Lexington's Premier Juneteenth Celebration: A Night of Art, Culture, and Inspiration at the Lyric Theatre

Lexington is abuzz with anticipation as the city's premier Juneteenth Celebration, proudly sponsored by Hicks & Funfsinn, PLLC, draws near. On June 17th, 2023, the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, a prominent advocate for African American identity and culture, invites you to immerse yourself in an unforgettable Juneteenth experience. Mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by an evening of art, music, and celebration.

Kicking off the festivities, the African American Museum and Cultural Art Gallery will open its doors at 4 pm, followed by the theatre doors at 5 pm. This not-to-be-missed free event is open to the public, but tickets are limited, so make sure to request yours as soon as possible by emailing free@lexingtonlyric.com. Remember, these tickets are only valid until they sell out, so act swiftly to secure your spot.

While waiting for the theatre doors to swing open, take the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Lyric at the African American Museum and Cultural Art Gallery. This rotating gallery boasts two captivating exhibits that will leave you inspired. The first, "The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers," is a remarkable traveling exhibition that shines a light on the lives of 80 African American horsemen and women spanning from the mid-1800s to the present day. Immerse yourself in this powerful display, featuring over 100 photographs from Keeneland Library collections, commissioned artwork by the talented LaVon Williams, and loaned artwork from prestigious institutions like the Kentucky Derby Museum and the International Museum of the Horse. This exhibit will be available for viewing exclusively on the day of Juneteenth.

The second exhibit, "Inspired Youths in Focus," is a testament to the boundless creativity of young minds. The Community Inspired Digital Photography Initiative (CIPI) has curated a collection of awe-inspiring photographs that capture the essence of youthful imagination. You'll have the chance to view this exhibit until the end of June, so be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

But that's not all…

The Juneteenth Celebration itself promises an array of exceptional performances that span various genres. From jazz to blues, hip-hop to line-dancing, African drumming to spoken word, rap DJ mixology to hip-hop violin, stepping to ballet, gospel to acting, and even opera, there's something to captivate every audience member. This diverse range of artistic expressions aims to celebrate African American culture and honor the emancipation of enslaved people. Best of all, this incredible event is entirely free and open to the public, made possible by the generous support of Hicks & Funfsinng Law Office and the Lexington Fayette County Urban County Government.

Make sure to save the date: June 17th, 2023. Prepare to be swept off your feet by an evening filled with extraordinary music, electrifying dance, thought-provoking spoken word, and breathtaking visual art. This is an event you don't want to miss—a chance to inspire each other and celebrate together.

Join us at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center on June 17th and be a part of an unforgettable experience.

Quick details:

- Date: June 17th, 2023, theatre doors open at 5 pm, doors to the African American Museum and Cultural Art Gallery open at 4 pm

- Hosted at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center located at 300 E Third St Lexington, KY 40508

- Free tickets available by emailing free@lexingtonlyric.com (limited availability)

- The African American Museum and Cultural Art Gallery showcases the Keeneland exhibit "The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers"

- "The Heart of the Turf" features over 100 photographs, commissioned artwork, and loaned artwork from prestigious collectionS. The exhibit highlights the lives of 80 African American horsemen and women throughout history

- Another exhibit in the gallery is the Inspired Youths in Focus, featuring captivating photographs from the Community Inspired Digital Photography Initiative (CIPI)

- The Juneteenth Celebration includes a diverse range of performances: jazz, blues, hip-hop, line-dancing, African drumming, spoken word, rap DJ mixology, hip-hop violin, stepping, ballet, gospel, acting, and opera

- The event is free and open to the public, thanks to the support of Hicks & Funfsinn Law Office and the Lexington Fayette County Urban County Government

Save the date: June 17th, 2023, for an evening filled with exceptional music, electrifying dance, thought-provoking spoken word, and breathtaking visual art.

For more information, please contact Christian Adair, Interim Executive Director At Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. Email: free@lexingtonlyric.com, Phone: 859-280-2201