PN

PENN'S STORE PRESENTS
2016 KENTUCKY WRITERS DAY CELEBRATION
April 21-22-23-24, 2016
WRITERS/PARTICIPANTS

View the 2016 Kentucky Writers Day Schedule and locations here.

KY Writers in Celebration performances by Dawn Lane Osborn, and other Songwriters in Celebration.  Dawn is a poet, song writer, and musician and performs professionally.
In Memory In 2015 we lost 2 extremely talented long time KWD participants and friends JIM POWELL of Mackville, KY and PAULA HILL of Danville, KY  Aside from performing, multi-talented JIM POWELL kept everyone in stitches, on and off the stage.  And there could be only "one" PAULA HILL .  She marched to her own drum and whatever the direction, she marched with full force ... and kept us laughing all the way.  Long time supporters of Penn's Store and Kentucky Writers Day Celebration, they are both sorely missed, especially at this special time.
Jim Powell Jim Powell was born and reared in Washington Co. Ky.  He has been involved with music his entire life.  He has been a member of several bands in the area including Wild Roses and Borderline.  He has been an emcee for numerous events and enjoys entertaining with a touch of comedy.  He is a licensed auctioneer and is never at a loss for words.	Paula Hill Paula Hill grew up in Danville, where her father West T. Hill was chairman of the theatre department of Centre College.  He later founded West T. Hill Community Theatre and gave Paula a great love for writing and all the fine arts.  Paula taught English and Theatre at the University of Kentucky, Lexington Community College and Centre College.  She designs and leads fine arts tour groups to New York, London and Tuscany.  Her compositions include a chapbook of poetry: By Heart, writing and directing plays at the West T. Hill Community Theatre, and writing a business column for The Advocate-Messenger.  Paula Hill is a retired teacher and lives in Danville.  She recently directed Cat on a Hot Tin Roof  at The West T. Hill Community Theatre.  She has a chapbook entitled By Heart and is working on a new book of poetry tentatively entitled Incandescence.
Emcees
CHAD M HORN is an award winning poet and author of three books.  The former owner of KENTUCKYLIT, an independent bookstore in Harrodsburg, KY, Chad frequently appears on WRFL, WHBN and WHIR radio programs discussing Kentucky literature, and has taught and lectured on this subject for the past eight years.
RANDY BURCHFIELD is a multi talented high energy entertainer with a career spanning more than four decades, traversing the United States and other countries.   Randy has been involved with radio, film, television and hosted his own radio show.   A prolific writer, Burchfield has written and produced many media  "jingles" for Kentucky businesses.  Randy Burchfield was one of the youngest performers to ever grace the stage at RENFRO VALLEY, and was the first person to have a full set of drums on the RENFRO stage.  He has performed with and opened shows for many country music stars.  Randy Burchfield has earned great respect among his peers and is proud to still be active in the entertainment industry.
Hershel McKinley is probably best known for his many years on Danville radio stations as News Director, public affairs broadcaster and morning air personality.  In what Hershel describes as "long ago and far away" he wrote, produced, directed and appeared in many films for the State of Kentucky in The Department of Public Information.  Hershel called Danville home for many years, but now lives on a farm in northern Mercer County with his wife Shirley.  Calling himself a lifelong fledgling novice in creative writing, Hershel is a member of Speaking Out and Nomadic Ink writing groups in Mercer County.  Hershel currently does freelance voice work and script writing.  He has been heard throughout the South in radio and television commercials, industrial video voiceovers, audio book readings, and political radio advertisements. He and Shirley, and their children, have had the opportunity to travel or work in many parts of the world including East Africa, Central America, England, the Caribbean, and India.
List of Other Writers Who will have Books to Sell during the weekend
Crystal Bradshaw Bobbie Smith Bryant Darlene Campbell Ed Ford Yolantha Harrison-Pace Jenean McBrearty	Sophia & Lucas McWilliams C. A. Shelley Jan Sparkman John Sparks Dan Thompson
List of Other Writers and Performers
Bobbie Smith Bryant is a native Kentuckian and currently resides in Louisville. She is proud of her family’s 10-generation farming heritage and deeply committed to Western Kentucky, the home of her childhood. She provides marketing and promotional assistance, as well as historic and genealogical research, to Smith Farms of Calloway County.  Bobbie also serves the Kentucky League of Cities as a community development advisor. For more than twenty-five years, she has assisted cities with community and economic development issues. She is a certified “Main Street Manager,” a national designation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Bobbie is a professional facilitator and instructs communities on economic development strategies, and implementation techniques.  She previously owned and managed a successful retail business in Hopkinsville. While there, she also hosted a daily morning television show, and a monthly broadcast featuring notable people of Western Kentucky.  Bobbie served as associate producer of “Farming in the Black Patch,” a PBS documentary which continues to air on KET. She is a passionate and talented freelance writer. Her recently published works include: Farming in the Black Patch, published in 2015 by Acclaim Press; Passions of the Black Patch: Cooking and Quilting in Western Kentucky, published in 2013 by Butler Books; Forty Acres and A Red Belly Ford: The Smith Family of Calloway County, published in 2011 by Clark Publishing.  Bobbie is also a featured speaker for the Kentucky Humanities Council, providing educational and entertaining presentations on farming, quilting, cooking, and many other aspects of Kentucky’s history, heritage and culture.
Doris Purdom was born in the Forkland Community on Black Lick Creek in 1931 and graduated from Forkland School in 1949.  She serves as Vice-President of the Forkland Community Center , has been chairman of "Forkland's Old-Fashioned Bean Supper" for 38 years and has performed in most of the 38 dramas.  Doris has been married to her husband Carroll for 59 years, has one daughter Dianna Barker and one granddaughter Jamie M. Hamblin.  Doris, along with Shirley Sheperson and Darrell Ellis, researched all cemeteries in the Forkland community and compiled a cemetery book called The Forgotten Past in 1976.  Doris also served on the Forkland Committee that put together the Forkland History of families called Forkland Heritage: Its People Past and Present, 1793-1996, Vol. 1 & 2.	Paul Stansbury is a life-long native of Kentucky.  Now retired, he lives in Danville, Kentucky.  He frequently reads his work in public. His poetry has appeared in Kentucky Monthly.  His stories have appeared in the anthologies, Brief Grislys, published by Apocryphile Press, Neo-Legends To Last a Deathtime published by KY Story, and Frightening published by SEZ Publishing.  His work has also appeared in a variety of on-line publications.
