The Pennyroyal Arts Council is gearing up to continue their 2023-2024 season with shows set to spotlight jazz music, pay homage to music icons and recognize Black History Month.
Margaret Prim, the Executive Director of the council appeared on WHOP on Tuesday to share what they have in store for the community. Prim says after the first half of their season they are fully staffed, bringing some new faces on board and are ready to go for the new year.
Prim says they have started a new series, called “Jazz On Stage” and they are hosting their second show in the four-show series on Thursday. The first show, hosted on December 8 was a holiday jazz celebration and Prim says Thursday’s show has been dubbed “The Sirens of Soul,” where artists like Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald will be recognized.
On February 9, Prim says they have invited Broadway actress and performer, Leslie McCurdy who acts as Harriet Tubman in “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: A One Woman Show.” During her visit to Hopkinsville, McCurdy will be performing as Harriet Tubman and telling her life story.
Following McCurdy’s visit, the council will be hosting a tribute show for Aretha Franklin. On February 16, “Alfreda sings Aretha” will be at the Alhambra Theater where singer, Alfreda Gerald will be singing songs by the Queen of Soul.
Prim says a lot of the plans they have set up for this season has been made possible by donations and community support. When she took on the role as the Executive Director of the council, she says they were not able to host activities over the summer, but now they have a summer filled with activities.
More information about the shows the council is hosting this season can be found at pennyroyalarts.org.