Reel World String Band records
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Reel World String Band records
- Date
- 1971-2016, undated (inclusive)
- Extent
- 8.14 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Folk music -- Appalachian Region
- Music -- Performance -- Kentucky.
- Music -- Social aspects.
- Political ballads and songs
- String band music -- Kentucky
- Women's music
- Women musicians -- Kentucky
- Reel World (Musical group)
- Bert T. Combs Appalachian Collection
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged into 6 series by subject and format: Band information, Records, Photographs, Posters, Artifacts, and Audiovisual materials.
- Preferred Citation
- 2016ms014 : [identification of item], Reel World String Band records, 1971-2016, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Formed in Kentucky in 1977 after a musical celebration at the International Women's Year Conference in Lexington, the Reel World String Band's original lineup featured Sue Massek on banjo and guitar, Karen Jones on fiddle, Sharon Ruble on bass, Belle Jackson on guitar, and Bev Futrell on mandolin, guitar, and harmonica.
- The band's repertoire consists of a combination of traditional Appalachian songs and original songs that incorporate old-time music with influences from blues, jazz, and country. They draw inspiration from other musicians, including Florence Reece, Sara Ogan Gunning, and Lily May Ledford. With a dual focus on the preservation of Appalachian traditions and on advocacy for social justice causes, the Reel World String Band has a history of playing diverse venues. In addition to performing on concert stages and at folk festivals, the band has performed at conferences in support of activist endeavors to improve rights for women and the working class as well as at rallies and picket lines in protest of coal mining practices. The band has also led workshops on a variety of topics, including banjo and fiddle styles, the history of women in traditional music, songs of labor and environmental struggle, and old-time Appalachian dancing, traditional instruments, and musical techniques.
- Current Reel World String Band members include original members Sue Massek, Bev Futrell, Karen Jones, and Sharon Ruble, who rejoined the band in 1995. Pianist Elise Melrood, who performed intermittently with the band and contributed to multiple Reel World albums, joined the band officially in 1995.
- Scope and Content
- The Reel World String Band records (dated circa 1971-2016, undated; 8.14 cubic feet; 19 boxes, 2 oversize boxes; 44 GB, 884 digital files) primarily comprise promotional fliers, concert posters, contracts, programs, photographs, and articles that document the Kentucky women's band and its commitment to social justice advocacy from the band's founding in 1977 to the present. The Reel World String Band's activist efforts throughout Kentucky and Appalachia are reflected in programs and performance contracts for fundraisers on behalf of organizations such as the Cincinnati Urban Appalachia League and The Women's National Coal Miners Conference. Articles and correspondence describe additional benefit performances held by the band for striking workers at the Pittston Coal Company mines and at the Harlan County Jericol mines. Concert posters and fliers detail the Reel World String Band's history of performing in coffee houses, on college campuses, and at women's, Appalachian, and folk festivals.
- The collection also includes performance photographs, festival artifacts, LPs and CDs of Reel World String Band's albums, video recordings of the band's concerts, and a 2008 documentary film of performance clips and interviews with the band.
- Processing Info
- In keeping with the band's original organization, materials in the Records series are dated according to the date of the performance and not necessarily to the date of the materials. Date discrepancies are detailed in scope and content notes for relevant files.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection contains materials redacted due to privacy concerns, such as social security numbers or personal health information. Access to the originals documents is restricted.
Contents of the Collection
Band information, 1971-2015, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises promotional biographies and articles about members of the Reel World String Band, a comprehensive list of the band's performances, correspondence with the band's agent from Real People's Music, and manuscript song lyrics, lists, and notes.
Agent correspondence, 1983-1990
- Box 1, folder 1-3
Scope and Contents
Correspondence between the Reel World String Band and the band's agent Josh Dunson of Real People's Music.
Album and track listing, undated
Album design drafts, 2001, 2005
- Box 14, folder 1
Scope and Contents
Draft designs for Reel World String Band albums Live Music and The Coast is Clear.
Biographies and promotional materials, 1985-circa 2003, undated
List of performances: 1977-2015, undated
- Box 1, folder 6
- Digitalfile 2016ms014_26
Scope and Contents
Includes list of 1995-1996 solo performances, school concerts, and artist residencies by Sue Massek.
Song lyrics, 1971-2014, undated
Standard contract and stage setup: 1977-1981, undated
Biography of the band, undated
Records, 1978-2016
Scope and Contents
Constitutes the bulk of the collection, with records of the Reel World String Band from its founding to the present. Comprises articles on the band, reviews of the band's performances, correspondence with fans and venue managers, and performance contracts, fliers, schedules, and programs.
Arranged chronologically by year, and thereunder alphabetically by format and subject.
1978
Articles and reviews, 1978
Carter Family Fold concert articles, 1978
Correspondence, 1978
- Box 1, folder 12
Scope and Contents
Includes correspondence with the band's first agent, Jason Pate. Also includes a business card for the Reel World String Band.
Free Media concert, 1978
- Box 1, folder 13
Scope and Contents
Held at Free Media, 188 Woodland Avenue, Lexington, Kentucky. Sponsored by Amber Moon Productions and Womin Energy.
Highlander Center "Workshop on Music and Coal Mining", 1978
Mother's Brew performance contract, 1978
National Conference of Women Coal Miners, Betty Jean Hall, "Women in the Coal Industry", 1978
- Box 2, folder 1
Scope and Contents
Reel World String Band acquired this booklet at the National Conference of Women Coal Miners in Charleston, West Virginia on June 9, 1979.
New Year's Eve Dance concert, 1978
Performance fliers, 1978
Second Annual Kentucky Bluegrass Festival performance articles, 1978
Tax return for band's 1977 Dodge van, 1978
1979
Articles and reviews, 1979
Authentic Old-Time Appalachian Music concert advertisements, 1979
- Box 2, folder 7
Scope and Contents
Concert at M. I. King North, Gallery of Special Collections by Sarah Ogden Gunning, followed by a concert at the University of Kentucky Student Center by the Reel World String Band.