William Sutherland is a writer, artist and musician. His love for reading began in kindergarten and was aided by a trusty nightlight that allowed him to read late into the night and kept away things that went “bump” in the night. In 1973 a musical career was set in motion when he was given a violin by a dying uncle with the instructions to” play it well...” A serious love affair with a guitar began in 1974 and by 1986 William owned and operated this same guitar store where he had begun his guitar lessons. William closed his successful guitar store at the end of 2012 to concentrate on his writing and music. William Sutherland currently resides in Indiana with his wife Cindi and is blessed with three beautiful daughters; he uses some of his poems as song lyrics for his musical recordings. He is a native of Kentucky and now cherishes those things that go “bump” in the night.	James Franklin Spragens was born and reared in Lebanon, Kentucky. His great-great grandfather William Spragens first owned and operated what is now Historic Penn's Store from 1845 - 1850. James was one of the Marion County High School students who drafted the Bill establishing the state of Kentucky's "Official" Writers Day of April 24. James as owner and operator of BLUES ON TAP restaurant and bar in Lebanon, KY hosted the first SONGWRITERS TRIBUTE SHOWCASE night ... and continued for many years. Presently James operates historic Myrtledene Bed & Breakfast www.myrtledene.com, Lebanon, Kentucky since 1993. His interest in literature-- and especially Kentucky literature-- has led to past work with Jeanne Lane and the Penn's Store's Kentucky Writers Day celebration. James studied English and creative writing at the University of Kentucky with Gurney Norman. James resides in Lebanon, Kentucky with his wife and two sons.  James is presently serving as Chairman of the Lebanon/Marion County Tourism Commission.
Judge Wolfe is a luthier and tunesmith from Danville, KY. A guitar player since his early teens, his music reflects his influences from bluegrass to old time country.  He often plays with the central Kentucky based bluegrass band “The Sawbriars”.  Left to right this band is Jeff Raines, Joe Conder, Alan Lewis, Doug Jarvis, and Judge Wolfe.  A unique feature of his performance is that he builds by hand the instruments that he plays, both acoustic and electric guitars.
	Wayne Westerfield ( aka " The Drumming Banker",  a title earned later in his music career ) has been performing in bands since 1968.   His early band career was spent with bands performing Soul and Rhythm & Blues, all of which had a strong influence on his musicial palate.   However, in 1975, while in college, several "Country" music jobs came along ... his adopted genre for the past 41 years ... and " the rest is history".   Westerfield was drummer on a 1969 45rpm record done by noted Boyle County, Kentucky songwriter, KENDALL  HAYES ( who penned the country classic, "JUST WALK ON BY". ) Westerfield will return to his "roots" at the 2016 Songwriters Tribute Showcase as drummer with * BIG BOSS BAND.
Phillip Clarkson is a Singer, Songwriter & Musician from Bradfordsville, KY. He has won many songwriting awards including First Place Awards in The Las Vegas Songwriting Association and Songwriters of Wisconsin contests. Phillip also won first place in the 2014 Kentucky Bluegrass Music Kickoff Singer/Songwriter contest. Phillip is a member of The Big Train Band (Lead Guitar/Vocals) along with Chuck Creekmore (Bass Guitar/Vocals) and Gerry Freeman (Drums/Vocals).  The Big Train Band performs every Thursday night at Mariachi.s Mexican Restaurant in Lancaster, KY and has regular shows through out Kentucky including Neon Boots in Richmond, KY and The Bradfordsville Community Center in Bradfordsville, KY.  Phillip also does a solo acoustic show in and around Lebanon & Bardstown, KY. You can find Phillip and The Big Train Band on Facebook and you can listen and purchase some of Phillip’s music at: www.cdbaby.com/Artist/PhillipClarkson.
Gordon Webb, a native of Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia, has spent most of his adult life in Elizabethtown and now resides in Lebanon.  He picked up the guitar in his teenage years after a football injury put a damper on his mobility for several months. Being the 9th of 10 children, and a teenager in the '60's, his musical influence was rock and roll and popular music of the 50's and 60's.  This is the style he has stayed with.  Although he does not write original music, he sometimes likes to alter the lyrics of rock and roll to spiritual wording and perform in his church (as in Sister Act).)	R. Dean Johnson’s essays and stories have appeared in several national literary journals, including Ascent, Natural Bridge, New Orleans Review, Santa Clara Review,and The Southern Review. His fiction has previously been nominated for the Pushcart Prize anthology and excerpts from his novel manuscript, Californium, have been anthologized in Tribute to Orpheus(Kearney Street Books) and Paradigm, Volume One (Rain Farm Press). Editor of the anthology Teachable Moments: Essays on Experiential Education (University Press of America), he holds an MA in English from Kansas State University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University. Previously, he has taught at Prescott College, Cameron University, and Gotham Writers’ Workshop.
Firecreek is headlined by Ashley Knapp and Cody Doench; both are U.S. Army veterans.  They are a young dynamic bluegrass band that's dedication  and drive show in their music.  They are from the Carlisle and Preble County area of Ohio.	Author Randy Westbrook is a professor at Eastern Kentucky University and Bluegrass Community and Technical College.  His book 50 Years of Exile: A Band in Transition was published through Acclaim Press.  The book chronicles the career of the Kentucky band  "EXILE".
Heather Henson grew up at Pioneer Playhouse, performing on stage from the time she could walk, and working behind the scenes at the theater her father, Eben C. Henson, founded in 1950. Although she dreamed as a girl of starring on Broadway one day, she gradually became more interested in fiction writing. She holds a BA in Creative Writing and Film Studies from The New School University in New York City, and an MA in Creative Writing and Literature from City College/City University of New York. For many years, she was an Editor of books for young readers at HarperCollins Publishers in New York. She is the author of many award-winning picture books, including That Book Woman, as well as novels for teens and middle grade readers. Her novel, Here’s How I See It/Here’s How It Is was a Bank Street Best Book of 2010 and was inspired by growing up at the Playhouse.
