Lily May Ledford
Music and Heritage Festival

September 12, 2009
Red River Gorge
Natural Bridge State Park

 

Performers

 


Reel World String Band shared stages with Lily May and incorporates her hard-driving musical style into their music. Sue Massek learned the clawhammer style of banjo playing from Lily May.


Rich Kirby and the Po' Folks is Letcher County's premier string band. The band performs traditional music as well as songs of today's Appalachia. Rich and Cari Norris co-produced Lily May's June Appal album, "Gems."


Anne MacFie sings traditional ballads and original songs with guitar and dulcimer. Anne was a personal friend and often played with Lily May. She was strongly influenced by Lily May's music and storytelling and incorporates this into her performances.


Dick Albin is a musician, singer, storyteller and will be master of ceremonies at the festival. He was a friend and played many shows along-side Lily May. Regaled by her stories and impressed by her devotion to her music and fans, Dick considers her a major influence on his craft.


Cowan Creek Youth Band brings a new generation of mountain-style pickers to the festival. The perpetuation of mountain music was an element close to Lily's May's heart and she encouraged many young people in the joys of playing mountain music.


The gospel group Three for Christ will represent the influence of gospel music on the Coon Creek Girls' singing style. The band's traditional gospel sound features strong, beautiful harmony.


Betty Rodriguez is a master storyteller who specializes in traditional stories. She is known for her rendition of The Jack Tales, which come alive under Betty's compelling storytelling style.

AND, Lily May's Descendants:


Cari Anna Norris is a traditional musician and singer who performs a significant portion of Lily May's repertoire on her original banjo and guitar. Cari is the granddaughter of Lily May Ledford.


J. P. Pennington is a founding member of the country/pop band Exile. J. P. and the band have traveled throughout the world entertaining their loyal fans. J. P. is the son of Lily May Ledford.


Jim McGee is a traditional musician who has played at festivals throughout the south. He directed and produced the documentary "Coal Camp Blues; Coalfield Struggle."


Jessie and James Pennington, the children of J. P., demonstrate that the Ledford musical talent can manifest in more contemporary ways.


John, Bill and Barb are a traditional/bluegrass band who incorporate songs of the past into their music. John France and Bill Dennis are veteran musicians and Barb Greenlief is the daughter of Lily May.


Bob Pennington is a country/pop musician who has played throughout the south. He will be joining the family for the night concert. He is the son of Lily May.