Kentucky Author Forum presents Renee Fleming – Teddy Abrams Plays Master of Ceremonies – April 8

On April 8th, the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum is welcoming singing legend and health advocate, Renée Fleming. She will discuss her upcoming book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness. Louisville Orchestra conductor Teddy Abrams will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

 

Renée Fleming is one of the most acclaimed singers of our time, performing on the stages of the world’s greatest opera houses and concert halls. Honored with five Grammy awards and the U.S. National Medal of Arts, she has sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Super Bowl. Fleming’s new book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, draws upon her own experience as an advocate to showcase the breadth of this booming field.

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Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville: Clue (March 5 – 10, 2024)

Bringing Clue to Life: The Journey from Board Game to Stage Mystery

 

Get ready to play detective, Louisville!

 

Clue, the board game that has enthralled players since 1949, jumps off the table and onto the stage, bringing a whirlwind of mystery and laughter to The Kentucky Center. From March 5 to 10, the roll of the dice comes to life, and Louisville will be smack in the middle of the action — minus the risk of becoming the next victim, of course!

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Audience Interview: Raphaela Platow – Director – Speed Art Museum

The Speed Art Museum stands as a testament to artistic exploration and cultural immersion. Founded in 1927, the Speed is not only the oldest and largest art museum in Kentucky, but also boasts a vibrant and diverse collection that has been applauded by the deep appreciation for the arts in the community, fostering artistic dialogue and igniting imaginations for generations.

 

We caught up with Director Raphaela Platow to hear more about her background, the importance of The Speed and the exciting new season of exhibits. 

Listen to the full interview below:

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Kentucky Center Celebration: 40 Years of Memories

The Kentucky Center opened in November of 1983 under the direction of Gov. John Y. Brown and a combined project budget from the state as well as local donors. Brown was quoted as saying there hasn’t been a more productive investment by the state than that of the arts center. He might be correct! 

 

Over the years, The Kentucky Center has been the anchor for the arts and home to the major productions of Broadway in Louisville, the magical concerts of the Louisville Orchestra, the elegance of the Louisville Ballet and some of the biggest names in music, comedy, and entertainment. The Kentucky Center has hosted world leaders, presidential debates, and town halls on its stages. For 40 years, the flagship venue has proven to have been a great investment for the community, the city of Louisville and the entire commonwealth. 

 

Looking back over the years, memories were made that will last a lifetime. We caught up with some friends of The Kentucky Center to find out what they love about the venue, as well as some of their favorite memories. 

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Audience Event Outlook: Shakespeare in Love Gala & 2024 Season Announcement

The team at Kentucky Shakespeare is gearing up for a big night of fun for their annual Shakespeare in Love Gala that will surely be an evening you won’t want to miss. The gala will be held at 21c Museum and Hotel on Saturday, February 10th and will be the ninth gala Kentucky Shakespeare has hosted.

“We are excited for the gala as it serves as a fundraiser as well as a party!” Commented producing artistic director, Matt Wallace. “We will also announce our 2024 Shakespeare Festival in Central Park lineup, spend time with our amazing staff and raffle various gift baskets and have some great silent auction items including a Chef’s Table dinner experience for eight with Chef Todd Alexander and a Churchill Downs Finish Line Suite. There will be opportunities to donate to Kentucky Shakespeare at the event and people can also always support with tax-deductible donations online at kyshakespeare.com/donate and at Venmo @KYShakes. Funds raised go to support our many programs from free Shakespeare in the Parks to education tours and community outreach!”

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Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers and more to Headline Bourbon & Beyond – Sept. 19-22

Coming off the heels of a hugely successful 2024 festival headlined by the biggest names in the music industry, Bourbon & Beyond is back and ready for its biggest year ever at the Highland Festival Grounds September 19-22. The festival released another all-star line-up featuring Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, Dave Matthews Bands and more.

The weekend will be another chance to hang out with 100,000 of your closest friends and enjoy music from iconic bands and musicians while enjoying refreshing cocktails and impeccable food.

