Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts Intimate Night With Kentucky Songwriters

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The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum partnered with the WKU Lost River Sessions crew to host intimate show with Nathan Blake Lynn and Ian Noe inside the 400 seat Woodward Theatre

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As a centerpiece of the growing and revitalized downtown riverfront in Owensboro, KY the Bluegrass Music HOF & Museum is a must see for anyone who is interested in the history of Bluegrass and related genres. Saturday night they partnered with the talented Lost River Sessions crew out of Bowling Green, KY to host two Kentuckians with an appreciation for songwriting and the culture in the Bluegrass State.

As a local I’ve been to the Bluegrass Museum a few times and visit the wonderful gift shop in there often for various occasions, but I had yet to watch a show in the Woodward Theatre. When you walk through the stunning glass entrance you’re immediately at a crossroads. To the left is the previously mentioned gift shop and entrance to the museum and to the right you have the concession stand that has snacks, cokes (they’re all “cokes” in Western KY) and a good selection of domestic and local beer and bourbon and it sits directly outside of the theatre for easy access during shows. Walking into the Woodward Theatre you immediately notice the rolling acoustics attached to the ceiling that make this an ideal performance space for any type of acoustic music. With cameras, speakers, and microphones scattered throughout they’re also well equipped for broadcasting and recording events. The seating is that of a standard auditorium with one level of theatre style folding seats with a steady decline from the entrance to the stage, so everyone gets a great view of the stage.

On the stage sits a wooden chair surrounded by an acoustic guitar, banjo, and microphone. The opening act was someone that I was not familiar with until the announcement, a few days prior, that he would be on the bill. Nathan Blake Lynn from Paducah, KY who has a love for this state and its musical heritage, similar to fellow Paducah resident Colonel JD Wilkes. He is a founding member of the bands Bawn in the Mash and The Wheelhouse Rousters, but would be doing a solo set this night. Coming onto the stage excited and full of energy he immediately has the crowd in the palm of his hand and being that I’ve just now (unfortunately) found his music, I don’t know if he’s always had this skill or if it’s from his years of performing, but it’s impressive. He introduced each song with passion and humor, admitting that he maybe talks too much, but I could’ve listened to him ramble on for hours. His knowledge of Western Kentucky music and landscape is a treat to witness, but his voice and song structure is equally as impressive. He ran through songs that have an old time feel, but his voice is better than most that I hear do this. He talked about river hobbits (he claims to be one), riverboats, and Owensboro. Our music scene here is not what it used to be, but it is gradually growing and for that I’m thankful, but I’ve haven’t heard someone sing about my hometown and region like that in awhile. I honestly appreciate it and can’t wait to hear Nathan perform again solo or with one of his bands.

After a much needed intermission due to the theatre style seating and intimate setting (trying to get out would’ve created a scene), it was time for the pride of Beattyville, KY, a place that holds a special place in my heart. There were now two acoustic guitars and a small table next to the wooden chair at center stage. Ian Noe picked up one of the guitars and sat down ready to begin. He saves the majority his words for his songwriting, mostly giving short intros to his songs, save Irene (Ravin’ Bomb) which is a funny introduction to the real life character, and a subtle “Thank you” after every applause. I found about Ian 3-4 years ago after seeing Beattyville, KY next to his name on Facebook. Growing up Eastern Kentucky was always the laughing stock of the state (look who’s laughing now) due to stereotypes, but in middle school I made friends with a new kid who had just moved here from as he says it “Bateuhvuul”. I became best friends with that kid, Reuben was his name and we would sit in his room and drink Ale-8-One, a now famous Kentucky drink made in Winchester and at the time was only sold in that region of the state, so he would have his aunt and uncle send him some in the mail. When we got to high school he invited me to come spend the week with him in Beattyville on spring break. As a middle class kid from one of the more populated areas in Kentucky, I had been many places throughout the country on drives, but I don’t think I had ever been to Eastern Kentucky. Driving the Mountain Parkway and seeing the beautiful scenery blew me away and began a love for the region that didn’t blossom fully until a few years ago. I loved the small town, population: 1,307, and the people I met. I was lucky enough to visit there again when I worked with my dad in the crane business, but haven’t been back since. Luckily Ian Noe is a songwriter that can transport you to any place he wants to with his words. Ian kicked right into high gear with the dark and visual “Letter to Madeline” and from there went through various album cuts and some that weren’t, including a fabulous cover of Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”. Ian is not only meticulous with the writing in each of his songs, but he also has the voice to carry these songs to new levels when they hit your eardrum. Hearing him sing his songs is like watching a movie that he’s the narrator of and this movie has it all: the ups and downs, the murders, the drugs and alcohol, etc. He’ll always get comparisons to Dylan and Prine due to his fantastic ability to piece together a song, but in my opinion his voice is better than both of them and if he can continue to put songs out that hit every mark as you listen live or on the album, then we will be talking about Ian for a long time. The show ended after an encore of “Canyon Falls” and no “Meth Head” on the setlist. I figured the language or imagery maybe just wasn’t a good fit for the crowd and whether you agree or not it’s ok to know your audience and not take the chance that could put some off and Ian confirmed that after the show when were out back with a small crowd chatting after the show.

Thank you to the Bluegrass Music HOF & Museum and Lost River Sessions for bringing such an amazing show to Owensboro. Our scene is growing and will only be aided by having events like these where people from all over the region come and enjoy our town and facilities for the night. I’m looking forward to future events and hoping to get in on the process of bringing music from all over the state and country to Owensboro, KY to enjoy what this Western Kentucky river town has to offer.