MOUNT VERNON – The Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival board of trustees has announce that Trina Trainor and Joe Bell have been selected as interim Festival co-directors.
“We are blessed to have Trina and Joe to direct us through this transition year,” Dan Emmett board chair Joe Rinehart said. “Trina’s experience and excellent organizational skills have already made an impact. Joe’s experience, connections and knowledge of the Festival are invaluable.
“Most importantly, they both love Knox County and have a vision to see the Festival continue to thrive and grow.”
Trainor hails from Marion, Ohio, and moved to Knox County in 2013. She has been active in the arts since her youth, involved in a show choir and served as the assistant community theatre director at the Palace Theatre in Marion for four years. Trainor is no stranger to festival organization, having planned corporate sponsored events for 12,000-15,000 attendees.
She was also involved in coordinating and preparing entertainment and activities for the Marion Popcorn Festival for five years. After spending 12 years in North Carolina, where she worked in Lean Manufacturing processes, Trainor moved back to Ohio to make Mount Vernon her home.
“I’m very excited to become more involved in the community,” Trainor said. “I’ve worked for Ariel in administration for seven years and have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. I’ve been looking for avenues in which I could give back and support the various activities and events we enjoy. When I was asked to participate with planning this year’s Festival and be part of the board, I knew it was a perfect fit.”
Trainor lives in Apple Valley with her daughter, Bailey, who is a senior at Mount Vernon High School. She has a grown son, Jacob, who lives in Cincinnati.
“Change is never easy and we want to ensure this year’s Festival is a success, as we look toward re-branding and energizing the Festival in 2020,” Trainor said. “The future of this annual event is bright and I’m honored to be part of it.”
Bell is also a familiar face to the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, having served as a volunteer for more than 10 years. During that time,
Bell has focused his efforts on lining up music programs, particularly for youth; acted as the liaison for the art and commercial vendors, served as co-director for Knox Idol, and is a member of the operations committee. But that’s just where Bell’s knowledge and skills start. He retired after 30 years as an art teacher in the Highland Local School District where he was also the director of theater activities, a role he continues to hold.
He is co-owner of Right Brain Productions with his wife, Marty, who is the vocal music director at Mount Vernon High School. Together they strive to foster and generate artistic performances for youth in Knox County.
“The Dan Emmett Festival has been a large part of mine and my family’s life for a number of years,” Bell said. “I can’t imagine not being involved in some capacity. We are passionate about the arts, and feel it’s important to provide quality entertainment that families can enjoy, while bringing visual art experiences to the community.”
While he appreciates and honors all aspects of the Festival, Bell’s true passion lies in the artistic aspect of the arts. He has been involved with MTVarts as an actor and master carpenter for 13 years, and is a member of Knox Performing Arts Council (KPAC) community outreach and education committee.
“I love creativity, imagination, and problem solving! I thrive on fostering imagination and creativity through live theater,” Bell said. “My motto is ‘Imagination is the only force that can manifest itself into reality.’
“I am looking forward to the challenge of developing and implementing fresh and creative ideas for a new celebration of all the arts for Mount Vernon and Knox County.”
Bell lives in Mount Vernon with his wife and four daughters – Erin, Megan, Leslie, and Christine.
The Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival is Aug. 8 to 11, 2019. Lee Greenwood will headline this year’s event, taking the stage on Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m. Those interested in participating as a performer, vendor, or volunteer should call 740-392-3378 and leave a message, or send a message via the Dan Emmett Facebook page.
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