BIG SANDY SINGERS AND BAND PERFORM MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME IN KENTUCKY HOUSE, SENATE AND IN FRONT OF VERY SPECIAL GUESTS

When Clayton Case got the invitation for the Big Sandy Singers to perform My Old Kentucky Home in front of the Kentucky House and Senate, he was a bit nervous.

Case, the director of Fine Arts at Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC), wanted to do something special. He did that by adding two acoustic guitars and a beautiful arrangement that highlighted harmony and showcased the extraordinary talent of the Big Sandy Singers and Band, an elite, auditioned group of vocalists and musicians.

And then there was a twist something that you would only see in Hollywood.

Jennifer Garner, a Golden Globe winning actress, and Mark Kennedy Shriver coincidentally were in Frankfort the same day (Tuesday, February 9) advocating for the Save the Children program and early childhood education across the state.

When the Big Sandy Singers and Band took their place on the Senate and House floor, their rendition of My Old Kentucky Home brought a unified voice to the chambers. It also brought tears to the eyes of Garner.

She was so moved, she wanted a photo with the group.

It was a remarkable day to say the least, said Case. We were honored to have the opportunity to showcase our talents in front of legislators, but I have to admit we were a little star struck to look over and see Jennifer Garner and Mark Kennedy Shriver.

And while the group snagged a photo, Maranda Finney, a member of the group and 2015 Big Sandy Idol Regional Competition winner, got a selfie.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of BSCTC and a friend of Shriver, described the performance as breathtaking.

These young men and women, for two minutes, took two houses that are often divided by ideas and brought them, from Pikeville to Paducah, together through their beautiful voices, he said. It showcased exactly what these legislators work for everyday opportunities, possibilities and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Members of the Big Sandy Singer and Band: Caleb Hall, Aaron Curnutte, Will Hayes, Michael Stevens, Rebecca Risner, Ayngelea Stevens, Jerica Grim, Maranda Finney, Abigail Stanley, Beth Runyon and Whitley Bartley. Candace Kelly is the assistant director and Brennen Meek is the audio engineer.

For more information about the Big Sandy Singers and Band, contact Case at (606) 886-7388 or email ccase0005@kctcs.edu or Kelly at (606) 886-7384 or email fkelly0004@kctcs.edu.