Folklife: Folklife Festival
Canary cage from coal mine, c. 1900
Miners carried caged birds with them into coal mines to warn them of the presence of poisonous gases. With technological advances, electronic instruments replaced birds. The phrase "canary in the bird cage" became a popular American phrase for sensing impending danger. Donated by Wade Hall.
Canary cage from coal mine, c. 1900

The Kentucky Folklife Festival
Downtown Frankfort

Kentucky Folklife FestivalThe Kentucky Folklife Festival is a celebration of music, dance, crafts, food, games, and other expressions of the state's diverse cultural heritage. The Festival has been suspended in 2009, but will return in the future. In the meantime, view the Made to be Played page to find out about a day of concerts at the Old State Capitol.


For more information, contact:

Bob Gates
Folklife Program Director
(502) 564-1792, ext. 4481
bob.gates@ky.gov

Mark Brown
Folklife Specialist
(502) 564-1792, ext. 4491
mark.brown@ky.gov


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Kentucky Unbridled Gift Card

Kentucky Unbridled Gift Card
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