Sixty years. That is how long the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky has been bringing high quality live music and singing performances to the local community. That is quite the accomplishment, especially considering how difficult things have been in a post-COVID world.
Like everything else in 2020, the global coronavirus pandemic forced an untold amount of live shows to be postponed or outright cancelled. That included concerts in our local area, of course, but the hard-working individuals who are continuing to carry on the tradition of the Fine Arts Association understood the importance that these shows would play in getting us all “back to normal” once the COVID threat had finally subsided.
I had the opportunity to sit in on a couple of discussions a few years ago when Fine Arts Association board members were exploring options for moving ahead in the wake of a forced shutdown of most in-person activities. Obviously, it wasn’t going to be as simple as just putting shows back on the schedule, and in many ways, it kind of felt like starting all over again.
First, there was fundraising and the promotion of both new and renewing memberships. Then there was finding available acts that could be brought in without breaking an already tight budget. Then there was coordinating with the venues, and making sure that any lingering health concerns were being addressed.
It was a big undertaking, but those serving on the board had, and continue to have, a true passion for the performing arts. They also had/have a true passion for sharing the arts with the people of this community.
With that passion as a driving force, the Fine Arts Association was able to get back to doing what it has now done for six decades – presenting great shows by world class singers and musicians that everyone can enjoy, young or old.
So, what’s in store for the history-making 60th season? Here’s the rundown…
On Sunday, Oct. 13, the University of the Cumberland faculty recital will be presented at First Baptist Church of Corbin at 3 p.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Lexington Chamber Brass quintet will be taking the stage at Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville at 3 p.m.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, the Peach State Opera, a touring company out of Georgia, will present a show at the University of the Cumberlands at 3 p.m.
Finally, Young Original, an acoustic band with “a passion for breathing new life into classic American music,” is scheduled to perform live on Tuesday, March 18, at a time and location that is still to be announced.
If you have never seen for yourself the types of shows that are presented by the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky, then I strongly encourage you to give them a look and consider attending one (or all) this upcoming season. For more information, go online to www.fineartsseky.org.
