05/30/2026
For Immediate Release
Media Advisory
Stidham Old Time Music Association Announces Summer Pick and Bow Updates and Upcoming Community Events
Martin County, KY — The Stidham Old Time Music Association (SOTMA) continues to make a strong impact through its Summer Pick and Bow Program, offering youth in Martin County and beyond the opportunity to learn traditional Appalachian music, build confidence, and stay engaged in meaningful activities throughout the summer.
SOTMA held the second session of its Summer Pick and Bow Program on May 29, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Despite taking place on graduation day, the program had a strong turnout and continued to build on the success of previous sessions.
Instructors for this session included:
Jimmy Webb — fiddle
Peyton Byrons — guitar
Joey Webb — banjo
Anabel Peterman — bass
Violet Updike — guitar
Jarred Goforth — banjo
Students participated in small-group breakout sessions with instructors before coming together for a large group jam session. Returning students continue to show strong growth from the spring session, and two new students joined the program to begin instruction in fiddle and guitar. Guitar remains the most requested instrument, and SOTMA is currently in need of additional guitars for new students.
In a region where summer youth activities can be limited, the Pick and Bow Program provides a vital opportunity for students to continue developing their skills and stay connected to their cultural heritage through music.
Upcoming Events
June 9, 2026
Yes Arts Event
Frankfort, Kentucky
SOTMA will partner with Yes Arts in Frankfort to provide traditional Appalachian music programming at their facility. The event will include a musical instrument petting zoo and an introduction to the music of beloved fiddle teacher John Harrod. Harrod, who is from the Frankfort area, has shared many Kentucky fiddle tunes with the organization, and those tunes will be featured during the event. This partnership supports SOTMA’s mission of creating a lasting impact through music, including its work in opioid prevention and recovery support. SOTMA also plans to work with Yes Arts to launch a Pick and Bow program at the Frankfort location beginning this fall.
June 12, 2026
Rooted in Tradition
Warfield Park
This event is a partnership between SOTMA, Common Roots Project, Martin County Stories of Place, and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the main sponsor of the summer program. The event will begin with the regular Pick and Bow session from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., followed by a community jam session featuring teachers, students, and community members.
June 26, 2026
Stories of Place Event
Martin County Pool, Inez, Kentucky
Pick and Bow will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by a community jam at 5:00 p.m.
July 17, 2026
Community Bluegrass Jam
Inez, Kentucky
SOTMA will host its regular Pick and Bow session at the event location before helping kick off a community jam with teachers and students.
July 24, 2026
Stidham Old Time Music Gathering Kickoff
James E. Webb Musical Repair and Sales
Tomahawk, Kentucky
Pick and Bow will take place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. to kick off the Stidham Old Time Music Gathering, which will run July 24–26, 2026. All students will receive five free tickets to attend with family and friends. SOTMA thanks Healing Appalachia and Hope in the Hills for serving as the main sponsors of this event. The organization is also seeking additional partners and supporters to help strengthen the festival.
Program Growth and Future Plans
SOTMA is also working to launch a Pick and Bow program in Johnson County, with more information to be announced in the future.
The organization continues to expand its reach through meetings and partnership development with Healing Appalachia and Coalfield Development, with the goal of making an even greater impact across Eastern Kentucky.
In addition, the Webb family is donating 88 acres in Tomahawk to support the long-term vision of the organization. More details on that project will be shared soon.
Photos and video from the May 29 session are available and showcase the growth and progress of participating students.
Contact
For more information, partnership opportunities, or media inquiries, please contact:
James Leon Webb
502-330-6688
Jimwebb1971@gmail.
