Banjo Master Lee Sexton and Pals to Play

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 22, 2009) - Banjo master Lee Sexton will join fellow old-time musicians Rich Kirby, Roy T. and Jack Adams for the next concert presented as part of "Appalachia in the Bluegrass." Featuring three well-known traditional artists and up-and-coming banjo player Jack Adams, the free public concert is scheduled for noon Friday, Sept. 25, in the Niles Gallery of the University of Kentucky's Lucille Caudill Little Fine Arts Library and Learning Center.

Sexton, a musician and native of Letcher County, Ky., started playing banjo at 8 years old, mastering both the traditional "clawhammer” style, as well as his innovative “drop thumb” style. His recordings span 50 years and include a 1952 recording made at the musician's home with legendary fiddler Fernando “Dandy” Lusk. A number of the other recordings showcase Sexton with his late fiddling partner Marion Summer — “the Fiddle King of the South.” Sexton has played all types of venues, from festivals and front porches to college campuses. He was featured in the Appalshop music video “Whoa Mule,” which appeared on Country Music Television (CMT) and The Nashville Network (TNN), as well as in the film “Coal Miner's Daughter” based on the life of Loretta Lynn. Sexton is a past recipient of a Governor’s Award in the Arts.

Kirby is an old-time traditional musician, who learned his craft from his grandmother, balladeer Addie Graham of Magoffin County, Ky. During the 1970s old-time revival period, Kirby performed as a member of the band Wry Straw that featured John McCutcheon and Tom Bledsoe. He has long maintained a relationship with Appalshop and its radio station WMMT-FM, in Whitesburg, Ky. Kirby, who also performs as part of Rich and the Poor Folks, has given numerous presentations and workshops on the banjo, fiddle and mandolin, including participation in the 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Additionally, he has produced many albums for the June Appal label including a recent release of his grandmother’s music, "Addie Graham: Been a Long Time Travelling."

Roy Tackett, or Roy T., grew up in the coal fields of Letcher County and has played guitar at dances, festivals, and on back porches throughout the region for 40 years. He is also a member of Rich and the Poor Folks.

Joining this trio of veteran musicians is Jack Adams, an 11-year-old banjo protégé of Sexton’s. Jack recently won the banjo contest at the Seedtime on the Cumberland Festival at Appalshop.

The "Appalachia in the Bluegrass" concert series, presented by UK's John Jacob Niles Center for American Music, showcases a diverse selection of traditional musical expression. This series focuses on the many faces of indigenous American folk music, celebrating its roots in old-time music. All "Appalachia in the Bluegrass" concerts take place in the gallery of the Niles Center in the Little Fine Arts Library on UK's central campus. Niles Gallery concerts are scheduled on Fridays at noon and are free and open to the public.

The John Jacob Niles Center for American Music, a collaborative research and performance center of the UK College of Fine Arts, UK School of Music, and UK Libraries, is the host of the "Appalachia in the Bluegrass."  

For more information on the "Appalachia in the Bluegrass" concert featuring Lee Sexton, Rich Kirby, Roy T. and Jack Adams, contact Ron Pen, director of the Niles Center, by phone at (859) 257-8183 or e-mail to Ron.Pen@uky.edu.