International musicians spend week in Whitesburg connecting with Appalachia

A musical group of 15 people from countries all over the world, including Morocco, Turkey, Indonesia, Palestine, Lebanon, and South Africa is in Whitesburg this week.

They are performing music from their heritage that focuses on dreams, memories, and traditions.

While on their trip through Central Appalachia, the group is also connecting with the people in our region.

Some of the musicians say they are incorporating the stories they hear from Eastern Kentuckians into their music.

"We did interviews with women both in Turkey and in Central Appalachia and it was just beautiful to hear how these stories intermingled and how they're kind of universal experiences that were shared in very different places", said Elena Moon Park, who is a musician with the group and is the Artistic Director of Bang on a Can.

Organizers are helping the musicians connect with the people in the community through food.

CANE community kitchen made all of the food for the people at the event.

The group's music will be on display later this month at a three day festival in Knoxville.