‘Ohio Treasure’ Steve Free to perform at SSCC

Original music captures spirit of Appalachian heritage

Southern State Community College is proud to present Appalachian folksinger/songwriter Steve Free 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the college’s South Campus, 12681 U.S. Route 62, Fincastle. The live concert will take place in the Learning Resource Center.

Hailing from Scioto County, Free is an internationally known singer, songwriter and recording artist who draws upon his Native American and Appalachian roots through songs and stories to educate and entertain audiences of all ages.

Free’s music has garnered myriad awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP); the Academy of Independent Recording Artists; Airplay International; and is recognized for his performances on National Public Radio.

In 2008, Free received the Governor’s Award for the Arts in the Individual Artist category.

“He is an artist who takes his passion to the people,” said Beverly McClain, in her awards nomination letter. “Steve Free connects to the listeners from his very soul through his original songs and sounds.”

Named an “Ohio Treasure” by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), Free is a listed Ohio Artist on Tour. His OAC educational program is popular in schools in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.

“My mission in the classroom is to educate children through music and storytelling of the rich heritage of our area, the Appalachian and Native American cultures that have shaped it,” said Free. “To encourage them to explore their own roots, to explore opportunities of the interconnectedness of man, nature and spirit and how the circle must include all of these aspects to be complete.”

He has recorded five CDs, including “Coming Home,” “All Points Between,” “No Regrets,” “Rivers, Rails and Tales” and “Timeline.” To learn more about Free or to sample his music, please visit www.stevefree.com.

For more information about upcoming events at Southern State Community College, please visit www.sscc.edu/students/events/2009_

10_culture_brochureFINAL.pdf or call South Campus at 937-695-0307.