The Kentucky Center Blog

Kentucky Center + Diavolo take on Arts in Healing, IdeaFestival, YPAS...

 

[This video will give you an idea of what a Diavolo performance is like.]

The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts has contracted with Diavolo - a world-class troupe of dancers, acrobats, and actors - to provide multiple community arts experiences this week, in addition to the company's public performance in Whitney Hall on October 1.

9/30, Arts in Healing, IdeaFestival Panel: This morning, Diavolo artistic director Jacques Heim participated on a panel discussion, along with Martha Newman, The Kentucky Center's director of access services, and other representatives from our healthcare community, to examine "The Dynamics of Arts in Healthcare."

To learn more about The Kentucky Center's Arts in Healing program, click here.

To learn more about The Kentucky Center's Access Services, provided free for all patrons, click here.

For the IdeaFestival event line-up, click here.

9/30, Arts in Healing, Our Lady of Peace Children's Peace Center: This morning at 10 a.m., Diavolo will peform on the OLOP campus for approximately 100 youth, caregivers, and staff.

9/30, Master Class, Youth Performing Arts School: This afternoon at 1 p.m., Diavolo will work with approximately 40 dance students, introducing them via drills and discussion to the company's technique - a combination of physical stretching/strengthening exercises, team-building and trust exercises, and "flying" lessons.

10/1, IdeaFestival, IFKIDS: Diavolo will welcome middle school students to the Whitney Stage for a short performance and a creative thinking workshop.

For details on Diavolo's public performance October 1, click here.

10/2, Arts in Healing, Kosair Children's Hospital: On Saturday, 10/2, Diavolo will be on-site, visiting bed-to-bed in two wards, to chat with patients and stage impromptu performances.  With the hospital visits, the emphasis is on patient interaction and providing the lift of an unexpected arts experience in a healthcare environment.

Sara Bareilles concert moves to Brown Theatre; tix back on sale 10/1

 

In an attempt to accommodate as many of Sara Bareilles' fans as possible for her November 6 concert in Louisville, The Kentucky Center is moving her show from the Bomhard theater (capacity 650 seats) to the historic Brown Theatre on Broadway (1500 seats). 

The Kentucky Center box office is in the process of contacting all current ticket holders and reseating them at the Brown. Remaining seats in the Brown Theatre will go on sale to the public on Friday, October 1, at 10 a.m.

Click here for online ticketing & details. Tickets also available by phone (502.584.7777, 502.562.0730 TTY), and in-person at The Kentucky Center box office.

Michael W. Smith releases "WONDER" today, see him in Louisville Nov. 27

 

In 1982, Michael W. Smith was an underpaid songwriter who landed the gig of a lifetime as a keyboard player for Amy Grant. The Christian music industry was in its infancy and Grant was the equivalent of a Disney princess in that genre.

Fast forward almost 30 years, and Smith, or "Smitty" as he's known to his fans, has sold more than 13 million records and received three Grammy awards and more than 40 Dove awards.

WONDER, his  new release, is available today. Fans can hear him live in Louisville at The Kentucky Center on November 27 as the featured performer in the King Southern Bank Holiday Spectacular. Online ticketing and details...

 

Don't quit your day job! Michael Bolton bombs on DWTS

 

Michael Bolton - "Said I Loved You, But I Lied", "When A Man Loves A Woman," "Love is a Wonderful Thing" - is scheduled to perform on March 13, 2011 at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville.

So...we were amused and curious when it was announced that he would be participating in this season's "Dancing with the Stars."

Dancing is obviously not his forté. In fact, this morning's L.A. Times headline reads "Dancing with the Stars: Get Your Pooper Scooper, Michael Bolton."

Bolton's jive on last night's program was the lowest rated jive on the program ever.

As in "whatever"...which is what Bolton's coach Chelsie Hightower was taped muttering as they were rehearsing.

Most likely, he'll be booted off the show tonight. Which is probably a good thing, as he was burning the candle at both ends, rehearsing and performing on DWTS, while also touring.

Make no mistake! We're looking forward to his spring concert in Louisville. Kudos to MB for being willing to try something completely out of his comfort zone, and on national television no less. To learn more about his upcoming concert in Louisville, click here.

For the record, this is what he does for a living.

 

Web Round-Up: Dailey & Vincent, Josh Turner, David Sedaris...

 

Josh Turner, the youngest person to become a member of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, will be onstage tonight in Music City - along with Keith Urban, Brad Paisely, and Martina McBride - as the Opry re-opens after major repairs due to extensive flood damage earlier this year. Josh performs live at The Kentucky Center (Louisville) on October 8. Good seats are still available. Online ticketing and details...

 

Dailey & Vincent, two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year, have 10 nominations heading into this week's 21st annual International Bluegrass Music Association awards, including: Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, and Album of the Year. See them live at The Kentucky Center (Louisville) on November 5. Online ticketing and details...

 
Author, humorist and NPR commentator David Sedaris has a new book out today, "Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk." NPR says "As gleefully inappropriate as he is wise, David Sedaris' collection of animal fables uses naughty wildlife and explicit illustrations to take on selfishness, bigotry, and other human foibles." He's reading all-new, unpublished material on October 24 at The Kentucky Center (Louisville). Online ticketing and details... 

