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Author: Chad Hembree

  • 🤠 “Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch” Returns Feb. 22, Feb. 27–28, and March 1 After Ice Storm Cancellations

    BEREA, Ky. — If you planned to catch Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch and the recent ice storm wiped out your night out, The Spotlight Playhouse is bringing it back. The theater has rescheduled the performances that were lost to the weather, and the production is now set to run on Feb. 22, Feb. 27, Feb. 28, and March 1.

    This production by the Bluegrass Players (directed by Katherine “Kat” Davis) is classic, old-school melodrama, built specifically for audience energy. The good guys are heroically good, the bad guys are easy to boo, and the show moves like a live-action cartoon of a western.

    🎭 Why It Is Worth the Reschedule

    That interactive style is exactly what the earlier January preview leaned into, and it is still the best way to describe what you are buying a ticket for. It is broad, fast, and meant to be loud in the best way, with cheering and booing encouraged as part of the experience rather than something you have to whisper about afterward.

    For families and friend groups looking for a late-winter outing that doesn’t require a lot of planning (or silence), this is an easy “yes.”

    📅 Key Details

    • What: Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch (or The Perfumed Badge)
    • Who: Bluegrass Players at The Spotlight Playhouse
    • Where: 214 Richmond Road North, Berea
    • New Dates:
      • Sunday, Feb. 22
      • Friday, Feb. 27
      • Saturday, Feb. 28
      • Sunday, March 1

    🌨️ A Note on Weather

    If you were holding out because of the weather, the safest plan is to use the official ticket listing for the exact date you want and double-check the start time before you go. The Spotlight Playhouse has been posting weather-related schedule changes publicly this season, so keep an eye on their official channels if the forecast turns messy again.

    🔗 Where to Read More & Buy Tickets

    📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN BEREA

    Theater & Performance

    Music, Arts & Community (The Weekend Mix)

    Community & Outdoors

    Classes & Auditions

  • 🎭 Annie KIDS Auditions Set Feb. 28 at Spotlight Acting School for Ages 4 to 11

    BEREA, Ky. — Spotlight Acting School will hold auditions for Annie KIDS on Saturday, Feb. 28, with a 10:30 a.m. start time at 214 Richmond Road in Berea. The school’s audition notice says families do not need to pre-register. Students can enroll even if they do not audition, as the auditions are mainly for children who want to be considered for leading parts.

    Annie KIDS is a shortened version of the Broadway story, designed specifically for young performers ages 4 through 11. Directed by Daesha Miller, Spotlight describes the production as an ideal first-show option for kids who want to try theater, featuring familiar songs including “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life.”

    🎤 What to Expect on Audition Day

    The audition day is set up to be manageable for families. Spotlight says the session lasts about an hour and includes a parent meeting. If a child wants a leading role, the school asks them to prepare and sing a song at the audition. Students are also asked to wear comfortable shoes with no heels.

    🌟 Why This is a Strong Opportunity for Kids

    For parents weighing whether this is a fit, the strongest case is not that every child needs to become a professional performer. It is that a production gives kids a structured place to practice confidence, listening, and teamwork. Rehearsals reward consistency, and a show gives them a clear goal with a real finish line. In a small town, it can also become a built-in community for kids who are still looking for their “thing.”

    Spotlight Acting School, founded in 2004 and under the leadership of Chad and Letha Hembree since 2013, describes its approach as “learn through production.” Students build skills by being in shows rather than just taking lessons about theater.

    💲 Tuition and Policies

    Spotlight’s policies for this production list tuition at $105 per month, with sibling discounts and financial aid available. The audition notice states that up to three absences are allowed and that roles may be reassigned if needed, but no student is removed from the cast.

    Families who want the official details and any updates should start with the Annie KIDS audition page and Spotlight’s auditions hub.

    🔗 Where to Read More

  • 🎹 Guest Piano Recital: Gregory Sioles Comes to Berea College on March 10

    BEREA, Ky. — Berea College’s Music Department has a free guest piano recital on the calendar for Tuesday, March 10, featuring pianist Gregory Sioles at 7:00 p.m. The performance is scheduled for Gray Auditorium in Presser Hall.

    For Berea residents, these guest recitals are one of the simplest ways to hear a high-level performer without a ticket barrier. The department listing labels the concert as free and open to the public, part of a lineup that often draws both campus and community listeners into the same room.

    🎼 Who Is Gregory Sioles?

    Sioles is an adjunct associate professor of piano at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, one of the better-known conservatory-style programs in the region.

