Ben Sollee visits Danville for a weekend of creative celebration

Published 9:39 pm Tuesday, October 22, 2019

By KATE SNYDER

Art Center of the Bluegrass 

Nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Ben Sollee will visit Danville the weekend of Oct. 25 and facilitate several arts activities and workshops at the Art Center of the Bluegrass. Executive Director Niki Kinkade says that Sollee’s relationship with the Art Center has deep roots, as the musician performed there during his Ditch the Van Tour in 2010.

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“We can’t wait to welcome Ben back to the Art Center,” says Kinkade.

This time around, programming will expand beyond a concert, although music still plays a featured role. The highlight of the weekend will be Music and a Movie, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, in the back parking lot of the Art Center. Kinkade explains that the lot will be transformed into a “pop-up patio” for the evening, with outdoor staging and lighting. Community members are invited to bring their own seating for the event, which will feature performances by Sollee as well as indie rock band LYLAK, out of Lexington and singer songwriter Coby Langham.

The event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Concert-goers can enjoy dinner from The Combination food truck, or grab take out from Tut’s or other downtown restaurants. Beer and wine will be for sale by the glass, as well as a vodka cocktail from The Still.

Then, at 9:30 p.m., the Art Center will host a free screening of cult classic “Edward Scissorhands.” Kinkade says the choice of movie was appropriate, given the proximity of the event to Halloween. She adds, “As a Kentucky organization that celebrates creativity, we’ve got a soft spot for Johnny Depp.” The movie is being offered in partnership with the Heart of Danville.

Earlier in the day, Sollee will provide the live soundtrack to an hour-long yoga practice in the Art Center’s Grand Hall starting at 1 p.m. Instructor Marybeth McKinley will lead a meditative yoga flow session open to students ages 14 and up. Preregistration for the session is required and students should bring their own yoga mat. Information and registration is available online at artcenterky.org.

On Friday, Oct. 25 at noon, Sollee will give a public talk exploring the subtle shifts in thinking that can help working artists connect with opportunities in the start-up and impact investing community. Sollee encourages artists to see themselves as entrepreneurs and seeks to support creatives in their pursuit of sustainability. This is a free event, but artists are encouraged to register via the Art Center website.

The weekend’s events are being sponsored by Canopy, a Louisville based non-profit organization that is working to support and recognize for-profit businesses with a state social or environmental mission. Canopy believes that Kentucky businesses – in partnership with nonprofits and government – can make a positive impact on pressing issues by providing diversified funding, additional human resources, and innovative solutions. They are dedicated to supporting and growing businesses that improve the lives of people, the planet, and the future. Additional support is provided by the Danville Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Centre College Student Activities Council.

Kinkade says the events with Sollee embody the mission and vision of the Art Center of the Bluegrass. “Our mission is to connect people to art, culture, and creativity. We are excited by this opportunity to partner with an artist of Ben’s caliber to facilitate a range of events and programs throughout the day that all foster that important sense of connection.”

IF YOU GO 

The Entrepreneurial Artist, noon-1 p.m. Oct. 25, free 

Yoga & Cello, 1-2 p.m. Oct. 26, $20 

Music and a Movie, 5-11 p.m. Oct. 26, $5 suggested donation