The shimmer of an Appalachian dulcimer. The woody lilt of a fiddle. Even the burble of a mountain creek, the rhythmic clip-clop of a horse's hooves or the roar of a crowd at a Kentucky music festival. Music knows no bounds in Kentucky. As the birthplace of bluegrass, Kentucky's impact on American music is profound, and our musical roots extend all around the Commonwealth – from Rosine, home of “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe, to the Country Music Highway, a tuneful stretch of Eastern Kentucky where more than a dozen country legends got their start. If you want to get to the soul of Kentucky, all you've got to do is open your ears.
Get the ultimate Kentucky music experience by browsing Kentucky music venues to plan your trip around an upcoming live show or Kentucky music festival. While you plan your Kentucky music adventure, enjoy the songs of the Bluegrass by checking out our Spotify playlist.
Watch Kentucky Stories
EPISODE 202
Kentucky Moments
A Musical Mosaic
Latin singer Asly Toro says you’ll find “a little bit of everything” on Kentucky’s music scene, but at the end of the day the result is the same. She believes all music has something to say, it makes you feel, it connects you. Hear Asly’s story as she shares some of her favorite places in the Bluegrass State.
Episode 101
Sound Travels
John Conlee
After a 35-year career in country music, it’s safe to say that John Conlee is an icon. Starting in the late 1970s, his songs catapulted to the top of the charts more than two dozen times, defining the sound of country music during the urban cowboy era. Host Arthur Hancock learns about how Conlee grew up in Versailles, Kentucky, and after briefly working as a radio DJ, committed to music full-time.
Every day of the week, you can find a live music or theater performance taking place on one of Kentucky’s many stages. Amazing venues like Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and the Madison Theater in Covington are great places to catch Kentucky bands like Cage the Elephant as well as other national touring acts and up-and-comers. WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour is recorded weekly at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center in Lexington, and the nearby Lexington Opera House is the home stage for many local groups.
Interested in a sneak peek at artists that may be performing across the state? Check out the Kentucky Arts Council Performing Artists Directory for Kentucky artists that perform locally and are available for bookings.
Plus, when the weather turns warm, Kentucky's outdoor stages come alive. Must-see productions include The Stephen Foster Story in Bardstown and Louisville's Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. And don't miss outdoor venues like the Jenny Wiley Theatre.
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Music Experiences
1 / 3
Live Music
From national headliners to impromptu jam sessions, there's always live music in the air in Kentucky. See what's on stage during your visit.
2 / 3
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
This immersive museum is a can't-miss for music lovers, with one-of-a-kind exhibits, instrument demos and live concerts and events throughout the year.
3 / 3
Nightlife
Looking to head out on the town? Get your kicks at these great Kentucky night spots.
1 / 3
Live Music
From national headliners to impromptu jam sessions, there's always live music in the air in Kentucky. See what's on stage during your visit.
2 / 3
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
This immersive museum is a can't-miss for music lovers, with one-of-a-kind exhibits, instrument demos and live concerts and events throughout the year.
3 / 3
Nightlife
Looking to head out on the town? Get your kicks at these great Kentucky night spots.
1 / 3
Live Music
From national headliners to impromptu jam sessions, there's always live music in the air in Kentucky. See what's on stage during your visit.
2 / 3
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
This immersive museum is a can't-miss for music lovers, with one-of-a-kind exhibits, instrument demos and live concerts and events throughout the year.
3 / 3
Nightlife
Looking to head out on the town? Get your kicks at these great Kentucky night spots.