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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) \u2013 Two local musicians who perform traditional Irish and Scottish music say they\u2019re working to build a new Celtic arts community in south-central Kentucky.<\/span><\/p>\n Rebecca Baumbach and Arthur Cleavinger have spent years performing with a rotating group of musicians from across the region. Baumbach said the heart of the music has always been about connection.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not just about playing the tunes. It\u2019s really about getting together with friends and sharing the music with your friends,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n Cleavinger said the Irish tradition stands apart because of that social foundation. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all about connecting with each other socially and creating a community,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n The two perform summer and winter solstice concerts at the Capitol Theater in partnership with the Warren County Public Library, drawing hundreds each year. Cleavinger said the popularity of those shows helped inspire a new initiative to bring more Celtic culture to Bowling Green.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re used to traveling\u2026 if we want to go and enjoy a weekend of Irish music, we pack our bags, we get in the car and leave,\u201d he said. \u201cSo it just dawned on us\u2026 we can build that kind of community here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The effort includes the launch of the SKY Celtic Arts Initiative, offering classes in tin whistle, bagpipes, Irish fiddle and dance, along with plans for cultural programs focused on heritage, arts, and traditional crafts.<\/span><\/p>\n Baumbach said the shared repertoire of Irish tunes makes it easy to bring musicians together. \u201cThe tunes are the tunes. It\u2019s dance music. And so you can play those with anybody,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n Both musicians say their goal is to create a welcoming space for people to learn the music and the culture behind it. Cleavinger said the solstice concerts have helped foster that atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re performing for a large crowd\u2026 you feel like you\u2019re making music with your buddies,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Baumbach said her love of the tradition keeps her motivated. \u201cYou have to really love it,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n The group\u2019s next round of classes begins March 24, with more programs planned through the summer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n