    His biography notes honors including an Atwater Kent Grand Prize and a Fulbright Scholarship to London. It also describes performance experience across three continents, including appearances at major venues such as the Purcell Room in London, Amerika Haus in Berlin, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

    ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

    The recital begins at 7:00 p.m. in Gray Auditorium. For those unable to attend in person, the department notes that many events are streamed live online via their Vimeo channel.

    🔗 Official Details

    📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN BEREA

    This Week: Talks & Screenings

    Theater & Performance

    Music, Arts & Community (The Weekend Mix)

    Classes & Auditions

    Annie KIDS Auditions (Ages 4–11) — Sat., Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

    FreeSkool: Herbs for Stress & Resilience — Sun., Feb. 22 at 2:00 p.m.

  • 🤖 AI’s Two Realities: The Fed Wants Proof It Boosts Productivity, Europe Locks It Down Over Security Fears

    BEREA, Ky. — The debate over artificial intelligence is splitting along two very different lines right now.

    In the United States, one of the big questions from policymakers is whether AI is actually showing up in the economic data as higher productivity, or whether the excitement is still ahead of the measurable benefits. In Europe, at least one major institution is treating built-in AI tools as a security risk first, and turning them off on official devices.

    📊 The U.S. View: Show Me the Data

    San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly put the U.S. version of the question plainly in remarks delivered Feb. 17 in San Jose.

    Daly said the Federal Reserve needs to “dig deep” into the data to assess whether AI is boosting productivity and potential output in a meaningful way. This matters because it dictates how the Fed thinks about inflation and interest rates. If productivity rises, the economy can grow faster without pushing prices up as quickly. If it does not, policymakers cannot assume AI will do the work of cooling inflation.

    Daly’s point was not that AI is meaningless. It was that there is still a gap between real-world use cases and the kind of broad, sustained productivity lift that changes the macro picture. She compared the moment to earlier technology waves where investment and adoption came first, and the productivity gains showed up later, unevenly, and with a lag.

    🔒 The European View: Secure the Perimeter

    That caution contrasts with a move in Europe that is less about productivity and more about exposure.

    Multiple outlets reported this week that the European Parliament has disabled built-in AI features on work devices used by lawmakers and staff. The decision cites cybersecurity and privacy concerns about sensitive information being processed through cloud-connected tools. In other words, the worry is not whether AI will transform work; the worry is where the data goes when staff use it.

    🌍 Why the Contrast Matters

    Put together, the contrast is useful for understanding the current landscape:

    • In the U.S., central bankers are trying to answer a slow, statistical question: Are firms using AI in ways that make the economy more productive, or is the impact mostly localized and hard to measure so far?
    • In Europe, lawmakers are dealing with a fast, operational question: Can staff safely use AI tools on official devices without risking confidential material, especially when the underlying systems may route content through external services?

    Both concerns can be true at the same time. A technology can be promising but not yet fully reflected in productivity statistics. It can also be risky to deploy inside sensitive institutions if the security model is not crystal clear. The difference is what each system is optimizing for right now: U.S. policymakers are watching the macro outcomes, while European institutions are tightening internal controls while they sort out the governance.

    🔗 Where to Read More

    🖊️ About the Author

    Chad Hembree is a certified network engineer with 30 years of experience in IT and networking. He hosted the nationally syndicated radio show Tech Talk with Chad Hembree throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, and previously served as CEO of DataStar. Today, he’s based in Berea as the Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse, proof that some careers don’t pivot—they evolve.

  • 🌱 FreeSkool Class on Stress and Resilience Looks at Nervous System Support Herbs Feb. 22 at HomeGrown HideAways

    BEREA, Ky. — A FreeSkool learning session in Berea on Sunday, Feb. 22, will focus on practical herbal approaches that people use to support the nervous system during stressful seasons.

    The class, “Herbs to Support the Nervous System, Stress, & Resilience,” is scheduled for 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at HomeGrown HideAways.

    🌿 What the Session Covers

    The session is led by clinical herbalist Lauren Kallmeyer of Resilient Roots. According to the event listing, the class will cover herbs that may help support the nervous system, decrease stress, and build resilience. Participants will be able to sample herbal teas during the program, and while attendees have the option to purchase products Kallmeyer grows and processes locally in Madison County, the listing notes that no purchase is required.

