Appalachia Meets World Episode 152 - A Country Music (Highway) Tribute in Appalachia with Kirsten Wilburn and Kristin Brown Norman of SOAR

Readin, Rightin, Route 23!! THE COUNTRY MUSIC HIGHWAY!

In this episode Neil and Will sit down with Kirsten Wilburn and Kristin Brown Norman of Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) to talk about the Country Music Highway - or Route 23!  Kentucky's Country Music  Highway has produced more stars per square mile than any stretch of roadway in the world.  These two individuals are in charge of putting together a tribute show(s) that not only celebrates those stars of the past, but the future stars as well.  It's important for a region to recognize and celebrate its assets and in Eastern Kentucky there are no better assets than the people.  Hear Kirsten and Kristin talk about the upcoming tribute shows and why SOAR decided to put them together in the first place.  It's more than just the music, however, the locations and entrepreneurial activity is just as important to highlight and support - there's "magic in them mountains," something the guys are reminded of time and time again.  Take a listen to hear what The Country Music Highway is all about and why Route 23 has made and continues to make a significant impact in the region.  You might even hear Neil give his take on the Top 5 Appalachian Songs and why he has decided he needs "to get out more - or add to his list."  Also, don't forget the #AppBiz(s) - or in this case #AppTown(s) - of the week: Russel, Louisa and Ashland - KY!

Country Music Highway Tribute Shows - www.cmhtributeshow.com 

Spotify Playlist 2024 Country Music Highway Tribute Shows - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/76cHcI7cx46D2MA4EwNIc3?si=ef281937614c4d75 

County Music Highway Museum - https://paintsvilletourism.com/us-23-country-music-highway-museum-2/ 

SOAR - www.soar-ky.org 

App News:

Invest Appalachia Fund - https://investappalachia.org/ia-fund-closes-35m/ 

Virginia Tech Hydrogen Future in Appalachia - https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/04/a-hydrogen-future-seeks-sustainable-energy-and-economic-growth-f.html#:~:text=Category%3A%20research-,A%20hydrogen%20future%20could%20offer%20sustainable%20energy%20and%20economic%20growth,new%20economic%20and%20job%20opportunities

Appalachia's Stalled Revival - https://thespectator.com/topic/appalachia-stalled-revival-development/ 

Seven Geological Wonders in Appalachia - https://appvoices.org/2024/05/09/seven-wonders/

INSIDE APPALACHIA on WVPB - https://wvpublic.org/podcasts/inside-appalachia/ 

5 Songs of Appalachia - https://americansongwriter.com/5-songs-that-will-remind-you-of-growing-up-in-appalachia/ 

#AppBiz(s):

Russell - www.russellky.net  

Louisa - www.cityoflouisa.org 

     -Lawrence County Tourism Commission - https://visitlcky.com 

Ashland - www.ashlandky.gov 

     -Visit AKY - https://visitaky.com 

EXTRA: 

Miguel's Pizza (Red River Go