Celebration of Traditional Music performance, 1979
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1979
Correspondence, 1979
Directory of women musicians from Women Make Music, 1979
Festival programs, 1979
Financial documents, 1979
Grace House Learning/Training Center performance directions, 1979
Jericol Mines coal miners strike performances, 1979
- Box 2, folder 15
Scope and Contents
Reel World String Band sang on the February 12, 1979 Jericol Mines picket line in Harlan County, Kentucky and played at a benefit for striking miners on April 1, 1979 and at a rally on June 26, 1979.
Includes lyrics of songs written for Reel World String Band by Mary Lou (Layne) Chandler, including "Battle of Jericol", "Jericol Women", and "Thread of Justice". Includes handwritten documentation of the Jericol mine strike by Mary Lou and a description of Mary Lou by Karen Jones.
John's Louisville Café performance, 1979
New Harmony Sisterhood Band flier, 1979
Olive Hill Factory workers benefit concerts, 1979
- Box 2, folder 18
Scope and Contents
Reel World String Band played for a benefit for the Olive Hill Factory Workers on July 4, 1979 at Carter Caves State Park, Kentucky and on August 4, 1979 in Ashland, Kentucky. Songwriter Mary Lou (Layne) Chandler wrote "Thread of Justice" and "Evergreen" as tributes to these striking women workers. Both songs are on Reel World's first album.
Performance fliers, 1979
Susquehanna Campgrounds Festival, 1979
Third Annual Festival of American Music, 1979
Women In Coal recording contract, 1979
- Box 2, folder 22
Scope and Contents
Collaborative project of music by women produced by Guy and Candie Carawan. Contract with June Appal Recording, a part of Appalshop, Whitesburg, Kentucky.
1980
Articles and reviews, 1980
Ashland Schools residency article, 1980
Bent Willow Folk Festival, 1980
Berea College convocation performance, 1980
Bluegrass Music Festival, 1980
Chicago Folk Festival, 1980
Correspondence, 1980
An Evening of Music from the Mountains concert with Hazel Dickens, 1980
Festival schedules, 1980
Financial documents, 1980
Fliers for Vetco and Midwest Women's Music Distributors, 1980
Mountain Music Festival fliers, 1980
Music and Cultural Traditions of the Appalachian Coalfields workshop, 1980
Passim Coffee Shop performance fliers, 1980
Performance contracts, 1980
Performance fliers, 1980
Swayed Pines Folk Festival, 1980
University of Kentucky Spindletop Hall performance, 1980
The Woman's Calendar for 1980, Jurate Kazickas and Lynn Sherr, 1980
- Box 2, folder 40
Scope and Contents
Includes entries by Reel World String Bandband member Sharon Ruble.
1981
Articles and reviews, 1981
Bluegrass Music Festival of the United States, 1981
Certificates of appreciation, 1981
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1981
Correspondence, 1981
Financial documents, 1981
Highlander Center workshop on land and environment, 1981
Hillsboro Elementary School student drawings, 1981
Hurricane Productions concert with Elise Melrood, 1981
Invitation to Reel World String Band's first album release, 1981
Ladyslipper Catalog of Records and Tapes by Women: 1981-1982, 1981
Motor City Bluegrass Festival, 1981
Old Town School of Folk Music concert, 1981
Performance contracts, 1981
Performance fliers, 1981
Stoney Run Bluegrass Festival, 1981
1982
Articles and reviews, 1982
Big Bluegrass Jam tour, 1982
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival contract, 1982
Correspondence, 1982
Festival schedules and programs, 1982
Financial documents, 1982
Fourth National Conference of Women Miners, 1982
Highlander Center 50th anniversary celebration, 1982
Performance fliers, 1982
Stoney Run Bluegrass Festival, 1982
Women's Cultural Program in Appalachia participants, 1982
1983
Articles and reviews, 1983
Correspondence, 1983
Festival schedules and programs, 1983
Financial documents, 1983
Flying Fish Records correspondence and catalog, 1983
Mary Todd Elementary School scrapbook, 1983
Maywoods Environmental and Educational Laboratory workshop notes and set list, 1983
Michigan Labor History Perspectives slideshow, 1983
- Box 4, folder 3
Scope and Contents
Reel World String Band recorded songs for a slideshow on Michigan labor history. Includes From Calumet to Kalamazoo: A Discussion and Resource Guide for Teaching Michigan Labor History by Carol J. Haddada and John L. Revittee, 1985.
National Women's Music Festival, 1983
Performance contracts, 1983
Performance fliers, 1983
Rounder Records correspondence, 1983
Stoney Run Bluegrass Festival, 1983
1984
Articles and reviews, 1984
Correspondence, 1984
Festival schedules and programs, 1984
Financial documents, 1984
Kentucky Music Weekend, 1984
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1984
Performance contracts, 1984
Performance fliers, 1984
Rockford Traditional Folk Music Festival, 1984
Stoney Run Bluegrass Festival, 1984
Winnipeg Folk Festival, 1984
Women Organizing Women conference performance, 1984
1985
Allegheny College concert, 1985
Articles and reviews, 1985
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1985
Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival performance, 1985
Correspondence, 1985
Edmonton Folk Festival, 1985
Financial documents, 1985
Kentucky Music Weekend 10th anniversary program, 1985
Kentucky State Capitol Building, 75th anniversary, 1985
Old Town School of Folk Music, 1985
Performance contracts, 1985
Philadelphia Folk Festival, 1985
1986
Articles and reviews, 1986
Cactus Café and Bar concert, 1986
Correspondence, 1986
Financial documents, 1986
Hazelwitch Productions performance, 1986
Ladyslipper Tenth Anniversary Catalog and Resource Guide, 1986
Marion County Country Ham Days, 1986
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1986
National Conference on Women and the Law, 1986
New Albany-Floyd County Festival, 1986
Performance contracts, 1986
Stringtime Weekend flier, 1986
Sue Bennett Folk Festival, 1986
Vancouver Folk Music Festival, 1986
Wheatland Music Festival, 1986
1987
Articles and reviews, 1987
Correspondence, 1987
Festival schedules and programs, 1987
Hastings Community Center family music night, 1987
Jubilee Community Arts, 1987
Kentucky Commission on Women, 1987
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1987
Minnesota Public Radio, "Good Evening", 1987
New Albany-Floyd County Festival, 1987
Northern Kentucky University, WNKU-FM, 1987
Performance contracts, 1987
Rocky Fuller cartoons, 1987
- Box 5, folder 35
Scope and Contents
Fuller, a Cincinnati cartoonist, solicited to do a cartoon for the Reel World String Band.
