SkyPac

Darius Rucker to Headline SKyPac Music Festival

Lisa Autry — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:56:19 +0000

The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center is bringing musician Darius Rucker to Bowling Green this summer. The pop-turned-country artist will headline The Sounds of Independence Music Festival on July 27th. SKyPAC Executive Director Tom Tomlinson believes Rucker will be a big regional draw.

"I think without a doubt he's one of the biggest names to appear here in a number of years," says Tomlinson. "He's at least one of the biggest names we've brought here since the opening night with Vince Gill."

The downtown music festival will be a fundraiser for SKYyPAC. Tickets go on sale Friday to the general public. The festival will be held outside the SKYyPAC facility and will feature a number of artists, including Justin Rivers from this season of "The Voice."

After 36 Year Run, Curtain Closes on Kentucky Repertory Theatre

Lisa Autry — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:44:02 +0000

After 36 years, the curtain is closing on the Kentucky Repertory Theatre in Horse Cave. According to its board of directors, the theatre is no longer able to compete for funding and patrons. Liz Fentress is among those saddened by the announcement. She currently teaches at Actors Theatre of Louisville, but says some of her best times were spent at the theatre in Horse Cave.

"I have memories of being in the audience watching professional performances by other people. I have memories of directing fine actors, Warren Hammack and Pamela White being at the top of the list. "And I have wonderful memories of performing there myself," said Fentress.

In addition to professional acting, the Kentucky Repertory Theatre also served as a training ground for young talent. Since it opened in 1977, the theater staged 230 productions.

Board of Directors Chairwoman Lyn Taylor Long says economic challenges were just too great to overcome, including a loss of major donors.

Orff's Famous Piece for Chorus and Orchestra "Carmina Burana" Coming to Bowling Green

Lee Stott — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:41:58 +0000

Several regional arts groups are combining efforts to bring Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" to Bowling Green.

Monday's performance will feature Orchestra Kentucky, the University of Louisville Collegiate Choir, the Murray State Concert Choir, and students from Briarwood and Richardsville Elementary Schools in Bowling Green.

Lee Stott spoke to members of the groups about the origins of the text used by Orff in his famous cantata, and the difficulty of singing some of the demanding vocal parts.

The show takes place Monday, Feb. 11, at SKyPAC in Bowling Green.

SKyPAC Deciding Best Use for Bowling Green's Capitol Arts Center

Lisa Autry — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 22:29:50 +0000

About 80 citizens gathered in Bowling Green over the weekend for a public meeting on the future of the Capitol Arts Center downtown. Tom Tomlinson is executive director of the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, which now operates the Capitol. Asked if the historic venue can continue to compete with SKyPAC and WKU's Van Meter Hall, Tomlinson said "yes."

"I think it's a matter of size," said Tomlinson. "There are activities that are appropriate for our (SKyPAC) 1,800 seats. There are activities appropriate for the 1,100-seat Van Meter Hall, and then there are activities more appropriate for the 600 or so seats currently at the Capitol."

Based on community feedback, Tomlinson says there's a strong desire to see the Capitol used as an independent and/or foreign film venue, as well as an expansion of youth programs.

Other public meetings are planned in the coming months.

Gordon Lightfoot to Appear in Bowling Green

Dan Modlin — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 21:50:00 +0000

Legendary Canadian songwriter Gordon Lightfoot will perform Friday night at SkyPac in Bowling Green. The man who has written hits such as "If You Could Read My Mind" and "That's What You Get for Lovin' Me" still maintains a busy touring schedule. Dan Modlin has a profile of the songwriter.....