CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
The sounds of fiddles, banjos and guitars will echo across Kentucky this summer. The Stidham Old Time Music Association brings its Pick and Bow program and a series of events to gathering places throughout the region.
The organization recently announced a summer lineup that includes music instruction, jams, outreach programs and community garden planting. All of these events preserve Appalachian traditions while connecting residents through music and culture.
The schedule begins June 9 with a partnership event at Yes Arts in Frankfort. The program will feature a musical instrument petting zoo and an introduction to the music of renowned Kentucky fiddle teacher John Harrod.
Organizers said the partnership supports the organization’s mission of creating a lasting impact through music, including its work in opioid prevention and recovery support. SOTMA also plans to work with Yes Arts to launch a Pick and Bow program in Frankfort this fall.
One of the summer’s signature events will take place June 12 at Warfield Park. SOTMA will partner with the Common Roots Project, Martin County Stories and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky for “Rooted in Tradition.”
The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the planting of a community garden. A Pick and Bow performance featuring student musicians will follow at 3:30 p.m. A community jam session is on tap for 4:30 p.m.
Rooted in Tradition will serve as an opening activity for the Warfield Liberty Celebration.
The summer schedule continues June 26 with a Martin County Stories of Place event at the county pool in Inez. Pick and Bow instruction will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by a community jam at 5 p.m.
On July 17, SOTMA will participate in a bluegrass jam in Inez, hosting a Pick and Bow session before helping kick off the evening’s music.
The season will culminate July 24-26 with the Stidham Old Time Music Gathering at James E. Webb Musical Repair and Sales in Tomahawk. The festival will open July 24 with a Pick and Bow session from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Students enrolled in the Pick and Bow program will receive five complimentary tickets to attend the Gathering with family members and friends.
SOTMA thanked Healing Appalachia and Hope in the Hills for serving as principal sponsors of the event. The organization is seeking additional partners to help strengthen the festival.
Growing through music
The announcement comes as the organization’s Summer Pick and Bow Program continues to grow.
SOTMA held its second summer session May 29 at Martin County High School. The session had a strong turnout despite it being on graduation day. Students participated in small-group breakout sessions before joining a large-group jam session. Instructors included Jimmy Webb on fiddle, Peyton Byrons and Violet Updike on guitar, Joey Webb and Jarred Goforth on banjo and Anabel Peterman on bass.
Organizers said returning students continue to show significant growth from the spring session. Additionally, two new students recently joined the program to begin instruction in fiddle and guitar.
Guitar remains the most requested instrument, and SOTMA is seeking additional guitars for future participants.
Organizers said the Pick and Bow program provides students with opportunities to develop musical skills, build confidence and stay connected to their heritage.
The organization is also working to establish a Pick and Bow program in Johnson County. It continues to develop partnerships with Healing Appalachia and Coalfield Development as it expands its reach across Eastern Kentucky.
