Eric Bolander Releases New Video For “Cold Men” – A Tribute To The Blackjewel Miners And Their Protests

Eric Bolander has officially released the music video for “Cold Men” — chronicling the Blackjewel Miners protests in Harlan County, Kentucky in response to owed back pay.

This new single, produced by regular Bolander collaborator Duane Lundy (Sturgill Simpson, Ringo Starr) in Lexington, Kentucky, is a natural transition in Bolander’s catalog as a deeply-emotional protest song in an ever-tumultuous world. While it is based in the realities of a specific event, it serves as a cathartic microcosm of the pain so many have felt in the past year.
(more…)Golden Nuggets!! Share In Kentucky’s Embarrassment Of Musical Riches From 2019!

The past year has seen several Kentuckians release some of our favorite music yet. The meteoric rise of Tyler Childers and the return of Sturgill Simpson were definite bright spots, but the introduction of several new artists make this a list that we’re extremely proud to present to you.
Please note that this isn’t a comprehensive list of every Kentucky artist that released music in 2019, this is just an overall summary of some of our favorites. Also, the music included below is in no particular order, we love ’em all equally, and hopefully you will as well!
We put together a Spotify playlist to accompany the article. Hope you enjoy!
Kentucky Artists Take The Show On The Road To Denver For Appalachia On The Rocks

Kentucky music is no longer a secret and people all across the country are taking notice. You may ask, “What makes you say that?” Glad you asked. Because we have been invited to be involved in tons of Festivals and shows in several different states in just the past year.
First we made it out to Iowa for Hinterland. An event that featured three Kentuckians in Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Wheeler Walker, Jr. (Review here)
We then invaded Nashville for three shows.
We partnered up with Whiskey Soldier during the SEC Tournament for a Kentucky Takeover show with artists like Tyler Booth, Senora May, Jericho Woods, and Timmy Dunn. (Review here)
Lastly, we saw Tyler Childers make his debut at both The Grand Ole Opry and his Ryman debut in support of Margo Price. (Review here)
As Tyler Childers fame continues to reach new heights every day, he continues to be presented with larger opportunities and he recently sold-out the most acclaimed venue in the United States, perhaps even in the world, at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver. (Review here)
With that taking place, Darren Byrd approached me to give him some input as he put together an event to give all those traveling Kentuckians something to do while in Denver. The event was to be called ‘Appalachia On The Rocks.’ (more…)
Top 15 Performances We’re Looking Forward To At Master Musicians Festival In Somerset!

I’ve been blessed to be able to work with Master Musicians Festival. I was given the honor to be their staff photographer this year by Tiffany Finley. Many of you know Tiffany, but for those that don’t, she is the President of Master Musicians Festival. She is also an avid supporter of local music and all things Kentucky.
What makes Master Musicians Festival (MMF) so unique? The Festival is ran by ALL volunteers. That’s right. ALL volunteers. From the local roller derby tending bar, high school football teams setting up and tearing down the stages, marching bands providing golf cart rides to folks like the Don Franklin family of dealerships putting up sponsorship money, Somerset comes together and shows everyone else how it should be done.
With that army of volunteers, MMF has an economic impact of 3 million dollars. That’s absolutely incredible and astonishes me even after typing it.
This will be the 26th year that MMF has taken place and they handpick the artists. So since I’ll be there this year, I thought it would be fun to put together a top 15 list of performances that You should definitely try and take in.
There are a few tickets still left, so pick up your tickets here and enjoy the show.
Cinder & Smoke Fest! We Went To Jackson And It Was Hotter Than A Pepper Sprout!

The Cinder & Smoke Fest is our baby here at Capture Kentucky. It was an idea that was born as an opportunity to showcase some of the great artists that we feature here. A way to bring our articles to life, if you will. Last year, it was held in Lexington at Proud Mary BBQ. We had a great first year and we loved the location, the people, the food and everything about Proud Mary. The decision to move Cinder & Smoke was made to allow us the freedom to move to a ticketed event, as Proud Mary BBQ prefers to simply have an open door policy.
Enter Shawn & Crystal Hatcher. They were the gracious hosts for the 2019 version of the Cinder & Smoke Fest. They own Thatcher’s Downtown, a very cool restaurant in Jackson, Kentucky. Thatcher’s isn’t your normal little hometown restaurant. They serve breakfast, often have doughnuts, coffee, beer and barbeque. They also host live music and have been very supportive in providing a venue and wanting to grow their restaurant, as well as a music scene in their hometown. So the decision to move Cinder & Smoke to Jackson was made much easier. (more…)