Join the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition (UACC) and our Place Keepers artists for a vibrant celebration of culture and community at the Appalachian Flow Homecoming on October 6, 2024, from 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum. This free, family-friendly promises a day filled with creative expression, an open mic, food, crafts, live music, story gathering, storytelling, community engagement, and so much more.
Designed by UACC Core Member and Originary Arts Initiative Founder/Director Sherry Cook Stanforth, this all-day celebration emphasizes the Place Keepers philosophy. “It embodies the trust that intergenerational and intergroup collaborations are among our city’s most powerful community resources,” says Stanforth. “Coming together from our diverse corners to co-create nourishes our shared home place, moving us away from isolation toward earnest listening and thoughtful community building.”
This event will feature an impressive lineup, including the works of Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson, alongside other talented artists showcasing their crafts and stories. Attendees will enjoy a talented lineup of live music, including performances by The Bings, Green Willow, Carter Bridge, Raison D’Etre, Farmer and The Crow, and Tangled Roots. Additionally, Meiser’s Fresh Grocery & Deli will be providing snacks, Roebling Books & Coffee will be hosting a book signing table, and UACC’s Kith and Kin Program and its partner, A Picture’s Worth, will be gathering stories, so be sure to bring an object or picture to share a memory or reflection. Attendees can expect to leave with a full belly as there will be a chicken dinner, heritage food table, and a pie contest followed by a tasting.
Schedule of events:
• 12:30 – 1:00 PM – Square Dancing with The Bings
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Artists in Action: Crafts and Jam Session
• 1:45 – 2:15 PM – Performance by Carter Bridge
• 2:00 – 5:00 PM – Story Gathering Sessions
• 2:30 – 3:00 PM – Story Telling by Omope Daboiku
• 3:15 – 3:45 PM – Performance by Green Willow
• 4:00 – 4:30 PM – Place Keepers Open Mic
• 4:45 – 5:15 PM – Performance by Raison D’Etre
• 5:30 – 6:15 PM – Home Heritage Table
• 6:30 – 8:30 PM – Evening Showcase featuring various artists
The Evening Showcase will feature talented artists, poets and musicians, including Crystal Wilkinson, Omope Daboiku, Richard Hague, Sherry Cook Stanforth, Pauletta Hansel, Michael Henson, Desirae Hosley, MoPoetry Phillips, Michael Thompson, The Farmer & The Crow, Tangled Roots, and Place Keepers artist apprentices.
“The Appalachian Flow Homecoming is an invitation to experience creative expression, simple enjoyment, and authentic kinship with friends, family, and neighbors,” Stanforth adds. “We welcome everyone to come and go, celebrating our shared heritage and community.”
This event is facilitated by the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition (UACC) and the Originary Arts Initiative (OAI). Place Keepers is dedicated to providing programs that empower young adults to express their creativity in a supportive environment. From in-person and virtual open mics to environmental projects and writing contests, Place Keepers continues to foster artistic exploration.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP at https://thecarnegiecenterofcolumbiatus.regfox.com/appalachian-flow-homecoming
