Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology News

The Kentucky Folklife Program (KFP) is pleased to announce the 2023 winners of the Homer Ledford Award. This award honors top Kentucky luthiers for their contributions to the craft of instrument making and service to Kentucky music communities and is given in honor and memory of master luthier, musician, and educator Homer Ledford. Throughout his life, Ledford was well known for his exceptional craftsmanship, impressive productivity, inspired innovations, generous spirit, and willingness to teach anyone interested in his art.  After a brief hiatus since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the KFP will be honoring two exemplary luthiers this year, Tommy Case and George Wakim, with this award. 

“Both Tommy and George demonstrate a dedication to the craft of luthiery and represent the dynamic variety of stringed instruments being created in the Commonwealth today,” said Brent Bjorkman, Director of the Kentucky Folklife Program and Kentucky Museum at WKU. “The Kentucky Folklife Program is excited to award these two outstanding luthiers with this year’s Homer Ledford Award.” 

George Wakim is a versatile and creative luthier from Lebanon who has called Lexington home for many years and is well known as a violin maker as well as a maker of ouds and percussive instruments. He has shown a commitment to evolving his craft, adding new instruments to his repertoire as a luthier, demonstrating his knowledge and understanding of the craft. This includes instruments that speak to the culture that surrounds him, like the Riq and Darbuka. Some of the instruments he has crafted are on display at public locations, including a violin at the Frazier Museum in Louisville. Other instruments he has created are being used by musicians all over the world. George is also a talented musician himself, a member of the only Flamenco-Arabic band in Kentucky, Alma Gitana. 

Tommy Case is based out of Scott County and has been making violins and pochette violins for over two decades. He has a keen eye and sense of detail, ensuring every instrument he makes is of the highest quality. He has also taken on apprentices through the Kentucky Arts Council Master and Apprentice granting program and is passionate about teaching others the craft. Tommy has gained a nationwide reputation as a talented Kentucky violin maker and teacher and has given demonstrations at events throughout the Commonwealth and carries on the tradition of fine Kentucky luthiers. 

The Homer Ledford Award will be presented by the KFP, along with its longtime partner, the Kentucky Arts Council, at the 2023 Kentucky Crafted Market at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena in Lexington on March 11th. This award is sponsored by the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology at WKU, the Kentucky Folklife Program, and the Kentucky Arts Council.

For more information, contact Kentucky Folklife Program Director Brent Bjorkman: brent.bjorkman@wku.edu, 270-745-6261.