Frankfort, KY - The Kentucky Historical Society invites all Kentuckians to experience the 2007 Kentucky Folklife Festival, scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 20-22, in historic downtown Frankfort, KY.
The festival hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, September 20; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, September 21 with evening concerts from 6 to 10 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, September 22 with evening concerts from 6 to 10 p.m.
More than 150 artists, communities, families, and demonstrators from every corner of the state will share their piece of the Kentucky story and explore the many lifestyles and expressions that make Kentuckians unique through their music, dance, crafts, food, games, and other expressions of the state's diverse cultural heritage.
New features at this year's festival will include exploring immigration stories throughout the festival site and at the Kentucky Historical Society's Our New Kentucky Home: Immigrant Experiences exhibition at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History and opportunities to learn more about Kentucky luthiers (stringed-instrument makers) and enjoy a musical tribute to the late Homer Ledford. Visitors are invited to experience Kentucky State University's homecoming traditions and watch the region's top fraternities and sororities' "Greek Step Show," get a taste of KSU's tailgate food delights, see the all- famous "Marching Thorobreds" on-site, learn to play bid-whist, and see a parade float under construction.
The 2007 Kentucky Folklife Festival's featured free concerts will include such performers as Sam Bush, Michael Cleveland, Cabin Creek, Michael Johnathon, Eddie and Alonzo Pennington, Midnight Star, and more. Click here for more information about the concert schedule at the 2007 Kentucky Folklife Festival.
Other activities throughout the festival include music and dance stages, foodways stage, talk stages, family folklore tent and showcases of river life and Kentucky agriculture. Activities take place on the grounds of the Old State Capitol, the streets of historic downtown Frankfort, and the banks of the Kentucky River. Ample free parking is available.
Festival events are free and open to the public. This year's festival is offering Friends of Folklife Benefit cards for purchase at the Kentucky Historical Society. Cardholders will receive a number of benefits, including discounts on merchandise and refreshments at select downtown Frankfort businesses and vendors, the 1792 Store at the Kentucky Historical Society, and the Festival Shop on the Old State Capitol Lawn, as well as drawings for items related to Kentucky Folklife musicians and artisans, complimentary admission to Kentucky Historical Society museums and exhibitions through October 30, 2007, and more. To purchase a Friends of Folklife Benefit card, call 502-564-1792. Cost is $5 if purchased on-site September 20-22 and $4 if purchased in advance; Kentucky Historical Society Members pay $4 if purchased on-site and $3 if purchased in advance.
The Kentucky Folklife Festival is held in Frankfort, located 26 miles west of Lexington, 52 miles east of Louisville, and 80 miles south of Cincinnati. For information about visiting Frankfort, call 1-800-960-7200 or visit the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourism Web site.
Visit the 2007 Kentucky Folklife Festival Web site for up- to-date information, including a complete schedule of events.
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An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future. KHS operates the Old State Capitol, the Kentucky Military History Museum, and its headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Since 1999, the thirty-million- dollar Center has welcomed more than one million visitors. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit our Web site.