The Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music in Hyden, Kentucky held their Spring Ensemble Showcase on Friday, May 1. The showcase is presented at the end of every semester.
The students studying each semester take the stage in the Osborne Brothers Auditorium, located in the hometown of Bobby and Sonny Osborne in Leslie County, Kentucky. Director of the school, Dean Osborne, led the opening ceremonies giving thanks to Academic Dean of the Hazard Community Technical College, Leila Smith, and others who are instrumental in the success of the KSBTM.
The National Anthem was sung by members of the Rockhouse Ensemble to get the music started for the evening. Instructor Virgil Bowlin joined his students known as The Mountain Heritage Ensemble on stage as each member took their turn at the microphone. The members include Paul Allmond, Ed Mullins, Wanda Jones, Bobby Jones, Darryl Arnold, Glenna Stidham, Loretta Colwell, Johnny Williams, Hobert Hensley, Ance Wagers, Lynn Doyle Barrett, Judy Murray, and Paul Wooton.
The Mountain Cats, consisting of Charles Hensley, David Wooton, Bill McIntosh, Cody Taylor, Cameron Adams, Winston Wooton, and Micah Barrett, then came to the stage and delivered an outstanding performance.
Rock Opera was next up with David Wooton, Micah Barrett, and Cameron Adams.
The Rockhouse Ensemble is a traditional bluegrass band that was formed from students of the KSBTM several years ago, and is now performing professionally at festivals and other events all around the region. The members are Michael Johnson, Paul Wooton, Darren Steele, Eli Patrick, Cameron Adams, and Zane Collins.
The night ended with a grand finale consisting of members of all the groups singing Will the Circle Be Unbroken. It was a great night of entertainment for the students, friends, family, and the wider Hyden community.
