Author/Musician Ron Pen at ACTC Nov. 15

Author and musician Ron Pen, a University of Kentucky Professor, will give a free presentation Thursday, Nov. 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at ACTCs Technology Drive Campus.

He will sign copies and read from his book I Wonder as I Wander: The Life of John Jacob Niles , a biography of the Central Kentucky musician who was a key figure in folk and art music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He will also talk about musical styles in Kentucky and will play some fiddle tunes.

A Musicology Professor, Pen has received both the University of Kentucky Great Teacher Award and the Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is Director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music and a researcher of old time music and early folk music collections.

His research focuses on American vernacular music with an emphasis on the music and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Publications include book reviews, articles, book chapters, and documentary films covering topics such as early folk music collections, fiddle tunes, and traditional, country, and bluegrass musical styles.

His program is sponsored by the University Press of Kentucky and presented as part of the New Harmonies Exhibit.