Ear X-tacy recording artist and Louisville native Heidi Howe combines a music career with a devotion to environmental causes. In March 2004, she released her third full-length CD, Give a Hootenanny! Twangy Tunes About Lovin’ the Earth. Supported by a grant from the Kentucky Arts Council, the album features “green” songs for all ages, and 20% of its profits will be donated to organizations dedicated to helping the Earth, including FARM (the Farm Animal Reform Movement), EarthSave International, the Sierra Club, and four U.S. farm sanctuaries. At the same time, Heidi also embarked on a series of five benefit concerts to raise money to buy children’s books about preserving the planet and its creatures for 35 Kentucky libraries.

In 2002, Heidi worked with EarthSave International members across the country to plan and execute a national tour to promote a CD she released to raise awareness for the organization. As a result of those experiences, she was asked to write a chapter for a book entitled Softly on This Earth, published in Canada. And one of her original songs was chosen as the theme song for the Vegetarian Stew radio show in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Heidi’s career shows no signs of slowing down. She has hosted a weekly songwriter’s night in Louisville since 2001, spotlighting nationally touring performers as well as local talent. She also has shared billing with artists such as Billy Joe Shaver, Dan Bern, Paul Thorn, Rasmsay Midwood, Jerry Douglas, Kim Richey, and the Be Good Tanyas.

Program 622

A salute to the 2004 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees; Simpsonville photographer Bruce McElya, who has made seven solo raft trips to document the Grand Canyon from Colorado River level; and Louisville’s Heidi Howe, who uses her music to support environmental and other causes. (#622)

Program 635

A salute to the 2004 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductees; Simpsonville photographer Bruce McElya, who has made seven solo raft trips to document the Grand Canyon from Colorado River level; and Louisville’s Heidi Howe, who uses her music to support environmental and other causes. (#635)