November marks the beginning of the holiday season. Here are some events, concerts and performances to keep you entertained.
Tuesday, Nov. 1
The 45th President of the United States will come to the White House with a spouse. What do Americans expect of presidential spouses? How might Bill Clinton or Melania Trump meet- or change- those expectations? Join the Mary Todd Lincoln House at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 for a Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon discussion on the role of presidential spouses, with University of Kentucky historians Dr. Kathi Kern and Dr. Mark Kornbluh facilitating the conversation. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is located at 578 West Main Street in downtown Lexington. Call 859.233.9999 for reservations or visit www.mtlhouse.org for further information about the museum.
Thursday, Nov. 3
Impact Kentucky: A Campus Collaborative will be held at the Andover campus of the Crossroads Christian Church. The conference is for students, administrators, faculty, and staff on college campuses in Kentucky. Possible topics for Impact Kentucky include legal rights and responsibilities under Title IX; The role of men in the prevention of sexual violence; understanding barriers for underserved populations; processes and protocols for judicial boards; campus partnerships in preventing and addressing sexual assault; rape culture and its pervasiveness in our society; sexual assault task forces; sexual assault in Greek life and athletics; and medical processes following an assault. For questions, contact Heather at heather.darby@bluegrassrapecrisis.org or 859.353-2615.
Friday, Nov. 4
Go Red for Women Experience will be held Friday, Nov. 4 at Lexington Center Heritage Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s event will feature a discovery village and three interactive, educational forums; Julie Wilkes as keynote speaker; a gourmet lunch; a heartwarming survivor fashion show; fun and excitement with other women from central Kentucky and beyond.
The Bluegrass Opera will open the 2016-2017 season with the world premiere of Just So: Two of Tegumai’s Tales, based on Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories and adapted by the British team of composer Paul Ayres and playwright Sarah Grange. It’s a family-friendly story about a a crab and a kangaroo who learn the dangers of greed and ego, and the importance of compromise and responsibility. It will also be presented y Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Downtown Arts Center.
The March of Dimes will host the 2016 Greater Bluegrass Signature Chefs Auction Friday, Nov. 4, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa. The event will entertain 350 of Lexington’s corporate, medical, and community leaders coming together to support the March of Dimes. Guests will indulge in tastings from over 15 local chefs, complete with a live auction, wine, and interactive entertainment. This year’s event chair is Dr. Joseph Iocono, division chief of pediatric surgery at Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Tables are available through sponsorships. Contact Whitney Elswick at welswick@marchofdimes.org for more information.
Sunday, Nov. 6
The sixth-annual lung cancer 5K Run/walk and 1-mile walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1:40 p.m. in Coldstream Park, 1850 Pisacano Drive. The event raises money to help raise awareness and fund vital research programs dedicated to doubling lung cancer survival by 2022. The registration fee counts toward personal fundraising efforts and is a step to your Hero Cape. Raise $100 and earn a Fundraising Hero Cape to wear on event day. All online and mail-in registrants who participate are guaranteed an event t-shirt. A limited quantity of t-shirts in limited sizes will be available for those registering on event day. For more information, go to http://www.freetobreathe.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
In 1983, former U.S. Army Green Beret James Godwin told his soldier’s story to America on the CBS Evening News. Among the millions watching was Lexington’s Graham Shelby, the 12-year-old son James had never met. In this unique one-man show, Graham uses video, images, music, and storytelling to describe his 25-year journey to understand his father’s battles. The Carnegie Center presents this one-hour performance that demonstrates how veterans and the people who love them can connect through stories. The event will be held at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, 251 West Second Street from 6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Big in the Bluegrass, a fundraiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, will be presented Thursday, Nov. 10 from 7 to 11 p.m at Heritage Hall. Some acts performing are Blind Boys of Alabama, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Roomful of Blues, and more. All ages welcomed and 100 percent of the proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass.
Friday, Nov. 11
The Lexington Philharmonic will present To be Certain of the Dawn Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Singletary Center for the Arts. Hundreds of voices from the region and Kentucky Opera Studio Artists unite in Grammy-winning composer Stephen Paulus’ profound oratorio To Be Certain of the Dawn. Premiered in 2005, To Be Certain of the Dawn was gifted to Temple Israel Synagogue on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi death camps. With Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, op. 110a, written “in memory of victims of fascism and war,” To Be Certain of the Dawn embodies the triumph of the human spirit in the darkest of times.
