Gray, founder/director of the Master Musicians Festival, has used her writing, composing, and festival experience to produce a musical about five Kentucky women who are dedicating their lives to the land: Wendy Lane Price, Hart County; Jane Harrod, Owen County; Janet Jenkins, Scott County; Susana Lein, Madison and Rockcastle Counties, and Jeremie Jackson, Pulaski County.

Using these women's own words gathered in actual interviews, the material was edited into monologues and combined with music Gray composed specifically for each woman. Musical numbers include rousing spirituals, quietly introspective ballads, folk-classic violin and piano duos, and energetic folk and calypso tunes. A creative collaboration of some of the best-known professional artists and performers from throughout Kentucky, the production is a mixture of journalism, music, drama, dance, visual arts and collaborative creativity that is both entertaining and educational.

Warren Hammack and Pamela White, with Horse Cave Theatre, will co-direct the production. Teresa Kibby (Somerset), portrays Wendy Lane Price in music and drama; Jane Harrod portrays herself in music and drama; Mary Trumbo (Lexington), portrays Janet Jenkins in music and drama; vocalist Carla Gover (Berea) and actress Pamela White (Horse Cave) portray Susana Lein; Jeremie Jackson portrays herself dramatically, with vocalist Becky Blake (Somerset).

Musicians include violinist Peter McHugh and pianist Steve Crews (both of Louisville); guitarist Mitch Barrett, bassist Owen Reynolds (both of Madison County) and guitarist Steve Couch (Louisville) as Zoe Speaks; bassist Alice McLain White and multi-instrumentalist Al White (Berea); percussionist Phyllis Free (Louisville); pianist Michael Loiacono (Somerset). Members of Jeremie’s Native American Circles (statewide) will add to the production with drumming and vocals on choral numbers.

Dancers include Stephanie Clark, Carla Gover, and choreographer Stephanie Woody (all of Berea), and Sheryl Polk (Somerset).

Visual artists creating works for each of the Women of the Earth are Kim Del Re and Peggy Sherry (both of Somerset), with Ann Boone, Anormalee Stephenson, and Mary Young (all of Louisville). Other collaborating artists include writer/mentor Brenda White, jewelry designer Jamison Brumm, and photographers Jane Harrod, Jo E. Hayden, Sara Cavitt, and Mary Sullivan.

CONTACT NUMBERS:
1. Gabrielle Mattingly Gray, Composer/Artistic Director 606-678-2225 & 502-479-3737
2. John Crowden, Berea College Convocations Director 859-985-3171
3. Warren Hammack & Pamela White, Co-Directors 270-528-8882
4. Brenda White, Writer/Mentor 606-679-5474