Beau Haddock
1-888-592-7238, ext. 4817
beau.haddock@ky.gov

http://kycraft.ky.gov

(Frankfort, KY)  This year marks the 23rd year for Kentucky Crafted: The Market, featuring the state’s best traditional and contemporary crafts, visual art, books, children’s activities, demonstrations, and a wonderful variety of live performances by Kentucky’s finest folk, celtic, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and americana musicians.  On Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, February 29, performing artists from the Kentucky Arts Council’s Performing Arts on Tour Directory 2004-05, some of whom are endorsed by the Kentucky Folklife Program, will be performing live, greeting the public, and promoting their recordings that will be available for purchase from the Kentucky Arts Council’s Marketplace, in Booth H.

Louisville’s own John Gage, producer and host of the long running “Homefront” radio show and multi-talented musician and performer will emcee the stage performances.

Saturday, February 28

10:00 a.m. - The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky Proud food exhibitors will present food demonstrations.

11:00 a.m.- The Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) will be represented in performance by alumnus, Ochion Jewell. GSA provides hands-on arts opportunities for the state’s talented high school students who are dancers, actors, instrumental and vocal musicians, creative writers, future architects and visual artists.
12:00 p.m. - Lorinda Jones, a multi-instrumentalist, delivers outstanding performances that foster an appreciation for the Celtic and American music she plays.  A certified Music Therapist, Lorinda actively performs with Just by Chance and the Heartland Dulcimer Club, while serving as Director of the Harps for Life ensemble. 

1:00 p.m. - Kentucky artist, Orville Hammond, who has gained national and international recognition for his jazz compositions and performances all over Europe, the Caribbean, and New York’s Carnegie Hall, will take the stage. 

2:00 p.m. - Raison D’Etre - Whether singing an a capella swing tune or supporting their rich vocals with keyboard, acoustic guitars and various percussion and folk instruments, Raison D’Etre know their “reason for being”: to sing together.

3:00 p.m. - Greg Schaber - An award-winning blues singer and guitarist, Schaber performs solo renditions of classic and original blues on a variety of vintage instruments – the harp guitar, guitar-banjo and National steel guitar.  His music ranges from acoustic-based regional styles of the early 20th century to the electrified urban styles that followed.

4:00 p.m. - Arthur Hatfield and Buck Creek is a bluegrass band well known in Kentucky and beyond for their tight vocal harmonies and instrumental skills.  Bluegrass music lovers have enjoyed Arthur Hatfield and Buck Creek’s stirring performances for years.

Sunday, February 29

10 a.m. - Fernando Moya, originally from Ecuador, is a seasoned performer of music from the Andes Mountains.  His instrument making skills are well known, along with his compelling and educational performances. 

11:00 a.m. - The Hays Brothers is a Warren County bluegrass group and has a special “family harmony” that comes from years of singing and playing together.  Audiences everywhere are certain to love hearing their repertoire of bluegrass and older country music. 

12:00 p.m. - The 10th Street Blues Revue is a Louisville-based group who performs sometimes as a duo, sometimes as a full band, in a hard-charging style of classic blues from the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s.  The 10th Street Blues Revue, started by Fred Murphy, is influenced by the early Memphis blues scene in which Fred grew up.

1:00 p.m. - Cari Norris and Jim McGee. Cari’s music perpetuates the traditions of her grandmother, Lily May Ledford of the Coon Creek Girls.  Cari plays ancient ballads and original songs on a variety of stringed instruments, often with Jim McGee as a duo, or in a trio. 

2:00 p.m. - Octavia Sexton tells stories that have been shared through generations of her family through a lively and compelling performance. Her repertoire of traditional narratives include folk tales, ghost stories, Jack tales, and Cherokee legends, all of which inspire appreciation of Kentucky heritage. 

3:00 p.m.- Heidi Howe, Louisville, has been praised all over the country.  With a mix of old-time country and bluegrass styles, Heidi has supported social and environmental concerns through a number of music tours. 

4:00 p.m. – Soulgrass blends bluegrass, R&B, and rock to create a unique sound that introduces bluegrass music to a more diverse audience.  Their excellent vocal harmonies and instrumental virtuosity make their performances innovative and unforgettable. 

 The public is invited to attend Kentucky Crafted: The Market, 2004, Saturday, February 28, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 29, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, South Wing A, Louisville. General admission for adults is $8.00 and $4.00 for children 6-12; children under 6 are admitted free. Parking is $5.00. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available upon request. Extra shuttle service will be available from the fairground parking areas to the front of South Wing A. Visit the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program web site: www.kycraft.ky.gov, for the official program guide and a $1.00-off admission coupon.

This year’s University of Louisville basketball schedule is official, and Market goers are urged to come early on Saturday by 11:00 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m. due to a 1 p.m. game time in Freedom Hall. If you do plan to arrive around the noon hour, Gates 2 and 4 off Crittenden Drive, or Gate 6 off Preston Highway will provide the easiest entry.  The Kentucky Fair and Expo Center (KFEC) is making an extra effort to ease traffic and congestion associated with parking and gaining access during the Market. Some parking lots are being redesigned to accommodate more space, additional shuttles with clearly signed pickup locations are being added, and visitors will receive a site map at the gate entrances.  Additional directional signage will be posted throughout the facilities to assist visitors in locating their specific events.

The official Market program, published by Arts Across Kentucky magazine (spring 2004 edition) is available online at www.kycraft.ky.gov.

The Market is produced by the Kentucky Craft Marketing Program, a state agency in the Kentucky Arts Council, Commerce Cabinet, Commonwealth of Kentucky. For more information, call 888 KY CRAFT (592-7238), ext. 4801. Or visit www.kycraft.ky.gov.

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Since 1981, the Craft Marketing Program's mission is to develop the state's craft industry, support and empower Kentucky artisans and craftspeople, create an economically viable environment for craft entrepreneurs, preserve the state's craft traditions, stimulate and support product development, and generate public awareness, public support and public/private partnerships.

The Program provides assistance to Kentucky residents, individuals, or groups wanting to develop as craft professionals through economic opportunities and training, to other outside entities (e.g., craft retailers, craft and art organizations, community and government agencies), and the general public. The craft industry in Kentucky contributes 252 million dollars in annual sales and Kentucky is recognized as a model state for its craft programs and its role in the $14 billion national craft industry.