August 15, 2022
By:
The Board of Directors of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival have named Kim Driver Luton as the new president. The decision was made at the board’s August 11 meeting. Kim has served on the Jamboree board for the past six years, and she says she is honored to be named president.
“I have such a passion for music and arts. My grandfather was one of the founders of the Jamboree, so I guess it’s just in my blood. It’s one way I think I can give back to this community who has given so much to me. ”
Kim is a 1977 graduate of DeKalb County High School. She graduated in 1985 from MTSU with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing, with minors in Music and Information Systems. Although she is a classical pianist, she has a love for bluegrass music. She is married to Bill Luton, and they have three children (Russell Ambrose, Lela Ambrose, and Trent Luton), and two grandchildren (James and Emme).
“The purpose of the jamboree is to perpetuate and preserve the playing and singing of old time Appalachian bluegrass and folk music,” Kim says. “In addition, we promote the creation, and display, of handmade crafts. According to our by-laws, this is our mission. My goal as president is make sure we are doing all we can to preserve our music and craft heritage by improving the Jamboree every year. With the experience brought to the board that was elected to serve with me it’s going to be great.”
Elected to the Jamboree board are Brandon Shaw, Vice President; Jack Barton, Coordinator; Grant James, Treasurer; Vicki Woods, Secretary; Tabulation Manager, Vicki Woods; Olivia Southard, Crafts Director; Alex Woodward, Sales and Marketing; Ethan Shaw, Technology and Social Media; Shawn Jacobs, Media; and Rob Ramsey, Judges. The SmithvilleDeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Committee will be chaired by Suzanne Williams. Other Jamboree committees include Blue Blaze, Inclusive, Marketing, Registration, Stage, Contestant, Judges, and Junior Jamboree Board.
“We need volunteers,” Kim says. “If you are interested in serving on any of our committees, please contact us at smithvillejamboree@gmail.com, or by calling 615-597-8500. In the meantime, look for the Jamboree to be involved in more community events throughout the year.”