The Capitol auditorium has proven to be a great venue for hosting larger-scale library events, as well as a space for outside groups to rent for various live performances. The stage, sound system, and acoustics are perfect for musical performances, and the library is hosting two music presentations this month.
Around the World in 80 Minutes with the WKU String Academy is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, at 3pm. The WKU String Academy will perform music from all around the world, which will be accompanied by a related storybook reading. It will end with an instrument petting zoo to introduce children to the ensemble’s various instruments. Children and adults alike will enjoy this free event.
100 Years of American Folk Music with Arnie Weiner will be presented Saturday, May 11, at 6pm. A folk music artist from Owensboro, Weiner will have everyone singing along to traditional and original folk music in the spirit of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan. Familiar songs like “This Land is Your Land,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Blowin’ In The Wind,” and “I’m Just an Old-time Hippie” will put a smile on everyone’s face. Audience members will be entertained with stories and messages of tunes that reflect the political and social issues of the last century.
There is no cost for attending, but we are requesting that those who plan to come RSVP by registering for free tickets at capitolbg.org/get-tickets.
When the Capitol’s theater is not being used for library activities, it can be rented to individuals and organizations for events. Whether it’s a promoter wanting to showcase an up-and-coming performer or a manager booking a musician, band, or tribute group, we provide the space and they provide the entertainment. Library staff at the Capitol handle concessions, assist with ticket sales, and offer technical support; they handle promotion and the show’s production. We also support marketing by including the show information on the Capitol’s social media accounts and provide links for ticket purchases on the Capitol’s website.
We work with a variety of groups wanting to showcase musical talent in Bowling Green. WKU Public Media regularly hosts Lost River Sessions concerts at the Capitol. Tickets are free to local college-age students and only $10 to the general public. Ticket costs for the majority of other shows vary but typically range from $30 to $100. They sometimes include a VIP experience package, allowing fans to meet with the musical artists before or after shows. This month, there will be two ticketed musical events, hosted by outside promoters:
LUCERO, Friday, May 17 at 8pm – Since forming in Memphis in the late ’90s, Lucero’s base musical hallmarks have remained similar to the band’s initial sound established with their first record The Attic Tapes. In the history of their expansive discography, Lucero has evolved and embraced everything from southern rock to Memphis soul, while simultaneously maintaining their distinctive sonic foundations. Over 20 years later, dedicated fans of the group still flock to hear the band’s punchy driving rhythms, punk-rooted guitar licks, and lyrics that evoke the whiskey drenched sentimentality of Americana singer-songwriters.
Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles, Saturday, May 18, at 7pm – A spirited blend of originality and the pursuit of excellence have taken Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” to a level of recognition normally reserved for Gold and Platinum recording artists. The most successful and longest running show of its kind, Hotel California is the ONLY show to have ever received official authorization to perform the Eagles catalog of music. This show is presented by Clay Campbell Productions.
Tickets for those shows may be purchased at capitolbg.org/get-tickets or onsite at our box office.
On another NOTE: Bigfoot’s coming! While not a musical event, the library is excited to host an event at the Capitol by a presenter whose name is sure to be familiar to Bigfoot fans in the area. Mike Familant will bring his “Bigfoot Experience” to the stage Sunday, May 12 at 3pm. Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Grassman, Skunk Ape or Big Red Eye – whatever name you choose to call this large, bipedal hominid – Familant has probably tried to track it down. At the presentation, this producer, lead investigator and New Jersey native will exhibit some extraordinary evidence backed by facts which he and his team have collected throughout his journey, along with some of the unfortunate experiences which come along with Bigfooting. There will be a Q&A and meet and greet after this FREE presentation. Let us know if you are coming by reserving a free ticket online.
And while we have your attention, grab your calendars so you can mark another research-heavy, Sasquatch-strong, all-day event scheduled for Saturday, August 3: WCPL’s Bigfoot Mini Con! It will feature celebrity guests, expert panelists, and amazing conversations about this elusive creature. There will also be two related social events at the SOKY Marketplace the same weekend. Details and ticket information will be announced closer to the event!
To keep up with everything going on downtown at the Capitol, follow “capitolbg” on Facebook, Instagram, or X. You can also subscribe to our online newsletter and get announcements with direct ticket links delivered right to your inbox.
-by Ashley Fowlkes
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