Arts Weekly

Ky professor discusses poetry of Thomas Merton

John Hingsbergen — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:01:28 +0000

Earlier this month, the final Chautauqua Lecture of the year at Eastern Kentucky University featured The Poetry of Thomas Merton. Until his accidental death in 1968, the Roman Catholic monk lived at the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery near Bardstown.

Former Rep Chandler set to direct Humanities Council

John Hingsbergen — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:19:26 +0000

For 21 years, Ben Chandler served Kentuckians in the U.S. House of Representatives. This summer, he’ll find find himself in a new role, as he says, "telling Kentucky’s story" as Executive Director of the Kentucky Humanities Council. We spoke this week with Mr.Chandler about the position he assumes on July 1^st.

Barn at Redgate to host new concert series in Somerset

John Hingsbergen — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:30:00 +0000

A new series of concerts kicks off in Somerset next weekend. Singer/songwriter Pierce Pettis will open The Red Gate Sessions on Friday evening May 17.

Kentucky Ties in "The Great Gatsby"

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

If not in the movie, at least in the book, Kentucky figures prominently in “The Great Gatsby.” Another movie based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald masterwork is released this weekend. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, dusted off his college copy, and discussed it with WEKU’s Charles Compton.

Restaurant, Restrooms and the Rest for Art Lovers

Charles Compton — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:59:59 +0000

A decade ago, just off I-75 in Berea, the Commonwealth launched an experiment in marketing. It built the Kentucky Artisan Center and stocked its shelves with locally made products. The center has since been a stop for travelers seeking arts and crafts, a meal and a clean restroom. WEKU’s Charles Compton reports.

Documents Describe Alleged Mismanagement at EKU Arts Center

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Accustomed to theaters and museums..reporter Rich Copley found himself in a different venue recently…a courtroom. Rich, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, won access to public documents describing alleged mismanagement at the EKU Center for the Arts. Those allegations eventually resulted in the resignation of center director Debra Hoskins. He spoke with WEKU reporter Charles Compton.

KY Bach Choir presents Spring Concert of Bach & Handel

John Hingsbergen and Michael Carter — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 +0000

The Kentucky Bach Choir is getting ready for its spring concert with performance of the music of Bach and Handel. The group was founded in 2007 as the Lexington Bach Choir. London, Kentucky native Marlon Hurst became artistic director in 2009 when choir founder Richard Sowers took a job out of state.

Kentucky Native Michael Shannon Appearing in TV, Movies, Theater

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Kentucky has spawned its fair share of Hollywood actors….from Patricia Neal to Jennifer Lawrence, and now, Michael Shannon. The Lexington native cancelled an appearance this weekend at the Kentucky Theater, but Shannon’s newest film still opens there. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, spoke about this weekend’s events with WEKU’s Charles Compton.

Lexington Public Library Hosts Victorian Inspired Gala

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

The latest in Tween-literature is recreated this weekend by the Lexington Public Library. “Night Circus” author Erin Morgenstern helps in a fundraiser at Red Mile’s Round Barn. Here with a preview of it and the weekend’s other events is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

Several Prestigious Acts to be Inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

It seems earning a place in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame takes a while. It’s probably because the Commonwealth possesses a deep pool of musical talent. The Hall has its induction ceremony tonight at the Lexington Center. Here with a preview of it and the weekend’s other events is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

KY Shakespeare brings Julius Caesar to Hazard

John Hingsbergen — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:22:01 +0000

Young people and others in Hazard will be treated to a performance of Shakespeare next week. John Hingsbergen reports that Kentucky Shakespeare, based in Louisville, is bringing Julius Caesar to the Hazard Community and Technical College.

Spring Takes Off with Keeneland, The Odd Couple and Pianolust!

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Marking spring in much of the Bluegrass, a series of arts and cultural events is set for this weekend. When it comes to such events, reporter Rich Copley says the big kahuna is Keeneland’s spring race meet. Rich covers arts and culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

Enso String Quartet and Boston Brass in Danville

Roger Duvall — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:36:09 +0000

Born out of a "class assignment" at Yale University, the Enso String Quartet now performs almost half a year touring the country and internationally. They team up with the Boston Brass to present an evening of music on the theme of the story of Romeo and Juliet featuring the music of Prokofiev, Berstein and Elvis Costello. WEKU's Roger Duvall spoke with cellist Richard Belcher.

Messiah as Handel intended

John Hingsbergen — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:12:41 +0000

Since its debut in 1742, Messiah has established itself as one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music. During this Easter weekend, the WEKU Stations are presenting a unique production of George Frideric Handel's oratorio in its original orchestration.

Woodford Theatre to stage Neil Simon's Odd Couple

John Hingsbergen — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:24:14 +0000

Although most people know it as a popular TV series, The Odd Couple first came to light on stage. The Neil Simon comedy premiered on Broadway in 1965 and was made into a movie three years later. As a TV sitcom, 114 episodes aired on ABC between 1970 and 75.

