Fine Arts Association unveils 50th Anniversary Concert Series schedule

The Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, and officials with the organization have pulled out all the stops for its upcoming concert series.

Fine Arts Director of Programming, Betty Comer, said the 2011-2012 concert season, which will kick off in late August, has something for everyone.

"It’s been very difficult this year because we wanted to do something extra special for our 50th anniversary," Comer said. "I think the best part is when everything fits together into a great group of events."

The schedule for 2011-2012 has been expanded to nine shows. Fine Arts Association President Jodie Thomas called each of them the "best of the best for this momentous occasion."

"This is going to be our best Fine Arts Season ever! You won’t want to miss a single show," Thomas said.

The season will kick off Aug. 26 with The Platters at the Corbin High School Auditorium. The Karkowska sisters, Anna and Kasha, will perform at Conway-Boatman Chapel at Union College Sept. 16.

Comer said the Karkowska sisters, a violin and piano duet, have been linked to the Fine Arts Association for some time. Group founder Betty Hamilton has been a major patron of the sisters.

"We couldn’t think of having a 50th without Anna and Kasha," Comer said. "Anna recently did a CD with the London Philharmonic Orchestra which was quite a prestigious thing."

Guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel will perform Oct. 4 and he will be followed by the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats on Oct. 24.

"Tommy is the best. We are lucky to get him," Comer said. "We fought hard to get the acrobats on the schedule because we wanted to have a diverse offering for those who come to our shows. I think they are something that really appeals to children."

The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed Nov. 19. On Dec. 8 will be The Lettermen.

The American Spiritual Ensemble is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2012.

The Five Browns, a family of pianist that plays on Steinway grand pianos will perform at the O. Wayne Rollins Center at the University of the Cumberlands March 8, 2012.

The Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra will close out the season April 28, 2012. The group orchestra’s is also celebrating its 50th anniversary.

A more detailed schedule with times and venues will be released in June.
Comer said Fine Arts’ 50th season would be dedicated to Betty Hamilton and her husband Dr. Harry Hamilton, the founders of the organization.

"Years ago, we didn’t have very large crowds at all for these performances. Our organization has really grown and here [Betty’s] dedication to it has inspired us all," Comer said. "We just keep working. We aren’t about to let it die. She spent her life building this organization. She was so dedicated. When I tell some of the representatives for these artists that we are celebrating our 50th year, they are just amazed that a small town like this could support the arts."

Comer said the mission of the Fine Arts Association is vitally important because it exposes people to art and culture not readily available in sparsely populated, rural areas. The organization does a plethora of school programs to spur interest in the fine arts among youth.

A special commemorative 50th season program book will be available, and Thomas said she hopes business and individuals interested in fine arts will support the efforts by purchasing an advertisement. Anyone interested in purchasing an ad or a season ticket to the performances can call Betty Comer at 606-528-1354 or 606-524-1354. Prices are $15 for students, $60 adult, $125 family, and sponsorship subscriptions from $150 to $2,000.

Anyone interested in purchasing an advertisement in the special commemorative booklet celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky, Inc. can do so by contacting Betty Comer at 606-528-1354 or 606-524-1354. Prices are as follows: $200 for a full page, $125 half page, $75 quarter page, and $25 for a two-line text of congratulations.