Best of the Blue Grass

2006

What is the Best of the Blue Grass?

The Best of the Blue Grass, April 7-15, 2006, is a celebration of the area’s unique culture and tradition. Following on the success of the two previous years, the 2006 event will be enhanced by several new additions.

For the first time, the third annual LexArts Ball, presented by Keeneland and LexArts, will be held at the Keeneland Entertainment Center on Saturday, April 8, which is also the opening Saturday of the Spring Race Meet. This exclusive black-tie event will include ballroom dancing, dinner and a Live Auction of extraordinary Creative Experiences. Possibilities include a New York City arts weekend, a weekend retreat at Blackberry Farm and a trip for two to Deauville, France for the American Film Festival. 

New events include a performance of Carousel by the UK Opera Program; a concert by nationally acclaimed gospel singer CeCe Winans presented by the African-American Forum at Lexington Opera House; a Bluegrass jam session hosted by Dean Osborne at the Downtown Arts Center, and an evening of Bluegrass music featuring central Kentucky’s finest musicians. And, throughout the week, local music venues and restaurants will feature a selection of the region’s performing artists. Visitors and residents alike will be reminded of Lexington’s historic role as a major venue for Bluegrass and Appalachian music.

LexArts will host the first annual University Open, an exhibition of the best undergraduate art students attending area universities. Saluting our local fare, Bourbon Boys and Toys, an elegant dinner prepared by local chefs will feature regionally produced bourbons, wines and food products. A reception honoring the art of Marjorie Guyon will showcase her recent works depicting the world-renowned Keeneland Race Course.

The week will culminate with the running of the Maker’s Mark Mile on Friday, April 14, and the 82^nd running of the Derby Prep Toyota Blue Grass Stakes Race on Saturday, April 15. The finale on Saturday night in downtown Lexington will be an evening of Bluegrass music featuring J.D. Crowe and friends – giving real meaning to Best of the Bluegrass!

“Central Kentucky has a distinctive culture that should be celebrated,” said Jim Clark, President & CEO of LexArts, the organizing entity. “With this festival, we intend to showcase our thriving arts community, our vibrant downtown and the many unique aspects that you’ll only experience in central Kentucky.”

The 2006 festival’s presenting sponsors committed to date are LexArts, Keeneland, Toyota, Meijer, Radisson Plaza Hotel Lexington and WLEX-TV, with several proposals under consideration.

To date, participating organizations include LexArts, WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour, Kentucky Theater, UK Opera, UK Symphony Orchestra, the African-American Forum, Keeneland, the Lexington Opera House, and WUKY.

For complete details, please check our website, www.LexArts.org or the event website, www.bestofthebluegrass.org.