Culture

MCLIB's next Evenings Upstairs program on March 21 at 7 pm is titled "Explore Kentucky's Diverse Fiddling Traditions." John Harrod has been performing over forty years as he brings old music to new generations. Because of its location between major routes of western migration, Western Kentucky became a melting pot of culture in the 18th and 19th centuries. Harrod explores the region's musical roots and gives a preview on Sounds Good.

Classically trained vocalist Solitaire Miles has the range and sound that echoes the musings of jazz singer Anita O'Day and Ella Fitzgerald, and opera singer Fredericka Van Staad. Her brilliantly recorded albums Born To Be Blue and Melancholy reflect her complex ideas and multifaceted influences. But equally impressive are her paintings, one of which is of President Obama that was accepted by the White House. Café Jazz host and Department of History professor Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her by telephone about her work and views on the future of jazz as an art form. A shortened version of this interview aired on Café Jazz Wednesday, March 13. The interview above is the longer, full version.

McCracken County’s Maxon Precinct will have a wet/dry vote this spring. Residents there recently filed a petition to change the area’s dry status, and the Fiscal Court scheduled the local option election for Tuesday, May 7th. Judge Van Newberry says he expects strong campaigning for and against alcohol sales leading up to the vote. So far, a local attorney whom Newberry says possibly represents the opposition has asked to see the petition.

Chicago area pianist, composer, and band leader Kelly Brand has been on the music scene for well over a decade and a half entertaining jazz lovers with her innovative compositions and arrangements. Her original compositions, as well as her covers of musicians like Bobby Hutcherson, have enthralled listeners from the concert stage to her stellar recordings. Murray State History Professor and host of Café Jazz Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her via telephone in an interview that was aired recently on the Wednesday night broadcast. Hear is the full interview. Discover more of her work at kellybrand.com.