Kentucky bluegrass is more than what grows on rolling hills of the commonwealth.?

The Sixth Annual Kentucky Tour of Folk Music arrived Saturday on the front lawn of the Kentucky Building, featuring performances by Arthur Hatfield and Buck Creek, Dennis Holt and the Bluegrass Gamblers, and The Hays Brothers.?

Folk studies professor Erika Brady, one of the emcees for the event, said there were benefits for everyone who attended the concert.?

“Those familiar with bluegrass have an opportunity to experience a type of music that came into being right in their own backyards,” Brady said. “Others get the chance to experience music from the commonwealth that has spread across the nation as well as overseas.”

Chester Wilson, a sophomore from Springfield, Tenn., said he grew up listening to bluegrass music.

“My favorite would have to be ‘Shady Grove,'” he said. “It’s traditional.”

Russellville junior Jennifer Renfro also grew up with bluegrass, but she wasn’t able to name a favorite song as easily as Wilson.?

“There are so many to choose from, and I think they’re all good,” Renfro said.

The concert was centered around bluegrass music, but there were other activities to entertain attendees.??

A group of artisans including a blacksmith, two spinners, two basket weavers and a pottery maker demonstrated their trades.?

Near the end of the event, Lynwood Montell, a retired professor of folk studies, told ghost stories in the Felts Log House.

Laura Harper Lee, education curator for the Kentucky Library and Museum, said it was hard to say exactly how many attended the tour because of people coming and going.?

“It’s entertaining, and people really seem to like it,” Lee said. “It’s just a pleasant way to spend a fall day.”?

Reach Lisa Ross at [email protected].