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Concerts

Sonic Music Fest Brings Bluegrass Legend Sam Bush to WKU

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Kentucky Museum and Potter College of Arts & Letters (PCAL) Cultural Enhancement Series at Western Kentucky University (WKU) are hosting the Sonic Music Fest, a celebration of Southcentral Kentucky's rich musical heritage. This free event takes place on Saturday, September 6, with a daytime festival at the Kentucky Museum from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and an evening concert with bluegrass artist Sam Bush at Van Meter Hall at 7 p.m. The festival showcases the region's contributions to popular music, from early jazz to newgrass to country-rap, through artifacts, photographs, and interviews with over 90 individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sonic Music Fest is a celebration of Southcentral Kentucky's musical heritage, featuring a daytime festival and an evening concert with Sam Bush at Van Meter Hall.
  • The event is free and open to the public, with music performances, activities, and food trucks available during the daytime festival.
  • The Kentucky Museum is hosting the festival, which showcases the region's contributions to popular music through artifacts, photographs, and interviews with over 90 individuals.
  • Sam Bush is a renowned bluegrass artist and WKU honorary doctorate recipient, who performed at WKU's Van Meter Auditorium for the first time ten years ago.
  • The Sonic Music Fest is sponsored by Houchens Food Group and the PCAL Cultural Enhancement Series, with a special thank-you to Tom and Portia Pennington for their support.
  • The festival features a variety of musical performances, including The Songfarmers, Jane Pearl, Jonell Mosser, and others, as well as family-friendly activities and food trucks.

Statistics:

  • The Sonic Music Fest will take place on Saturday, September 6.
  • The daytime festival at the Kentucky Museum will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m, while the evening concert with Sam Bush at Van Meter Hall will begin at 7 p.m.
  • Over 90 individuals are featured in the Sonic Landscape: The Musical Legacy of Southcentral Kentucky exhibition, including musicians such as Bill Monroe, Cousin Emmy, Nappy Roots, Cage the Elephant, and the Kentucky Headhunters.
  • The festival will feature music performances by over a dozen artists, including The Songfarmers, Jane Pearl, Jonell Mosser, Eddie Pennington, and others.
  • Attendance for the festival is free, with no tickets necessary and seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sources:

  • Western Kentucky University news release
  • Sonic Music Fest website
  • Kentucky Museum website

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