SWOSU & Weatherford Arts Council Association Welcome Iconic Alaskan Artist Ken Waldman

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and the Weatherford Arts Council will welcome Ken Waldman, the acclaimed Alaskan Fiddling poet, for a series of free community events. His visit will begin with a workshop at 3 p.m. in room 203 of the Campbell Building, followed by a performance at 6 p.m. at the Hilltop Theater. In addition to these scheduled events, Waldman will also meet informally with community members throughout his visit. Wednesday's schedule is still to be determined.

Ken Waldman combines Appalachian-style string-band music, original poetry, and Alaska-set storytelling for a performance uniquely his. Twenty books include sixteen full-length poetry collections, twelve CDs, and since 1995 he has appeared at the widest range of venues, from the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage to the famed Dodge Poetry Festival to the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, Australia. Reviewers have compared his stage show to John Hartford and Garrison Keillor.

The Denver Post has called Waldman's shows "Renegade Americana" and according to The Austin Chronicle, his appearances are "Like a Ken Burns movie . . . Always recommended." Ken promises events that are not only musical and fun-from raucous solo fiddling to sweet original waltzes-but is also a soundtrack to a journey from Weatherford to the Real Alaska via Waldman's poems and stories.

For those considering their next road trip, this performance may inspire plans to drive to Fairbanks, Alaska, or perhaps motivate the start of a poem or story that has long been on the mind. Attendees may even find themselves jotting down notes during the show. Bring paper-this evening performance will transport guests to other realms! This event is Waldman's first public appearance in Oklahoma in more than 15 years, and he is excited to visit Weatherford.

For more information, please contact Nolan Meditz at [email protected] or 580-774-3093. Visit www.kenwaldman.com for more about Ken Waldman and his work.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of over 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.