Constance Alexander began her writing career by winning a poetry contest in 4th grade, and she’s been writing ever since. We begin this edition with a visit to her home in Murray, where the New Jersey native moved after meeting her husband, artist and coffin maker Roy “Bud” Davis, in 1988. Constance is a columnist for the Murray Ledger and Times; has had plays professionally produced in the United States and Scotland; and scripted and edited a radio series on end-of-life issues entitled Promises To Keep, which was nominated for a Peabody Award. She is at work on a novel.

Next, we’re off to the other end of the state for a look at the people, arts, crafts, and music of Hindman’s annual Appalachian Family Folk Week. Mike Mullins, executive director of the Hindman Settlement School, which hosts the festival, introduces some of the school’s activities as a center for education and culture in the region.

Throughout the program, Louisville band Hell’s 1/2 Acre performs songs from its CD Under a Whiskey Moon. Singer, guitarist, and songwriter John Woosley; bassist and songwriter Rankin Mapother; drummer Glen Howerton; and guitarist Screaming John Hawkins have been receiving rave reviews for this follow-up to 2003’s Blacktops & Blackouts.