University at 90.3FM, online (www.wmky.org), by phone app, or smart speaker (“Play WMKY”).