Karen Harryman’s poems are forthcoming in North American Review and Atticus. Her poetry and micro-fiction have appeared in Forklift, Alaska Quarterly, Verse Daily, The Cortland Review as well as other print and online journals. Auto Mechanic’s Daughter, her first book of poetry, was selected by Chris Abani for the Black Goat Poetry Series Imprint with Akashic Books, 2007. Before moving to California she lived and worked in Kentucky for most of her life. She and her husband currently live in Los Angeles with their two young daughters and one old dog.
Sandi Keaton-Wilson, Somerset, KY, is a published writer of prose, poetry, plays and an active member of Pulaski Writers Alliance. Her poetry has appeared widely in the region, most recently in Kentucky Monthly.  Other works are found in Appalachian Heritage, Mosiac I and II, Now & Then, Poetry as Prayer, Telling Stories: Fiction by Ky Feminists,The Writer and many other journals and anthologies. Her play, The Unveiling, was a 2 hour production of ACT in Elkhorn City, and  "Boundaries," a 10 minute play, was chosen as a winner with New Mummers acting troupe and was held as a staged reading in Berea and also at Manhattan Studio Club in NY.	Barbara Dye Barron was born in a log house in Garrard County, Kentucky, during WW ll. Her father was a share cropper and raised tobacco and eight children. She is a member of Pulaski Writers’ Alliance, KSPS, and Green River Writers. Her family’s home is Eubank, Ky. She has been published in Kentucky Explorer, Back Home in Kentucky, Crossing Troublesome, Kudzu, Pegasus, Mosaic, Appalachian Angels, Appalachian Women’s Journal, Trajectory, and other anthologies.
Joe Crafa was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He became interested in music of the thirties and forties while listening to his parents' record collection and became influenced by the styles of Dick Haymes, Bing Crosby, and several other artists of that era. Joe was the lead singer for several "oldies" groups while living in New York. He played tenor saxophone and performed at resorts in the Catskill Mountains of New York state. After marrying he moved to New Jersy and discontinued any public performances. He moved to Casey County, Kentucky in 2005 and in 2009 was "drafted" by his friends to help start an open mic at Uncle Bob's in Stanford, Kentucky.It was there that he first heard Leah Clark perform. The two tried an unrehearsed song together at the open mic, which was so well received that they decided to form a duet.	Leah Bugg Clark, born and raised in Stanford, Kentucky, developed a love for music at an early age, learning to play the guitar and sing at the age of thirteen. She grew up playing music and singing in church, using praise and worship music as the foundation of her musical ability. She later branched out and began singing at coffee shops and open mics, and started writing her own music. Leah's writing influences include Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, and Melissa Etheridge. She is frequently compared to sixties and seventies folk music icons like Joan Biaz and Judy Collins. Leah's melodic song writing and stunning vocals can be described as dream-like and haunting. Although they came from such different musical and geographical backgrounds, the similarity in style and vocal quality was immediately evident. They have been described as having a "magic blend" that captures their audiences.
Dr. H. R. Stoneback and the Elizabeth Madox Roberts Society from New York will be joining us again this year.  H. R. Stoneback is Distinguished Professor of English at the State University of New York. As Honorary President of the Elizabeth Madox Roberts Society, every year he leads dozens of students from New York and many other states (including France!) to Kentucky to study Roberts, one of Kentucky's greatest writers, and to participate in the annual Roberts Conferences held at St. Catharine College (and other venues in Springfield and Harrodsburg) every April since 1999. In addition, Roberts Society members have participated in the Penn's Store Kentucky Writers Day programs for over a decade.  Stoneback is the author or editor of 30 books, roughly half poetry and half literary studies.
Ed McClanahan is a native of Brookville, Kentucky.  A graduate of Miami University in Ohio and the University  of Kentucky, he has taught English  and creative writing  at Oregon State University, Stanford University, the University of Montana, the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University.  His books include The  Natural Man (a novel), Famous People I Have Known, A Congress of Wonders, and My Vita, If You Will.  McClanahan is now working on a novel, The Return of the Son of Needmore.	Maurice Manning was a Guggenheim fellow for 2011-2012.  His fourth book of poetry, The Common Man, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2011.  Manning teaches in the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College and at Transylvania University in Lexington.  Most recently Manning received the Lee Smith Award from Lincoln Memorial University.  His next book, The Gone and the Going Away, will be published in the spring of 2013.
Vera Burris has lived in Danville over 25 years. She was a state employee and has now retired, concentrating on a long-neglected writing career. She describes herself as an eclectic writer, with manuscripts including a YA murder mystery, an LGBT version of an O Henry short story, a secular biblical fiction and a middle grade steampunk set in Ancient Alexandria.	Tony Cooper is an Award winning songwriter who splits his time between his native Casey County, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee writing songs and playing music any time he can.  While he likes many types and genres of music, his favorites are the old time tearjerkers.
Jon Nesbitt, a Pennsylvania native, has had one desire in life -- to be a successful musician and songwriter.  At the age of 14 he started playing guitar and writing songs. He soon realized that the more instruments he could play, the easier it would be to get into a band.  At the age of 17 he learned to play drums and bass guitar. The piano soon followed.  Jon was being influenced by musicians such as John Lennon, Bob Dylan and the guitar playing of Jimi Hendrex.  Jon realized that a true musician should be open to different styles of music from rock and blues to folk and country.  This thinking has helped him develop his own style.  Over the years he has worked with many of Central Kentucky's top country and rock variety bands. He has also preformed as a solo act. Jon doesn't want to be classified as a "one style writer".  He wants to be known as a true musician, songwriter and performer.  With his love for music and a God given talent, Jon has the ability to succeed.	Dixie Bertram has been teaching language arts for 21 years in Lincoln County, Kentucky. She always had a great personal love for writing, and since becoming a teacher, has an even greater love for teaching others to write. Dixie began writing stories at a very young age. A high school poetry class opened the door to another genre. Bertram has written plays for church, which she also directed and produced, and has also written sermon skits and personal narratives. Dixie Bertram presently teaches at Lincoln County Middle School; lives in Stanford, Kentucky where she has resided most of her life, has two daughters and two granddaughters.
