Kentucky Center for Traditional Music

08/31/2026

Introducing: the Mountain Music Ambassadors!

The Fall 2026 lineup includes Alanabeth Duncan on banjo/vocals, Skylar Schutz on bass/guitar, Robert Myers on mandolin/bass, and Peyton Byrns on steel/acoustic guitar.

Upcoming performances:
September 5 - Pickin' at Twin K***s
September 12 - White Squirrel Bluegrass+ Festival
October 9 - Pennyroyal Opera House
October 19 - John C. Campbell Folk School
October 20-25 - International Bluegrass Music Association Conference

Thank you to Lee Vance, KCTM Media Intern, for taking excellent promo photos!

08/28/2026

Many thanks to the Hinkle Family Endowment for the Humanities for making this possible!

Morehead State University will welcome a notable bluegrass artist to campus next month. MSU’s Kentucky Center for Traditional Music (KCTM) will present “An Evening with Darrell Scott” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Rowan County Arts Center, located at 205 E. Main St. in Morehead. The con...

08/27/2026

More exciting scholarship news! Please join us in congratulating Robert Myers on receiving the Bluegrass College scholarship from the IBMA Foundation!

Many thanks to the IBMA Foundation for their unwavering support of education! You can read the full announcement here: https://bluegrassfoundation.org/2026/08/25/ibma-foundation-announces-2026-class-of-scholarship-recipients/

08/26/2026

Alanabeth Duncan got some good some exciting news from Rickey Wasson this morning! Please help us in congratulating her on receiving the JD Crowe Scholarship presented by JD’s family and Meadowgreen Appalachian Music Park!

These scholarships have helped our students immensely over the years and we can’t thank all involved for their continued collaboration in support of our students!

The Mountain Music Ambassadors will perform at CroweFest TOMORROW, Thursday, August 27 @ 6PM!

08/24/2026

🎶 STUDENTS IN ACTION | ALLISON WALKER

This summer, Traditional Music Studies major Allison Walker had the opportunity to grow her songwriting skills at the Appalachian Writers' Workshop at the Hindman Settlement School.

The retreat brought together accomplished songwriters for workshops, song circles, and conversations about the craft. Allison learned from a terrific group of artists, including Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member Dale Ann Bradley, pictured here with her.

There’s another great KCTM connection, too! Sarah Kate Morgan, a KCTM graduate and Hindman’s Director of Traditional Arts Education, helped organize the retreat.

We love seeing our students seek out experiences like this—learning from working artists, developing their own creative voices, and becoming part of the region’s musical community. 🎶👏

08/21/2026

🎶 We’ll see you right here at Twin K***s!

Director Lewis stopped by the amphitheater for a preview of where the music will happen. Join the Mountain Music Ambassadors for an evening of live traditional music in one of the prettiest settings around!

📍 Twin K***s Campground, Morehead, KY
📅 Saturday, September 5
⏰ 6:00 PM

Bring a chair, bring a friend, and come spend the evening with us! 🪕🌲

***s

08/21/2026

First week lobby jams 💯

08/20/2026

🎟️ SOLD OUT—AGAIN! 🎟️

WOW! In less than a week, the Darrell Scott concert sold out. We released additional tickets…and those are gone, too!!

We can't thank you enough for the incredible response and support. We’re stoked to welcome a full house to the Rowan County Arts Center for this special evening! 🎶

Thank you, thank you, thank you—both to ticket buyers and the Hinkle Endowment for the Humanities, which made this event possible!

Visit Morehead and Rowan County KY Morehead State University Music at Morehead State

08/18/2026

We loved having Violet and the Newsroom in the KCTM studio recently! We’ve gotten a sneak peak into their artistry and you are going to enjoy their forthcoming recordings!

08/17/2026

🎶 Welcome back! We hope you’re ready for a great Fall 2026! 🎶

📌 Reminder: Band Placement Auditions & Semester Meeting
📅 Tomorrow — Tuesday, August 18
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 KCTM Room 112

Attendance is required for all Traditional Music Studies majors and minors, and non-majors enrolled in a KCTM ensemble.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back in the building and starting the semester together. Bring your instrument, bring a song, and let’s get back to making music! 🎻🪕🎸