A showcase for mountain musicians is in the planning stages.
The National Hall of Fame for Mountain Artisans and the Harlan County Writer’s Guild are making arrangements to present four nights of music in the Harlan area to help raise funds for the organization.
Dubbed the Mountain Music Showcase (MMS), the plan is to hold four separate nights of music, with the fourth night being a culmination of some of the best performers of the series.
Rosezelle Boggs-Qualls said the Guild is hoping to hold four separate installments, with the first night being in August.
If the first is successful, additional shows are being considered for September, November and December.
The shows are tentatively planned to take place at the Harlan Center, with 12 to 14 artists and bands being featured throughout the four evening series.
Qualls said the plan is for the first installment to feature gospel music. The second to be an evening of country western music. The third will be an evening of country rock will fill the third. The fourth installment will be comprised of groups from all three genres.
The bands and artists will be performing free of charge.
“It’s for the exposure,” said Qualls. “They will be able to sell their CD’s, T-shirts or whatever they want.”
According to Qualls, lights and sound are going to be supplied by Wayne Huff. Huff operates a recording studio in Verda.
“He’s done the CD’s for these folks,” said Qualls.
Qualls said several artists currently plan to participate in the program.
Aaron Collett, the Tony Dean Family, Terry Muncy, Russell Gilbert, Sharon Stewart and Connie Helton have all expressed intent to perform.
Helton is serving as musical director for the project.
Proceeds from the shows are going to benefit the hall of fame, located in the Edsel Godby building on the campus of Southeastern Technical and Community College in Cumberland.
Admission will be $5 in advance or $7 at the door.
Qualls also announced the annual induction ceremony has been moved from November to July 20.
Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com
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