The Yeiser Art Center's annual Lowertown Arts and Music Festival returns to Paducah's historic Lowertown Arts District this Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. Austin Carter speaks with featured artists The Sensational Barnes Brothers, Bee Taylor, Toubab Krewe, and Kyshona ahead of their weekend performances. Listen to the artist interviews and find more information on each act below.
The Sensational Barnes Brothers
From the duo's website:
"The Sensational Barnes Brothers are a melting pot of the old and the new. As Pop Matters states, “The brothers run through a spectrum of moods and modes in their gospel soul, often bridging the gap between, say, the Soul Stirrers and Stax, all the while keeping a local flavor.” The brothers are able to dive deep into their roots, creating a sound that reflects the music of their history, all the while drawing in a modern-day audience."
Listen to the band's interview here:
Toubab Krewe
From the band's website:
"Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2, 2018). What Justin Perkins (Kora, Kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (Djembe, Congas, Dundun, Sangban, Kinkini) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2."
Listen to the band's interview here:
Kyshona
From Kyshona's website:
"Kyshona has always lent her voice and music to those that feel they have been silenced or forgotten. She began her career as a music therapist, writing her first songs with her patients -- the students and inmates under her care. She soon found the need to write independently and find her own voice, an endeavor which led her to the fertile ground of the Nashville creative community and songwriting culture."
Listen to her full interview here:
Bee Taylor
From Bee Taylor's website:
"Whether you want to parade down the streets or peek inside a shade-drawn window, she is not one to miss the appointment of jazz, funk, roots, and soul. Growing up on a cattle ranch in East Texas, Bee is no stranger to working for what you want. As a teenager, she raised piglets and took them to market to buy her first guitar. Moving to Nashville soon after, she discovered the music of Django Reinhardt, Howlin’ Wolf, Tom Waits, and Dr. John, among many others."
Listen to her full interview here:
