by Doug Dreisbach | Mar 4, 2024 | FRONT PAGE, interviews, KENTUCKY CENTER PRESENTS, Kentucky Performing Arts, LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA, PNC BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE
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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by Doug Dreisbach | Sep 18, 2020 | FRONT PAGE, KENTUCKY CENTER PRESENTS, LOUISVILLE BALLET, LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA
Louisville is known for its culinary scene, nightlife, entertainment, and of course, the performing arts. We also have an abundance of talented musicians, ranging from orchestra performers to vocalists and everything in between.
One of the most notable bands to originate here is My Morning Jacket, featuring Louisville native Jim James, who has led the band since its inception in 1988. The latest Louisvillian to make worldwide waves is hip-hop all-star Jack Harlow, who has had success with his catchy lyrics and smooth rhythm and rhymes. His current hit, “What’s Poppin,” features several Louisville references, including Vincenzo’s restaurant and the University of Louisville basketball team.
One musician familiar with the spotlight and entertaining crowds large and small is local jazz, R&B and rock powerhouse singer/songwriter Carly Johnson. Having performed with artists such as Norah Jones, Bonnie Prince Billy, Houndmouth, and My Morning Jacket, as well as playing in a jazz guitar duo with critically acclaimed local musician, Craig Wagner, she has become a well-known and respected name in the Louisville music scene.
Her latest masterpiece is a song she wrote for a dear friend who courageously fought lung cancer with the power of positivity, and was an inspiration to everyone around her.
The song is titled Burn Your Fears and is accompanied by a video that was filmed at Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with the Louisville Ballet and Kentucky Performing Arts.
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by Doug Dreisbach | Oct 4, 2019 | PNC BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE, Uncategorized
The great reviews for PNC Broadway in Louisville’s Dear Evan Hansen keep flooding in and you have until Sunday, October 6th to see what the buzz is all about. The winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical, is leading audiences through a mix of emotions and inner fulfillment when the final curtain calls.
The show is not only popular in Louisville, but has been blazing the box office across America and welcomed its one millionth guest at the October 4th performance at The Kentucky Center for the Arts.
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by Doug Dreisbach | Dec 28, 2018 | KENTUCKY CENTER PRESENTS
Shen Yun presents five thousands years of Chinese civilization in a live performance on stage. Through classical Chinese dance, breathtaking music, and gorgeous costumes, the show introduces an ancient world once lost. In May, the performance will be returning to Louisville!
Shen Yun Performing Arts is a nonprofit company based in New York. It was formed in 2006 by artists from around the world who came together with a mission—to show the world what Chinese culture once was. In China, this traditional culture has been devastated over 70 years of communist rule. In fact, Shen Yun is not even allowed to perform in China today. (more…)
by Doug Dreisbach | Dec 2, 2018 | KENTUCKY CENTER PRESENTS
Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Koy sells-out theaters and arenas across the world with his infectious and explosive energy onstage. The comedian pulls inspiration from his family, specifically his son, with material that has universal appeal.
Jo Koy can be heard as a weekly guest on the popular podcast, The Adam Carolla Show. He also hosts the weekly podcast The Koy Pond with Jo Koy on Podcast One. Additionally, Koy can be seen on Kevin Hart’s LaughOutLoud.com as the host of Inglorious Pranksters. (more…)
