PARIS, Ky – Folk singer and songwriter Michael Johnathon wanted to help the families affected by the December tornadoes find the best way he knows how.
What you need to know
- Folk singer Michael Johnathon collects musical instruments for families affected by the December tornadoes in Western Kentucky.
- Currier’s Music World in Richmond was the focal point
- Musical instruments ranging from guitars, banjos, drums, soundboards go away for free
- Distribution takes place in Mayfield, Dawson Springs and Owensboro
There are few sounds more appropriate to hear in Bourbon County than a freshwater stream, just like the one flowing from Johnathon’s home. The melodic, subtle murmur of water is well accompanied by Johnathon’s long neck banjo.
Johnathon is a prolific folk singer, songwriter, composer and author. In the last 12 weeks, he has also led a kind of fundraising campaign, which has been incredibly successful. Jonathon was deeply aware of the devastating tornadoes that affected thousands of lives in Western Kentucky last December.
“Once upon a time, daylight shone on Mayfield and Dawson Springs and we saw exactly how extensive the damage was,” Johnathon said.
Shortly after seeing the images of the victims of the EF-4 tornado, Johnathon put an idea in motion to replace damaged and lost musical instruments last year. More than 12 weeks ago, he posted a video on Facebook and social media asking people for their help.
“From Paducah to Danville … was decimated by a terrible tornado. The front porches are gone. The instruments that the musicians played are gone, be it school bands or banjo pickers, guitarists …” he said. Johnathon on Video.
“And I knew we could not roof houses. We can not rebuild water pipes. We can not build power lines and things, but as musicians we know the power of music and the importance of the veranda of America.
In the weeks since, musical donations have arrived from around the globe in Kentucky, bringing tens of thousands of dollars worth of guitars, banjos, drums, soundboards and more.
“Newport Folk Festival has purchased ten brand new guitars with cases. We have collected instruments from Nashville to Washington DC, from Europe to Australia,” explains Johnathon.
The instruments will be donated free of charge on March 18 in Mayfield and March 19 in Dawson Springs, Owensboro.
“I believe love is the greatest transaction of art. It makes everything work, no matter what it is. Concerts, plates, paintings, books. If you love it, it works.”
And just as easily as Johnathon’s music lands on his ear, he wants to put the instruments in the hands of Kentucky’s musicians.
“All you have to do is open up.”
Instrument pickup times are:
Friday, March 18th from 5 to 8 pm:
Graves County Public Library
601 N 17. Street
Mayfield, KY 42066
Saturday, March 19 from 12:00 to 16:00:
West Dawson Music Venue
3420 Huddleston Loop Rd
Dawson Springs, KY 42408
Saturday, March 19th from 6 to 8 pm:
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum
311 W. Second St.
Owensboro, KY 42301
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