For the 37th consecutive year, the KENTUCKY MUSIC WEEKEND folk festival brings together some of the finest folk musicians and Kentucky traditions to Louisville’s Iroquois Amphitheater and the tree-lined area nearby. Voted into law as Kentucky’s “Premier Folk Festival”, KMW continues to be one of the top folk festivals in the country.

There will be a $10 “suggested donation” for the festival each night this year. Daytime events are free. Donations will go to pay artists, and actual festival costs and expenses. Those having a tough economic time can still come to the festival and bring their families, paying whatever they can. Those that are able to pay are supporting these artists and also contributing to continuing Kentucky’s musical heritage through this event.

Dare To Care food bank will be collecting non-perishable food items throughout the event. Collection bins will be located near the entrance gate, just look for the Dare To Care signs.

For the ninth year, KMW will host the Kentucky State Mountain and Hammered Dulcimer Championship contests during the Saturday daytime events. The contests will be held from 12:00 noon until about 2:00 PM, with the first place winners receiving either a McSpadden Mountain Dulcimer or Jake’s Cabin Hammered Dulcimer, a trophy, plus entry fees to the Walnut Valley national contests in Winfield, Kansas. For registration information please visit the KMW web site and search under contest information.

Kentucky Homefront will be recording the evening concerts for future “Kentucky Homefront” radio programs on regional National Public Radio stations. The Kentucky Homefront is a partner/sponsor of KMW.

Kentucky Music Weekend would not be possible without the help of many organizations as well as individuals. Metro Councilman, Dan Johnson, is a major sponsor again this year, helping with facility costs. The Louisville Dulcimer Society continues to be a sponsor along with Kentucky Music Week, Inc., Iroquois Amphitheater and Metro Parks, and a large group of tireless volunteers continuing this 37 year musical tradition. McSpadden Mountain Dulcimers and Jake’s Cabin Hammered Dulcimers are contest sponsors, providing instruments to grand prize winners. Artist fees come from donations received during the event.