    💡 Why It Matters for Locals

    For locals, this kind of class sits in a useful, practical middle ground. It is not a medical appointment, and it is not a sales pitch. It is a chance to learn the basics, ask questions, and leave with a clearer idea of what people mean when they talk about “nervines,” calming teas, and day-to-day plant support—as well as what to be cautious about.

    📋 Logistics & Accessibility

    A few logistics matter if you plan to go:

    • Cost: Free
    • Registration: Required (Limited to 20 participants)
    • Age Recommendation: 13 and older
    • Accessibility: The event space requires going up a flight of stairs

    Official Details and Registration:

    📅 Other Weekend Options

    If the class fills up or you are looking for other ways to spend the weekend, the local calendar has a few different speeds. One Eyed Jacks Social Club is hosting comedian William Lee Martin on Saturday night (Feb. 21), while The Spotlight Playhouse continues its weekend run with a Sunday matinee of the western comedy Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch.

  • 🤠 William Lee Martin Brings “Comedy All In” to One Eyed Jacks in Berea on Feb. 21

    BEREA, Ky. — One Eyed Jacks Social Club is hosting comedian William Lee Martin on Saturday, Feb. 21, with his “Comedy All In” tour listed for a night of storytelling and laughs from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

    Both the venue and Berea Tourism describe the stop as an “up close and personal” show. For comedy fans, that usually means a smaller room, a tighter connection with the crowd, and the kind of night where the laughter feels shared instead of distant.

    🎤 The Act: Relatable, Not Rough

    Martin bills his act as storytelling comedy drawn from everyday life, covering marriage, divorce, parenting, faith, and work. On his official site, he describes his style as relatable and grounded, with an emphasis on avoiding politics and “shock for shock’s sake.”

    In other words, it is built for people who want a fun night out without feeling like they are signing up for a rough room.

    🎟️ A Veteran of the Stage

    Martin has been at it for a while. His bio describes nearly three decades on stage, and longtime fans may recognize him from his years touring under the nickname “Cowboy Bill” before he began using his full name more widely.

    His resume backs up the longevity: Martin has multiple comedy specials to his name, including releases tied to Amazon Prime and CMT, plus a massive online following built on viral clips and social media posts.

    📍 Showtime and Location

    The show is scheduled at One Eyed Jacks Social Club (107 Clay Dr., Berea).

    • Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
    • Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
    • Note: Seating is limited for this intimate venue.

    Official Tickets and Info:

    📅 Rounding Out the Weekend

    If you are looking to fill the rest of your calendar around the comedy show, the weekend offers a few other local options. The Spotlight Playhouse is busy with Disney’s The Lion King KIDS (running Friday through Sunday) and a Sunday afternoon matinee of the western comedy Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch. For a change of pace, FreeSkool is hosting a Sunday community workshop on herbal resilience and stress support.
    FreeSkool Event

  • 🖼️ “Dirt Pearls” Exhibit Reception Brings Portraits of Women Farmers and Live Music From Jewelweed to the Kentucky Guild on Feb. 21

    BEREA, Ky. — An exhibit reception at the Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen on Saturday, Feb. 21, will pair documentary-style portrait work with a live performance, giving Berea residents a chance to spend an early evening downtown with art, conversation, and music in the same room.

    The event is billed as an introduction to Dirt Pearls by photographer Erica Chambers, with music by the folk band Jewelweed. The reception is scheduled for 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Guild gallery, 137 N. Broadway in Berea.

    📸 What the Exhibit Is About

    According to the event description, Dirt Pearls is a portrait series that focuses on women farmers in Appalachia, Kentucky, and the surrounding region, aiming to highlight the labor, commitment, and connection to land that shape their lives.

    For local audiences, that focus is a natural fit. Many Berea families have direct ties to farming through relatives, neighbors, farmers markets, or work that still follows the seasons. A reception format also makes the exhibit approachable; you do not have to know photography to walk in, look closely, and talk with others about what you see.

    👥 Who It Is For

    This is a good match for people who want a low-pressure arts outing, especially anyone interested in Appalachia, agriculture, documentary photography, or hearing live music in an intimate space. It is also an easy option for visitors who want something to do before or after dinner downtown.

    🎟️ Admission and Details

    Event listings do not specify a ticket price. The most reliable move is to confirm details through the official event posts before you go.

