Music lovers gathered at “Sonic Fest” to experience the cultural history of Bowling Green’s musical landscape Saturday.
The exhibit “Sonic Landscape: The Musical Legacy of Southcentral Kentucky” showcases Southcentral Kentucky’s music scene with an emphasis on the musicians who shaped Bowling Green’s history. Brent Björkman, public folklorist, research assistant professor and director of the Kentucky Folklife Program, said he and his team are excited to share the exhibit, which has been in development since 2016.
“It’s just great this whole thing’s here,” attendee John Martin, director of guitar and music technology studies, said. “It’s really interesting, and it’s nice that a lot of these people get some recognition.”
The exhibit displayed historical memorabilia such as one of the original stools from Tidballs, where bands Cage the Elephant and Sixth Floor had their first shows.
Björkman said he and his team interviewed over 100 people to get the necessary information for this exhibit.
“The most rewarding thing has been seeing the response that we’ve really hit the nail on the head…” Björkman said. “I want students, especially the students here at WKU that come from around here to be proud of that.”
Dean Collier, a musician who goes by Captain Dean in his band the Trash Devils, is featured within the exhibit. Collier has been performing music in Bowling Green clubs since he was 15 years old and has a deep appreciation for the local music scene.
“I’m also a hardcore fan and very supportive of other bands,” Collier said. Collier described Bowling Green’s musical landscape as “one giant tree with roots on every aspect.”
The Sonic Fest featured live performances by local artists such as The Songfarmers, Jane Pearl, Jonell Mosser and many others. Food was available on the front lawn from food trucks Taste of Europe, Twisted Sisters Brunch and Lunch, and Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard.
The night was capped off by a performance from Sam Bush, 2023 inductee in the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in Van Meter Hall. Bush, who was born locally in Bowling Green, is also featured in the new exhibit.
