'On a Winter's Night Community Artist Showcase' starts; all events to be held in The Homeplace community room

The first "On a Winter's Night Community Artist Showcase" was held in the community building at The Homeplace at Midway tonight. From left are Brett Franklin, Leslie Penn, Blake Jones and Bill Penn. Jones said he organized the series to give Midwegians something to do during the winter lull and spotlight the talents of the many artists in the community. Jones is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who has lived in Midway with his family since 2000. He grew up in a family of eight and traveled the country with The Jones Family Band, with which he stills plays at the Midway Fall Festivals. His music ranges from traditional bluegrass to contemporary folk music. He is a professor at the University of Kentucky, and a therapist in private practice.

The next showcase will be held Jan. 28 at the Homeplace and will feature The Hills and Mayor Grayson Vandegrift. Feb. 11 at the Midway Woman's Club, Sara Day Evans will perform and Bob Rouse will read. Feb. 25 at Higher Grounds will be "Open Mic Night." March 4 at The Homeplace, Midway University students and Aaron Hamilton will perform. The series will conclude March 18 at Eat, Drink, Breathe Midway with Nathaniel Wyatt and Bruce Skeeter. Each showcase begins with an open jam session at 5:30 p.m., and the shows start at 6:30 p.m., all at The Homeplace. All ages are welcome.