In a recent UNESCO cultural exchange, J.D. Wilkes presented Glasgow City of Music with a selection of music and literature from Paducah at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Wilkes and Colin Hynd, Glasgow Life Music Producer, exchanged tokens of local culture and dialogue regarding potential collaborations. Wilkes, the front man of The Legendary Shack Shakers, visited Scotland as part of The Southern Surreal European concert tour which featured stops in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Spain.

“I am honored to continue representing my hometown abroad and am beyond thankful that my job as a traveling musician in the Legendary Shack Shakers allows me to promote all the great things I love about Paducah, Kentucky,” said Wilkes. “Colin Hynd presented a wealth of fascinating gifts and ideas to share with Paducah’s mayor and CVB. Our two cities should work well together in the future!”

The Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) facilitated the meeting with counterparts at Glasgow UNESCO City of Music.

“UNESCO has opened many new doors for exciting partnerships and connections with Creative Cities around the globe,” said Mary Hammond, Paducah CVB Executive Director. “Meetings like this are catalysts for our artists to expand their own networks and enhance the local cultural scene.”

The Legendary Shack Shakers, released their new album, titled The Southern Surreal, on September 11, 2015 via Alternative Tentacles Recordings. Built upon a haunting, Southern Gothic theme, the 15-track set was the Shack Shaker’s first release in five years and landed on the band’s 20th anniversary.

UNESCO strives to build networks among nations and intercultural understanding through the protection of heritage and the support of cultural diversity. The Creative Cities Network fosters international cooperation among cities that acknowledge creativity as a driver for sustainable development. Paducah was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2013.

Paducah CVB is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Paducah/McCracken County. For more information, visit www.Paducah.Travel