Eric “Rick” Lee is a native of Chicago, Illinois. A second generation soldier, Rick was commissioned as an officer after completing Army ROTC at the University of Alabama. He subsequently served eight years with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Rick’s awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Southwest Asia and National Defense Medals as well as the Parachutist and Air Assault Badges.  A veteran of the Gulf War, he is an affiliate of the 761st Tank Battalion & Allied Veteran’s Association as well as a member of the Central Kentucky World War II Roundtable. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a Masters degree from Murray State University. Rick’s father served in both World War II and the Korean War.  Rick has worked in the civilian arena in various management and technical positions. He is privileged to be the father of four children and has been married to his wife Mary for 28 years.   He is author of the book Tribute to Valor and Courage. The nonfiction work chronicles the lives of several veterans of World War II and the former last known living American veteran from World War I.
Darlene Franklin Campbell is an award-winning poet and novelist from southern Kentucky. She is also a first grade teacher and visual artist. Her works include I Listened, Momma, Uncommon Clay, Looking for Pork Chop McQuade and Touched. Darlene donates portions of her royalties to aid in the fight against cancer and to fund efforts aimed at halting mountaintop removal. She holds an Master’s Degree from Lindsey Wilson College and has done post grad work at Western Kentucky University. She is proud of her Appalachian heritage and writes about the region and its people, not as an outsider looking in with romantic notions, but as one who has risen up out of the Kentucky soil, like a tree, with roots going four hundred years deep, touching long-gone Scotch Irish settlers, Native American bloodlines and Melungeon legends. In her spare time, Darlene is an avid disciple of martial arts and enjoys spending time with friends, family and nature. http://www.darlenefranklincampbell.com/chippie http://www.nochipa.wordpress.com
Some Rock Band is: Garland Frederick – Bass and Vocals-   Garland’s style of playing adds wicked bass runs and fullness required in a three piece band.  From Danville, KY, Garland has played in several local groups.  He has shared a stage with some national acts including Montgomery Gentry, Confederate Railroad and JD Shelburne. His love of Rock and Roll keeps him motivated to lay down those bass licks for Some Rock Band earning him the title of “Kingfish” Tim Scott – Drums and Vocals-   Tim started practicing his licks at an early age. He quickly went on to play in a variety of bands based in the Louisville area.   In 1985 he moved to Danville and fits well into popular local bands including Little South, Straight Shot and SRB.  Tim has shared a stage with several national acts but his favorite story is of his Grandfather, Howard May. From Gravel Switch and raised in a strict religious family, Howard became a “black sheep” because his love of music prompted him to buy a motorcycle and a fiddle in the 30s and drive to Lebanon on weekends to play for 25 cents. Just doesn’t get better than that! Music runs in our veins! Steve “Bygod” Smith – Lead Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals- The hardest working guy in the music business, Steve Smith fills in all the gaps. Accomplished on piano and guitar licks, he makes your skin crawl with excitement. Steve established Some Rock Band many years ago. The idea is to not only represent Rock and Roll by providing quality music but to provide entertainment as we remembered from bands of the 70s and 80s. Some Rock Band is all about the “show”!  Steve has shared a stage with several national acts.  His love of music shines through in his playing.	Susan H. Simpson is a Kentucky educator with a Masters and a Rank I in English.  She has taught for over 35 years in the public and private school systems teaching English and Journalism.  Susan was also the Washington County cheerleader sponsor and the newspaper advisor for 13 years.  She currently serves on the Kentucky School Media Association State Board and works as a librarian.         At the age of 23, Susan served in the Peace Corps. For two years she worked in Colombia, South America teaching English and the use of educational television and learning Spanish.  Susan  has traveled extensively, discovering over nineteen countries.  Inspired by her travels, she now enjoys Painting, Photography, and writing poetry.  Susan is a member of the Poet's Supper, a central Kentucky collective of writers, which has published some of her work.         Susan is married to Coach Whitey Simpson who is also a Kentucky educator.  Chad, her oldest son, is a Disability Advocate for Binder & Binder.  Chad and his wife Dr. Christina Conroy, who is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Morehead State University, blessed Susan with a grandson, Carter who is now two.  Her youngest son Wade is a Photographer and is the Photo Editor for an arts journal, Cousin Corinne's Reminder.
Elizabeth Orndorff worked in advertising, public relations and publications production before turning to fiction and playwriting. She has degrees from Grove City College (PA), University of Georgia, and University of Kentucky, where she taught journalism. Her play Death by Darkness won the International Mystery Writers Festival in 2007 and the Southern Playwrights Competition in 2008. In 2009 she studied with Lee Blessing at the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, partially funded by a Kentucky Arts Council Award. Also in 2009, her play Aidan’s Gift won the Kentucky Theatre Association’s playwriting award. She won a Wurlitzer Foundation Fellowship to live and write plays in Taos, New Mexico, during 2010. In 2011 her plays were finalists in the University of Arkansas Kernodle playwriting competition and the Eudora Welty New Play Series.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Ronn Crowder is from a musical family. His grandfather JB Maxcy was the first man to play harmonica live on the radio. -Atlanta Journal, Sept 22, 1923.  Ronn did session work in Memphis at Sun Recording Studios, American Studios, Ardent Studios, Sounds of Memphis, and Stairway Studios.       Performed on stage and/or recordings with Furry Lewis, Leo LeBlanc, The Hombres, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bonnie Bramlett, Lindy Hearne, The Amazing Rhythm Aces. Played with Don McNatt,  the Smplzat Band.  Served as opening act for Rick Springfield, Pure Prairie League, Styx, Stephen Bishop, and others.        Ronn presently performs his solo act at many venues in central Kentucky, and is currently a member of two bands, Sons of the Frigidaires, and RC and the NightShades, (with the late five-time Emmy winner, master pianist, Jay Flippin) whose latest album "Snakebit" includes 4 songs written by Crowder.