    ❤️ How to Support (Even If You Can’t Attend)

    If the exhibit theme matters to you but you cannot make the reception, consider supporting the Kentucky Guild directly. The Guild’s supporter and donation page is available online, and sharing the event information helps ensure the artists get the audience they deserve.
    Support the Guild

    📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN BEREA

    Theater & Performance

    Music & Community

    Auditions

  • 📈 Raspberry Pi Shares Surge as “AI Agent” Buzz Collides With Retail Trading

    BEREA, Ky. — Shares of Raspberry Pi Holdings, the UK company best known for its low-cost single-board computers, jumped sharply this week amid a burst of online discussion about running “AI agents” on inexpensive, always-on devices.

    Reuters reported the stock rose as much as 42% on Tuesday, Feb. 17, in a record two-day rally. The move followed a disclosure that CEO Eben Upton had purchased shares, but the momentum accelerated as speculation spread that Raspberry Pi hardware could benefit from a new wave of demand tied to low-cost AI projects.

    🚀 The Catalyst: OpenClaw and the “Local AI” Narrative

    A big driver of the conversation has been OpenClaw, a software project described in recent coverage as a “personal AI agent” that supporters say can run locally rather than in the cloud.

    The Financial Times noted that the rally took on meme-stock characteristics, with the company briefly pushing back toward a roughly £1 billion valuation as retail interest spiked around the OpenClaw narrative. Bloomberg similarly linked the move to enthusiasm for the software and social posts that put the stock “on investor radars.”

    💡 The Practical Claim Behind the Hype

    The logic driving the speculation is straightforward. If lightweight agent-style tools can reliably run on small computers, users might deploy multiple cheap boards for always-on automation rather than renting cloud capacity for every task.

    That does not make a $35 Raspberry Pi a substitute for a data-center GPU, but it does help explain why “local AI” talk can spill into interest in low-power hardware.

    ⚖️ The Counterweight

    However, this week’s price action appears to be largely sentiment-driven. Reuters described the move as “chatter,” noting that traders said the driver behind the surge was not fully clear beyond the stock purchase disclosure and the social-fueled narrative. The Times of London also framed the rally as a social media-driven frenzy rather than the result of a new product launch from the company.

    Investors looking for confirmation will likely be watching for anything concrete in official updates, including guidance and demand signals, rather than relying on social momentum.

    🔗 Where to Read More

    🖊️ About the Author

    Chad Hembree is a certified network engineer with 30 years of experience in IT and networking. He hosted the nationally syndicated radio show Tech Talk with Chad Hembree throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, and previously served as CEO of DataStar. Today, he’s based in Berea as the Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse, proof that some careers don’t pivot—they evolve.

  • 🚗 Berea Debates Proposed “Inoperative Vehicle” Ordinance as City Weighs Safety, Fairness, and What Streets Should Look Like

    BEREA, Ky. — A proposed Berea ordinance aimed at inoperative vehicles is quickly becoming one of the most debated items on the City Council docket—not because anyone loves seeing a car on flats sitting for weeks, but because residents disagree on what enforcement should look like and who it could impact.

    Council heard a first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 in early February. Coverage described the ordinance as intended to empower the Berea Police Department to flag and potentially remove abandoned, inoperable vehicles left on city streets after notice has been served to the owner.

    🚙 What the Draft Ordinance Would Do

    A summary of the draft ordinance says a vehicle could be flagged as “inoperable” if it appears unable to run, with indicators such as flat tires, missing major components, or expired registration and tags. The draft also sets a threshold of more than 30 days for a vehicle that appears to have been left inoperable on city streets.

    👍 Supporters

    See the proposal as a basic quality-of-life and safety measure. They argue that long-parked, broken-down vehicles can block sight lines, narrow streets, and create hazards.

    👎 What Critics Are Saying

    Critics who spoke during public comment raised concerns about how the ordinance is defined and how it would be enforced, including questions about clarity, due process, and whether the language could unintentionally sweep in vehicles that are not “abandoned” but are temporarily out of service.

    For the most detailed reporting on the specific comments made during the meeting, readers can review the full account here:
    The Edge Report

    🔥 Why It Is Generating Heat

    According to coverage of the meeting, multiple councilmembers said the draft language was confusing, and city staff indicated the ordinance would be revised to clarify its scope.

    One point raised during discussion was whether the policy could be interpreted to sweep in recreational vehicles (RVs) or seasonal vehicles that are not used daily. After the meeting, the city administrator told The Edge that the ordinance was not aimed at RVs or occasional recreation vehicles, and that the target was inoperable eyesores on streets.

    🏙️ The Larger Question: Civic Aesthetics vs. Burden

    In the background of this debate is a bigger civic question: How much power should a city use to enforce “how things look,” and how do you do it without punishing people who are already stretched thin?

