Kentucky Center for Traditional Music

10/16/2026

Meet the Mountain Music Ambassadors!

Our four-part series continues with Alanabeth Duncan, who brings her banjo playing and vocals to the Ambassadors!

We asked each Ambassador: “If you could share the stage with any musician, past or present, who would it be and why?”

Alanabeth’s pick? JD Crowe! “He is one of my biggest inspirations, especially his technique. It would be awesome to be able to share the stage with him and play Blackjack!”

Catch Alanabeth and the rest of the Mt. Music Ambassadors LIVE!
9.19 - John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown, NC)
9.23 - IBMA Convention, NextGen Stage, 7:30PM (Chattanooga, TN)
9.24 - IBMA Convention, Miller Plaza Stage, 8:20PM (Chattanooga, TN)

Photo by KCTM Media Intern, Lee Vance!
IBMA Foundation IBMA Kids on Bluegrass International Bluegrass Music Association

10/15/2026

Meet the Mountain Music Ambassadors!

First up is Robert Myers, a Traditional Music Studies major and Social Media minor! We asked each Ambassador: “If you could share the stage with any musician, past or present, who would it be and why?”

Robert’s pick? Jim Croce - His appreciation for Croce’s songwriting, emotional storytelling, and creative arrangements has him imagining some fun mandolin parts—and we’d love to hear that collaboration!

Hear Robert and the rest of the Mt. Music Ambassadors LIVE!
9.19 - John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown, NC)
9.23 - IBMA Convention, NextGen Stage, 7:30PM (Chattanooga, TN)
9.24 - IBMA Convention, Miller Plaza Stage, 8:20PM (Chattanooga, TN)

Photo by KCTM Media Intern, Lee Vance!
International Bluegrass Music Association IBMA Foundation IBMA Kids on Bluegrass

10/12/2026

It was a busy weekend for the KCTM!

Last Friday, the Mountain Music Ambassadors hit the road for two performances; Their first stop was in Campton, KY, where they shared their music with students at the Wolfe County Cooperative Extension Service. From there, they traveled to Fairview, OH, for an evening concert at the Pennyroyal Opera House, sharing the bill with Nick Chandler and Delivered.

On Saturday, KCTM faculty member Mr. Thomas Albert and Traditional Music Studies major Allison Walker shared their time and talents at Camp SMILE, a bereavement day camp for children ages 6–17, co-hosted by UK St. Claire Hospice and the Morehead State Department of Nursing- We’re grateful they had the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event, using music to bring comfort, connection, and a little joy to others.

We are proud of the many ways our KCTM students and faculty are making a difference through music! 🎻🎶

Photos by Lee Vance and Amber Albert

10/09/2026

Here’s a throwback to the KCTM Vocal Ensemble’s stunning performance of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” during Morehead State University’s America 250 concert last month! 🇺🇸 🎶

Music at Morehead State

10/07/2026

Three of our majors joined Mr. Thomas Albert for a special visit to the Rowan County Senior Citizens Center. They shared an afternoon of music and helped celebrate Mr. Vernon’s birthday! What better way to mark the occasion than with a few good songs? 🎂🎵

We are proud of the impact our faculty and students make on throughout our community. Opportunities like this remind us that music is about much more than performance — it brings people together, creates memories, and allows us to share something meaningful with those around us.

It was a privilege to perform for this wonderful group. Thank you for welcoming us, and Happy Birthday, Mr. Vernon! 🪕🎻🎶

09/29/2026

Our students took the stage last night for the Fall 2026 Mid-Semester Concert at the Rowan County Arts Center, sharing an evening of traditional music with a wonderful audience.

These concerts are an important part of what we do—giving our students the opportunity to perform, grow, collaborate, and share the music they are studying with our community. We are incredibly proud of the work they put into last night’s performances and grateful to everyone who came out to support them.

Here are just a few moments from the evening, captured beautifully by our KCTM Media Intern, Lee Vance.

09/28/2026

Mid Semester Concert.

09/27/2026

We are so ready for tomorrow’s Mid-Semester Concert! Bring a friend and join us for a night a music at the Rowan County Arts Center.

KCTM Mid-Semester Concert
📍 Rowan Co. Arts Center (205 E. Main St.)
⏰ Doors open at 6, concert begins at 7PM
🎟️ Free & open to the public!

📸 by Hallie Adams

09/24/2026

09/24/2026

Here's a look back on our recent performance at the White Squirrel Bluegrass+ Festival in Olney, IL! It was an honor to share the bill with Junior Sisk and many other fantastic bands!

Many thanks to Lee Vance, KCTM media intern, for capturing these photos!