Southern Women's Music and Comedy Festival, 1987
West Coast Women's Music and Comedy Festival, 1987
1988
10th anniversary concert, 1988
- Box 5, folder 38
Scope and Contents
The Reel World String Band 10th anniversary concert was held at the University of Kentucky's Memorial Hall on February 27, 1988. The evening was sponsored by the UK Women's Studies Program, the UK Appalachian Center and the Kentucky Commission on Women.
"Appalachian Wind" recording notes, 1988
Articles and reviews, 1988
Clayville Music and Storytelling Festival program, 1988
Correspondence, 1988
Financial documents, 1988
Minnesota Public Radio, "Good Evening" program, 1988
National Guitar Flat-Picking Championships, 1988
Performance contracts, 1988
Philadelphia Folksong Society, 1988
Safe Energy Bluegrass Festival flier, 1988
Syncopated, Inc. workshop and concert, 1988
1989
Articles and reviews, 1989
Celebration of American Music tour in Italy, 1989
- Box 6, folder 10
Scope and Contents
Karen Jones, Sue Massek, Bev Futrell, and Bev's daughter Stacy Futrell performed in the festival, which took place from October 2-16, 1989. Includes contract, itinerary, publicity, lyrics of songs sung on tour, Italian translation of "Belle Ciao", set lists, contacts, and postcards mailed to Sharon Ruble, who was unable to attend. Reel World String Band stayed an additional week to tour Florence and Rome.
"A Coalfields Concert: A benefit for the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) on strike against the Pittston Coal Group", 1989
Correspondence, 1989
Louisville Homefront performances, 1989
Performance contracts, 1989
Performance fliers, 1989
1990
Articles and reviews, 1990
Correspondence, 1990
Festival schedules and programs, 1990
National Women's Music Festival, 1990
Rhythm Fest: Women's Music, Art and Politics, 1990
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Women's Music Weekend, 1990
1991
Articles and reviews, 1991
Correspondence, 1991
Council for Women's Ministries concert flier, 1991
Folk Music Society of Huntington festival, 1991
Headley-Whitney Museum performance, 1991
Hot Wire: The Journal of Women's Music and Culture, 1991
- Box 6, folder 27
Scope and Contents
Includes January 1991 issue of Hotwire with an article on the Reel World String Band trio and "WominSounds", a radio show co-hosted by Bev Futrell and Karen Jones on WEKU-FM. Also includes letters from 1990-1991 by Hotwire publisher Toni Armstrong, Jr.
Just Peace event at the University of Kentucky Memorial Hall, 1991
Madison Folk Society concert, 1991
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1991
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children concert, 1991
Performance contracts, 1991
University of Kentucky Memorial Hall benefit concert, 1991
- Box 6, folder 33
Scope and Contents
A benefit concert for a friend of the Reel World String Band, produced by Athena Productions.
1992
Articles and reviews, 1992
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1992
Correspondence, 1992
Festival schedules and programs, 1992
Lily May Ledford Bicentennial Tribute performance, 1992
North Central Women's Studies Association, 1992
Performance contracts, 1992
Performance fliers, 1992
Save Our Cumberland Mountains, 1992
Southern Sex documentary, 1992
- Box 7, folder 2
Scope and Contents
License agreements for use of the Reel World String Band songs, "Trouble in Mind" and "Henhouse Lament".
