HARTFORD, Ky. (AP) - A music park is being planned in the western Kentucky town of Hartford.
Susan Matthews told the Messenger-Inquirer (http://bit.ly/KJrfcd) that she is turning a former country club near the William H. Natcher Parking into Kentucky Music Park. She says the venue will offer different genres of music on a monthly basis including bluegrass, rock, country and jazz.
In addition, the 72-acre site has a golf course, a fishing lake and camping sites. Matthews says there are plans to build a total of 26 cabins on the property, which also features trails for hiking, a covered bridge and a flower garden.
The main focus, however, will be music.
"We're planning a community day on June 15 to invite the community in to see what we're doing," Matthews said. "We'll have a band playing."
Matthews says the park will host a bluegrass festival on July 4-6 featuring James Monroe, the son of bluegrass icon Bill Monroe. Matthews said there will also be performances by Kings Highway and other regional bands.
"On the 6th, James will be telling stories from his life and leading a tour of the Bill Monroe Homeplace and the Rosine Cemetery," she said.
"In August, we're planning a battle of the bands," Matthews said. "In September, we'll have either a country or a rock concert and in October, we'll have whichever one we don't do in September."
The music will move indoors to the 6,000-square-foot clubhouse beginning in November.
"We're planning on jazz and other music during the winter," Matthews said.
Matthews says the project, which is her third business, is keeping her busy.
She also owns Bluegrass Regional Healthcare Inc. in Beaver Dam and is a partner in Medical Resource Management Systems in Lexington.
More information on the Kentucky Music Park can be found on the web at www.kentuckymusicpark.com .
Information from: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, http://www.messenger-inquirer.com