U.S. 23 in Eastern Kentucky running from Ashland to Pikeville is known as the Country Music Highway and has ties to country music stars such as Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle and more.
Now, Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is joining forces with Mountain Music Exchange to launch a program that will hopefully be a catalyst for country music’s next star coming from Eastern Kentucky.
Fostering Musical Talent
SOAR and Mountain Music Exchange are launching the Country Music Highway Guitar Program.
The program is in collaboration with the Country Music Highway Tribute Show, which is a celebration of the Country Music Highway and serves to create a stage for future stars to shine.
The program goes beyond just giving away guitars, as the partnership between Mountain Music Exchange and SOAR is meant to foster musical talent.
Those receiving guitars will get access to:
- Monthly video tutorials provided by the experts at Mountain Music Exchange.
- Free workshops by musicians from along the Country Music Highway and special programming from the Let them Rock Charitable Fund.
- Access to other special programming and events.
Who Is Eligible
To be eligible to receive a guitar, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or under (a parent or guardian can complete the application).
- Reside in one of the following counties: Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Lewis, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties.
- Have a passion for music.
- Be willing to dream big and work hard.
- Commit to paying it — and playing it — forward.
The deadline to apply for the Country Music Highway Guitar Program is November 15.
Those interested in learning more about the program can visit soar-ky.org/guitarprogram.
Those interested in partnering with SOAR to provide more instruments to children can contact Joshua Ball, SOAR’s Chief Operating Officer, at joshua@soar-ky.org.
For more information about SOAR, visit soar-ky.org.
For more information about Mountain Music Exchange, visit mountainmusicexchange.com.
