By WILL PERKINS
Glasgow News 1
A concert event this weekend will benefit Arthur Hatfield, a Barren County musician who has been making and repairing banjos for over 40 years. His business, Hatfield Banjos, was destroyed by a fire in January.
“All his tools and all his banjos were burnt. Total loss,” said Mark Kuzma, in a recent interview with WCLU Radio, adding that Hatfield also recently lost his wife and aunt who helped raise him. “Arthur has had a rough time. He’s a great guy.”
The benefit begins at 5 p.m. Saturday at North Jackson Elementary. Admission is $10 and all proceeds will go directly to Hatfield. A spaghetti dinner will also be available for an additional charge.
The event will feature music from Kentucky Just Us and The Dean Osborne Band beginning at 6 p.m.
Kuzma, who will serve as emcee for the event, said there will be a meet-and-greet with Hatfield before the music starts.
“You’re going to get two great concerts,” Kuzma said. “You’re going to get the fellowship and have a big time.
“With all that said, it’s still not about the concert, it’s about people helping people.”
Danny Wilson, who joined Kuzma in the interview with WCLU Radio, said he has known Hatfield for around 30 years and has had the pleasure of playing a few songs with him.
“Arthur builds a very good banjo,” Wilson said. “I consider it a five-star. It’s up there with Gibson or better.”
Hatfield’s banjos are hand-built with high-quality material, “and he takes his time doing it,” Wilson said. “He’s a great friend and a great artist. I’m very blessed to have met him and know him.
“There’s just not a better person than Arthur Hatfield. He’s just a great guy.”
