Here are some of fun things to do in April in Lexington:
Saturday, April 1
Looking for an Easter Egg Hunt in Hamburg? The Willows hosts its free community annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 1 at 10:30 am. Festivities include pictures with the Easter Bunny, along with sweet treats and door prizes. They will also be accepting donations for God’s Pantry.
Bluegrass Youth Ballet will present The Little Mermaid, Saturday, April 1, at 2 p.m. in the Lexington Opera House. More than 130 young dancers will bring a mythical underwater seascape to life in the story of a mermaid longing to be human. In addition to the lead characters, the story comes to life with the Little Mermaid’s sisters, a sea witch and a host of underwater creatures including dolphins, jellyfish, clownfish, crabs, seahorses, starfish, eels, and a beautiful sea dragon that is a big puppet. The cast of The Little Mermaid will gather for “Tea under the Sea” immediately following the Saturday, April 1, performance at Pardy’s Pub downstairs in the Opera House. $8/person.
The 2017 Central Kentucky Home & Garden Show will continue Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 at Rupp Arena. Get your home and garden projects solved.
Lexington Chamber Orchestra will present its season finale Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tates Creek Presbyterian Church. The LCO season finale with conductor Jan Pellant violinist Rebecca Mosloff and violist Derek Mosloff join the LCO for Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. The University of Kentucky Guitar Quartet will perform Bach’s Concerto in A Minor. The LCO presents “Symphony in D Major” by Jan Voríšek, a Czech contemporary of Beethoven whose music has rarely been heard in Kentucky.
The Lane Team Easter Egg-stravaganza will be held Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. in the Harrods Hill Park 3308 Ridgecane Rd, Lexington. Hunt for eggs at the easter egg-stravaganza with the entire family.
Sunday, April 2
“Thy Will Be Done,” an Easter classical musical presentation will be held Sunday, April 2 at 4 p.m. at the Singletary Center for the Arts. Angela Rice’s composition is a 90-minute performance by soloists, choir and orchestra about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is produced by Dr. Everett McCorvey.
The Bluegrass Barons are back in action at the first vintage baseball at Waveland on the year. First pitch will be at 1 p.m. The Vintage Baseball Game Waveland is the home field to the only Kentucky Vintage Base Ball team – The Bluegrass Barons. Bring a chair and come enjoy a wonderful day of history, food and the American pastime, baseball as it was in the 1860s. No reservations needed. Tickets will be located at ticket booth at the entrance.
Tuesday, April 4
“Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage” is Tuesday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts. “Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage” is a record-breaking live theater sensation with music, romance, and sensational dancing. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?,” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”
“Legends in Concert” will take the stage at the Lexington Opera House, Tuesday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. Legends in Concert is the longest-running show in Las Vegas, and after 33 years is still voted #1 tribute show in the city.
Waveland Historic Site will host Tea Tuesday at Waveland on Tuesday, April 4 at 2 p.m. Looking for something fun, unique and different to do with a friend or a group? Waveland State Historic site is serving tea every Tuesday. Tea is served at 2 p.m. in the mansion on fine china. All teas include a program, savory food, not to mention the tea served by period dressed interpreters. Reservations are required. Call to schedule tea at Waveland by calling 859-272-3611.
Thursday, April 6
Thursday Night Live returns to the Cheapside Park Pavilion on Thursday, April 6. There will be beverages, food from local restaurants and music by live bands. Admission is free and will be open from 4:30 to 9 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 31.
There will be a special screening of “Videos for a Stadium” Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Commonwealth Stadium. Join the crowd in the end zone and watch a selection of videos on the big screen. Local and national artists examine competition, teamwork, and other sports-related issues. Enjoy stadium food and drinks with a the crowd. The event is sponsored by UK Art Museum. For more information, go to finearts.uky.edu/art-museum/events.