Crystal Bradshaw is a junior studying English: Creative Writing at the University of Kansas. Eliza: A Generational Journey is Crystal's first novel, but certainly not her last. Eliza  touches upon the inspirational story of Eliza Bradshaw, Crystal's x5 great grandmother, who was enslaved in Kentucky during the 1800's. Since the novel's publication, Crystal has been invited to numerous excerpt readings, her most recent one being for the NAACP. Her life long goal is to eventually establish her own publishing company and help publish other writers’ works on a global level. Through this, she hopes to one day travel the world, spreading the importance of reading and writing one’s story. Education has always been of great value in the Bradshaw family. But to Crystal, one’s education is worth nothing if it is not passed on to the next generation. Also, stay updated with Crystal’s other literary works and publications by checking out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CrystalBradshawWriting. If you would like to contact Crystal, please email all inquiries to cbradshawbooks@gmail.com
Jason Coulter’s interest in music began at a very early age. He was probably four years old when he got his first guitar. He remembers his dad casually sitting around the house with his guitar, singing songs that were recorded by Country Music Legends like Merle Haggard & George Jones. At the age of 15 Jason joined a country/southern rock band playing the bass guitar. His band performed in local clubs playing everything from Bob Seger to Keith Whitley. It was during this time that Jason was able to work on timing and chord progression to different types of beats that would help him in the development of his "ear for music". In 1996 he married Heather Wilcher Coulter of McKinney, KY and they have three wonderful children. Spencer is 18, Gentry is 13, and Jaden is 7, and they are very proud of all of them and the accomplishments they've made thus far in their own personal lives. Jason currently works full time in the funeral industry and he is employed at Spurlin Funeral Home, Stanford. Jason is very excited to announce a brand new CD project entitled, Generation Inspiration, which is now available for purchase and/or download on all major digital download sites. This compilation features two songs written by his father (Mother Please Forgive Me & The Coulter Generation) as well as a few other songs Jason grew up listening to his dad play and sing! He very much appreciates the support of his family, friends, and local community as well as all of the Radio DJ’s worldwide that are spinning his songs! For booking and other information on Jason’s music please visit his website at www.jasoncoultermusic.com.
Phil Pendleton has worked in in the news industry in one facet or another for more than two decades! He began his career at Danville's WHIR radio in 1992 then worked for stations in London (WFTG), Stanford (WRSL) and Lexington (WVLK.)  He's also worked for The Advocate-Messenger newspaper for several months in 2003 but you probably will recognize him most for his work at the Lexington, Ky. CBS News affiliate at WKYT. "I've worked for all three mediums: print, radio and television, but I must say that I enjoy working in television the most," says Phil. Phil's position with WKYT carries one of the more unique job descriptions. He is a "one man band" or what is more commonly referred to now as a "multi-media journalist." "I still have people come up to me now, even after nearly 13 years of doing the camera, reporting, and editing all by myself, and they say, 'hey, can't they afford to get you your own camera man!' Or they will say, 'You mean, they haven't promoted you to having your camera guy yet?'"  Phil will tell you, though, that he enjoys traversing southern and south-central Kentucky and covering stories of every-day Kentuckians along with highlighting the various news of the day events, even if he does have to do all the work alone.  He's also been able to travel outside of Kentucky in covering Kentuckians helping disaster victims in Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, and Oklahoma and was able to cover excited UK fans in the Final Four and SEC tournament. Recently, Phil has taken on a new passion in writing books. His first book, "One Man Band" is an autobiography. That was followed in 2014 with "Television Revelation" and last year with his first work of fiction, "The Answer." All three were self-published. When he's not busing covering the news or writing, Phil enjoys spending time with his family. His wife of nearly 22 years, Allissa, has been a longtime elementary school teacher in Stanford and they have three children, Hannah, 16, Connor, 13, and Keaton, 9.
DINO MUSSO has played and performed music most all his life.  Beginning with the accordion at age 6, he now plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, piano, sax, bass, drums, flute and harmonica ... and has played / jammed with many of the "greats".    On a musical sojourn for 10 years, DINO MUSSO traveled the United States in a motor home, along with his dogs, and played at every vacation spot and place that offered respite.  Having come to Kentucky recently, drawn here by the state's beauty in all it's seasons,  and even more with the Kentucky people, DINO has planted roots and found his home.  According to Dino ... "They'll carry me out feet first".
Stephen M. Vest is the editor, publisher and founder of Kentucky Monthly Magazine, which won the Governor Award in the Arts (Media) in 2005. Vest, along with long-time journalist Michael Embry, founded Kentucky Monthly in 1998 and today it has a circulation of more than 40,000 with readers in every state. He is the author of Unexpected Inheritance (Butler Books, 2014), two collections of his columns and the publisher of the 2012 anthology Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas.  A native Kentuckian, Vest holds degrees from the University of Louisville (1986) and Murray State University (MFA in Creative Nonfiction, 2011). His work has appeared in literary journals such as The Journal of Kentucky Studies, Still, The Single Hound (and others). He has been anthologized in Of Woods and Waters: An Outdoor Reader. He was a contributor to The Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky. He is also the editor of SAR Magazine, the National Society Sons of the American Revolution’s Quarterly. Before Kentucky Monthly, Vest was the news editor of The Blood-Horse, an international Thoroughbred racing magazine. He spent more than a dozen years in newspapers, mostly in sports, including award-winning stints at the Frankfort State Journal, the Recorder Newspapers of Northern Kentucky and the McLean County News.  Vest and his wife, Kay, reside in Frankfort with the youngest of their four delightful children.