Saturday, Nov. 12
The Bluegrass Baby Expo will. be held Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lexington Center. The Bluegrass Baby Expo will be a one stop shop to learn and experience products and services from preconception to preschool in one place. There will be exhibition vendors, a nursing area, something special for the dads, a massage center, delicious refreshments, presenters on various topics and giveaways.
The Central Kentucky Second Saturday Divorce Workshop will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 at Keller Williams Greater Lexington, Third Floor Conference Room, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The workshop, designed for women, will address the legal, financial, family and personal issues of divorce in a logical, yet compassionate way.
The ‘I Love You to the Moon and Back Dance’ will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Artworks at Carver School. Dance Attack Booster Club and Lexington Parks & Recreation, Dance Attack Dance Company are offering a unique event to celebrate a young child in your life. Tickets are sold per couple. This will be an evening of family entertainment, dancing the night away with a DJ, playing games, visiting with special guests and making priceless memories. To register or for more information, go to the I Love You to The Moon and Back Dance Facebook page.
The first annual Kentucky Hunger Dialogue, “From Outrage to Action,” hosted by the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition and the Kentucky Campus Compact on Nov. 12 will bring together interdisciplinary collaborations from colleges and universities, anti-hunger advocates, and food justice activists from across Kentucky. Attendees will hear from University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto and Dean Cox in addition to networking and creating a vision for a food secure future. Other featured speakers include Colmon Elridge, executive assistant to Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, and Tamara Sandberg, executive director for the Kentucky Association of Foodbanks. For more information and to register, go to www.kyhungerdialogue.com.
The opening welcome will take place at 10 a.m. and the closing remarks will begin at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13
ELF the Musical will be presented at the EKU Center for the Arts on Sunday, Nov. 134 at 6 p.m. ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Go to www.ekucenter.com for more information.
Tuesday, Nov. 15
The Fleisher-Jacobson Piano Duo will be in concert Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Harstad Fine Arts Series building, 1000 Tates Creek Rd.Legendary pianist and conductor Leon Fleisher with internationally renowned pianist Katherine Jacobson. The duo performs in recital and with orchestras around the world.
Wednesday, Nov. 16
The next evening with a Kentucky Proud author, which will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., will feature Jessamine County author Don Curtis and basketball game watching and holiday fun foods from our Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipes collection. Be among the first to read and review Curtis’s new book, Adolf F. Rupp: His Wit and His Legacy, as it will have just been released. Curtis will lead a spirited discussion regarding the ‘Rupp years’ as well as provide the historical backdrop related to this era. Conversion will also center around Rupp’s influence on Kentucky sports as well as his unique personality manifested by the many wonderful quotes that became a part of his basketball coaching legacy at the University of Kentucky. During the period of radio-only game broadcasts, learn how loyal fans were endeared to Rupp as they faithfully listened to his press conferences following each game. This program is free of charge and registration is required. Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipe samples will be served and feature great food ideas for game night as well as at upcoming holiday gatherings. Contact the Fayette County Extension Office at 859.257.5582 to reserve your spot. The event will be held at the Fayette County Extension Service, 1140 Red Mile Place
CHEW Dinner Series is a monthly chef-driven, farm-to-table series where guests get to explore local foods and Lexington chefs. The final installment of the 2016 dinner Euro Tour series, which will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m., features a themed menu inspired by Frankfurt, Germany by Chef Ranada West-Riley of Lexington Diner. Chef will create a menu inspired by Frankfurt, using a few ingredients from Frankfort. Tickets include appetizers, bar, and the three-course menu. For more information, go to http://www.chewdinnerseries.com/dinner/
Thursday, Nov. 17
The Southern Lights Stroll will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, starting at 6 p.m., at the Kentucky Horse Park. This event features a 5k run along with mini train rides, refreshments, and prize drawings. A food drive will also take place for God’s Pantry and local animal shelters. A limited number of free souvenir t-shirts will be distributed to registered adults, while a limited number of registered kids will receive a free holiday souvenir.
