BEREA, Ky. — The Berea Arts Council (BAC) is inviting the community to Churchill’s on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for Chili Night Out, a benefit dinner and concert featuring live music by Mud Pi and a chili dinner catered by Honeysuckle (with vegan options available).
🎟️ Tickets & Details
- Cost: $45 for current Arts Council members; $55 for non-members.
- Note: Space is limited.
- Get Tickets
💡 Where the Money Goes
That is the what. The why is where this event matters.
The Berea Arts Council describes its core purpose simply: creating outlets for artists of all ages and talents. Keeping that mission active takes year-round operating support, not just big annual festivals.
About the BAC
On its support page, the Arts Council explains that its commitment to arts access includes keeping exhibits free to the public and offering many programs at no cost to participants. Fundraisers like Chili Night Out help cover the behind-the-scenes costs that make that possible, like staffing, space, supplies, and programming.
If you want a concrete example of where community support turns into direct youth programming, the Council’s summer Art Camp shows the scale of what it offers. The camp includes five full days of instruction across disciplines like pottery, weaving, puppetry, and storytelling, plus meals and an end-of-week exhibition. The Council also notes that limited scholarships are available.
Camp Info
🎶 A Quick Profile of Mud Pi
Mud Pi is a Berea-based group that has described its sound in the Americana and folk-rock lane, and it has built a loyal local following over the years. VisitBerea’s listing highlights the band’s local roots and identifies the lineup as Glen Dandeneau, Carol O’Brien, Jeff Richey, and Robert Rorrer.
Band Info
🍽️ What You Get for the Ticket
Chili Night Out is meant to feel like a true night out. The Arts Council is pairing live music with a full dinner experience at Churchill’s, rather than asking supporters to donate in the abstract.
🤲 How to Support the Arts Council (Even If You Cannot Attend)
If Feb. 21 does not fit your schedule, the Arts Council lists several other ways to help:
- Donate Directly
- Become a Member: Membership includes perks like discounted ticket prices.
- Volunteer: Essential for event planning and execution.
- Support Long-Term Stability: The BAC 40-Year Endowment: Includes options like multi-year pledges and the Endow Kentucky tax credit.
🖼️ A Local Note on Why This Works
Berea’s arts economy runs on shared rooms. Gallery openings, concerts, workshops, and school performances all rely on neighbors showing up in person. That is part of why arts fundraisers matter here. They help keep doors open for the next student, the next maker, and the next audience member.
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN BEREA
The Spotlight Playhouse Website
- Disney’s The Lion King KIDS — Feb. 20–Mar. 1 (Opens this Friday!)
- Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch — Feb. 22, 27–28
- The Taming of the Shrew — Mar. 6–15
Berea Arts Council
Louisville Orchestra Tour
- In Harmony Tour (Berea Stop) — Wed., Feb. 25
- Afternoon: String Quintet at Berea Arts Council (2:30 p.m.)
- Evening: Full Orchestra at Madison Southern High School (7:30 p.m. – RSVP Required)