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Pam Holcomb - Appalachian Storyteller

It is a know fact that everyone is a storyteller, vocally repeating adventures as soon as speech is learned. Stories inform us about other cultures, times and peoples as well as about our own culture, time and selves.

I was born and reared in the hills of Southeastern Kentucky, sandwiched between the Pine and Black Mountains. I have spent most of my life there. Oh, I have lived elsewhere from time to time, but I always have made my way back home. I love the area of the country where I live. These mountains are rich with history and traditions.

Many of my fondest memories were of sitting at the feet of my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles listening to them tell tales of old. I grew up with a rich heritage, full of traditional mountain tales, and music. I am, first and foremost, a mountain storyteller. I tell many of the old traditional tales, many from my own family. Some I have gathered from interesting folks I have met along the way. Others are from stories collected for posterities sake. I have a burning desire to preserve our heritage, to keep many of the stories of the mountain folks from being lost. That is the main reason I tell stories. I know that it is important to pass along these stories in their true fashion.

Since I have spent the majority of my life in the classroom, I also draw upon those experiences to enrich my stories. I have had the privilege to teach many wonderfully interesting and fun students. I tell stories about them and their antics. I also tell lessons I have learned as a teacher.

My formal education involved the preparation I made toward becoming a school teacher, or the betterment of myself as a teacher.

Jennifer Rose - Appalachian Singer

Jennifer Rose is a true folk singer who learned her songs as she learned to speak growing up in the small town of Berea, Kentucky. As an educated performer with a degree in vocal music from Berea College, Jennifer unites her heritage with her classical training to give listeners an experience of the true integrity of Appalachian singing. Her strong, clear soprano voice and sparkling personality continue to mesmerize audiences the world over.

Jennifer's training in dance from an early age inspired her to share traditional dance with anyone who was interested - especially young people. She is hailed as one of Kentucky's best dance educators, and has published two manuals for teachers.

Jennifer's life experiences, combined with her deep faith, have led her to opportunities in helping other women deal with the pressures of family, career and modern culture. Her honesty in those areas has helped many women overcome obstacles and make quality decisions in their own lives.

Louise Kelly & Anne Hagan Michel

When it comes to old-time music in the Kentuckiana area the band carrying the torch these days is Louisville’s own, Whistlin’ Rufus. Formed in the spring of 2006, this group of young musicians has been tearing on to the music scene with their blend of old-time roots music. The band’s members, Clint Craven and Caleb Olin supply the fiddle and banjo sounds that give this formidable group their driving force. Rounding out the lineup and adding a steady rhythm section for Whistlin’ Rufus are John Dwyer, and Angela Cook. However, not to be pigeon-holed into a single sound, Whistlin’ Rufus also enjoys members that are multi-talented musicians, allowing them to add mandolin, banjo uke, fretless banjo, twin fiddles, and more to their repertoire, and covering everything from duets to trios to full four-piece arrangements. And their youth does nothing to hinder their ability to play a great variety of music. They cover the gamut of American roots music, playing songs from the 1800’s and earlier all the way through music of today and adding some of their own compositions as well. The past year has been a busy one as they burst onto the local music scene including television appearances, radio appearances, and festivals. For a full schedule, more about the band, or some music downloads check out their website at http://www.whistlinrufusband.com or check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/whistlinrufus . Whistlin’ Rufus promises to bring us a lot of great music in the future. (And to all of you bluegrass fans, just remember that without old-time music there would never have been what we now call bluegrass!!) Don’t miss out on an opportunity to catch the music of our forefathers played by this young group of talented musicians when they come to Red Barn Radio!

Lucy Becker & John Haywood

John is an award Lucy Becker is the daughter of Brad, Red Barn Radio's Host.  She is an accomplished Old Time Fiddle Player, all at that at 11 years old.

John is an award winning old time banjo player.  He was borned and raised in the east Kentucky hills in a holler called Risner. The only thing he says he has ever been good at is drawing and playing music.  John’s papaw was a coal miner and old regular Baptist singer who told John he didn't want him to work in the mines. He told him to get a good education, so that's what he did.  John makes his living painting, teaching, and playin' some banjo