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Many residents of the Four Rivers region devote their time to restoring and preserving our history. WKMS Reporters set out to meet some of those residents to produce the stories you'll find below. We get background on Kentucky's role in the forgotten war of 1812, then we meet a man who's devote much of his time to restoring honor by way of headstones to veterans of that war.Reporters Angela Hatton and Heidi Couch report on ways people in our region revert to the "old ways" to make sweet sorghum molasses and healthy teas and salves.Casey Northcutt and Shelly Baskin report on the little talked about history history of Burlesque and Moonshine.We also learn about ancient Native American Mounds in our region and how Murray State is preserving recorded conversations from nearly 45 years ago.

JD Wilkes 'Shakes' Maiden Alley Oktoberfest

legendaryshackshakers.com

On October 18, WKMS is broadcasting live from Paducah's Oktoberfest, including a performance of by the Legendary Shack Shakers. Frontman JD Wilkes has spoken with Todd Hatton about his recent book, Barn Dances and Jamborees across Kentucky. On Sounds Good, he speaks with Kate Lochte about the band's "New Testament Tour," how he divides his creative time between two bands (he also fronts The Dirt Daubers) and his thoughts on uncovering an historic mural in downtown Paducah.

Back from a two-week tour through Boston, New York City and Washington DC, The Legendary Shack Shakers return from a hiatus of a couple years and get ready to perform at Maiden Alley's Oktoberfest. On how he gets his "dangerous" energy on stage, Frontman JD Wilkes says once he hears that first note, it's like starting a car. He writes most of the songs performed on stage, with some rockabilly covers thrown in for good measure. Wilkes recently uncovered a mural on the old Ethan Allen building in Paducah and believes these glimmers of history are what drives tourism to cultural towns like Paducah and that they must be preserved.

More at the Legendary Shack Shakers website

More about Maiden Alley's Oktoberfest

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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