Sam Gaddis resides in Louisville, Kentucky.  USMC veteran.  Sam began writing songs in the 1970's and has been writing and singing them ever since.  He has his own unique style of telling a story with his songs and music.   One of Sam's sayings may best describe his music ... " I ain't your daddy's Chevy."  You can hear him on Reverbnation and soundcloud.	Kenneth Joseph Mills grew up on a knob farm on upper Little South in the Forkland area.  He immediately joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Casey County High School.  While in the Air Force he worked as a jet engine mechanic and was discharged after nine years.  He attended the University of Kentucky and for thirty-three years he worked as an engineer in industry; he was also in the Air Force Reserves for thirty-three years.  He loves being retired and working on his own place here in Kentucky.
He goes by Joseph, although his mom calls him Joey and some folks call him Joe. His full name, though, is Joseph Ross Camuglia.  He's of Italian decent and grew up in a small town (of about 5 thousand people) 60 miles north of New York City. The town is called Marlboro. And although they don't make cigarettes there, they do smoke a lot of them! Marlboro is situated on the Hudson River, not too far from Poughkeepsie or West Point. It's a beautiful area of rolling hills and lots of trees, many of which are fruit trees. The area rates third in apple production in the New York State, and this songwriter was fortunate enough to live amidst acres and acres of apple orchards. For twenty years he's been writing and singing songs, often in places that you wouldn't expect, such as pizza shops and barber shops... and grocery stores and laundromats. He also sings and plays at more conventional places like churches, coffeehouses, schools and college campuses. Joseph s certainly one of America's best "unknown" songwriters. but it's probably just a short period of time before some big shot record producer offers him a contract and receives the fame and fortune that he's been so diligently avoiding all these years! In the meantime, singing for the few is what he loves to do. Many albums are in the works. Joseph has written over a thousand songs, and little by little he hopes to record at least a few hundred of them!
Formed out of the vision of two independent songwriters, The Girls Say Hi, Although being relatively new to some folks, have been on the scene approximately 2 1/2 years. As singer song writers they can be found performing around the area at various venues bringing their  variety of tasty originals that are flavored with styles of balled, country, folk, rock ,blues and even some humor.  In normal show circumstances they will blend their originals with about 50% of cover tunes that were big hits but have since become cloudy in the minds of a lot of people. That is of course until they hear these particular selections and say "wow! I forgot all about that song. It was huge on the charts back in tha day" Or they may say something like, "How come most bands play the same old stuff anymore. How come you rarely hear these songs?" It becomes apparently refreshing to hear good songs you either forgot about or when looking for new material. Composed of Rennie Neubecker, Larry Williams & Jeff Jones, "The Girls Say Hi" will often bring other artists into the group to either round out and enhance a particular set list or just to change things up and have a bit of fun. " The Girls Say Hi" Can also be seen at various Singer/Songwriter events performing their originals in an "originals only" type of showcase atmosphere.   Front man Rennie Neubecker (host), with Larry Willams managing the stage along with Jeff Jones backing other musicians,the award winning, wildly (and widely) Popular "LexJam" held the second Saturday of each month, is  the regions Longest running and Biggest open mic and talent showcase. The event is 'always' the second Saturday of the month and look for the event pages to be posted about 5-7 days ahead of the event.  Anyway you choose to dice it (or them), "The Girls Say Hi" can be found performing many places and each and every one, a fun and memorable experience. Look for our you tube channel and new record soon.
Larry Sanders & BorderLine are a versatile group of musicians. If you enjoy country music, (old and new), old rock and roll, some gospel and a little bit of bluegrass, Larry Sanders and BorderLine is the of entertainers for you. They are well known for their impersonations, colorful costumes and comedy routines. If you've ever been to a Pigeon Forge or Branson music show, Larry Sanders & BorderLine are the group for you.  They have worked with Ronnie McDowell and The Jordaniers, The Kentucky Headhunters, International folk singer Michael Jonathan and they were the band when Gary Edwards visited Kentucky. They have performed on cable and KET. Larry has been a special guest on the RFDTV broadcast of MidWest Country and Jordan Leigh Young has appeared on "The Morning Show" on CBS with Dolly Parton and has been Dolly's guest at the Grand Ole Opry.  Larry Sanders & BorderLine are known for their "Tribute to Kentucky", Patriotic and Christmas concerts. If you want "Excellence in Entertainment" for your next event, contact Larry Sanders & BorderLine.
In 2010 C. A. Shelley  found his voice in the arts by writing and co-producing the movie Gone but Not Forgotten, the Story of the Smoke Eaters, a full-length documentary chronicling the memories and experiences of his "Firefighter Brothers".  During the filming Shelley became so inspired that he began to write. First: A Collection of Poems, Thoughts & Short Stories about his beloved Fire Department.  Second: Wake Up, America; it’s Your Conscience Calling, thirty poems honoring the struggles that our military and their families are enduring every moment. Third: His current book A Spiritual Awakening, forty-nine poems of Inspiration & Hope.He calls himself a "Blue-Collar Poet", with "My God guiding this ship, putting His words in my heart, which I put to paper. I am on a mission and I have a lot to say, so look for me; I'm coming to you down God's highway." C. A. Shelley and his wife Rita reside at Lake Herrington, Mercer County, Kentucky.
Stillwater is a high energy southern rock, country & classic rock and hardworking band. The band is based out of central Kentucky.  Playing numerous great venues around KY, OH, IN and Nashville, TN, the band members have been playing and entrenched in the music business for many years. Each member of this band has played with some of the big name stars in country music at some point in their music career.  Soulful vocals, accomplished musicianship and the very best harmonies make STILLWATER one of the best cover bands in central Kentucky. Stillwater prides itself in supplying honesty in the music and in their conquering energy that will make you move!  The band members are: Lisa Allen (vocals & rhythm); Steve Dooley (lead guitar & vocals); Terry Ross (bass guitar & vocals); Randy Burchfield (drums & vocals); and Paul Bernstein (Keyboard).