1993
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1993
Correspondence, 1993
Hamilton County Old-Fashioned Country Fair, 1993
Jubilee Community Arts concert, 1993
KET, "Old Music for New Ears" teacher's guide, 1993
National Women's Studies Association conference, 1993
Performance contracts, 1993
Rhythm Fest: Women's Music, Art and Politics, 1993
Urban Appalachian Council Concert, 1993
Woodland Jubilee: Spotlighting Kentucky's Fiddle Traditions, 1993
1994
Correspondence, 1994
Master Musicians Festival, 1994
Midway College Arts and Lecture series, 1994
National Women's Music Festival, 1994
University of Illinois at Chicago, Reframing Women's Health conference, 1994
Winchester Council for the Arts "Marquee", 1994
1995
Art à la Carte concert, 1995
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1995
Correspondence, 1995
Festival schedules and programs, 1995
Folk Fest, Morehead State University, 1995
Kentucky Homecoming Folk Festival, 1995
Kentucky Women's Sounds, 1995
Lexington Mayfest Festival, 1995
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1995
University of Kentucky concert contract, 1995
Woodland Jubilee: Festival of Traditional Music and Dance, 1995
1996
20th anniversary concert meeting notes, 1996
Articles and reviews, 1996
Berea Folk Center performance flier, 1996
Camp Pleiades Fall Festival, 1996
Carnegie Center performance, 1996
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1996
Correspondence, 1996
Down Home performance, 1996
Highlander Center Homecoming, 1996
Jubilee Community Arts, 1996
Keeneland Race Track event, 1996
Kentucky Music Weekend, 1996
Kentucky Women's Sounds, 1996
National Association of Ecumenical Staff Conference performance, 1996
Performance contracts, 1996
Purchase orders, 1996
Rudyard Kipling performance, 1996
Seedtime on the Cumberland, 1996
University Council for Educational Administration conference performance, 1996
Whatnots financial documents, correspondence, and album design, 1996
1997
20th anniversary concert, 1997
20th anniversary KET concert, 1997
20th anniversary publicity and promotional committee documents, 1997
20th anniversary concert scanned advertisements, 1997
Appalachian Community Fund newsletter and card, 1997
Appalachian Women's Alliance Ironweed Festival, 1997
Art à la Carte concert, 1997
Articles and reviews, 1997
Camp Pleiades concert, 1997
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 1997
Correspondence, 1997
Financial documents, 1997
Highlander Center Festival, 1997
Kentucky Performing Artists directory, 1997
Lexington Hyatt performance conrtact, 1997
Master Musicians Festival, 1997
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1997
New Roots Arts Weekend, 1997
Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse performance, 1997
Debra Hensley notes from 20th Anniversary concert, 1997
1998
Appalachian Women's Alliance Ironweed Festival, 1998
Articles and reviews, 1998
Community Campus Partnerships for Health Service Learning conference, 1998
Correspondence, 1998
Festival of Kentucky Folklife program, 1998
Financial documents, 1998
Midway College Arts and Lecture series, 1998
Seedtime on the Cumberland Festival, 1998
Sistersound Lexington Women's Chorus concert, 1998
St. Lawrence University Spring Arts Festival, 1998
Woodland Jubilee, 1998
1999
Appalachian Women's Alliance Ironweed Festival, 1999
Articles and reviews, 1999
Carter Fold Festival, 1999
Correspondence, 1999
Festival schedules and programs, 1999
Financial documents, 1999
Kentucky Foundation for Women grant, 1999
Pittston strike 10th anniversary, 1999
Save Our Mountains article, 1999
University of Kentucky College of Nursing performance, 1999
2000
Appalachian Women's Caravan, 2000
Appalachian Women's Alliance Ironweed Festival, 2000
Camp Pleiades set list, 2000
Correspondence, 2000
Financial documents, 2000
How Can We Keep From Singing workshop, 2000
Kentucky Folklife Festival article, 2000
Kentucky Foundation for Women grant, 2000
Kentucky Music Weekend, 2000
Kentucky Voices performance, 2000
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 2000
SisterSound Lexington Women's Chorus concert, 2000
Wilma E. Grote Symposium for the Advancement of Women conference program, 2000
Women of Appalachia conference, 2000
Performance contract, 2000 September 15
2001
"Americana Crossroads Live" concert, 2001
Appalachian Women of Ohio Juried Art Exhibit performance, 2001
Appalshop concert, 2001
- Box 9, folder 22
Scope and Contents
Sponsored by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and held at the William T. Young Library of the University of Kentucky.
Band income, 2001
- Box 9, folder 23
Scope and Contents
Printed on verso of a December 1999 email to Karen Jones.
Bruce Boyle and Susan Sliger derby party, 2001
Cardinal Valley School performance set list, 2001
Celebrating Women's Right to Vote: 1920-2001 performance, 2001
Cincinnati Appalachian Festival, 2001
The Coast Is Clear recording materials, 2001
Correspondence, 2001
Elizabethtown Community College performance contract, 2001
Fourth Annual Women's Leadership Conference workshop and conference, 2001
National Geographic's Destination Appalachia recording, 2001
- Box 9, folder 32
Scope and Contents
Recording included Sue Massek's song, "What She Aims To Be".
Poetry in the Park: A Celebration of Kentucky Writers performance, 2001
Sedalia Center concert, 2001
University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts concert with Barbara Higbie, 2001
Woodland Arts Fair article, 2001
WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour purchase order, 2001
2002
25th anniversary concert, 2002
Album sales, 2002
Articles and reviews, 2002
Bereans for Peace benefit concert flier, 2002
Blue Sky Jamfest, 2002
Camp Pleiades Spring Fling, 2002
Celebrating Women's Right to Vote, 2002
College of Mount St. Joseph performance, 2002
Correspondence, 2002
Deep Springs Elementary School performance set list, 2002
Downtown Arts Center performance contract, 2002
Focus on Community Arts South performance, 2002
4th Annual Women of Appalachia conference, 2002
Fundraiser for landmine awareness, 2002
Gig list with venue contact information, 2002
Kentucky Music Festival, 2002
Kentucky's Third Annual Old McDonald Conference, 2002
Kentucky's Fourth Annual Violence Against Women Conference, 2002
Lexington Theological Seminary concert set list, 2002
Letter to the editor of the Lexington Herald-Leader, 2002
Loretta Lynn honorary degree ceremony, 2002
Loretta Lynn signed copy of Still Woman Enough, 2002
Mary Bruce Ball memorial program, 2002
Mountain Song: Reflections album, 2002
Performance programs, 2002
Russellville Arts Council performance, 2002
Sierra Club annual meeting performance, 2002
Taste and Sounds of Kentucky, 2002
Whatnots recording financial documents, 2002
2003
Clean Air Music Fair, 2003
Correspondence, 2003
Festival programs, 2003
Friends of the Bedford Public Library performance program, 2003
"Getting Wise on Old-Time Music: The Reel World String Band" in The Old-Time Herald, 2003
Glema Mahr Center for the Arts performance, 2003
Kennedy Museum of Art performance, 2003
Kentucky Foundation for Women grant, 2003
Morehead State University performance, 2003
National Geographic: Destination Appalachia track listing, 2003
2004
Album sales, 2004
Articles and reviews, 2004
Benefit for Kentucky Fairness Alliance, 2004
The Coast is Clear duplication invoice, 2004
Correspondence, 2004
Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club annual meeting performance, 2004
Documenting American Democracy grant workshop performance, 2004
Festival programs, 2004
Gabriel's Corner performance, 2004
Helen Matthews Lewis 80th birthday celebration, 2004
Kentucky Arts Council's Performing Arts on Tour Directory correspondence and application, 2004
Kentucky Women Writers conference performance, 2004
Lexington Appalachian Heritage Festival, 2004
Lila May Ledford Music and Heritage Festival, 2004
Live Music album production costs, 2004
Living Out Loud Music Festival, 2004
National Gathering Conference for Educators for Community Engagement in Berea presentation, 2004
Ninth Annual Charlie Poole Music Festival, 2004
Sierra Music Festival, 2004
The Women of Appalachia conference, 2004
2005
1 Book Lexington performance, 2005
Cabbagetown Ballad album release concert, 2005
- Box 11, folder 10
Scope and Contents
An album by Joyce Brookshire that was recorded with the Reel World String Band.
