Published: November 03, 2009 10:32 pm      

Larry Sparks to perform in Hitchins

Hitchins — Bluegrass music veterans Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers will bring their brand of high-energy picking and singing to the stage at the Isaacs Performing Arts Center in the Old Hitchins School on Friday.

Sparks, who was named IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005, in addition to being honored with the Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year, has been performing on a professional level since he began making appearances as a guitarist with the Stanley Brothers while still in high school.

In the 40 years that followed, Sparks has remained dedicated to teaching younger generations of musicians the art of traditional bluegrass techniques and tones.

Sparks, who sings and plays guitar, will be joined on stage at 7 p.m. by Tyler Mullins on banjo and vocal harmonies, Larry D. Sparks on bass and harmonies and Carl Berggren on mandolin.

The concert will be a benefit with proceeds going to help pay for heating and air conditioning in the former school’s Works Progress Administration-constructed building.

“We have a $131,000 grant that requires $20,000 in matching funds,” said Hitchins Preservation Society spokesman Mike Johnston, who explained the money will be used to pay for a central heat and air system in the old school building made of distinctive carved WPA stones.

The money will also be applied to replacement and renovation of basement windows and other components vandalized or lost to neglect during a decade of dormancy.

Once renovated the old building will have 16 functional classroom spaces dedicated to uses including a Tiger History Room with photos, trophies and other items related to the school’s students, staff and accomplishments.

Another classroom will serve as a museum space for the Eastern Kentucky Railroad Association, reflecting the historical importance of the EK Railroad route from Webbville to Riverton, passing through the school property.

Classroom space will also be devoted to the community’s historic connections to both coal and clay. Johnston noted Hitchins once had the nation’s largest brick manufacturing yard.

The old school is also likely to be the home of a Meals on Wheels program for the community and be home to an antiques and crafts mall focused on items made in the area or relevant to local history.

As part of the preservation group’s goal of promoting the talent of today’s local youth, young vocalists Hannah Bradley and sisters Leeah Mullins and Rachel Mullins will perform. Tickets are $15 and concessions will be sold.

Johnston said the preservation group is thrilled to provide area music lovers with a chance to see and hear an outstanding group of musicians.

“Larry Sparks has been in the bluegrass business for over 40 years,” Johnston said, later adding the arts center can accommodate slightly more than 200.

“He is just a wonderful entertainer and we feel blessed that we can have him here.”

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.