    Even residents who want cleaner streets often say they want the policy to include common sense guardrails: clear definitions, reasonable notice, a chance to fix the problem, and flexibility for hardship cases.

    ⏭️ What Happens Next

    Because this ordinance has had a first reading, the next step is expected to be a revised version and further council action at a future meeting. The city posts council agendas and meeting materials through its Agenda Center.
    City Agenda Center

    Residents who want to weigh in should watch for the next reading and any updated draft language, then consider speaking during public comment or contacting councilmembers before a vote.

    📰 More Coverage

    More coverage of this same subject can also be found at The Berea Citizen.
    Read the Story

  • 🛠️ Temporal Raises $300M to Keep AI Agents From Breaking Real-World Workflows

    BEREA, Ky. — Temporal, the company behind an open-source workflow platform used to keep long-running software tasks from failing midstream, says it has raised $300 million in a Series D round at a $5 billion valuation.

    The company is pitching the raise as infrastructure for the next wave of “agentic AI,” meaning AI systems that do more than answer questions and instead take actions across tools, databases, and business systems.

    💡 The Pitch: Reliability as a Product

    The short version of what Temporal sells is reliability. In the company’s telling, the core problem has shifted from “how do I make this workflow more reliable” to “how do I build an AI system that does not fall apart in production.”

    Temporal argues the answer is a “durable execution layer” that can survive crashes, retries, and partial failures without losing track of what a system was doing. That pitch is showing up across investor writeups of the round, which emphasize that when AI agents touch real systems, the stakes for correctness go up immediately.

    📈 The Numbers

    Reuters reported the round was led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and that the valuation doubles the company’s prior $2.5 billion mark from an October secondary round. GeekWire also highlighted the “infrastructure for AI agents” framing, describing the raise as part of a broader push to move agents from demos into production environments.

    🌍 Why This Matters (From a Berea Perspective)

    The local angle here is less about Silicon Valley valuations and more about what this signals for everyday systems.

    As more organizations adopt AI features, the failure modes are not just wrong answers on a screen. They can become duplicated tickets, misrouted requests, accidental repeats of a task, or partial updates that leave staff cleaning up the mess. The value proposition of “durable execution” is that it is designed to keep complex work on the rails even when parts of the system fail, and to make retries predictable rather than chaotic.

    🔗 Where to Read More

    🖊️ About the Author

    Chad Hembree is a certified network engineer with 30 years of experience in IT and networking. He hosted the nationally syndicated radio show Tech Talk with Chad Hembree throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, and previously served as CEO of DataStar. Today, he’s based in Berea as the Executive Director of The Spotlight Playhouse, proof that some careers don’t pivot—they evolve.

  • 🦁 Disney’s “The Lion King KIDS” Brings Young Performers to the Spotlight Stage Feb. 20–March 1, With a Two-Cast Schedule

    BEREA, Ky. — The Spotlight Acting School is opening its spring season with Disney’s “The Lion King KIDS,” a youth production built for young performers and family audiences, running Feb. 20 to March 1 at The Spotlight Playhouse.

    The show features students ages 4 to 11, with a “Blue Cast” and a “Purple Cast” so more kids can participate and more families can see a familiar story close to home.

    🎼 What to Expect

    “The Lion King KIDS” is a condensed, kid-friendly stage version of the story many families already know, following Simba’s journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again. Spotlight’s show description highlights the well-known songs that tend to be the hook for young audiences, including “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

    For parents, grandparents, and neighbors, part of the appeal is that this is not only a performance to watch. It is a milestone for the kids on stage. Spotlight Acting School frames its program as learning through real productions, with an emphasis on building confidence, focus, and communication skills—including acting, singing, dancing, and public speaking.

    🌟 Why This Kind of Show Can Be Especially Good for Kids

    For many children ages 4 to 11, theatre is one of the few activities where practice looks like play, but still requires real structure. Kids learn what it means to listen closely, follow cues, and work as part of a group where every role matters, not just the biggest one.

    The repetition of songs, lines, and choreography can also be a confidence builder. Children get to try something a little scary, then do it again, then do it in front of people, with supportive adults guiding them. Spotlight Acting School also emphasizes that every child who auditions is cast, which can make this feel more welcoming for families trying theatre for the first time.

    🎭 Two Casts, Two Weekends

    Spotlight is using a dual-cast approach for The Lion King KIDS, which is common in youth theatre when there is strong interest and limited performance slots. It gives more students a chance to perform, and it gives families an easy way to pick the weekend that matches their child’s cast.

