Kyle Young

This is without question the most famous mandolin ever played. The historical importance and emotional value of this instrument cannot be overstated.

We just felt it was a crucial time for the city. To start all over and go through an RFP, it would be taking the risk that someone else might have to go through a learning curve.

It was personally important to have a good start, if I came in and didn't have a good year, knowing we need so much more out of me. Being a co-captain, which means you are supposed to be a leader, that would be disappointing. Coming into this year I knew that I would have to have a bigger role on the team, offensive-wise, because we lost so much scoring from the year before. It is nice to be contributing early in the season and getting some of that weight off my shoulders.

It's really cool. After we're finished playing, people like Jeff Healey and Alex Walker will be playing on the same stage. It makes you feel famous.

It's definitely been exciting. Every year we have become better and the attendance has been improving. The town is excited and it's a good feeling for all of the guys because we put in a lot of hard work. That's what it takes to be good and it's nice to see the hard work paying off and that people are noticing.

I just make up different calls, ... There's all kinds of things you can do.

I like improvising a lot. What I like about it is that it's extremely unexpected. I love its total randomness.

We mourned the loss and the uncertain future of the most well-known mandolin in the world.

This is a mission-driven thing for us. We're advocates for country as a cultural art form, and this is an opportunity to create a higher profile for the museum, the music and the city.

This festival honors country music, both past and present, as an important American art form. Honoring the music, its creators and its audiences, the Kennedy Center is giving country music a national stage that is sure to strengthen the music's storied relevance as an important voice of, by and for the people. We couldn't be more thrilled.

I put her right there with Loretta Lynn and people like that. She sings about her own life, which is what all great country artists have done, and I think she'll continue to do fine if she doesn't let anyone tamper with her music.

It definitely is an honor to be counted on and be seen as a leader. It's a responsibility you don't take lightly and I try to make sure I am always accountable for my actions and to this basketball team. I have been here the longest of anyone and I know what coach Davis expects. I have tried to pass that along to the incoming players.