By: Gioia Patton/Arts Insider

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” — Aristotle

Keepers of the Dream, A Community Celebration of Dr. King’s Vision

The Kentucky Center

Kentucky Performing Arts ArtsReach and River City Drum Corp present Keepers of the Dream, A Community Celebration of Dr. King’s Vision, returning to The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts’ Whitney Hall Sunday, January 19, at 5:00PM. The theme of this year’s event is “Keepers of the Dream: Women of the Movement”, a celebration honoring the vital contributions of women in the civil rights movement, particularly in the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr..

The annual event will celebrate the resilience, courage and dedication to our communities of these women who have been the backbone of the civil rights movement both historically and in modern-day activism. And through a blend of songs, drumming, spoken word, theatre, and dance performances, the program highlights their stories, struggles, and triumphs emphasizing their essential roles in shaping the fight for justice and equality. 

*This event is free, no tickets required..

There will also be pre show and post show activities in the Main Lobby.

 

Woody Headspeth riding his bicycle in 1904. The text for the book cover reads: Black Cyclists: The Race for Inclusion, by Robert J. Turpin.

Black Cyclists: The Race for Inclusion

The Filson Historical Society

Cycling emerged as a sport in the late 1870s, and from the beginning, Black Americans rode alongside and raced against white competitors. At this *February 6th, 6PM event *(In person and Zoom options available), Robert J. Turpin sheds light on the contributions of Black cyclists from the sport’s early days through the cementing of Jim Crow laws during the Progressive Era. As Turpin shows, Black cyclists used the bicycle not only as a vehicle but as a means of social mobility–a mobility that attracted white ire. Prominent Black cyclists like Marshall “Major” Taylor and Kitty Knox fought for equality amidst racist and increasingly pervasive restrictions. But Turpin also tells the stories of lesser-known athletes like Melvin Dove, whose actions spoke volumes about his opposition to the color line, and Hardy Jackson, a skilled racer forced to turn to stunt riding in vaudeville after Taylor became the only non-white permitted to race professionally in the United States. Eye-opening and long overdue, Black Cyclists uses race, technology, and mobility to explore a forgotten chapter in cycling history.

 

 

 

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso

 

Form Not Function

The Cultural Arts Center 

On Thursday, January 16th, the Cultural Arts Center in New Albany, IN. will be hosting an opening reception from 5:00PM – 7:00PM for Form Not Function, the returning biennial group exhibition celebrating quilt artists from across the nation. Visiting patrons can enjoy light refreshments including free appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages as they explore the exhibit, as well as live music from the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Quartet. The Opening Reception will also include a Jurors’ Talk from 5:00PM – 6:00PM featuring Michelle Amos and Kevin Womack.The 2025 iteration of Form Not Function features 20 different juror selected art quilts. 

 

“Love, Lies & the Lottery”

Derby Dinner Playhouse

Ever wonder what happens when a multi-million-dollar lottery prize goes unclaimed?  Poor Peter never did until he discovers he has a winning ticket… one week to claim the prize, an 82-year-old mother who just moved in to “help” (along with her 87-year-old boyfriend), a dim-witted best friend, and several other insane characters to contend with, in addition to trying to keep the news from his cold-hearted soon to be ex wife!

“Love, Lies & the Lottery” was written and directed by long-time Derby Dinner performer Jim Hesselman. And the cast members, who include longtime DDP mainstays Cary Wiger, Georgette Kleier, Colette Mattingly, Bill Hanna, and J.R. Stuart, have to date collectively performed in just over 1,000 Derby Dinner productions. 

**Due to adult themes, this production is recommended for ages 15 & up.  Performances through February 16.