Performers
Michael Garvin
Michael Garvin is a musician from Greenup, KY that can play a variety of stringed instruments from fiddle to upright bass and is a fourth generation fiddler in his musical family. In 2004 he received a Traditional Folk Arts Apprenticeship grant to study with master fiddler Roger Cooper from Lewis County, Kentucky. They have continued to work together and document the music of our region, making sure it is passed down from one generation to the next. Michael’s specialties include Old-Time fiddle styles and in 2007 he was named the Ed Haley Fiddle Champion in Ashland, Kentucky, among numerous other awards. While prominently known as a fiddler, Michael also performs as a guitarist and placed in the top four at the National Merle Travis Thumbpickng Contest when he was just seventeen years old. Michael enjoys teaching music, doing instrument repair and bow rehair, and playing fiddle with his all family band, Kentucky Memories. Website: www.kentuckymemories.com E-mail: kygarv7@kentuckymemories.com
Tuesday, April 24 Barboursville Public Library with Sara Sullivan
Tuesday, April 24 Salt Rock Public Library with Sara Sullivan
Thursday, April 26 Guyandotte Public Library with Sara Sullivan
Thursday, April 26 Central City School with Sara Sullivan
The Guyandotte Poets
The Guyandotte Poets was formed in December 1977, when a group of poets from the Huntington, WV area met at the home of Dr. William Sullivan, a Marshall University English Professor, to read and discuss their poems. Thirty five years later, the group still meets once a month in members’ homes. In addition to Sullivan, founding members included Robert Gerke, and John & Llewellyn McKernan. The mix was varied with teachers and students predominating, but generally the only password was love of poetry. Over the years dozens of poets have come and gone, discussing thousands of poems, and the Guyandotte Poets have included such recognizable names as Ron Houchin, E.D. Pendarvis, Art E. Stringer, and Laura Treacy Bentley. In 1993 the group published an anthology with Trilliium Press: The Guyandotte Poets
Tuesday, April 24th Cabell County Public Library Huntington
Madcap Puppets
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Madcap Puppet Theatre is nationally recognized for its original children’s theatre productions, and for in-school educational programs that include performances, workshops and residencies. Specialized programs also include such issues as conflict resolution, health, safety, environment and social concerns. In partnership with schools and libraries across the country Madcap brings art to children that enhances their education with life-enriching performances drawn from world literature and cultures. In collaborations with orchestras, museums, opera and ballet, Madcap brings a richly textured artistic experience to children and their families throughout the country. Madcap premieres each season’s original productions through the Hats Off Series at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Xavier University, Clifton Cultural Arts Center and Speed Art Museum (Louisville, KY).
Wednesday, April 25th Don Morris Room Marshal University Huntington
Sassafras Junction Puppets
Sassafras Junction is an independent puppet theatre located at 74 Olde Main Street in Saint Albans, West Virginia. The theatre’s mission is to celebrate Appalachian culture through humor and puppet artistry, providing entertainment that will be loved by ages from 2 to 92. Out of imagination and dreams, the Creek Critters were born. They embody our Appalachian culture and may remind you of your crazy aunt or quirky cousin. These puppets and their stories honor our culture and proudly announce, “I am from Appalachia and I am proud of it!” Their goal is to “showcase our West Virginia heritage, focusing on the positive aspects of West Virginia life.”
Saturday, April 21st Cabell County Public Library Huntington
Kate Campbell Stevenson
Stevenson brings to life a diverse group of historical women role models through music and monologue in her dynamic one-woman show, Women, Back to the Future. As writer, producer and performer of this innovative program, Stevenson portrays women who challenged the traditional expectations of their time and sought creative solutions to their problems. With over 25 years of professional experience in music, theater, and education, Stevenson tours nationally and internationally performing for conferences, conventions, schools, military, government and community organizations. In so doing, she charts her activism on behalf of equality for women and girls.
Wednesday, April 25th Cabell County Public Library Huntington