Correspondence, 2005
Cumberland Chapter of the Sierra Club annual meeting performance, 2005
The Dame flier, 2005
"Fiddlin' for Contra Dances": a Workshop for Musicians flier, 2005
Financial documents, 2005
Hold the Mustard benefit, 2005
Kentucky Music Weekend, 2005
Live Music album release concert, 2005
Live Music production invoices, 2005
Mountain Justice Film Festival, 2005
Wishing Chair tenth anniversary concert article, 2005
Woodland Park concert, 2005
2006
The ACLU of Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Project, 2006
Album sales, 2006
Berea College convocation performance, 2006
Berea Craft Festival performance articles, 2006
Brown County, Indiana wedding performance, 2006
Correspondence, 2006
Festival programs, 2006
Georgetown International Kite Festival, 2006
Go Green Bowling Green performance, 2006
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth annual meeting and Songs for the Mountaintop, 2006
Kentucky Music Weekend, 2006
Kentucky Performing Arts Directory, 2006
Live Music review, 2006
Music of Coal rights agreement, 2006
- Box 11, folder 37
Scope and Contents
Album includes Reel World String Band recording, "Come All Ye Coal Miners".
Our Little World: The First Annual Lexington Peace Fair, 2006
Performance fliers, 2006
Richmond Area Arts Council performance, 2006
Rounder Records invoice for Coal Mining Women, 2006
Short's Goldenrod Festival, 2006
"Women in Appalachia" concert, 2006
Women of Change, Women of Courage, 2006
2007
30th anniversary concert with Silas House, 2007
Album sales, 2007
Americana Crossroads Live performance, 2007
Annual Peace and Global Citizenship Fair, 2007
Articles and reviews, 2007
Burkhart Family Farm performance, 2007
Correspondence, 2007
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College performance, 2007
Highlander Center 75th anniversary benefit concert, 2007
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth ally of the year award, 2007
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth fundraiser, 2007
Kentucky Crafted performance program, 2007
Laurel Theater performance with Guy and Candie Carawan, 2007
Music of Coal: Mining Songs from the Appalachian Coalfields articles, 2007
Ohio University performance, 2007
Sound equipment rentals, 2007
Wallis House Arboretum contract, 2007
WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, 2007
2008
Concert for Peace and Justice, 2008
Constitution Days performance, 2008
Correspondence, 2008
Friends of the Bedford Public Library performance, 2008
I Love the Mountains benefit concert, 2008
Jettie Baker Center performance, 2008
Mountain Elegies exhibition concert articles, 2008
Natasha's Bistro performance set list, 2008
Performance fliers and programs, 2008
Rounder Records invoices, 2008
SEUS conference performance set list, 2008
Stonebridge Summer Saturday Night concert series, 2008
2009
Album sales, 2009
Correspondence, 2009
Cumberland Chapter annual meeting of the Sierra Club, 2009
Cumberland Gap concert, 2009
Dance Trance rehearsal session, 2009
Francisco's Farm Arts Festival program, 2009
Kentucky Crafted: The Market performance, 2009
Lila May Ledford Music and Heritage Festival, 2009
Mountain Justice Fundraiser for Tanya, 2009
Norma Rae concert, 2009
Performance fliers, 2009
Stonebridge Summer Saturday Night concert series contract, 2009
2010
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games performance, 2010
- Box 12, folder 32
Scope and Contents
Reel World String Band ultimately rescinded their participation in the Equestrian Games because of Alliance Coal's sponsorship of the event.
Anniversary and birthday party for Karen Jones, 2010
Artists for Sustainable Future: Which Side Are You On? concert, 2010
Book and band party, 2010
Correspondence, 2010
Dr. Robert Fenimore Sexton memorial books, 2010
Francisco's Farm Arts Festival program, 2010
I Love Mountains Day, 2010
Kentucky Environmental Foundations 20th anniversary bash flier, 2010
Kentucky Guild of Artists and Crafstmen Fall Fair contract, 2010
Spotlight Lexington Festival, 2010
2011
Articles and reviews, 2011
Best of Bluegrass Radio Show set list, 2011
Correspondence, 2011
Festival programs, 2011
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth 30th anniversary celebration, 2011
Kentucky Women in Old-Time Music, 2011
Lauren K. Weinberg Humanitarian Award, 2011
Lexington Loves Mountains advertisement, 2011
Natasha's Bistro performances with Mary Ann Taylor-Hall, 2011
Reel World String Band Day proclamation by Lexington mayor Jim Gray, 2011
Richmond Area Arts Council Square Dance contract, 2011
Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church concert, 2011
"Which Side Are You On" article by George Ella Lyon, 2011
2012
35th anniversary concert with Nikky Finney, 2012
Being and Becoming: Berea College performance, 2012
A Celebration of John Jacob Niles, 2012
Francisco's Farm Arts Festival postcard, 2012
Lauren K. Weinberg Humanitarian Awards, 2012
Lexington Pride Festival, 2012
Maysville Opera House performance, 2012
Natasha's Cafe performance with George Ella Lyon set list, 2012
Redbud Festival, 2012
Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington concert with Cathy Find and Marcy Marker, 2012
Wedding performance for Denise Yuet-Shu Ho and Alexander Matthew Ledin, 2012
Whippoorwill Festival, 2012
Silas House original notes from 30th Anniversary concert, 2012 October 6
2013
50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, 2013
Ferrum College concert, 2013
Kentucky Crafted: The Market program, 2013
Lindsay Wilson College concert, 2013
LGBT writing contest program, 2013
National Women's Music Festival, 2013
2014
2015
2016
Photographs, 1977-2014, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises print and digital photographs of Reel World String Band performances and negatives related to the band's 2001 album, The Coast is Clear. Arranged chronologically.
