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Waking A Sleepy Appalachian Town & The Witch Within, w/ Ali Blair
Manage episode 327420002 series 3224475
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Complete show notes & extra goodies @ www.rainbowstarmusic.com/episode4
A 'rabble-rouser' in the best damn sense of the term, Ali Blair has a heart for community revitalization, born from her rebel roots. Raised Jehovah's Witness, now an atheist who wears the label of 'small town witch' proudly, she came to deeply value unity and inclusivity as a young adult, and is now using that passion to question the status quo in little ol' Berea, Ky, where some folks in charge would rather everyone look and believe just like they do.
Ali's efforts to awaken Old Town, the teeny downtown area that was falling into disrepair and disuse, have generated new businesses in the area amid a 10-12 week summer concert series. Families and folks of all backgrounds convene weekly around a cabin stage, vendors come to sell their wares, and free music is enjoyed by all. The spirit of pride and sense of community this builds is immeasurably precious, and locals are noticing a change in the trajectory of Berea because of it.
*Correction: I stated in the beginning of this episode that Ali's 3rd annual concert series alone was created via a grant which brings in "$50,000 altogether." The actual number for the 2019 season alone is closer to $90,000, including inkind goods and services.
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