Kevin Lane Dearinger, retired Broadway actor, singer, English teacher, and prolific author, joins Kate Savage to share the fascinating story behind his new book, At the Lexington Opera House: A Scrapbook, 1887–2026. In a lively and engaging conversation, Kevin delves into the rich history of Lexington’s beloved opera house, from its 19th-century glory days—when everyone from world-famous performers and vaudeville acts to live animals graced its stage—to brushes with neglect, disrepair, and even scandal. He discusses surprising discoveries from his research, the significance of its restoration, and the deep cultural importance of the opera house in Lexington’s artistic life. With anecdotes about forgotten legends, local heroes, and the evolving face of live theater, Kevin’s scrapbook invites readers to cherish the magic, quirks, and enduring spirit of this historic venue.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html

Gregory Turay, internationally recognized operatic tenor, educator, and civic arts leader, joins host Kate Savage to discuss his visionary project, ElevateART—a proposed civic and community arts center aimed at transforming Lexington’s arts landscape. Gregory shares how his experiences performing globally, teaching at the University of Kentucky, and engaging with local nonprofits underscored the city’s decades-long need for accessible rehearsal, performance, and gallery spaces. He explains the center’s multi-faceted mission to uplift artists, audiences, and community organizations by providing state-of-the-art facilities, fostering collaborative cross-pollination, and supporting both performing and visual arts, all while tackling the complex realities of fundraising and city planning. Kate and Gregory reflect on the essential role cultural infrastructure plays in economic development, artistic vibrancy, and quality of life, and why now is the time for Lexington to invest in the arts as a cornerstone of its civic identity.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html

Ave Lawyer, founding member of the theater group On the Verge, and artist/horticulturalist Claudia Michler join host Kate Savage to reflect on the life and art of Dan Stone, a prolific yet private Lexington artist and poet whose works are now on public view following his passing. Longtime friends and supporters, Ave and Claudia share stories of their decades-long friendship with Dan, his philosophy of art as a personal vision rather than commodity, and the process behind curating “Life Work,” a remarkable retrospective of over 400 pieces. Their conversation delves into Dan’s unique creative methods, his selective approach to sharing his world, the influences and recurring motifs in his work, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind for both the arts community and those who knew him best.

For more and to connect with us, visit https://www.artsconnectlex.org/art-throb-podcast.html