Yo-Yo Ma and Silk Road Ensemble Perform Twice in Central Kentucky

Roger Duvall — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:17:16 +0000

Yo-Yo Ma performed for two American presidents before the age of ten and is perhaps one of the best-known living classical musicians.

Students Organize Art Show Inspired by Childhood Tales

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:36:04 +0000

Students were allowed to organize the newest art show at the Lexington Art League. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, says they came up with a fascinating result. He talked about it and this weekend’s other events with WEKU’s Charles Compton.

Addams Family Musical at the Lexington Opera House

John Hingsbergen — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 22:13:32 +0000

Perhaps no TV theme is more recognizable than that of The Addams Family. The unconventional sit-com aired on ABC for just two seasons, starting in the Fall of 1964. It was based on characters created in the 1930's by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams.

Addams Family's "Cousin Itt" in town for weekend events

John Hingsbergen — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 22:12:23 +0000

Baby boomers and re-run watchers probably know The Addams Family best from the black and white TV series of the 1960's. As luck would have it, one of the original characters from that series is also in town this weekend.

Folk Musician John Gorka to Perform at Carnegie Arts Center

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:34:14 +0000

The term "folk music" can refer to a lot of different styles. Folk tunes are the basis for much of the classical music of Bela Bartok and Aaron Copeland. Ethnic music of Africa inspired the writing of Paul Simon for his multi-Grammy-award-winning album Graceland.

Lexington Art League Hosts pARTy to Make Art More Accessible

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:32:24 +0000

The Lexington Art League takes its art out of the gallery and onto the streets September 21st, 2012 for its second "pARTy for Everyone."

Quartet to Perform Coltrane's Spiritual Music Part I

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:53:23 +0000

Legendary saxophonist, John Coltrane, had an illustrious career that spanned from the bebop era of the 1940s to the free-jazz movement of the late 1960s. One lesser-known aspect of his career was his spiritual side. Sunday evening, October 28th, The Church of the Good Shepard in Lexington will feature the sacred music of John Coltrane with jazz artist Dick Sisto. Brian Cole is the Director of Good Shepard Church and spoke with WEKU's Roger Duvall about the performance.

Constella Arts Festival Seeks to Connect Arts in Cincinnati

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:38:47 +0000

Communities large and small benefit from having a thriving arts climate. But in any given town, while the symphony or art museum may be a leader in terms of patronage, many organizations struggle to get by as athey live in the shadows of better organized groups.

EKU Center for the Arts Hosts Popular Blue Man Group

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:55:06 +0000

November 9th and 10th, the EKU Center for the Arts hosts Blue Man Group. The act started in the late 80s and has been going strong worldwide ever since. While the 3-man acrobatic drumming troupe doesn't utter a word on stage, one of the performers, Chris Smith, talks here with Roger Duvall.

Multi-Genre Art Show Exhibits Local Art Inspired by "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:30:20 +0000

The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning presents an arts celebration of works inspired by the book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Jessica Faye Mohler is the group's marketing director and helped coordinate the celebration.

Bluegrass Youth Ballet Celebrates Dia de los Muertos with Dance

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:03:48 +0000

While Halloween is the popular holiday most celebrated around this country this week, it's not the only commemoration of the souls of the departed. The Mexican holiday The Day of the Dead is celebrated November 1st and 2nd and can be seen as having similarities with our festival of ghouls and goblins. This weekend, the Bluegrass Youth Ballet Performs their Day of the Dead dance concert, Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead
A Mexican Celebration of Life and Death.

Lexington Children's Theatre Presents Stage Version of Lewis' Beloved Book

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:34:50 +0000

In 2005, one of C.S. Lewis' most beloved books, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, was made into the top-grossing and critically-acclaimed film, The Chronicles of Narnia.

Lexington Children's Theatre Presents Stage Version of Lewis' Beloved Book

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:34:49 +0000

In 2005, one of C.S. Lewis' most beloved books, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, was made into the top-grossing and critically-acclaimed film, The Chronicles of Narnia.

The Lexington Art League Rings in the New Year with 27th annual "The Nude"

Roger Duvall — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:00:39 +0000

The Lexington Art League started the new year as they have for the past 26 years, with a juried art show celebrating the human form. Arts Weekly's Roger Duvall talked to the Arts League's Amber Scott about what makes this year's nude exhibit unique.

Lexington Welcomes Comic Book, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fans

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Comic book, sci-fi and fantasy fans will find Lexington a welcoming place this weekend. A Broadway musical and Lexington Comic Con both celebrate the dark comedy of the Addams Family. Plus, Rupp Arena hosts a Christian Rock concert. Here with a preview is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.