Photographs, 1977-2014
1977-1979
Early photographs of the band, 1977 Fall
Earliest photographs of the band, 1977 Fall
Polaroid photographs from Mother's Brew concert, 1978 March 25
Band photograph by Roger Ware, circa 1978
Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, 1978 Spring
Carter Family Fold, Hilton, Virginia, 1978 July 15
Festival of the Bluegrass, Masterson Station Park, Lexington, 1978 June
Promotional studio session, Lexington, 1979
Festival of the Bluegrass, Masterson Station Park, Lexington, 1979
Band, early 1979
Capitol Expo, Frankfort, 1979 June
Woodland Park gazebo, Lexington, 1979 June
Recording songs on the JuneAppal label at Appalshop, Whitesburg, Kentucky, 1979 October 20
Jackson Honey Festival, Jackson, Kentucky, 1979 September
Wheatland Festival, Wheatland, Michigan, 1979 September
1980-1984
Publicity photographs, Boone Creek, near Lexington, 1980
St. Catherine's College, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1980 April 25
Renfro Valley Barn Theater, Renfro Valley, Kentucky, 1980 June 14
Berea College Convocation, Berea, Kentucky, 1980 May 15
Sharon's and Sue's kitchen on Will Font, Lexington, 1980 Fall
Recording album at Vetco Records, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1980 September 15-18
Promotional photographs, Massachusetts, 1980 October
Philadelphia and New York, 1980 October
Publicity photographs, Bev's house, Lexington, 1980 or 1981
Stoney Run Bluegrass Festival, Crown Point, Indiana, 1981 or 1982
John Jacob Niles Memorial Folk Festival, Athens, Kentucky, 1981 September 20
Osborne Elementary School, Floyd County. Kentucky, 1982 April 26
Concert at Headley-Whitney Museum, Lexington, 1982 May 8
Fourth National Conference of Women Coal Miners, Owensboro, Kentucky, 1982 June 25-27
The Quartet, Lexington, 1983 Spring
Motor City Bluegrass and Traditional Music Festival, 1983 May 29
Beech Bend Park, Bowling Green, kentucky, 1983 June 18
Stoney Run Bluegrass Festival, Crown Point, Indiana, 1983 August 13
"Our Front Porch" performance, Michigan, 1984
Promotional shots, Ashland, Lexington, 1984 Spring
"Fire on the Mountain" taping, The Nashville Network, Maggie Valley, North Carolina, 1984 March 27
Cheybogan Opera House, Michigan, 1984 April 13
July 4th Celebration, Karen Jones, Father William Jones, Moorhead, Minnesota, 1984 July 4
Rockford Traditional Folk Festival, Rockford Museum Center, Rockford, Illinois, 1984 August 18
Carter Family Fold, 1984 September 29
1985-1989
Kentucky Music Weekend, Iroquois Park, Louisville, 1985
Hudson River Clearwater Festival, Beacon, New York, 1985 June 15
75th Capitol Building birthday celebration, 1985 October 26
Old Town School of Folk Music with Bill Pemberton, 1985 September 14
Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1986
Downtown Lexington, 1986 July 26
Cactus Cafe, University of Texas, Austin, 1986 September 19
Houston, Texas, 1986 September 20
"Good Evening" with Noah Adams, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1987 October 17
Captain White's Oyster Bar, "The Clogging Palace", Silver Spring, Maryland, 1988 February
Reel World 10th Anniversary, Memorial Hall, University of Kentucky, 1988 February 27
Ben Franklin High School, 1988 May 5
Sharon Ruble, Masterworks Recording Studios, Fairfax, Virginia, 1988 Fall
Winifield Bluegrass Festival, Winifield, Kansas, 1988 September
Italy, 1989
Seedtime on the Cumberland, Appalshop, Whitesburg, Kentucky, 1989 June 1
99th Graduation party for FNS, Hindman Settlement School, 1989 August
Promotional photos, downtown Lexington, late 1980's
Publicity photos, Karen's and Bev's home, Lexington, late 1980's
Band photograph by Sharon Ruble [for promotion of Italy tour?], [1989?]
