"From artist to the Appys" - An Interview with Jill Hamlin, Floyd County | Ep. 7

If you can’t clap on beat or draw a stick figure, don’t worry – today’s guest is here to point us in the direction of those who can. You’re going to love the vibrant enthusiasm she brings to her storytelling and her advocacy on behalf of musicians and artists in Appalachia. My guest today is Jill Hamlin, the assistant director of Fine Arts for Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. In conjunction with community partners, Jill spearheaded the creation of the Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Awards or The Appy’s in 2021, which seeks to showcase the entire 13-state Appalachian Region by highlighting established talent and emerging talent. In 2022, the Appy’s won the 2022 KCTC Innovation Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Jill is also an award-winning, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter with advanced degrees in Ethnomusicology. 

If you’d like to check out the Appys for yourself, you can buy tickets to the ceremony on March 18th, 2023 or find out more about the finalists at appalachianartsandentertainmentawards.com.