In response to “UofL accepting donations (to pay President Ramsey’s taxes)”
I am accepting donations to pay for my MBA from UofL, if anyone’s interested in donating to that instead.
— Andrea Sanders, July 16
I’m glad I have never made a donation to the university when they’ve called me. As a grad of UofL, I’m ashamed how they’ve handled their funds and been oblivious to stolen money.
— Grace Kaelin, July 16
The Last Kentucky Music Weekend
We are ending Kentucky Music Weekend (KMW) because our costs just don’t equal gate receipts, and we no longer have a sponsor. We rely on $10 a night (for four hours of music) to pay performers and other festival costs. Folks just don’t want to pay to come. That may have something to do with it being a free event for 30 years.
Thanks to Councilman Dan Johnson who has paid for the facility costs at the Iroquois Amphitheater. His sponsorship has allowed us to continue for the past years. The amphitheater staff has also been extremely supportive. Metro Parks helps, too. But we really need people to come and enjoy the event and buy a ticket in order to keep it going. I can no longer subsidize funding it personally.
It was a good run. I have given 40 summers of my life, and I feel each year I have met my goal of bringing a folk festival to the Iroquois Amphitheater that celebrates our musical heritage. It’s been 40 wonderful years, and I am proud of what we have accomplished at KMW. Hundreds of thousands have been able to experience the finest Kentucky-style music and folk artists from around the country. KMW allowed the public to be able to see artists like Jean Ritchie, John Jacob Niles, Lily May Ledford, Asa Martin and The Cumberland Rangers … even Arlo Guthrie. The list goes on and on.
KMW has introduced more than one generation to traditional folk music — from bluegrass to blues, string band sounds to solo singer-songwriters. The crafts of our state have been celebrated, too, during the Arts & Crafts at Iroquois which runs at the same time.
I hope that everyone will come out this weekend and enjoy the event. I’ve got eleven acts a night, plus many daytime events including close-up concerts, workshops, arts and crafts and so much more! We have some surprises, too. Let’s say goodbye to KMW with a great celebration of this music!
More detailed information, including performer lineups, can be found at kentuckymusicweekend.com.
—Nancy Johnson Barker