1990-1994
WEKU-FM "Women Sounds" Fall fundraiser, Richmond, Kentucky, 1990 October 14
Bev and Sue with producers, Women's Production, Tampa, Florida, 1991 August 24
Taping of "Old Music for New Ears", KET, Lexington, 1991 November 14
Informal women's community party, 1992 June
WEKU-FM fundraiser, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, 1993 Spring
West Liberty, circa 1994
1995-1999
MIchigan Womyn's Music Festival, 1995
Kentucky Women's Sounds, Natural Bridge State Park, 1995 March 10
Leeds Theater, Winchester, Kentucky, 1995 March 25
Woodland Jubilee, Lexington, 1995 September 30
Smithsonian Festival D.C./Seedtime/Bardstown/Collette's birthday, 1996
Tall, Dark, and Handsome, Lexington Herald-Leader, 1996
Kentucky Women's Sounds, Barren River State Park, 1996 March 23
Second Highlander Homecoming, 1996 December 21
Photo collage, 1997 February 4
RWSB's 20th Anniversary Show, Singletary Center for the Arts, Lexington, 1997 March 1
"Hammerin' in the Hills", Habitat for Humanity, 1997 June 18
Common Ground benefit, Richmond, Kentucky, 1997 October
Judicial Conference Annual Meeting, Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Kentucky, 1998 August 3
Appalachian Women's Alliance, Ironweed Festival, Pipestem, West Virginia, 1999
Carter Family Fold, with Jeanette Carter, Hilton, Virginia, 1999 May 15
2000-2004
"Appalachian Spring" concert with SisterSound, UK Recital Hall, Lexington, 2000 March 25
Recording CD "The Coast is Clear" CD, Les Campbell Studio, Lexington, 2000 July
Lexington Farmers Market, taken by Kyung Sook, 2000 July 8
Photo taken in the Lexington Herald Leader studio, 2000 or 2001
Coast is Clear CD, Stella's Deli, Lexington, 2001
Promotional photos, Kentucky Theater, Lexington, 2001
Unitarian Church, Lexington, 2001 March
Sedalia Center, Bedford, Virginia, 2001 March 7
Playing for the ceremony, Loretta Lynn awarded Honorary Doctor of Arts, University of Kentucky, 2002 March 9
River Keeper Benefit Dinner, with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Eastern Kentucky University, 2002 May 5
25th Anniversary Show, Woodland Park, Lexington, 2002 August 24
Benefit for Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, with Wendell Berry, Rudyard Kipling, Louisville, 2002 September 3
Big Sky Jamfest, Louisville Waterfront Park, 2002 September 22
Kiya Heartwood, recording for "Live Music" CD in Farm House, Stamping Ground, Kentucky, 2004
At the home of Candie and Guy Carawan, New Market, Tennessee, 2004 September
Book release The Coal Tattoo, Silas House, Laurel County Library, London, Kentucky, 2004 September 17
2005-2014
Joyce Brookshire's CD, recording by DeDe Vogt at Sound and Fury, Pine Lake, Georgia, 2005 July
Reel World String Band concert photos by Janice Rickert, 2005 December 10
Digital Archives 01, 2005-2012
Digital Archives 02, 2005-2012
K & B WEG opening, 2010
Reel World at Cheapside LM, 2010
Reel World at Cheapside MA, 2010
Artists for a Sustainable Future concert, 2010 November 20
Reel World String Band, Springfield Green Festival, 2014 April 26
undated
Album art photo proofs, undated
Ashland, Henry Clay Estate, undated
Bev Futrell, fundraiser for WEKU, "Women Sounds", undated
Pope Villa, Lexington, undated
Sue Massek, Phoenix Park, Lexington, undated
Friends of the band, 1978-2004
Lily Mae Ledford, Appalachian Festival, Cincinnati, 1978 May
Don West, Pipestem, West Virginia, 1978 August 5
Hazel Dickens, 1980/2001
Music and Cultural Traditions of the Appalachian Coal Fields, Highlander Center, New Market, Tennessee, 1980 November 5
Nimrod and Molly Workman, Laurel Theater, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1981 May 3
Highlander's 50th Anniversary, 1982 October
Reel World in workshop, 1984 July 6
Daughters of Mother Jones, Women's Auxiliary of UMWA, Pittston Strike, 1989 July 22
Jean Ritchie, Homecoming Festival, Bardstown, 1995 July 2
Cathy and Marcy, 1997
James "Sparky" Rucker, 1997
Patricia Johnson, poet, Ironweed, Pipestem, West Virginia, 1999
Blanche Coldiron, banjo mentor, Appalachian Music Festival, Old Coney Island Park, Cincinnati, 2001 May
Helen Victoria Matthews Lewis, 2004
Paula Manley Nelson, Long Hair Clan of Eastern Band Cherokee, undated
Ellen Gorzinsky, Coalition of Labor Union Woman, undated
Digital and scanned photographs, 2017
Sue Massek, Reel World String Band, 1978, 2017
Reel World String Band, Boston, 1980, 2017
Babette Myers - Reel World String Band at Ashland Estate, Henry Clay House, Lexington, Kentucky, 1984, 2017
Reel World String Band tenth anniversary, 1988, 2017
Reel World String Band 25th anniversary performance, 2002, 2017
Reel World String Band 25th anniversary performance outtakes, 2002
- DigitalFolder 2016ms014_29_06
Scope and Contents
Original file name: 2002_RW_25thAnnivOuttakes
Ledford Festival performance, 2009 September
Dr. Lynn DS, undated
Images for Library Exhibit, 1977-2012
Reel World String Band at Cheapside, Lexington, Kentucky, undated
Reel World String Band composite and shirt design, undated
Reel World String Band promotional, 2000 December
Reel World String Band performance and group photographs, undated
Reel World String Band at Berea College, undated
Reel World String Band promotional photographs, undated
Earliest photographs of the Reel World String Band, 1977
Reel World String Band performance at Honey Fest, 1979
Reel World String Band performance at Woodland in Lexington, Kentucky, 1979
Reel World String Band performance at farmers market, 2000
Reel World String Band performance in Madisonville, Kentucky, 2003
Reel World String Band performance and Charlie Poole Music Festival, 2004
Reel World String Band performance at Colorfest, 2004
Reel World String Band performance at Highlanders Music Festival, 2004
Reel World String Band performance with Silas House, 2004
Reel World String Band live music, 2005
Reel World String Band live recording, 2005
Reel World String Band marquees, 2008
Reel World String Band performance at Natasha's in Lexington, Kentucky, 2009
Reel World String Band performance at Sustainable Future Concert, 2010
- DigitalFolder 2016ms014_30_14
Scope and Contents
Original file name: RSWB_2010_SustainableFutureconcert
Reel World String Band 35th anniversary performance and press release, 2012
Reel World String Band Farewell concert performance at the Lyric Theater in Lexington, Kentucky, 2016
Reel World String Band with Sam, 2016
Reel World String Band album covers, undated
Reel World String Band miscellaneous photographs, undated
Reel World String Band Sharon Porter, undated
Posters, 1978-2016, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises performance posters and oversize promotional fliers for Reel World String Band concerts and festivals in which the band performed. Arranged chronologically by year of performance.