The Lexington Fair Housing Council will present a fair housing and diversity training workshop Thursday, Nov. 17 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Eastside Branch of the Lexington Public Library. This is free training for homeowners associations and neighborhood associations in Lexington. Refreshments will be provided. For more information or to register, contact Rachel at 859.972.8067 or email rachel@lexingtonfairhousing.com
The Price is Right Live will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, starting at 7:30 p.m., at the EKU Center for the Arts. The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to “come on down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car. Play classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show from Plinko, to Cliffhangers, to The Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase. For more information, go to www.ekucenter.com
The Chris Isaak concert scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lexington Opera House has been canceled. Check out hamburgjournal.com if the show is rescheduled
Friday, Nov. 18
Startup Weekend is returning to Lexington Nov.18-20 In one short weekend. Attendees will have 54 hours to pitch an idea, create a team and build and test a working prototype for an idea of their own. Once everything is complete, teams will be presenting to a panel of well-esteemed judges who will crown the winners. For more information, go to http://www.up.co/communities/usa/lexington/startup-weekend/9955
With dozens of galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces, the LexArts HOP is arguably Lexington’s most anticipated visual arts celebration, and it happens on the third Friday of every other month at 5 p.m. Patrons begin at one of nearly 50 locations and visit as many or as few participating venues as they would like. Each site presents an exciting new exhibit for each HOP.
Bring the family to explore over four miles of holiday light displays along a driving route through the Kentucky Horse Park. At the end of the tour, park and walk inside the park’s entrance to enjoy local crafts, model trains and mini train rides, visits with Santa, and exotic petting zoo. Indoor attractions closed Nov 26, and Dec. 24-31. The hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. For more information visit: www.southernlightsky.org
Saturday, Nov. 19
The Kentucky Ballet Theatre will present The Nutcracker Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Haggin Auditorium on the Transylvania University campus. This holiday classic kicks off the holiday season just before Thanksgiving at Transylvania’s Haggis Auditorium. The Nutcracker will be a treat for the entire family featuring the choreography of Norbe & Rafaela Risco.
Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee David Crosby will make one stop in Kentucky, Saturday, Nov.19, during his fall tour at Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts, in support of his dazzling new solo album Lighthouse. An Evening with David Crosby & Friends will also feature Michael League, Beccca Stevens and Michelle Willis.
The University of Kentucky Football Wildcats will take on the Austin Peay Governors Saturday, Nov. 19 at Commonwealth Stadium. Kickoff time will be announced.
Sunday, Nov. 20
The University of Kentucky Mens Basketball team will face off against the Duquesne Dukes Sunday, Nov. 20 at Rupp Arena in a non-conference game. Tip-off time will be announced.
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Tea Tuesday at Waveland will continue as the historic site serves high tea once a month on Tuesday! This very special tea will be served at 6:30 p.m. in the mansion on fine china. All teas include a program, savory food, not to mention the delicious tea served by period dressed interpreters. Once you are finished with the tea enjoy a tour of the Waveland Mansion. Reservations are required. Call to schedule your tea at Waveland 859.272.3611 or 859.619.8189
Wednesday, Nov. 23
The University of Kentucky Mens Basketball team will take on the Cleveland State Vikings Wednesday, Nov. 23 at Rupp Arena in a non-conference game. Tip-off time will be announced.
Friday, Nov. 25
The University of Kentucky Mens Basketball team will face the UT Martin Skyhawks, Friday, Nov. 25 at Rupp Arena in a non-conference game. Tip-off time will be announced.
Saturday, Nov. 26
The Snow Queen will be presented Saturday, Nov. 26 at 2 and 7 p.m. by the Bluegrass Opera at the Lexington Opera House. An epic collaboration with Lexington Children’s Theatre, The Snow Queen is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless story of the same name.When worlds collide – snowflakes and splinters of the glass mirror fly and Kai chooses the path of the Snow Queen. Now Gerda must strap on her red boots and embark on an epic journey to rescue the boy she loves. The Snow Queen is appropriate for ages 7 and up.
The Distillery Holiday Weekend Market will be held Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.and Sunday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the The Grand Reserve in the Distillery District. This is an opportunity to shop local for Christmas. There will b local artists, makers, bakers, gardeners, businesses, eateries and more all under one roof at the Grand Reserve in the Distillery District.
Tuesday, Nov. 29
Are you interested in learning more about end of life care? Are you curious about the vast array of services Hospice of the Bluegrass offers? Join us for our monthly Lunch & Learn series on the last Tuesday of each month for an informative conversation about our work. Lunch will be provided and each session will be led by a knowledgeable Hospice of the Bluegrass administrator. This overview will touch on how hospice services work, the services provided and our impact in the 32-county service area. This month’s meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 29 from noon until 1 p.m. and will be held in the Hospice of the Bluegrass.
