For years the Appreciation Fest at Beechbend was the area’s signature music event, raising money for a variety of charities. After a decade without it, the Kentucky Blues Society and the Sonrhea Foundation teamed up to resurrect Appreciation Fest. “It was a big deal and an important event for the local music scene back in the day. Since it has gone away…it has been missed.” said Kenny Lee, President of the Kentucky Blues Society who took the video footage below of Appreciation Fest 2008.

The Sonrhea Foundation and the Kentucky Blues Society each raised money for their education programs at the Appreciation Fest which featured 100s of regional musicians from many genres. The event took place at WhaBah Steelhorse Ranch in Bowling Green on May 4, the day following the Kentucky Derby, which was the traditional date of the festival’s previous incarnation.

Those who missed the Appreciation Fest can visit www.appreciationfest.com for pictures of many of the bands. The below video, filmed by Kenny Lee is a montage of a few of the bands who played at the event.

Kim Mason is the Content Manager of the Amplifier which was founded by her in 1995. She serves as Executive Director for the BG International Festival and designs websites. www.kimmason.ky.net