1978-1979
1980-1981
1980-1985
1982-1989
1986-1989
1990-1999
1992, 1996
2000-2001
2004-2016
undated
Artifacts, 1982-2010, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises festival and performance admission bracelets, buttons, badges, passes, patches, and stickers. Also includes performance buttons and badges for performers Bev Futrell and Karen Jones.
Festival admission bracelets, 1988-2010, undated
Festival buttons, 1984-1999, undated
Festival passes, 1995, undated
Patches, 1986-1991, undated
Performer badges, 1985-2006, undated
Stickers, 1982-1988, undated
Audiovisual materials, 1980-2012, undated
Scope and Contents
Comprises audiocassettes of folk music songs, grooved and optical audio discs of Reel World String Band albums, videocassettes and digital files of Reel World String Band performances, and a 2008 documentary film on the Reel World String Band that features interviews with band members Sue Massek, Bev Futrell, Karen Jones, Sharon Ruble, and Elise Melrood.
The discography of Reel World String Band albums includes eight recordings: The Reel World String Band (1981), Long Way to Harlan (1982), In Good Time (1984), Appalachian Wind (1989), whatnots (1996), The Coast is Clear (2001), Mountain Song: Reflections (2002), and Live Music (2005). Mountain Song: Reflections is a remastered compilation of songs from the band's first three recordings.
Audiocassettes, 1999, undated
Scope and Contents
All audiocassettes were sent to Karen Jones and Bev Futrell by Margaret (Peggy) Daole from Cleveland, Ohio except the Pittston radio reunion tapes. Arranged alphabetically by cassette title.
Civil War songs, WVIZ television special, undated
Michael J. Miles, Counterpoint, "Baroque and On the Streets", "Fly By Night String Band", undated
Michael J. Miles, Counterpoint, undated
"Mountain, Bluegrass and Classic Banjos", undated
"Old Banjo Records no. 1", undated
"Old Banjo Records from Wayne Adams Collection no. 2", undated
Pittston radio reunion, parts 1-3, Clintwood High School auditorium, 1999 October 23
Renfro Valley Gatherin', undated
- Box 19, item 9
Scope and Contents
Spine label reads: "RENFRO/Pickards/Carters/O'Day/Sizemores".
Reno and Smiley, undated
Digital audio files, 2001-2012
Reel World String Band, Americana Crossroads Live, 2001 October 26
Reel World String Band concert at Laurel Theatre, Knoxville, Tennessee, 2007 February 3
Reel World String Band, Americana Crossroads Live, Morehead State Public Radio, 2007 March 30
Reel World tracks 1/3, 2007 November 10
Reel World tracks 2/3, 2007 November 10
Reel World tracks 3/3, 2007 November 10
Reel World String Band disc 1, 2007 November 10
Reel World String Band disc 2, 2007 November 10
Music from the 2008 Peace & Global Citizenship Fair, 2008
Reel World String Band, Natasha's, 2009 November 7
Reel World String Band with Nikky Finney, 2012 October 6
Reel World String Band, Laurel Theater, Knoxville, with the Carawans, 2007 February 3
Reel World String Band, Francisco's Farm, 2009
Digital video files, 1984-2012
From Calumet to Kalamazoo 1984, Haddad and Revitte MSU, 1984
Documentary, Reel World String Band, Morehead State University, 2008 September
Reel World String Band, video - concert Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, Louisville, Kentucky, 2011 March 6
Reel World String Band, video - concert Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, Louisville, Kentucky, 2011 March 26
Women in String Music Part 1, Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 2011 October 20
Women in String Music Part 2, Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, 2011 October 20
Reel World String Band, Maysville, Kentucky, 2012 June 23
Grooved audio discs, 1981-circa 1988
Scope and Contents
All grooved audio discs are 33 1/3 rpm 12-inch long playing vinyl records. Reel World String Band albums are organized chronologically, with the 1984 compilation album They'll Never Keep Us Down: Women's Coal Mining Songs at the end of the subseries.
The Reel World String Band, 1981
Long Way to Harlan, 1982
In Good Time, 1984
Appalachian Wind, circa 1988
They'll Never Keep Us Down: Women's Coal Mining Songs, 1984
- Box 13, item 5
Scope and Contents
This compilation album features three songs by the Reel World String Band: "Draglines", "The Battle of Jericol", and "What She Aims to Be".
Optical audio discs, 1996-2005
Whatnots, 1996
The Coast is Clear, 2001
Mountain Song: Reflections, 2002
Live Music, 2005
Videocassettes, 1980-2002, undated
Jam session at Bev's in Kentucky, 1980
Reel World String Band on soundtracks, 1981
Reel World String Band 10th anniversary concert, 1988
From Calumet to Kalamazoo (Reel World recorded music in 1983), 1989
The Southern Sex directed by Christine Fugate, featuring music by Reel World, 1992
Sue Massek, Karen Jones, Blanche Coldiron, 1994 February 21
Bardstown Festival, KET jubilee, 1995
Kentucky Women's Sounds concert, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 1995 March 11
Reel World String Band 20th anniversary, KET jubilee program no. 7, 1997
Reel World String Band 20th anniversary concert, 1997 March 1
Reel World 1, 2000
Reel World 1B, 2000
Reel World 2, 2000
Reel World 2B, 2000
ECC Celebrates Women's History Month with Reel World String Band, 2001 March 2
KET-12, Kentucky Music Weekend 25th anniversary (2000) with Reel World, 2002 January 2
1 16 Reel, undated
2 16 Reel, undated
Reel World 1, undated
Reel World 1B, song 12, undated
Reel World 2, undated
Reel World 3A, undated
Reel World 3B, undated
Reel World Inst. 2, undated
Reel World Int., undated
KET, The Reel World String Band, undated
Papers accompanying audiocassettes, 1999, undated
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.