Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader

Kentucky Ties in "The Great Gatsby"

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

If not in the movie, at least in the book, Kentucky figures prominently in “The Great Gatsby.” Another movie based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald masterwork is released this weekend. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, dusted off his college copy, and discussed it with WEKU’s Charles Compton.

Documents Describe Alleged Mismanagement at EKU Arts Center

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Accustomed to theaters and museums..reporter Rich Copley found himself in a different venue recently…a courtroom. Rich, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, won access to public documents describing alleged mismanagement at the EKU Center for the Arts. Those allegations eventually resulted in the resignation of center director Debra Hoskins. He spoke with WEKU reporter Charles Compton.

Multiple Misdeeds Alleged at EKU Center for the Arts

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:39:00 +0000

The administration of Eastern Kentucky University attempted to fire EKU Center for the Arts director Debra Hoskins on June 12 because of allegations including fiscal misconduct and falsification of university records and documents. Violation of human-resources policies, improper handling of customers' credit card information, and the misleading of university officials were also alleged. The university's issues with Hoskins while she led the $33 million publicly financed arts center are described in 740 pages of documents obtained late Wednesday afternoon under the Kentucky Open Records law.

Kentucky Native Michael Shannon Appearing in TV, Movies, Theater

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Kentucky has spawned its fair share of Hollywood actors….from Patricia Neal to Jennifer Lawrence, and now, Michael Shannon. The Lexington native cancelled an appearance this weekend at the Kentucky Theater, but Shannon’s newest film still opens there. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, spoke about this weekend’s events with WEKU’s Charles Compton.

Lexington Public Library Hosts Victorian Inspired Gala

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

The latest in Tween-literature is recreated this weekend by the Lexington Public Library. “Night Circus” author Erin Morgenstern helps in a fundraiser at Red Mile’s Round Barn. Here with a preview of it and the weekend’s other events is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

Judge Rules EKU Must Release Arts Center Records

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:26:37 +0000

Madison Circuit Judge William G. Clouse Jr. ruled Tuesday that Eastern Kentucky University must release the majority of documents the Herald-Leader is seeking related to the departure last June of EKU Center for the Arts director Debra Hoskins. The university and Hoskins have 14 days to appeal the ruling or produce the documents.

Owners of Bully Breed Dogs Rally to Their Defense in Lexington

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:48:11 +0000

Nearly 300 turn out to attend the second annual Bully Breed Awareness Walk in downtown Lexington. The event, presented by PAWS: Promoting Animal Welfare and Services, a student-run organization from the University of Kentucky's Center for Community Outreach, is designed to raise awareness of breeds such as pit bulls and bulldogs, which organizers said are often mischaracterized as dangerous.

Several Prestigious Acts to be Inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

It seems earning a place in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame takes a while. It’s probably because the Commonwealth possesses a deep pool of musical talent. The Hall has its induction ceremony tonight at the Lexington Center. Here with a preview of it and the weekend’s other events is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

Spring Takes Off with Keeneland, The Odd Couple and Pianolust!

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Marking spring in much of the Bluegrass, a series of arts and cultural events is set for this weekend. When it comes to such events, reporter Rich Copley says the big kahuna is Keeneland’s spring race meet. Rich covers arts and culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

Students Organize Art Show Inspired by Childhood Tales

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:36:04 +0000

Students were allowed to organize the newest art show at the Lexington Art League. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, says they came up with a fascinating result. He talked about it and this weekend’s other events with WEKU’s Charles Compton.

EKU Arts Center Records Reveal Widespread Improper Practices

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:34:38 +0000

Less than four months after the Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts opened in Richmond, university employees were assigned to take over business operations of the center and address concerns including mishandling of cash, irregular student employment practices and improper handling of customer credit card numbers that potentially compromised security and threatened the university's overall ability to accept charge cards.

Lexington Welcomes Comic Book, Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fans

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Comic book, sci-fi and fantasy fans will find Lexington a welcoming place this weekend. A Broadway musical and Lexington Comic Con both celebrate the dark comedy of the Addams Family. Plus, Rupp Arena hosts a Christian Rock concert. Here with a preview is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

Lexington Tattoo Project Brings Poetry to Life

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:38:27 +0000

It is not unusual for Bianca Spriggs to be reading her poetry on a Saturday night. But something is different this evening at Lexington’s West Sixth Brewing: A lot of people in the audience have portions of Spriggs’ poem, “The _______ of the Universe,” written on their bodies. It’s a Magnetic Poetry party for the Lexington Tattoo Project, the latest community involvement art project from Lexington artists Kurt Gohde and Kremena Todorova.

Lincoln to Lawrence: A Very Kentucky Oscar Night

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:51:24 +0000

From Lincoln to Lawrence, Kentuckians play a big part in this weekend’s Oscar Ceremony. Here to preview it and other events is culture reporter Rich Copley of the Lexington Herald Leader. In his weekly conversation with WEKU’s Charles Compton, Rich spoke first about a production by the Kentucky Ballet.

UK Symphony Celebrates Wagner's 200th Birthday

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:36:08 +0000

Fans of classic opera are in for a rare treat this weekend. To mark the 200^th Anniversary of the composer’s birth, there’s a performance of Richard Wagner’s greatest hits. With more on it and this weekend’s other events is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader.