Barry Morrison,born March 20, 1949, in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, is an American country music singer-songwriter. This multi-talented artist is largely identified with the country rock/Americana genre(s) of music, and is best known for his 1970's cult-classic "Snakey Hollow Stud"; a song released on the RCM Records label which charted on the Independent Country Music Charts at number one. Based on this initial success, Morrison received a 1971 first round nomination for Country Male Vocalist of the Year. In the interveining years, several other of Morrison's releases have entered into a top five chart position, with "There Ain't No Country" being the only other of his songs to reach number one. The offer to record his music on his own terms for a Nashville-based label lead Morrison back to recording and performing in 2007. Given the opportunity, he took a bare bones approach to recording the highly acclaimed roots music album; "A Cold Wild Wind". That year saw him touring solo throughout the central and southeastern United States in support of the album release. In 2009, Morrison recorded outstanding cover versions of "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Good Hearted Woman" in preparation for headlining and promoting the 2010 Walk the Line-Good Hearted Woman Tour. In April 2012, Morrison returned to the studio to record more original material. Backed by bassist Paul Martin, better known as "The Apostle", the Americana Music Association 2006 Instrumentalist of the Year,  Kenny Vaughn and dobro virtuoso Matt DeSpain.   The Barry Morrison discography chronicles the very powerful musical output of a consummate singer-songwriter. The lyrics from one of his songs proclaims, "I'm a hundred miles of bad road, I'm a bridge washed out". Luckily, he found the way around it all.
Robby Henson received his M.F.A. from New York University’s graduate film school, his thesis film won the Student Academy Award.  His films have been seen on PBS, the BBC, at Lincoln Center, the Museum of Modern Art, the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris and at film festivals in Canada, Ireland, France, Yugoslavia,  Australia and Poland.  He has directed over 30 theater productions and has made 5 award winning documentaries shown on PBS including SPALDING GRAY: A LIFE IN PROGRESS and TROUBLE BEHIND a film about a Southern race riot that was shown at the Sundance Film Festival.  Robby’s dramatic first feature PHARAOH’S ARMY with Academy Award winner Chris Cooper, Academy Nominee Patricia Clarkson and music legend Kris Kristofferson was released theatrically by Lions Gate Films and was shown on PBS.  He collaborated with Academy Award winner Norman Jewison on a screenplay for Sony Pictures and Michael Medavoy.  In 2002 he wrote and directed THE BADGE, a southern crime drama starring Billy Bob Thornton, Patricia Arquette, Thomas Hayden Church and Sela Ward for Starz Pictures and Lions Gate Films that was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award (Gay and Lesbian Alliance) and won Best Drama at the Breckinridge Film Festival and Best Feature Film at the Texas Film Festival.  In 2005 he directed THE VISITATION, a supernatural thriller released by 20th Century Fox that starred Edward Furlong, Kelly Lynch, Martin Donovan and Randy Travis.   His 5th dramatic feature film HOUSE was filmed in Poland and was released in 2008 by Lions Gate Films.  He recently contributed footage to Steven Soderbergh’s documentary AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE and most recently was commissioned to write and direct a science fiction web movie ASPARAGUS for the Independent Television Service and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival and on the innovative PBS web portal FutureStates.
Jenean McBrearty, writer of "griterary" fiction, is a graduate of San Diego State University, a former community college instructor who taught Political Science and Sociology, and is finishing a certificate in Veteran Studies as a Donovan Scholar at Eastern Kentucky University.  Her fiction/non-fiction has been published in a slew of print and on-line journals including Cigale Literary Magazine, 100 Doors to Madness Anthology, Mad Swirl and The Moon, and her poetry has been accepted by Van Gogh's Ear and Page & Spine. Her photographs have appeared in Foliate Oak Literary Journal and Off the Coast Magazine among others. Her novel, Raphael Recloak, was serialized by Juke Pop. Her novel, The 9th Circle was published by Barbarian Books. She now resides in Kentucky, writes full time, and spends her free time pretending she's a princess, or, on cloudy days, Norma Desmond. A fan of the Royals, her Queen Elizabeth plate collection is impressive.	John E. Moss is a Widower and photographer/writer living in Jamestown, Kentucky with a small black and tan dog named Gretchen. He currently has a photographic exhibit at the main branch of the Russell County Public Library, and is said to be, by those who follow his work, the best nine-fingered photographer in Russell County. Mr. Moss has self-published seven photography books and one book of poems called, Branches Of Thought, A Collection of Original Verse 2009. A copy of each of his self-published books reside in the Russell County Library. Self-published books: Old Guy, A Photographic Study of An Old Guy, Russell County Kentucky, A Photographic Study Of Russell County Kentucky, Common Stuff, From The Camera Of John E. Moss, The Burg, A Visual Experience Of Fredericksburg Virginia, Sleeping Jamestown, From The Camera Of John E. Moss, Branches Of Thought, A Collection of Original Verse 2009.
John A. Nelson  has a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism  from Eastern Kentucky University, where he serves on the advisory boards of both the Department of Mass Communications and the Eastern Progress, the student newspaper. In January 2006 John received the Russ Metz Most Valuable Member Award from the Kentucky Press Association's outgoing president.  He was also recipient of the Bingham Freedom of Information Award from the KPA in coordination with The Courier Journal in Louisville.  Nelson was 2006 president of the Bluegrass Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.	The Elizabeth Madox Roberts Society will be part of  the events, in conjunction with their conference at St. Catherine College in Springfield.
Lisa R. Kindel started writing as soon as she could hold a crayon and published her first piece in 1981 entitled "Me" in the Danville Advocate Messenger, thanks to journalist, Judy Sieweke. Since then, Kindel's written and published in Kentucky Monthly, TagMag, US News and World Report, along with several other websites. She chose haiku as her medium of expression after studying in Japan and it didn't take as much time as iambic pentameter. When she's not writing haiku, she's posting smart ass remarks on social media, reading something interesting, doing taxes and rescuing cats.  You can follow her as LRKindel on facebook, instagram and twitter.	Bobbie Curd is the A&E editor for anville's newspaper, The Advocate-Messenger. Almost 12 years ago, after the unexpected death of her brother, she left a career in corporate recruiting for an entry-level reporting job in order to have more time with her family and do something more meaningful. Originally of Lexington, now she lives in the "family compound" with her mom, sister, nieces, dogs, cats and fish in Boyle County. She hopes to win a few more Kentucky Press Association awards, but considers the ability to give others a voice by telling their stories as the biggest reward.
