Santa Is Real – Louisville Folk School’s Annual Holiday Fundraiser Concert 🎄
It’s an annual tradition by now—right up there with hanging stockings on the piano or leaving your banjo case open for Saint Nick to fill with a new capo and fresh batteries for your tuner!
Join us on Friday, December 13 at Whirling Tiger for Santa Is Real, our holiday fundraising concert that brings together the joy of folk music, community, and celebration. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show begins at 7:30 pm with a stellar lineup:
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Hubby Jenkins – A Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and former member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Hubby Jenkins is known for his dynamic performances that celebrate the African American roots of old-time American music.
• The Local Honeys – Known as “the defining sound of real deal, honest-to-god Kentucky music,” The Local Honeys (Montana Hobbs and Linda Jean Stokley) share deeply personal stories of contemporary Appalachian life through banjo-driven, soulful songs. Their work has received praise from the New York Times and is celebrated for its authentic, nuanced portrayal of Kentucky’s cultural landscape.
• Jesse Wells – An accomplished musician and Assistant Director at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music, Jesse Wells brings a wealth of knowledge and international experience, having performed with renowned traditional artists and Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps. His expertise in Appalachian music traditions is unmatched.
• Julia Purcell & Isaac Fosl-van Wyke – Performing as a duo, Julia and Isaac bring poetic storytelling to life with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. Julia, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, draws on Appalachian traditions, while Isaac’s songs offer a biting cultural critique supported by rich harmonic layers. Together, their music reflects the complexities of Appalachian life with warmth and depth.
• Kathryn Brooks – A Louisville Folk School instructor and skilled multi-instrumentalist, Kathryn Brooks performs her original songs inspired by Kentucky’s folk, Americana, and country roots. Her latest release, “Forgive Me For That Too,” highlights her heartfelt songwriting.
• Mountain Folk Choir – Led by Julia Purcell, the Mountain Folk Choir brings vibrant vocal harmonies that blend folk, Appalachian, and old-time traditions, creating a powerful sense of community and celebration through song.
Our emcees, Gabe McKinney and Elizabeth Colon Nelson, will keep the night moving with laughs, surprises, and a playful spark.
We’ll also have our popular bourbon raffle with unique bottles to be won—all to support Louisville Folk School’s mission of preserving Kentucky’s folk music traditions for generations to come.
Tickets are on sale now. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
This concert is our way to bring the community together in celebration of Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage. We hope to see you there for a night of music, friendship, and holiday cheer!