DEAFESTIVAL

News release

LOUISVILLE — The state’s only daylong celebration for deaf and hard of hearing art, language and culture, DeaFestival-Kentucky 2018, will be held Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Galt House, 140 N. Fourth St., in Louisville. The public is invited to this free event. The doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

Two special guests will make appearances during the event at the Galt House Grand Ballroom. Kyle Schulz, two-time competitor on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior who is deaf, will be interviewed at 3:50 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Spotlights segment and sign autographs at 5 p.m.

Broadway and film actor Miles Barbee will also appear as a part of the Spotlights segment at 3:20 p.m. to preview his new movie called “The Silent Natural” about baseball legend William Hoy, who was nicknamed “Dummy” because he was deaf. Hoy played for several major league baseball teams from 1888-1902, including the Cincinnati Reds, and is credited with introducing strike and ball hand signals into the game.

During DeaFestival-Kentucky 2018, more than 50 visual and performing deaf and hard of hearing artists, including rappers, hip-hop musicians, comedians, storytellers and dancers will perform.

Visitors will also be able to purchase fine art by deaf and hard of hearing visual artists, located in the exhibit hall. Please check the DeaFestival website, deafestival.org, to find out more about the other artists and performers.

The DeaFestival began in 1996 in Danville at Kentucky School for the Deaf. It was held annually until 1998, when it became a biennial event. This year’s DeaFestival will be the eighth held in Louisville.

For more information, please contact Virginia Moore at (502) 573-2604 or visit the event website at kcdhh.ky.gov/deafestival/.