06/03/2026
What a wonderful Saturday at Glades Community Garden!
Families, friends, and neighbors gathered to enjoy live Appalachian folk and Americana music from Jeri Katherine Howell and her band, explore hands-on music making with music therapist Cecilia Stair, and connect with one another in a beautiful community setting.
The event also marked the kickoff of Berea Kids Eat Summer meal distribution, providing free meals for children and youth 18 and under. We are grateful to Alfalfa for helping ensure families had access to healthy food while enjoying the concert and community activities.
This event was part of the Music & Meaning concert series, which explores how arts and community engagement can strengthen social connection and improve well-being. Through participant surveys, we are gathering valuable feedback about how these events impact community members, particularly older Bereans who may experience loneliness or social isolation. The information shared helps us better understand how music, shared experiences, and welcoming community spaces contribute to a stronger sense of belonging and connection.
Throughout the morning, attendees enjoyed opportunities to visit with friends, meet new people, and spend time together in a relaxed and inclusive environment. These moments of connection are important in helping build a healthier, more engaged community where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Events like this remind us of the power of partnerships in communities. Thank you to AMP Berea, Berea Kids Eat, Glades Community Garden, Alfalfa, Bumble Bites, our musicians, volunteers, and everyone who attended and completed a survey. Your participation helps us continue creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports AMP Berea with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. This project was funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council.
Thank you for making this event a success. We look forward to seeing you at future Music & Meaning events!