Unique Duo Perfoms Pop Music's Biggest Hits

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:17:49 +0000

The line-up this rainy Sunday evening at a Natasha’s Bistro and Bar includes music by the Black-Eyed Peas, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. It’s not an all-star benefit concert that’s lost its way. It’s J String, a combination of Lexington cellist Jacob Yates and Broadway actress Jessica Hendy. Much of their summer last year was spent putting their own spin on some of pop music’s biggest hits.

Search for EKU Arts Center Director Remains on Hold

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:39:20 +0000

The search for a new director for the Eastern Kentucky University Center for the Arts remains on hold as the center's Community Operations Board and the university struggle with the question of who would have authority over the director. At the end of last year, the entities were grappling over the wording of a memorandum of understanding between the board and the university.

Fashions, Modern and Antebellum, on Display

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:14:37 +0000

Fashion is the focus of a couple events this weekend in Lexington. An author discusses the gowns made for a Lexington-born First Lady. And, modern works from designer Thom Heyer are on display. Here to discuss fashion and this weekend’s other events is arts reporter Rich Copley of the Lexington Herald Leader.

Lexington Art League Features Human Form, Bluegrass Music Returns in Clay City

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:52:02 +0000

The mountains meet the Jersey Shore in a production staged this weekend in central Kentucky. Also, the season for Bluegrass music begins, if ever really ended, in Clay City. And, an art show that zooms in on the purely human form returns to Lexington. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, offers a preview of this weekend's events.

KET's Kentucky Muse Features Louisville Native

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:34:16 +0000

For seven years, KET’s Kentucky Muse has been documenting the stories of the Commonwealth’s artists. Often, the stories are close to the Bluegrass – the glass blowing of Stephen Rolfe Powell or writing of Ed McClanahan. But the latest installment follows the story of Wendy Whelan, a Louisville girl who dreamed of being a ballerina. She is now in her 22^nd year as a principal dancer in the New York City Ballet.

2012: KY Actress Rises, Ichthus Fails

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:04:55 +0000

Central Kentucky’s cultural life grew richer in 2012, but there were also setbacks. A brand new venue had management problems, while an outdoor, summer concert ended a four-decade run. Here to look back at the old-year is Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader. Rich spoke with reporter Charles Compton.

Holiday Ballets Take Non-Traditional Paths

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:32:09 +0000

On the weekend before Christmas, theater-goers tend to stay home and producers take some time off. That’s not the case this year in Lexington. According to Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, dancers will be on stage at two venues. Rich spoke with reporter Charles Compton.

Smackdown at Lyric, Messiah Times-Two, Ichthus Departs

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:44:32 +0000

Holiday theater hits a climax this weekend in central Kentucky. Two very different versions of Handel’s “Messiah” are performed.

Holiday Shows, Some Traditional, Some Not

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:45:42 +0000

Performances of “Messiah” are just the tip of the holiday icicle. Arts organizations throughout the region offer numerous events this weekend, including Balagula Theater, the Lexington Vintage Dance Society and the Lexington Philharmonic. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, offers this preview. Rich spoke with reporter Charles Compton.

Lincoln Legend Brought Filmmakers to Kentucky

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Kentucky’s contribution to the Lincoln legend was not overlooked by the film-makers behind a new blockbuster. “Lincoln” premieres this weekend, with Sally Field playing the part of Lexington-native Mary Todd Lincoln. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, previews the film and this weekend’s other events. Rich spoke with reporter Charles Compton.

As Elections End, Holiday Entertainment Begins

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader and Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:16:00 +0000

This weekend’s entertainment is certainly seasonal. Holiday movies debut, Lexington’s ice rink opens, and Actor’s Guild of Lexington is staging something for the election. It’s called “November” and here with a preview is Rich Copley, who covers culture of the Lexington Herald Leader. Rich spoke with reporter Charles Compton.

Old-New Performers Show-up in Lexington

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Several performers this weekend in Lexington have re-invented themselves, or at least updated their work. Among them is Huey Lewis and the News and Pauly Shore, which performs at Centre College. With a preview is Rich Copley of the Lexington Herald Leader.

50 Years of Traditional Arts and Crafts in Berea

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:00:00 +0000

A 50 year tradition of Appalachian arts and crafts is marked this weekend in Berea. The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen stages a juried art show at the Historic Indian Fort Theatre. Here to preview it and the weekend’s other events is Rich Copley of the Lexington Herald Leader. Rich spoke with reporter Charles Compton.

Phantom Finally Comes to Lexington

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:49:00 +0000

In the 25 years since the musical’s debut, the Phantom of the Opera has never played central Kentucky. That changes this weekend when the University of Kentucky brings it to the Lexington Opera House. Rich Copley, who covers culture for the Lexington Herald Leader, says this will be no scaled-down production.

Time to Take the Fun Indoors

Rich Copley, Lexington Herald Leader — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:00:00 +0000

As the season changes, cultural life in central Kentucky is moving indoors. On this first full weekend of autumn, venues like Lexington’s Singletary Center for the Arts will be busy. Rich Copley, who covers arts for the Lexington Herald Leader, says the concert hall at the University of Kentucky will first host singer-songwriter Andrew Bird. Rich spoke about the American-Roots musician with reporter Charles Compton.