    • Blue Cast: Performs Feb. 20–22, 2026
    • Purple Cast: Performs Feb. 27–March 1, 2026

    🎟️ Tickets and Official Show Information

    📝 Next Audition: “Annie KIDS” (Feb. 28)

    If your child watches this show and thinks, “I want to do that,” Spotlight Acting School has already posted the next audition for this same age group.

    📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE AREA

    The Spotlight Playhouse Website

    EKU Center for the Arts

    Louisville Orchestra Tour

  • 🎬 Berea College Convocation Feb. 19 Features Documentary Screening “The Wisdom of Happiness”

    BEREA, Ky. — Berea College’s Spring 2026 convocation series continues Thursday, Feb. 19, with an 8:00 p.m. Stephenson Memorial Concert event billed as a documentary screening of The Wisdom of Happiness in Phelps Stokes Auditorium.

    The convocation schedule lists the event simply as a screening, which is a little different from the live performance many people associate with the Stephenson series. However, for Berea residents, it is still the same basic invitation the College has long offered: Convocations are presented without charge and are open to the public.

    🎥 What Is “The Wisdom of Happiness”?

    The film’s official description frames it as a feature-length documentary built around an intimate conversation with the Dalai Lama, offering practical reflections on compassion, inner peace, and how people navigate modern anxiety and conflict.

    If you have been looking for something calmer than the usual news cycle, this is the kind of screening that tends to land as reflective rather than loud, with the audience experience closer to a guided conversation than a traditional lecture.

    📅 Key Details

    • When: Thursday, Feb. 19 at 8:00 p.m.
    • Where: Phelps Stokes Auditorium, Berea College.
    • Cost: Free and open to the public.

    🔗 Where to Read More

    📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN BEREA

    Theater & Performance

    Music & Community

    Classes & Auditions

  • 🎤 ‘The Choir of Man’ Plays the EKU Center Feb. 25 — A Midweek Show That Is Basically in Our Backyard

    BEREA, Ky. — On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the international hit The Choir of Man comes to the EKU Center for the Arts for a 7:00 p.m. performance, bringing a high-energy pub atmosphere to the stage for a midweek night out.

    🎶 What Kind of Show It Is

    The EKU Center describes The Choir of Man as a 90-minute production built around live vocals and musicianship, with a cast that sings, dances, plays instruments, and performs inside a working pub setting. It is designed to feel like a big, upbeat night out rather than a “sit quietly” concert.

    👥 Who It Fits Best

    • Couples and Friend Groups: If you want something energetic that does not require you to be a theater expert, this is a good pick. It is meant to be fun first.
    • People Who Like a Concept: It is not a play with dialogue scenes, but it is staged like one. If you like performance that blends music, movement, and a clear theme, the pub setting is the hook.

    🚗 Parking and Arrival

    For those driving over from Berea, the venue’s own pages offer the simplest parking plans.

    🎟️ Tickets and Information

    📅 OTHER SHOWS IN THE AREA THAT SAME WEEK

    The Spotlight Playhouse Website

  • 🍲 Berea Arts Council ‘Chili Night Out’ Is More Than Dinner and a Concert — It Is a Fundraiser That Keeps Arts Access Open

    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:

    🖼️ 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

    Berea Arts Council

    Louisville Orchestra Tour

  • 🏆 Champions: Berea Elementary Academic Team Takes 1st Place Overall at District Governor’s Cup

    BEREA, Ky. — Pirate Pride was on full display this week as the Berea Community Elementary School Academic Team earned 1st place overall at the District Governor’s Cup, according to an announcement posted by Berea Independent School District.

    The district also recognized individual first-place winners who helped secure the team victory:

    • Bodhi Hammond: 1st Place in Math
    • Matthew Taylor: 1st Place in Science and 1st Place in Language Arts

    Source: Berea Independent Schools Live Feed

    🫶 Community Support in Action

    In the same post, the district thanked Today’s Family Dental for supporting the team and helping sponsor an ice cream party to celebrate the students’ work.

    🌟 Why This Matters

    Governor’s Cup is one of those competitions that rewards more than talent. It rewards practice, teamwork, and the kind of confidence that grows when students learn how to perform under pressure. For a small community, these wins also become shared wins. They are the stories grandparents repost, coaches brag about, and classmates remember.

