Bowling Green, KY, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky Museum in Bowling Green will soon unveil the ‘Sonic Landscape: The Musical Legacy of Southcentral Kentucky’ exhibit, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the region. Opening with a festival featuring local artists, food trucks, and live performances, the exhibit will highlight the contributions of over 90 musicians. Director Brent Bjorkman emphasizes the importance of honoring local artists and traditions that shape Southcentral Kentucky’s music scene. The exhibit will run for several years, offering a deep dive into the area’s musical narratives.
Bowling Green, KY will soon be the center of attention as the Kentucky Museum prepares to launch its much-anticipated exhibit titled “Sonic Landscape: The Musical Legacy of Southcentral Kentucky” on September 6, 2025. This exhibit will serve as a celebration of the region’s rich musical contributions and cultural heritage and will remain open until December 2030.
Designed to offer an intimate exploration of musical narratives unique to Southcentral Kentucky, “Sonic Landscape” will showcase a diverse collection of oral histories, artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs collected from over 90 musicians, producers, and various insiders from the music scene. Highlighted artists include well-known names such as Cage the Elephant, Bill Monroe, and Cousin Emmy, among others.
The research for this exciting exhibit has been spearheaded by the Kentucky Folklife Program in collaboration with professors and students from the WKU Folk Studies department. As part of the preparatory research, more than 30 oral interviews were conducted under the direction of Folk Studies Instructor Sydney Varajon.
Director Brent Bjorkman has emphasized the significance of celebrating local artists and the venues that have helped shape the distinctive sound of Southcentral Kentucky. The goal is to bring attention to those unsung voices and traditions that contribute to the area’s music scene.
The opening of “Sonic Landscape” will coincide with the inaugural Sonic Music Fest, taking place at the Kentucky Museum from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the same day. This festival promises a vibrant community celebration featuring food trucks, art activities, and live performances by a variety of artists, including The Songfarmers, Jane Pearl, and Bill Lloyd.
In addition to the festival, Sam Bush, a celebrated bluegrass artist and Bowling Green native, will perform a concert at Van Meter Hall that evening at 7 p.m. Sam Bush, who received an honorary doctorate from WKU, was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2023. Admission to both the festival and the concert will be free, with seating provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Kentucky Museum is located at 1444 Kentucky Street in Bowling Green, KY. For more information about the exhibit and related events, the museum’s website is available for a full schedule and further details.
Key Features of the Exhibit and Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exhibit Title | Sonic Landscape: The Musical Legacy of Southcentral Kentucky |
| Launch Date | September 6, 2025 |
| Duration | September 2025 – December 2030 |
| Featured Artists | Cage the Elephant, Bill Monroe, Cousin Emmy, and more |
| Festival Name | Sonic Music Fest |
| Festival Date and Time | September 6, 2025; 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Concert by Sam Bush | 7 p.m. at Van Meter Hall |
| Admission | Free |
| Location | Kentucky Museum, 1444 Kentucky Street, Bowling Green, KY |
FAQ Section
What is the “Sonic Landscape” exhibit about?
The “Sonic Landscape” exhibit focuses on the musical legacy and contributions of Southcentral Kentucky, showcasing artifacts, oral histories, and memorabilia from prominent local musicians.
When does the exhibit open and how long will it be available?
The exhibit opens on September 6, 2025, and will run until December 2030.
What events will take place during the opening of the exhibit?
The opening will feature the Sonic Music Fest from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., including live performances, food trucks, and art activities, followed by a concert by Sam Bush at 7 p.m.
Is there an admission fee for the festival and concert?
Both the festival and the concert are free to attend, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where is the Kentucky Museum located?
The Kentucky Museum is located at 1444 Kentucky Street, Bowling Green, KY.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WKU Herald: Kentucky Museum to Unveil Southcentral Kentucky Music Exhibit
- WNKY: New Sonic Landscape Exhibit at the Kentucky Museum
- Fox 56 News: Music City Honors Kentuckians Contributions to Country Music
- World Atlas: 9 Best Museums in Kentucky
- Smiley Pete: Distilled in Kentucky Docu-Series
- Wikipedia: Music of Kentucky
- Google Search: Kentucky music exhibits
- Google Scholar: Kentucky music history
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music
- Google News: Kentucky music exhibits
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