Staff picks! Tom, programming mgr., on why you'll enjoy DIAVOLO 10/1

 

DIAVOLO dance troupe will fly, roll, leap and pirouette onto The Kentucky Center's Whitney Hall stage on October 1. For those of you who are not familiar with this amazing company, click the image above to watch a short video of our programming manager Tom tell you what he loves about their performances.

To learn more about the programming outreach and community arts activities that Diavolo will undertake while in Louisville, please contact David Holland, our director of communications, (502) 562-0157.

DIAVOLO

Jacques Heim, Artistic Director

Friday, October 1, 8 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Ticketing information and details...

Here's what the group actually looks like onstage!

 

GSA alum Wood Van Meter talks about aspirations, community, and craft

 

GSA Alumni Highlight: Wood Van Meter

Year attended GSA: 2009

Discipline: Musical Theatre

College: Point Park University, class of 2014

Degree: Musical Theatre (in progress)

Current home: Pittsburgh, PA

Lexington, KY native Wood Van Meter recently moved to Pittsburgh, PA to start his first semester as a Musical Theatre student at Point Park University. Wood shared his thoughts on how GSA helped him get this far, and how the program continues to impact his goals for the future.

"I know it sounds cheesy, and it will sound like I was paid to say it, but GSA was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. The moment I set foot on Transylvania's campus, I felt not only welcome, but also necessary to this community. It's a feeling I've never gotten anywhere else.

"I think the most important thing GSA taught me was how important community is when honing your craft. Having a group of peers that have the same aspirations and discipline creates a kind of support system.

"GSA also taught me that good art is universal. Drama is just as vital in our society as Dance, and Architecture is as relevant as New Media. One of the most important aspects of being an artist is being able to understand and respect a different medium other than your own. Learning about the aesthetic process of constructing a building or singing an Italian area certainly made me respect other disciplines.

"I can also say without a doubt that artistically I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for GSA. I wouldn't have gotten the lead in our school's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I wouldn't have gotten the lead into Point Park, which houses one of the country's premiere Musical Theatre programs, and I wouldn't have created an incredible network of friends and colleagues that I will keep for the rest of my life.

 "In the future, I hope to find work touring with Broadway shows and regional theatres around the country. I also hope to teach voice and acting one day. I know that GSA has given me the confidence and preparation to achieve my goals in the future." 

Save the date! 11/5, Dailey & Vincent (Bluegrass), The Kentucky Center

 

Dailey & Vincent

Friday, November 5, 8 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

Online ticketing & details

Dailey & Vincent currently lead the 2010 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) award nominations with ten mentions.

 

Jamie Dailey (guitar, bass, vocals) originally performed with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. During Jamie's tenure with the band, they won IBMA's "Vocal Group of the Year" award - each year - from 2001 through 2007.

Darrin Vincent (mandolin, bass, guitar, vocals) is the brother of bluegrass performer Rhonda Vincent. As a member of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, he won five Grammy awards and multiple IBMA awards for "Instrumental Group of the Year." 

Together, Dailey & Vincent have just released their tribute to The Statler Brothers. The CD is being carried exclusively by Cracker Barrel restaurants.

Save the date! "An Evening with David Sedaris", Oct. 24, The Kentucky Center

 

An Evening with David Sedaris

Sunday, October 24, 7 p.m.

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

 Online ticketing information

"Sedaris is a connoisseur of human nature at its worst." - Boston Globe

"The preeminent humorist of his generation." - Entertainment Weekly

David Sedaris - author, humorist, and popular commentator for National Public Radio - will be reading from his newest work Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary, to be released September 28. A book-signing will follow the reading and a question-and-answer session.

 
Other well-received Sedaris works include Barrel Fever, Naked, Holidays on Ice, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and When You Are Engulfed in Flames.

Standard ticket prices are $38, $45, reserved seats, fees apply. Tickets are available online, by phone (502.584.7777, 502.562.0730 TTY), and in-person at The Kentucky Center box office.

 

Here's what people are saying about last night's Frankie Valli show @kc_presents

 

Frankie Valli, veteran performer and the original "Jersey Boy," performed at The Kentucky Center (Louisville, KY) last night to a sold-out audience. Valli, injured earlier this week in an automobile accident, received non-stop support from the crowd with audience members singing along enthusiastically to every chorus. 

Here's a few of the comments floating around Facebook today:

"Had a great time tonite with family seeing Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons at Kentucky Center for the Arts!"

"I went to see Frankie Valli and the four Seasons at The Kentucky Center in Louisville. Great concert with large band backing the original Jersey Boy. Sang hits like "Can't Take My Eyes Off You,", "Who Loves You", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Sherry", "Grease" and many more."

"I went to the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (Jersey Boys) concert last night at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. Everything was spectacular: voices, instruments, lighting, etc. and Frankie's voice is still perfect! I'd see it all over again tonight if I could."

And here's a few nods from Twitter:

 

 

 
We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment here on the blog or find us on Facebook.

Click here to find out about upcoming Kentucky Center Presents performances.