    🤝 The Community Piece

    Berea schools often talk about being a community effort, and this is a good example of what that looks like in real life. Students and coaches do the work, families support the time and travel, and local partners step in to help celebrate the moment. The shout-out to Today’s Family Dental might sound small, but it is exactly the kind of support that helps kids feel seen and valued.

    Full District Recognition

    📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN BEREA

    The Spotlight Playhouse Website

    Berea College Music

  • 🏅 Farristown Middle Earns Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Distinction After Full-Scale Evaluation

    BEREA, Ky. — Farristown Middle School has been named a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School after completing an extensive evaluation through Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, a process designed to identify a school’s strengths and build a practical plan for improvement.

    Madison County Schools said Farristown went through the evaluation during the 2024–2025 school year, which measures schools across nine performance standards. The district said Farristown achieved its improvement goals and was notified during the first semester of the 2025–2026 school year that it had earned the Blue Ribbon distinction and the Lighthouse School title.

    📝 What a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Evaluation Looks At

    In the district’s summary, the evaluation is organized around nine performance standards:

    • Student Focus and Support
    • School Organization and Culture
    • Challenging Standards and Curriculum
    • Active Teaching and Learning
    • Technology Integration
    • Professional Community
    • Leadership and Educational Vitality
    • School, Family, and Community Partnerships
    • Indicators of Success

    🗣️ Why the Stakeholder Feedback Mattered

    A key part of the process included surveys and interviews with parents, staff, students, and community members. Farristown Principal Angie Alexander wrote that hearing feedback from multiple viewpoints helped the school map out improvement goals, then work toward them.

    👩‍🏫 Principal Angie Alexander on the Recognition

    In the district post, Alexander credited both staff and students for the result:

    “I appreciate the distinction on behalf of my staff. They pour everything into our kids every single day, and they deserve this honor. In addition, our students work so hard, and it’s good for them to see their hard work is recognized as well.”

    🌟 Why This Matters to Farristown and the South End

    Farristown is a community with deep roots and a distinct identity in southern Madison County. A recognition like this becomes more than a plaque or a banner. It is a public signal that the school is building a culture where students are supported, expectations are clear, and improvement is intentional.

    🔗 A Berea Connection: Beyond the Classroom

    Berea has always understood the value of giving people a place to grow, then recognizing the work it takes to get there. That is why Farristown’s Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School honor matters.

    It fits a local pattern you can see in the Berea Community Elementary School Academic Team’s recent Governor’s Cup success, in the Berea Arts Council’s work celebrating local creativity, and in Spotlight Acting School at The Spotlight Playhouse, where young performers build skills through rehearsal, feedback, and the confidence that comes from stepping onstage.

  • 🏗️ Blue Grass Army Depot Lines Up New Post-Chemical Mission With Military Container Project, Planning Money in Place

    BEREA, Ky. — As the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) continues its transition away from the chemical weapons destruction era, local and state officials say a new mission is taking shape that could help stabilize employment in southern Madison County.

    The most concrete public step so far is federal funding for the planning and design phase of a proposed military shipping container production facility at the depot. Madison County Judge-Executive Reagan Taylor’s office said the project is part of a job replacement strategy as the chemical demil site winds down, and that it would help keep the depot a long-term economic anchor for the region.
    Madison County Announcement

    📦 What the New Mission Is

    The project under discussion is a facility to produce 20-foot metal shipping containers used in Department of Defense logistics. Several public summaries of the project note that many of these containers are currently manufactured overseas, and the stated goal is to strengthen domestic supply chains.

    Background Sources:

    💵 How Much Money Is Actually Confirmed?

    If you have heard “nearly one billion dollars,” that figure is showing up in reporting, but it is important to separate two different streams of investment to understand what is happening right now.

    1. Confirmed for the Container Facility ($27 Million)

    Madison County’s post describes a federal award of $27 million that supports planning and design for the container facility. This is the “start-up” money to get the project on paper and ready for construction approval.
    Link

    2. Separate, Larger Funding for “Energetics” (~$903 Million)

    Recent reporting has described nearly one billion dollars in federal investment connected to other work at the depot, specifically for energetics (explosives) manufacturing. That is a separate line item from the container planning funding, though both signal a federal commitment to keeping BGAD active.
    Reference

    👷 What It Could Mean for Jobs

    Local leaders have framed the container project as a way to preserve and replace jobs as chemical demil operations conclude and related employment changes ripple through the region.
    Context on workforce transition

    🔭 What to Watch Next

    For residents and businesses in southern Madison County, the next milestone will be moving from “planning dollars” to “construction dollars.” In practical terms, watch for announcements that answer these three questions:

    • Will the facility be fully authorized for construction after the design phase?
    • How many positions will be created on-site?
    • What is the timeline for breaking ground?

