Ratatat Man begins in 1969 as Oliver Denton is settling into fourth grade at Saint Michael’s Parish School. Tapping the drum in the children’s Christmas choir gives the lad a bit of stability despite a precarious upbringing. Losing a dad to Vietnam and a mama to despair, Oli finds himself in the care of his aunt. Yet, in the close quarters where the two live, he unwittingly finds himself in the cross-fire of a troubled marriage between two neighbors. Did the beat of his drum create the perfect cover for the perfect crime? One thing for certain, the memory of that December night follows him still. Now, in the nightclub scene of jazz and blues, Christmas, again, draws nigh. But this year, an unexpected friendship helps him to finally unwrap the truth.

Listen to them here!

Founded in 1970, Asleep at the Wheel has been part of the American roots music landscape for more than 50 years. Although the band got its start on a farm in Paw Paw, West Virginia, Asleep at the Wheel became a cornerstone of the Austin, Texas scene upon its arrival in 1973. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has accrued 10 Grammy Awards. In the fall, a career retrospective recorded with the current lineup – and a few special guests – will carry the band back onto the road, where they’ve remained a staple for five decades.

Sponsored by Anna Marie & Richard Rosen

LINK TO TICKETS AT KY DANCE ACADEMY

The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King.

Giordano’s passionate tragedy stars tenor Piotr Beczała as the virtuous poet who falls victim to the intrigue and violence of the French Revolution. Following their celebrated recent partnership in Giordano’s Fedora in the 2022–23 Live in HD season, Beczała reunites with soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Chénier’s aristocratic lover, Maddalena di Coigny, with baritone Igor Golovatenko as Carlo Gérard, the agent of the Reign of Terror who seals their fates. Met Principal Guest Conductor Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to lead Nicolas Joël’s gripping staging.

Performed in Ialian, 3hrs 30 min, 2 intermisssions

Lee Cruse – one of the best when it comes to corporate comedy! He works clean while maintaining an edge to keep audiences guessing. Lee has more than 25 years of entertaining in comedy clubs, colleges, and theaters across America, as well as, fund-raisers, country clubs, and especially corporate events. Lee Cruse has become the gold standard for comedy in the Bluegrass and beyond. He’s been making Kentuckians laugh through radio, as well as, morning television programs for over a decade and now, afternoon television.

Jeff Caldwell – A late night cmedian, a house favorite with six performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, three appearances on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, made his Comedy Central debut on Live at Gotham, and most recently appeared on TBS’s Conan.

WATCH JEFF HERE

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A Gift For Ethan - Short Documentary – Screening with Filmmakers Will Chase & T.J. Burch.

Frankfort native and director Will Chase documents his childhood friend, luthier T.J. Burch, as he builds a guitar for actor Ethan Hawke, and in turn, contemplates the small connections we all seem to share.

Will Chase is critically acclaimed, award-winning director, producer, and Tony-Nominated actor, best known for his work on television and Broadway. T.J. Burch is a Louisville, Kentucky based luthier, with a passion for fine woodworking and handcrafted acoustic guitars. He is a former Marine and Frankfort native.

Q & A after the screening with Will Chase (director), T.J. Burch,and Todd Armstrong (composer). Moderated by Dan Atkins.

Running time 23 minutes.

Listen Here – American Spiritual Ensemble

The American Spiritual Ensemble is a critically-acclaimed professional group composed of some of the finest singers in the classical music world. The vocalists have thrilled audiences around the world with their dynamic renditions of classic spirituals and Broadway numbers.