Kentucky Historical Society Presents “Made to be Played: Traditional Art of Kentucky Luthiers”

July 28, 2009 - PRLog -- Frankfort, KY —Music lovers, historians, musicians and instrument makers of all ages have unique opportunities to learn more about playing and crafting stringed instruments this summer at special programmed events that are part of  the Kentucky historical Society's exhibition “Made to be Played: Traditional Art of Kentucky Luthiers”  at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort  throughout July and August and ending September 26th.

“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.

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. Inside the exhibition, guests have an opportunity to meet luthiers and learn about their passion for constructing and playing stringed instruments.

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, 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.

Contact Information:  
Laura Coleman
502-564-1792, ext. 4419
laura.coleman@ky.gov

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