Culture

Chicago area pianist, composer, and band leader Kelly Brand has been on the music scene for well over a decade and a half entertaining jazz lovers with her innovative compositions and arrangements. Her original compositions, as well as her covers of musicians like Bobby Hutcherson, have enthralled listeners from the concert stage to her stellar recordings. Murray State History Professor and host of Café Jazz Dr. Brian Clardy spoke with her via telephone in an interview that was aired recently on the Wednesday night broadcast. Hear is the full interview. Discover more of her work at kellybrand.com.

The man charged with killing Hickman Mayor Charles Murphy early last year has pleaded guilty today as part of a plea bargain. Under the agreement, 31-year-old Tommy Lattus pleaded guilty, but mentally ill, and will serve more that 37 years in prison for the murder. A formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28th.

On Sounds Good, we welcomed Yasamin Ausenbaugh,Director of Christian County Cares 2015. She outlined the events of the International Festival in Hopkinsville at the JEB Convention Center, March 15 & 16. featuring international foods, a global village, international performers from Indian to American, performing Tribal Belly Dance to the Nyama Drum Ensemble. The performers come from the Global Education Center in Nashville. Click here for more information about the festival.

Sounds Good: The Week of May 20

Monday: In the first hour, Dietician Laura Marbury of the Southeast Dairy Association tells us how to fight the yearly, inevitable weight gain of one to three pounds. In the second hour, Chris Kerlick joins us to promote SamFest IV at Hidden Creek Resort this Saturday. It benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The history of many towns in west Kentucky has been shaped, in large part, by the coal companies and railroads that brought in jobs, money, and people. During the golden years of coal and rail in the early 20th century these towns boomed. And when the coal ran out and the trains stopped rolling, they crashed. The city of Earlington, Kentucky is one of those towns.