FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky On Stage, the Kentucky Arts Council’s annual showcase featuring some of Kentucky’s most exciting performing artists, will be 1- 4:30 p.m. Aug. 23, in the William Stamps Farish Theater at the Lexington Public Library Central location. The event is free and open to the public, as well as anyone interested in booking Kentucky talent.

Kentucky on Stage features Kentucky performers who have been juried into the arts council’s Performing Arts Directory in music, dance, theater and storytelling. The event is a showcase, mini-booking conference and training opportunity for performing arts presenters, librarians, festival organizers, park directors, Main Street and Renaissance program managers, convention and tourism officials, wedding and event planners, civic leaders, college and university activity boards, educators, community center directors and anyone interested in booking Kentucky performing artists.

“Kentucky On Stage provides a unique opportunity for Kentucky arts presenters, organizations, businesses and individuals to find the talent they need for special events or planning performances for the next calendar year,” said Lori Meadows, arts council executive director. “The Performing Arts Directory is the state’s best resource for groups and individuals looking to book professional talent to meet their arts and entertainment needs.”

This year’s showcase includes 10 performing artists or groups selected from the arts council’s Performing Arts Directory. Showcase performers are:

• Marcus Wilkerson and the Jarflies, Fayette County, singer-songwriter
• Lakshmi Sriraman, Fayette County, classical Indian dance
• Graham Shelby, Jefferson County, storytelling
• LaMay & Reese, Pulaski County, Americana music
• Shauna Dever Dance, Daviess County, contemporary dance
• Mitch Barrett, Madison County, singer-songwriter
• Pam Holcomb, Harlan County, storyteller
• Jennifer Rose, Madison County, singer-songwriter
• Lexington Ballet Company, Fayette County, dance
• OslanDailey Duo, Fayette County, jazz

Prior to the afternoon performances, workshops will be available to attendees from 10-11:30 a.m. at the library. Workshop registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Topics are:

• Storytelling and Your Community.
• Presenting Live Performance, a public conversation.

The Lexington Public Library Central location is at 140 E. Main St. The event is free. Advance registration is suggested and is online at http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KentuckyArt/Event_KOS.htm. American Sign Language interpreters will be on stage during performances. For more information about registration or the event, contact Tamara Coffey, Kentucky On Stage coordinator, at 502-564-3757, ext. 479, or tamara.coffey@ky.gov.

Access the arts council’s Performing Arts Directory online.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, creates opportunities for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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