Benefit on Saturday to support local banjo maker

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – On Jan. 10, a devastating fire destroyed the workshop of Arthur Hatfield, a well-known banjo maker in the Bluegrass community.

Now, musicians and community members are coming together to support him with a benefit concert this Saturday in Barren County.

“Mr. Arthur has been very kind to not only us, but a whole lot of people in the community.” Kacey O’Neal, an organizer and member of ‘Kentucky Just Us,’ said. “We just really love to support people, especially people that’s been good to us and our family and our band. And, we just thought it’d be a great opportunity to, for the community to come together and support Mr. Arthur. ”

Hatfield has spent decades building high-quality banjos, earning a reputation among musicians far and wide. His loss has been deeply felt by those who admire both his craft and his character.

Terry O’Neal, the manager of ‘Kentucky Just Us,’ says, “We actually had people calling us up from the community and asking us, ‘hey, can y’all do something, you know, to help him out?’ And we said, sure. I mean, he’s been great to us and and great to a whole lot of people.”

The benefit will feature live performances from bluegrass musicians including ‘Kentucky Just Us’ and ‘The Dean Osbourne Band’, bringing people together in the spirit of music and community support.

Credit: Kentucky Just Us

Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy food with a Spaghetti dinner to start as the doors open at 5 p.m., creating a great atmosphere while supporting a local craftsman.

“I like to eat and appreciate it when I can get a chance to put music and food together. That always brightens my day a little bit. But it’s just going to be a big, a big barrel of fun for anybody who wants to come and enjoy some great music and support a local craftsman.”, Jesse Meador, who got his first dependable Banjo from Hatfield and went on to win the 2022 National Banjo Championship said.

The message behind the event is simple—Hatfield has given so much to the community, and now it’s time to give back.

The benefit concert will take place this Saturday at North Jackson Elementary in Glasgow, with all proceeds going toward helping Hatfield rebuild his workshop. Doors open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 6 p.m.

If you are unable to attend but still want to support, you can donate on GoFundMe.