Friday, April 7
Keeneland’s 2017 Spring Race Meet opens Friday, April 7, and continues through Friday, April 28. No racing will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays or Easter Sunday (April 16). Highlights include the $1 milllion Toyota Blue Grass and $500,000 Central Bank Ashland on Saturday, April 8. The races are worth 100 points apiece on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively.
Saturday, April 8
The Cowboy Up for a Cure Rodeo is Saturday, April 8 a the Alltech Arena, Kentucky Horse Park, starting at 6 p.m. Cowboy Up For A Cure, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides funding to benefit children with various forms of pediatric cancer. The Cowboy Up For A Cure Rodeo is a fundraiser on behalf of their charitable efforts. Tickets are available through the Cowboy Up For A Cure website.
The “I Love The 90s” tour will come to Lexington’s Rupp Arena, Saturday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Salt-N-Pepa, All 4 One, and other stars from the 90s hip hop, rap, and R&B scenes are coming to Rupp Arena.
“Kenny Rogers’ Final World Tour: The Gambler’s Last Deal” is coming to the Norton Center for the Arts Saturday, April 8 at 8 p.m. The Country Music Hall of Fame member is embarking on what will be his final world tour with a show that will celebrate his musical legacy: The Gambler’s Last Deal. Rogers has played to millions of fans around the world, performing songs from his catalog of 24 Number One hits including “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” “Coward of the County,” “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” “Lady,” “Islands in the Stream,” “She Believes In Me,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Daytime Friends,” “Through The Years,” “You Decorated My Life,” and “Buy Me A Rose.”
Sunday, April 9
Diary of A Worm, A Spider, And A Fly” will be presented Sunday, April 9 at 2 p.m in the Lexington Children’s Theatre. It’s a bug’s life – and in this case, a bug’s musical! Based on the popular book series by Doreen Cronin, the play will explore what it means to be a bug. Recommended for ages 4 and up. There will be additional presentations on Saturday, April 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m.
Monday, April 10
The Budweiser Clydesdales will make an appearance at Keeneland. The Budweiser Clydesdales will bring the new sampling. The times will be announced at keeneland.com.
Wednesday, April 12
CHEW Dinner with Chef Justin Thompson of Local Feed will be served up Wednesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. at the The Event Barn at Evans Orchard, 198 Stone Rd in Georgetown. With each ticket purchased for a CHEW event, visitors are supporting local farms, local chefs, and local distributors or producers. For more information, go to www.chewdinnerseries.com.
Thursday, April 13
The fund-raiser “Pony Up for The Nest” will be held Thursday, April 13 at the Keeneland’s Phoenix Room, starting at noon. The public is invited to the Third Annual Pony Up for The Nest. For more information, go to www.thenestlexington.org/pony-up-for-the-nest/ or contact Jeffrey White at jwhite@thenestlexington.org or 859.259.1974 x223.
The Lexington Legends will take on the West Virginia Power Thursday, April 13 at Legends ballpark with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. This is the first home game of the 2017 schedule for the Legends.
Comedian Loni Love will perform Thursday, April 13 at 7:15 p.m. at Comedy Off Broadway. Love returned as co-host for season 2 of “The Real.” There will also be shows Friday, April 14 at 9:45 p.m. and Saturday, April 15 at 7:15 p.m.
Friday, April 14
The Lexington Philharmonic will present Beethoven & Brahms Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Singletary Center for the Arts, Bagpipes, Beethoven, and Brahms team up for this concert. Davies’ An Orkney Wedding at Sunrise celebrates the unlikely orchestral solo bagpipe, followed by one of the most famous first symphonies, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1.
Saturday, April 15
The UK Health & Wellness Run Walk, the annual family-friendly 5K run/walk open hosted by the University of Kentucky Health and Wellness Program, will be held Saturday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to noon at Coldstream Park. Children age 10 and under can participate for free.
The Great Pug Run 5k will be held Saturday, April 15, starting at 9 a.m., at Masterson Station Park. This event will support Bluegrass Pug Rescue. To sign-up or for more information, go to www.runsignup.com/Race/KY/Lexington/TheGreatPugRun5K. Before the race, visitors can visit with vendors, food trucks, and raffles/silent auction. After the race, the organizers will have a dog event to play games for the dogs and announce the raffle/silent auction winners.
