June 2024
“I've wanted to entertain since I was little, and I was so lucky to be a part of Bright Star. Being on stage makes me feel alive and just so happy, and opportunities like playing a lead in Frozen Jr. are some of the most important things in my life. I want to pursue acting and make it my career. I'm really thankful for all the opportunities that have been given to me!”
Michael Ray, a Scott County High student, made his acting debut in Bright Star with the Plateau Players, and helped in forming the Plateau Jr. Players. He then went on to be in the Madrigal Dinner and Frozen Jr. He is the President of the Appalachian Society of the Arts Junior Board, and is known for his sense of humor, warm and welcoming smile, and awesome personality. We are truly luck to have him in our community!
July 2024
"Music was always the thing I could go back to in order to better understand things about myself, or the world around me, that I couldn't quite put my finger on. To this day, music is something that brings me a deep sense of stillness. Artists and bands like Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Fleet Foxes, Adrianne Lenker, and Neil Young defined a lot of my formative years. I admired the brutal honesty in their lyrics, and the shamelessness that they displayed when telling their stories. I picked up guitar when I was ten, and started writing songs when I was thirteen with the intention of getting my stories and hardships out there to hopefully make room for newer and more joyful things. My songs were for me, and for me only when I started putting my music out there... These days I hear people telling me (which are pretty few and far between in all honesty) that they relate to my music, and that it's helped them. It's become less and less for me, and more for others to hopefully hear and know they're not alone, which is very beautiful and fulfilling for me."
Zeke Harness is one of our Co-Directors of Performing Arts and a constant performer at events around the area, as well as two time qualifying artist for the Tennessee Songwriters Week. He is also an avid artist and photographer with an eye for beauty in mundane and exotic locations. We look forward to continuing to see what comes out of Zeke's bright future!