Opera's "American Idol" in LexingtonRichmond, KY(2009-11-12)Kentucky's top classical singers perform free of charge all-day Saturday in Memorial Hall at the University of Kentucky. This round of New York Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions will attract over two-dozen hopefuls. WEKU's Charles Compton spoke with Rich Copley, who's an arts and cultural reporter for the Lexington Herald Leader Newspaper , about the event
Violin Tests the Limits of Zach BrockRichmond, KY(2009-11-11)Kentucky's music runs through the lineage of jazz violinist Zach Brock. His grandfather owned a music store which is a Lexington landmark. In their basement, Brock jammed with his father and other folk musicians. Now, from a home base in Brooklyn, Zach Brock tours the nation, performing, and exploring the limitations of his violin and his talent.
KY-Made Film @ LUNAFESTRichmond, KY(2009-11-11)A touring film festival Thursday comes to Lexington's Talon Winery. Luna-fest spotlights women's issues and female filmmakers. Among the shorts on the program is "Again and Again" by Kentucky-based Seersucker Productions. The five-minute film focuses on an abusive relationship, without explaining the nature of the abuse.
Mysterious Happenings at White Hall MansionRichmond(2009-10-29)For many people, Halloween, like Christmas, is losing its true meaning. Which is to say the October observance these days is more fun than fright. The National Retail Federation reports, in 2008, consumer spending on Halloween-related candy, costumes, decorations, parties, and the like totaled more than 5.7 billion dollars. But enough unexplained events still take place to satisfy the appetites of Halloween purists.
The Book Bargain BattlesLexington(2009-11-05)Authors and their readers gather this weekend in Frankfort for the Kentucky Book Fair. The industry is evolving quickly. E-Books like the Kindle are eliminating the need for paper. Plus, several major booksellers are waging a price war. With a look at the potential impact on Kentucky authors, book sellers and publishers is WEKU's Stu Johnson.
Kentucky Book Fair BeginsRichmond(2009-11-05)This weekend's 28th annual Kentucky Book Fair features 200 nationally and regionally known authors. They'll discuss and read selected works at the Frankfort Convention Center.
Locally Grown Munchkins March on LexingtonLexington, KY(2009-11-05)Besides the Kentucky Book Fair, this weekend also offers the comedy of a legendary troupe from Chicago, two cutting-edge dramas, and musical theater for the family. Rich Copley, who's an arts and cultural reporter for the Herald Leader Newspaper , says "The Wizard of Oz" was staged with help from some young Lexington dancers.
Mountain Culture Preserved by Childrens AuthorRichmond, KY(2009-11-05)A colorful new book introduces young readers to the alphabet and provides lessons in Appalachian history and heritage. " A is for Appalachia " is written by Linda Hager Pack, who's a professor of children's literature at Eastern Kentucky University. Each letter is accompanied by an item or phrase that embodies a part of Appalachian culture. Reporter Beth Vorhees spoke with the author.
Violinist Opens Halloween WeekendLexington, KY(2009-10-29)For the second time in a month, central Kentucky is hosting internationally-known violinist Mark O'Connor. O'Connor tonight launches the Halloween weekend with a performance at the University of Kentucky's Singletary Center. But, arts commentator Rich Copley who reports for the Lexington Herald Leader Newspaper says Mark O'Connor has also worked this week with students.
Broadway Musical Resurrected in Central KYLexington, KY(2009-10-22)Music, either jazz or Broadway or classical, dominates the stage this weekend in Lexington. Of great interest to arts commentator Rich Copley the is the resurrection of musicals. Rich, who reports for the Lexington Herald Leader Newspaper , is very pleased with the Paragon Music Theater's revival of "Hello Dolly." He spoke with WEKU reporter Charles Compton.
Changes, Planned and Unplanned, at Norton CenterLexington, KY(2009-10-15)This week is an important one at the Norton Center for the Arts in Danville. After a renovation, it's reopening with a performance of Camelot. Plus, the center's driving force announced he's moving on.
Fortnight Music Festival Wraps Up in KentuckyLexington, KY(2009-10-08)The premiere of an opera about a famous Kentuckian, an Irish tenor in concert and "An Evening of 10 Minute Plays" are on tap this weekend
Coal Miners Focus of Photo ExhibitLexington, KY(2009-10-01)High tech camera used to record life size images of eastern Kentucky coal miners.
Poet Laureate Encourages Others to WriteLouisville, KY(2009-10-01)Nations and states often bestow the title of poet laureate onto venerated writers and Kentucky is no different. The commonwealth created the position in 1926 and those named to the post are expected to promote the literary arts and lead the state in literary activities. While Gurney Norman was just appointed to the position in April, he's has been fulfilling many of the position's duties for decades.
Three Dramas and Two Divas Lexington, KY(2009-09-18)One ballet, two opera divas and three dramas on stage this weekend in Lexington...
Professor presents book about bible-belt gaysMurray, KY(2009-04-13)Vermont has just become the first U.S. state to legalize gay marriage by legislative vote. Conversely, two months ago a Kentucky senator proposed "The Child Welfare Adoption Act," which many saw as an attempt to restrict gay couples from adopting children. What does it mean to be gay in the Bible Belt?
"Mr Keeneland" writes autobiographyRichmond, KY(2009-04-13)When Ted Bassett came to Keeneland in 1968, he knew relatively little about thoroughbred racing. Today, some people refer to the octogenarian as "Mr. Keeneland". Bassett's four decades managing the historic Lexington, Kentucky race course feature prominently in his new autobiography,"Keeneland's Ted Bassett: My Life".