Bill Goodman, executive director of the Kentucky Humanities Council and former Kentucky Educational Television personality, will be the speaker for the Men’s Breakfast (now co-ed) at Liberty Road Faith Fellowship at 9:30 a.m. on April 15 in Kearns Hall at the church, 2734 Liberty Road. Call 859-277-0420 for reservations.
The fund-raiser “Ponies for Parkinson’s” will be held Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m. in Keeneland’s Limestone Cafe. Post time will be at 1 p.m. For more information, go to the Ponies for Parkinson’s Facebook page.
The annual Kite Fest will take place Saturday, April 15 at Jacobson Park, starting at noon. Celebrate National Kite Month and the Lexington Parks & Recreation’s first major outdoor event of the season. Free activities will include kite flying, children’s games, special entertainment, kite making and more. This year entertainment will include a magician and an obstacle course. Food vendors will be on-site throughout the day or families may pack a lunch and picnic in the park.
Bluegrass Crime Stoppers will host a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre “The Speakeasy Murders,” Saturday, April 15 at the Carrick House, 312 North Limestone. There will be a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and the mystery will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, call 859-699-8415 to email mthomas@lexingtonpolice.ky.gov
The classic tale of “Cinderella” will take the stage for two shows Saturday, April 15 at the Lexington Opera House. The Lexington Ballet brings the timeless tale of Cinderella to life in a production that will delight the entire family. Cinderella follows the rags-to-riches story of a young girl from a small village who is mistreated and forced to labor for her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. There will be performance at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 18
Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling will host a Catering to the “Prosumer” workshop Tuesday, April 18 from 6 until 8 p.m. Nikki Putnam, registered dietitian nutritionist from Alltech says the consumer has changed. Consumers are no longer involved only at the grocery store, but they are disrupting every stage of a product’s life. The “prosumer” has the ability to shape, and even control, the message and drive demand. With the power shifting, how do we get the prosumer on our side? Guests to this event will find out the answers.
Wednesday, April 19
Leonard, Coleman and Blunt, lead singers of three of the most legendary vocal groups of all time – The Temptations, Platters and Drifters, will provide “Magic Moments” Wednesday, April 19 at The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. Check out the showmanship, classic dance moves, and some of the biggest hits of all time, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 20
Comedian Paul Zerdin, the winner of the 2015 season of ‘America’s Got Talent,” will perform Thursday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Comedy Off Broadway.
Once On This Island, a Caribbean-style adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” tells the legend of a capacity to love that transcends human life and social constructs. This family-friendly production will be presented Thursday, April 20 through Sunday, April 23, starting at 7:30 p.m. with additional shows on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the University of Kentucky Singletary Center for the Arts. For more information, go to www.finearts.uky.edu
Friday, April 21
Keeneland will host “Ronald McDonald House Day at the Races” Friday, April 21, at noon. All proceeds support the families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass. Guests will enjoy a panoramic view of the racecourse and the rolling Bluegrass countryside beyond. A great event to see and be seen, enjoy great food and even better company while partaking in one of Lexington’s favorite past times – a day at the races.
Kentucky Crafted the Market returns to the Lexington Center Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23. Experience 200 exhibitors of art, literature, food, bluegrass and world music performances, and hands on activities. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday.
The Midtown Men will be performing ‘60s hits from The Beatles, The Rascals, Motown, The Four Seasons, and more Friday, April 21, at 8 p.m. at the Lexington Opera House. Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer, star in this concert celebrating the music that defined the ‘60s.
Saturday, April 22
Meet 50 best-selling authors from all genres at the first-annual “Authors In The Bluegrass” event Saturday, April 22 starting at 9 a.m. at the University of Kentucky’s Commonwealth Stadium. This event is for readers 18 and up. For more information and list the authors scheduled to appear, go to the “Authors in the Bluegrass” Facebook page.
