Kentucky Historical Society
“Made to be Played: Traditional Art of Kentucky Luthiers” to Open July 11

Frankfort, KY (June 29, 2009)—Music lovers, historians, musicians and instrument makers of all ages will have a unique opportunity to learn more about playing and crafting stringed instruments this summer when “Made to be Played: Traditional Art of Kentucky Luthiers” opens at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort on Saturday, July 11.

“Made to be Played” features the rich and fascinating history of Kentucky luthiers—people who make or repair stringed instruments—and tells the stories of Kentucky master luthiers and their handcrafted guitars, fiddles, banjos, mandolins, dulcimers, and other original stringed instruments.

At the exhibition opening on Saturday, July 11, visitors to the Center for Kentucky History can participate in special activities, including an opportunity for children to construct and decorate their own instruments using everyday household items. Luthiers Donna and Lewis Lamb will be onsite to help families construct “can-jos” from 1-4 p.m. This activity is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will also be served.

Inside the exhibition, guests will have an opportunity to meet luthiers and learn about their passion for constructing and playing stringed instruments. Old-time string band Kentucky Wild Horse is scheduled to perform beginning at 2 p.m.

Other programming includes the following Master Series Concerts and Instrument Workshops:

Master Series Concerts

Friday, July 31-Guitar Masters
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.  Meet guitar makers
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Concert featuring Eddie and Alonzo Pennington, John Martin and Jim Hurst, presented by Dr. Erika Brady, host of the radio show, “Barren River Breakdown.”

Friday, August 14-Banjo Masters
5:30 to 6:30 p.m Meet banjo makers
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Concert featuring Mike Seeger, Brett Ratliff, Jackie Helton, Sarah Wood, Lee Sexton, and more, presented by John Harrod

Friday, September 11-Fiddle Masters
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Meet fiddle makers
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Concert featuring fiddle master Roger Cooper, Paul David Smith, Nikos Pappas, and more, presented by John Harrod

Instrument Workshops, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 25: Storyteller and performer Mitch Barrett will demonstrate his command of traditional Appalachian stories and songs.

Saturday, August 8: Experience “A Day at the Creek” with instructors and youth musicians from Cowan Creek Mountain Music School. Bring your own stringed instruments and enjoy an introductory lesson.

Saturday, September 5: Join Don Rigsby and other string musicians from the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music at Morehead State University for performances and a jam session.

Closing Festivities

"Made to be Played" at the Old State Capitol:  Saturday, Sept. 26
An afternoon of music, art, food and family folklore, featuring an evening concert with the Kentucky Headhunters, and more!

“Made to be Played” will remain on display at the Center for Kentucky History until closing festivities on Saturday, September 26.

Admission, which includes all exhibitions on the Kentucky Historical Society history campus, is $4 for adults, $2 for youth (6-18), and complimentary for children five and under. KHS members receive complimentary admission. 

“Made to be Played” was developed through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and is on display thanks to the generosity of the Dupree family, in memory of Clara Galtney Dupree. The exhibition is presented by the Kentucky Folklife Program, a partnership of the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council, and is dedicated to the memory of Homer Ledford, a Kentucky luthier and musician who was renowned for the quality, beauty, and uniqueness of his works. 

To find out more about programming and artifacts related to “Made to be Played,” visit www.history.ky.gov/luthiers.