Founder and producer of the festival is Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer presents who truly loves Louisville and can’t wait for another year for the festival. “Bourbon & Beyond is our love letter to the city of Louisville and the great state of Kentucky,” says Danny Wimmer, Founder of Danny Wimmer Presents. “We can’t wait to showcase why Louisville has become our home away from home, so having the opportunity to curate an unbelievable festival experience rooted in amazing musical performances combined with our passion for bourbon and culinary arts is our dream come true.”

Tickets and information can be found at BourbonandBeyond.com

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Exhibit Spotlight: The Bitter and the Sweet: Kentucky Sugar Chests, Enslavement and the Transatlantic World – 1790-1865

The Speed Art Museum is excited to open a new exhibit to ring in the New year. The Bitter and the Sweet: Kentucky Sugar Chests, Enslavement, and the Transatlantic World 1790-1865 will run through April 7th and boldly reexamines the Kentucky sugar chest and related objects within the broader, intertwined contexts of the Atlantic economy, the vicious human toll of enslavement, and the complex transportation systems that brought sugar to Kentucky from the West Indies and sugar-growing regions of the Americas.

Skilled Kentucky cabinetmakers used local materials to create these highly specialized furniture pieces to store costly refined white and brown sugar that was grown and harvested by enslaved men, women and children. Taking a closer look, visitors learn that the backstory behind these beautiful pieces isn’t as gleaming as the polished silver or glimmering walnut and cherry items the museum has on display.

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11th Annual Tailspin Ale Fest Set for Saturday, March 2

Tailspin Ale Fest, the premier celebration of craft beer and community, is back for its 11th year on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the iconic Bowman Field in Louisville, Kentucky. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a lineup of exceptional features and activities for attendees to enjoy. The Tailspin Crew is ready to produce a “Knock Out” Experience benefiting Pints for Parkinson’s-TKO, serving people with Parkinson’s through regular exercise, a bit of boxing and community enrichment enabling them to fight against the progression of the disease while staying functionally active – giving hope for the future.

Tickets and info available at tailspinalefest.com/tickets

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Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville – Disney’s Frozen – Jan. 24 – Feb. 4

  An Enchanting Journey: Louisville native Jack Brewer performs for hometown audiences in Disney’s Frozen

 

The Kentucky Center is buzzing with excitement as Louisville eagerly awaits the arrival of the Broadway sensation, Disney’s Frozen, on January 24. This production isn’t just another high-profile event for the city; it’s a homecoming for one of Louisville’s own, Jack Brewer.

 

Brewer has earned a spot in the ensemble of this acclaimed touring show, playing the charming Oaken. His journey from local theater to the grandeur of Broadway encapsulates a story of dedication, talent, and the support from a vibrant arts community.

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Destination Spotlight: State Park Cottage Getaways

As the new year draws closer, thoughts turn to New Year’s resolutions and goals for the months ahead. If your resolutions involve exercising, spending more time in nature and less time on screens, we have the perfect solution for you: booking a Kentucky State Parks winter cottage.

 

In the winter, you can embrace the crisp atmosphere and avoid mosquitoes on the trails. With fewer crowds, you are better able to hear and see birds and wildlife. Bare branches also allow for unparalleled views of the scenery.

 

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Audience Magazine -Your Connection to Louisville Arts & Entertainment! Sign-up for FREE Today!

In collaboration with the performing arts groups of Louisville, we are excited to bring you Audience Magazine, an all-digital publication that delivers a behind-the-scenes look into the performing arts and entertainment during this unprecedented time of reflection and artistic creation. 

Audience Magazine highlights enlightening articles and information about the arts groups as well as spotlights on Louisville Landmarks and interviews with inspirational representatives from the arts community. And the best part about it all is …. it’s FREE!