Willy Wonka & The Dream Factory Annual Fund-raiser will be held Saturday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the RJ Corman Hangar, 101 RJ Corman Drive in Nicholasville. Join Lexington Dream Factory for an evening of fun and Wonka-inspired mischief during their annual fundraising gala. Reserve seats by calling 859.254.9474
“Embraceable Earth: Love for Our Planet” will be presented Saturday, Aprill 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Second Presbyterian Church at 460 E. Main Street. Celebrate Earth Day with a joyful noise for our planet. The chorale closes this season with local poetry and music about our Earth including selections “The Earth is Tired,” “Earth Drum,” “Native American Ambiances,” and more. Area poets including George Ella Lyon will be reading works that honor and respect the planet.
Join other lords and ladies for “A Royal Affair” at the Spindletop Hall Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m. Wear your favorite period costume from the tales of Jane Austen and Poldark, the long reign of Queen Victoria followed by King Edward’s era, to the House of Windsor. Have a ball to benefit KET. For more information, call 1.800.866.0366.
Sunday, April 23
Man O’ War Harley Davidson will take part in the “Ride to remember the life of George Mead” on Sunday, April 23, starting at 10:45 a.m. Riders will meet at Crossroads Christian Church, Andover location at 10:30 a.m. with kickstands up at 10:45 a.m. The ride will head east toward Winchester from there south to Irvine, and then go through Ravenna and stop for lunch at Michaels. The ride will continue through the Natural Bridge Forest and once to Beattyville, will head back to the Natural Bridge area off Mountain Parkway, through the NADA tunnel and out to 460, cut back 213 and catch state route 11/15 and head back north into Winchester, ending at Man O War HD between 4-4:30 p.m. with BBQ sandwiches and music to follow to remember George Mead.
Thursday, April 27
Comedian/actor/writer Brian Posehn will be performing Thursday, April 27 at 7:15 p.m. at Comedy Off Broadway. Besides writing and performing on HBO’s “Mr. Show” Posehn has appeared in sitcoms such as “Just Shoot Me”, “Seinfeld”, “News Radio”, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Posehn will also perform Friday, April 28 at 7:15 and 9:45 p.m. and Saturday, April 29 at 7:15 and 9:45 p.m.
Friday, April 28
“An Evening with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason” will be held Friday, April. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1000 Tates Creek Road as part of the Harstad Fine Arts Series. Ungar and Mason are masters of music and storytelling who share their lives and their music with audiences. Millions were entranced by Ashokan Farewell, which was written for Ken Burns’ PBS documentary The Civil War, and earned the couple international acclaim.
The Wine, Women and Shoes event, benefiting Kids Cancer Alliance, will be held Friday, April 28 at the Carrick House, starting at 6:30 p.m. Join the Kids Cancer Alliance for an evening of fashion and wine. There will be wine tasting, a fashion show, designer shopping, best in shoe contest, key-to-the-closet drawing and charming “Shoe Guys.” Info, winewomenandshoes.com
Saturday, April 29
The Battle for the “Beard” Belt is back in the 40509. Title Beard and Honest Amish present Battle For The Belt 2017! The annual beard competition, at Austin City Saloon in Woodhill, is for participants and attendees 21 years of age and older. For purposes of this competition, beard balms/dry oils are not considered to be styling aids and are permitted in all categories. Styling aids include wax, hairspray, gel, etc. No pins or ties may be used in men’s categories. Fun begins at 6 pm.
The American Civil War classic “Red Badge of Courage” is, April 29 at 2 and 7 p.m. inside the Lexington Children’s Theatre. Based on the novel by Stephen Crane, follow Henry’s personal battle between fight and flight as he discovers not only what it means to be a man, but what it means to be a hero. Recommended for ages 9 and up. There will be a second performance Sunday, April 30 at 2 p.m.
This story also appears on pages 18, 19 and 20 of the April 2017 edition of the Hamburg Journal.
