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Category: News

Somerset CPA John Wilson to receive 2025 MMF Lifetime Achievement Award

old photo of young man wearing sunglasses outside

‘I just wanted to make the community better’ Story by Jed Keith SOMERSET, KENTUCKY (July 8, 2025) — To talk to John Wilson is to talk to a man with humility about what he means to the Master Musicians Festival (MMF) and the Somerset-Pulaski County community. And maybe he doesn’t know just what he means […]

Q&A With MMF32 Featured Photographer Mayson Rainwater

man playing guitar and singing into microphone on stage

Each year, the Master Musicians Festival chooses a featured photographer who has full access to the festival to capture the experience through their lens. This photographer is chosen based on their love and mastery of their craft, and their contributions to the community and the music scene. This year’s featured photographer is Somerset native Mayson […]

Q&A with MMF32 Featured Artist Sarah Roberts

painting of children dancing among trees

Each year, the Master Musicians Festival, a 501c3 non-profit organization, commissions a regional artist to create a piece inspired by the festival. The featured artwork is used on the front of MMF’s lineup T-shirt, which can be purchased during the festival at the merchandise tent, and is auctioned to benefit the following year’s festival. The […]

MMF Introduces Young Songwriters Retreat

group of 7 young musicians sitting on stage with guitars and microphones

New full-day workshop offers intimate experience for budding musicians to learn from regional talent SOMERSET, KENTUCKY (March 12, 2025) — The Master Musicians Festival (MMF) has long been known for its emphasis on music education and offering performance opportunities to young songwriters. A new initiative announced today by the non-profit festival marries these two mission-centric […]

Don Bloomer receives the 2024 Master Musicians Festival Lifetime Achievement Award

musicians performing on an outdoor stage

‘It’s about community’: Former Citizens National Bank President Don Bloomer receives the 2024 Master Musicians Festival Lifetime Achievement Award Story by Jed Keith SOMERSET, KENTUCKY (July 9, 2024) — Headquartered in Pulaski County, Citizens National Bank (CNB) has been a cornerstone of the Lake Cumberland region for decades, providing the area’s residents with a host […]

Q&A with MMF 2024 Featured Artist Jimbo Valentine

art image of old man with beard sitting on vintage pickup truck playing

Each year, the Master Musicians Festival, a 501c3 non-profit organization, commissions a Kentucky artist to create a piece inspired by the festival. The featured artwork is used on the front of MMF’s lineup T-shirt, which can be purchased during the festival at the merchandise tent, and is auctioned to benefit the following year’s festival. The […]

MMF Next Generation initiative expands to colleges and universities 

group of teenagers/young adults smiling and posing in outdoor concert setting at nighttime

Sponsorship allows participating high school, college graduates to attend two-day music festival for free SOMERSET, KENTUCKY (May 31, 2024)  — After an overwhelmingly positive response to a new initiative last year that provided free Master Musicians Festival (MMF) weekend passes to local high school graduates, the program is expanding to include colleges and universities. MMF’s […]

Q&A with 2024 MMF Featured Photographer Misty Phillips

Musician playing guitar

Give us a quick bio: Where you are from, what school(s) you’ve attended, any special training or recognition you want to mention, where you work, the name of your photography business, and family. I’m from Alpha, Kentucky (on the Wayne/Clinton line). I’m an 80s baby. I attended Lexington Community College and Somerset Community College and […]