Lexington Ballet Celebrates 50th Anniversary With 'Local Legacy' Featuring Ben Sollee and a Star-Studded Collaboration at Lexington Opera House
LEXINGTON, KY (January 21, 2025) –– Lexington Ballet (LBC) is proud to announce its highly anticipated 50th Anniversary celebration with a special performance of ‘Local Legacy’ featuring the soulful sounds of Emmy Award-winning musician Ben Sollee, live at the Lexington Opera House on February 21 and 22, 2025. This extraordinary event will bring together an ensemble of talented, locally rooted artists for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and visual art.
In this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, audiences will be treated to a groundbreaking collaboration that showcases the vibrant talent of Lexington and beyond. Emmy Award-winning cellist and singer-songwriter Ben Sollee will perform, as well as the Lexington Philharmonic, providing a rich, eclectic soundscape for a series of world-premiere ballet pieces. The evening will feature dynamic choreography by Lexington Ballet and renowned choreographer Patrick Garr, who was recently featured in Hamilton on Broadway.
Adding to the immersive experience, the performance will incorporate stunning visuals by acclaimed artist Wylie Caudill, whose work has been seen in prominent projects such as UK Athletics, the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball program, and the Kentucky Derby.
The evening will also highlight an impressive array of local and national talent. Notable collaborations include the work of U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, AREA founder Beckett Fogg, Louisville Ballet Artistic Director and LBC alum Mikelle Bruzina, Project Runway star Frances Lewis, and country music sensation Anne Wilson. The event promises to be a stunning intersection of various artistic forms, blending dance, music, poetry, and visual art in a truly unique celebration of Lexington’s creative community.
"We are beyond excited to present 'Local Legacy,' a truly special production that honors our 50-year history while embracing the innovative spirit that defines our future," says Mia Isaac, CEO of Lexington Ballet. “This season, we are
thrilled to share world premieres, cutting-edge choreography, and powerful collaborations with some of the most talented artists from our community and beyond. With this production, we celebrate Lexington's rich cultural heritage while weaving in new, dynamic works that push the boundaries of dance and art."
Performance Details:
Dates:
•Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7:30 P.M.
•Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 P.M.
•Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7:30 P.M.
Gala Event (including silent auction):
•February 22, 2025: Immediately following the evening performance.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, LexingtonOperaHouse.com, LexingtonBallet.org, or in person at the Central Bank Center Box Office from 12-4 P.M. on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Media Contact:
Lauren Cox | Lauren@boxcarpr.com | 502-572-7622
Venue Contact:
Megan Garrett | MGarrett@centralbankcenter.com
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About Lexington Ballet Company
Lexington Ballet (LBC) is the region’s premier professional ballet company and oldest ballet school, with a history spanning five decades. As a nonprofit organization, LBC is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of Lexington and beyond, offering world-class ballet instruction, engaging community outreach programs, and producing memorable performances for all ages. This season’s Golden Season lineup includes the beloved The Nutcracker, the innovative Local Legacy performance, and the whimsical A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Your support of Lexington Ballet helps provide access to high-quality arts education and enriches the cultural fabric of our community. We invite you to join us as we celebrate 50 years of dance, creativity, and connection in the heart of Kentucky. Your City. Your Ballet.
About Lexington Opera House
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the Lexington Center Corporation (LCC) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporate agency of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. It was established in 1974 to manage and maintain Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Central Bank Center (formerly Lexington Convention Center), Triangle Park, and the Lexington Opera House. One of the nation’s most storied entertainment destinations, Central Bank Center venues collectively welcome an average of 1.3 million patrons annually.
The Lexington Opera House, built in 1886 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the premier performing arts centers in the region. Since its opening, the Opera House has played host to such famous stage performers as W.C. Fields, The Marx Brothers, Al Jolson, Julie Harris, Steve Martin, Brian Wilson, and Graham Nash. It has undergone two major renovations and remains a cultural destination in downtown Lexington.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X