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Chris Stapleton and Noah Kahan to Headline 2024 Railbird Music Festival

While it might not feel like summer festival weather, the popular Lexington Railbird Festival is ready to roll and tickets go on-sale December 7.

Chris Stapleton and Noah Kahan will headline the 2024 edition of Railbird Music Festival, taking place June 1-2 at The Infield at Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky. Over 30 artists across three stages including Hozier, Turnpike Troubadours, Counting Crows, Lord Huron, Wynonna Judd, Dwight Yoakam, and Elle King will transform the historical race track grounds into an unforgettable 2-Days of world-class music and curated bourbon and equine experiences that celebrate the spirit of Kentucky.

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Broadway in Louisville Performance Preview: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Nov. 28-Dec.3)

In the heart of America, where the Ohio River gracefully weaves through urban marvels and timeless traditions, Louisville stands poised for a theatrical epiphany. The city, no stranger to grand performances, now waits with bated breath for the grandeur of Broadway in Louisville and the “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” But this is not just any tale of rock ‘n’ roll. As the golden curtains prepare to unveil, audiences will be ushered into an intimate panorama of Tina Turner’s life, revealing facets and depths to her journey that many have yet to fathom.

Louisville, prepare for a revelation that resonates far beyond the footlights.

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Golden Girls U.S. Tour Brings Laughs To Louisville March 26

Thank you for being a…fan! Following sold out performances and rave reviews across the country in 2023, The Golden Girls are back and better than ever with a brand new stage show that’s more exciting than a trip to the Rusty Anchor.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue will head to more than 40 cities in 2024 including a stop at Louisville’s Brown Theatre on March 26 for One Night Only.

Tickets are on sale Friday, October 13, starting at $38.50 and can be purchased at KentuckyPerformingArts.org. A very special VIP photo experience add-on includes photos with the actors on the Golden Girls set after the show.

 

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Venardos Circus Returns to Louisville Oct. 5 – Oct. 15

CLICK HERE to enter to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to OPENING NIGHT on October 5th! 

Back by popular demand the fabulous Venardos Circus (veh-NARR-dos), a Broadway-style animal-free circus, is returning to Louisville! The show will be held on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park in Louisville, KY with its all-new “Let’s Build a Dream” Tour from October 5 – 15, 2023.  This season the wondrous Venardos Circus cast will take audiences on a journey under the big top as it unveils a fresh, magical, and all-new experience for fans. The show features an original score, amazing performers, stunning lighting, and dazzling costumes. The 2023 Venardos Circus is traveling with a new, custom-crafted, Italian-made red-and-white striped tent that offers expanded seating around a central stage for an immersive experience.

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Performance Preview: Passing the Magic: ‘Wicked’s’ Generational Encore in Louisville

In the radiant pantheon of Broadway, few musicals shimmer with the enduring allure of ‘Wicked’. A mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant characters, emotive scores, and a narrative that turns familiar tales on their heads, this masterpiece has captivated audiences globally, weaving its magic for almost two decades.

But beyond its dazzling visuals and enthralling performances lies a deeper magic, one that transcends time and binds generations.

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Farm Aid Festival Retruns to Indiana Sept. 23 – Feat. Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and more

INDIANAPOLIS — Farm Aid’s Music and Food Festival is returning to Noblesville, Indiana, on Saturday, Sept. 23, at Ruoff Music Center.

Farm Aid 2023 — a full day of music, family farmers, HOMEGROWN food and agrarian experiences — will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson, Allison Russell, The String Cheese Incident, and Particle Kid.

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Festival Preview: Bourbon & Beyond – September 14-17 – Louisville, Kentucky

Who is ready for another weekend of chest pounding music from iconic bands and musicians while enjoying refreshing cocktails and impeccable food? Fold in over 100,000 of your closest festival loving friends and you know it will be a weekend to remember!

 

Bourbon & Beyond is tuned up and ready to return to the Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center in Louisville on September 14, 15, 16 and 17 for what will be another great weekend of celebrating the perfect blend of bourbon, food and music.

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