An award-winning corporate editor and public relations specialist with Ford Motor and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Companies, Ed Ford has edited newsletters, newspapers and magazines in addition to producing brochures, booklets and other promotion pieces for public relations campaigns and fund-raising programs.  He is the author of several Civil War books, including The Plot, a Kentucky Civil War Novel and The Draw, both historical fiction books based on characters and events in the Commonwealth.  The Draw concerns the Civil War Battle of Richmond, Ky.  A third Civil War offering is Silent Witness, a booklet and play about the Surrender at Appomattox. Scheduled for publication later this year is The Assassin, a novel about Kentucky Confederates, and The Babe, and other sidebars, featuring color stories from the author’s years as a newspaper reporter and magazine writer. One of the stories from the latter book is “The Note” that won recent short story honors from Kentucky Monthly magazine. Ford has media experience as a reporter and editor with weekly and daily newspapers and has written and produced radio and television advertising and scripted and produced film and video promos and documentaries. An early member of the Battle of Richmond Association, the Berea, KY, native has served as president and a director of that Civil War organization.   He also is a member of the Kentucky Civil War Sites Association, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, and the Society of Professional Journalists; he is editor of The Kentucky Civil War Bugle, an on-line publication. The University of Kentucky journalism graduate operates his own public relations firm in Richmond, KY, and has served as public relations director for Berea College and as a staff writer for The Lane Report business magazine.
A native of the Forkland area of Boyle County, Kentucky,  Steve Shepperson serves on the Forkland Community Center's  Board of directors.   An organic farmer, when not working on the farm he enjoys hunting, fishing and ...  playing the Blues.    He will be playing blues; lead guitar, with BIG BOSS BAND  during the 2016 Songwriters Tribute Showcase.	Jeff Cain has been involved in music professionally for over 30 years.   He has been a member of several Central Kentucky bands, namely 12 years with LITTLE SOUTH band, and may be best known for his years with the MIGHTY BLUES DRAGON.  Jeff is owner of MAIN STREET MUSIC, Lancaster, Kentucky.  Originally from Louisville, he now resides in Stanford, Kentucky. Jeff and John Waters will be joined by Joe Austin Caldwell of Danville, Kentucky.
Mary King, a native of the Parksville area, is a former teacher at the Kentucky School for the Deaf.  She now spends her time writing plays, articles for several web sites and her church bulletin.  She had complete two years of on-line study in writing and holds a diploma in writing for children and teenagers from the Institute of Children's Literature, West Redding, Connecticut.	Jon Waters is the consummate harmonica player.  He has been a member of several noted bands, including Central Kentucky's MIGHTY BLUES DRAGON.  Virginia born Waters, now calls Danville, Kentucky home.
Wayne Pollock, bassist, has been in and around music his entire life. His father was a singer/songwriter and his siblings are also musicians. His primary instrument is the bass guitar, but he is also a vocalist and plays piano, drums and guitar as well. He has a degree in Music Engineering and Marketing. He has toured with drummer Tony Royster Jr., who is the drummer for Jay-Z and has also played with numerous Gospel and R&B legends of the music industry. Wayne is a vocal coach and has worked with artist Lyndriette Smith, who is currently on tour with Usher. Wayne has played with the Back Street band and the Paul Childers Band, both from Kentucky.  Played at B.B. King’s and 12th and Porter in Nashville, TN, Ham Days, the Bourbon Festival, The Outhouse Blowout and numerous KWD  Festivals.  He is the founding member of the smooth jazz band, The Wayne James Xperience.  Pollock now resides in Palm Bay, Florida.  Wayne Pollock will take the stage at the 2016 Songwriters Tribute Showcase with Dawn Osborn and BIG BOSS BAND.	Born in a musical family, Fred Edwards grew up listening to his Father playing a weekly radio show, Renfro Valley and numerous other venues across the Southeastern United States. His grandfather was a banjo player and had two award winning fiddle playing uncles.  Fred played in a rock and roll band in high school and toured for 7 years with KY New Grass Bluegrass Band, playing Opry Land Hotel, Renfro Valley and Bluegrass festivals across the country.  His recent musical endeavors have been playing harmonica and rhythm guitar backing Dawn Osborn and guitar and baritone ukulele for songwriter Trena Douglas.  Edwards will be playing at the 2016 Songwriters Tribute Showcase with * BIG BOSS BAND
Carolyn Crabtree is a former mathematics and English teacher who now spends her spare time doing history and genealogy research.  Over the last 30 years she has written many Bible Studies and devotionals and has helped compile history books for the Forkland Community Center. Carolyn is also the web master for the Penn's Store web site.

Site of the 2016 Kentucky Writers Celebrations April 23, 10:00am - 4:00pm Boyle County Public Library 307 West Broadway, Danville, Kentucky Tel: 859-236-4609 April 24, 11 noon - 6:00pm Penn's Store Gravel Switch, Kentucky Site of the 2016 Kentucky "Songwriters Tribute Showcase" April 21, 5:00pm - 11:00pm Brothers BBQ and Brewing Company 464 South Fourth Street Danville, Kentucky Tel: 859-236-3600 April 22, 3:00pm -8:00pm Brothers BBQ and Brewing Company 464 South Fourth Street Danville, Kentucky Tel: 859-236-3600 April 23, 12:00 noon -8:00pm Brothers BBQ and Brewing Company 464 South Fourth Street Danville, Kentucky Tel: 859-236-3600 View the 2015 Kentucky Writers Day Performers list here. For more information contact Jeanne Penn Lane at Penn's Store (859) 332-7706 or (859) 332-7715, or e-mail PennsStore@aol.com It is best to call ahead to check times and cancellations. Penn's Store 257 Penn's Store Road Gravel Switch, Kentucky 40328 859-332-7715 or 859-332-7706 GPS Coordinates: N37.549912; W085.028191 You may also visit PENN'S STORE FACEBOOK page.

 

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This page last updated 04/27/2016