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Appalachian Artist Festival announces 2024 musical lineup
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Appalachian Artist Festival, returning for its second year, is set to light up downtown Inez with its “hotter than blue blazes” musical lineup Aug. 3. This event celebrates Appalachian culture, bringing together an eclectic mix of musicians, artists, crafters, writers, photographers and other creative talents. This year’s…
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Appalachian Artist Festival rings in New Year with exclusive fundraiser show
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — As the clock wound down on 2023, a select group of music enthusiasts gathered at the Collier Center for a special New Year’s Eve celebration. The evening was an exclusive prelude to the 2024 Appalachian Artist Festival (AAF), featuring an intimate acoustic concert with musicians Cody Christian, Phill…
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Stidham Old Time Music Association launches with Christmas jam session
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — Old time music is set to resonate even louder throughout northeastern Kentucky with the formation of the Stidham Old Time Music Association Inc. This new organization, dedicated to the promotion of music and arts in the region, is hosting its inaugural board meeting followed by a jam session…
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Lawrence County’s Phill Barnett unveils debut single ‘Nowhere,’ an ode to home and heritage
LAWRENCE COUNTY — Mark your calendars. On Oct. 27, Lawrence County native Phill Barnett will step into the music scene with the release of his much-anticipated debut single “Nowhere.” Available to stream and purchase online and uniquely offered for purchase on floppy disc, “Nowhere” is more than just a song—it is a haunting and spiritual…
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Over 300,000 Kentuckians charged for cannabis since 2002
Higher conviction rate in Appalachian region BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN FRANKFORT — Despite a nationwide shift towards the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis, Kentucky and only 17 other states remain outliers. A recent report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) reveals that Kentucky’s approach to cannabis criminalization not only runs counter to…
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Kentucky school funding gap widens, educators call for legislative action
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A recent report from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy reveals a widening gap in per-pupil funding between the state’s wealthiest and poorest school districts, surpassing levels deemed unconstitutional over 30 years ago. Educators on the ground are feeling the pinch, hoping the report will be an “eye-opener”…
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Arm Drop Revival 2023: A tribute to Kent Rose and a boost for local youth
Combs Airport to host two-day drag racing event organized by Kent Rose Foundation BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — The Paintsville-Prestonsburg Combs Airport is set to host the Arm Drop Revival 2023 on Sept. 1 and 2. Organized by the Kent Rose Foundation (KRF), this two-day street-style drag racing event aims to honor the…
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Tomahawk concert attracts folks from all over
Webb shop to host Stidham Old Time Music Gathering July 28 and 29 BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TOMAHAWK — This past Sunday at James Webb Musical Repair & Sales in Tomahawk, Phill Barnett and Tob Branham of Lawrence County played an acoustic concert that was followed by an open jam. Tob Branham, with his…
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Appalachian Artist Festival set for Aug 4
BY BUGS DIXON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Recently appointed Inez city commissioner Jennifer Wells is leading the charge on organizing the upcoming Appalachian Artist Festival set for Friday, Aug. 4. The festival will be free and open to the public, last all day and showcase local musicians, visual artists, authors, businesses and food vendors. Music…
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Stories of Place: LiKEN begins family cemeteries project in Martin County
BY PHILL BARNETT MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Madison Mooney and Karen Rignall were the guest speakers at last week’s Kiwanis meeting in Inez. Mooney and Rignall represented the Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN) and presented an update on the nonprofit’s Stories of Place project in Martin County. Stories of Place, a LiKEN storytelling project, highlights…