    Official Depot Site

    BereaOnline will continue tracking this story as it moves from planning to on-the-ground commitments.

    📅 UPCOMING EVENTS IN BEREA

    The Spotlight Playhouse Website

    Berea College Music

  • 📚 Black History Month at Hutchins Library: Displays and Events Highlight Dr. Carter G. Woodson Legacy

    BEREA, Ky. — Hutchins Library is marking Black History Month with month-long displays and related events in collaboration with Special Collections and Archives, inviting the public to explore materials that connect Berea’s local story to national Black history.

    A central thread this month is the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Berea College alumnus (Class of 1903) widely known as the “Father of Black History.” Berea College’s Black Cultural Center notes that campus-wide Black History Month programming pays tribute to Woodson and his work.

    🗂️ What You Can See at Hutchins Library

    Special Collections and Archives maintains a Carter G. Woodson collection that includes clippings, publications, Berea College news releases, copies of academic records, letters, and exhibit items related to his life and work.

    The library’s February displays are designed to make those materials more accessible to the community, especially for visitors who have never stepped into the archives before.

    🏛️ When and Where

    • Location: Hutchins Library (Lobby and Display Walls), Berea College campus
    • Dates: Displays are viewable throughout February.
    • Check the Schedule: To confirm times for specific programs, check the Library Calendar (look for “Black History Month Event”).

    🌟 Why This Matters in Berea

    In a town where history often shows up as scenery, Berea College’s archives offer something rarer: receipts.

    These are the letters, records, publications, and primary source materials that show how people lived, studied, organized, and built community. Woodson’s story is a reminder that major cultural movements are often shaped by people with small-town roots and deep persistence.

  • 🏛️ Mayor Fraley Highlights City Finances in State of the City Recap as 2026 Mayor Race Field Grows

    BEREA, Ky. — Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley’s annual State of the City message put the spotlight on finances, with the City of Berea emphasizing budget savings and reserves as evidence the city is on steady footing.

    In the city’s recap, officials reported Berea finished the 2023–2024 fiscal year having spent $1.75 million less than budgeted. The same recap states the city set aside $3.7 million in a rainy day fund and $3.4 million in the Capital Sinking Fund for major purchases such as equipment and vehicles.
    City Recap Source

    A separate recap and additional context from the event was also reported by The Edge.
    The Edge Report

    🗳️ The 2026 Mayor Race Is Already Taking Shape

    While the election is still months away, the field is already forming. The Madison County Clerk’s current candidate list shows three people have filed for Mayor, City of Berea in the 2026 election cycle:

    • Bruce Fraley (Filed 11/7/2025)
    • Troy Lane (Filed 1/8/2026)
    • Ricky Clontz (Filed 1/9/2026)

    Candidate Source

    📅 Upcoming Events in Berea

    A few dates to put on your calendar:

    Spotlight Playhouse

    Berea College Music

    Hands-On Valentine Event

  • ⚖️ Court Date Set in Berea College Forest vs. EKPC Dispute Over Proposed Power Line Route

    BEREA, Ky. — The legal fight between Berea College and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) is headed toward a major court hearing.

    According to reporting by The Edge, Madison County Circuit Court Judge Kristin Clouse has set a hearing for Feb. 26, 2026, in EKPC’s case seeking the right to take about one mile of the Berea College Forest in southern Madison County for a new electric transmission line.

    🔌 What EKPC Is Proposing

    EKPC says the project, referred to publicly as Big Hill to Three Links, would build about 8.5 miles of new 69 kV transmission line and include a new substation intended to improve reliability for Blue Grass Energy members in southeastern Madison County.

    EKPC states that an existing substation serving the area is near becoming overloaded and that a new substation would allow the load to be split and fed more flexibly.

    🌲 Why Berea College Opposes the Route

    Berea College has said it opposes the proposed route through the College Forest and has raised concerns about potential impacts to the forest and to the Owsley Fork Reservoir watershed, which supports the public water supply for the City of Berea and parts of Madison and Garrard counties. The College has also said it has sought additional information related to environmental impacts and project need.

    🏛️ What the Hearing Could Determine

    The Edge has reported the case is expected to address whether EKPC has the right to take the property for the project (eminent domain), with a potential later phase focused on compensation and damages if the taking is allowed.