Performance Preview: Broadway in Louisville: To Kill A Mockingbird – June 20-25

The iconic character of Scout Finch from Harper Lee’s beloved masterpiece novel, To Kill A Mockingbird is stepping into the spotlight, brought to life by the dynamic talent of Melanie Moore in the acclaimed theatrical adaptation coming to Louisville June 20 to 25.

 

 A Broadway veteran known for captivating performances in productions like Finding Neverland and Fiddler on the Roof, Melanie takes on the complex role of Scout with unwavering dedication and an innovative approach.

(more…)

Audience Interview: Louisville’s Singing Sensation: D’Corey Johnson


Getting on a stage in front of an audience is one of the hardest things imaginable for millions of people who suffer from performance anxiety, better known as stage fright. A psychological setback, it can often be overcome with determination and practice.

When we watched 11-year-old Louisvillian, D’Corey Johnson, walk on stage to perform for the judges and audience of America’s Got Talent recently, we saw a lot of confidence — and certainly no stage fright.

We caught up with D’Corey, his mom, Nakia, and voice coach, Dionte Colbert, to find out more about this Louisville singing sensation.

Listen to the full interview with Audience publisher G. Douglas Dreisbach below.

(more…)

Explore Kentucky: Kenlake State Resort Park

A play on the name of Kentucky Lake, Kenlake State Resort Park is known for its proximity to the body of water, along with the watersports on offer.

 

However, there is also a lesser-known history associated with the park. In 1951, the property contained Cherokee State Park, the only state park developed for African Americans in Kentucky. Consisting of 300 acres with a beach, rental cottages, dining hall and picnic area, the park welcomed scores of visitors who were given few recreational alternatives in the Jim Crow era.

(more…)

Audience Interview: Andre Kimo Stone Guess – President & CEO – Fund for the Arts

The Fund for the Arts is one of the most important organizations dedicated to the local arts. It was founded in 1949 and is one of the two oldest United Arts Funds in the country. The focus of the group is to support, promote, and develop the arts, artists, and arts organizations to help create a healthy and vibrant community for all.

With a vision for a healthy and vibrant community where everyone embraces the art that exists in our lives every day, everyone contributes to the well-being of our arts community, and it is understood that everyone belongs to the arts community, FFTA plays an important role in our arts community.

We caught up with president and CEO, Andre Kimo Stone Guess, who is a Louisville-native growing up in the Smoketown area, and accepted what he considers the right job at the right time just two years ago.

Andre’s energy, compassion and dedication to the local arts scene is inspiring and we are excited to hear what he has been doing in his first two years, what he is working on now, and what he hopes to come in the future.

Listen to the full interview below:

(more…)