Festival just one way for arts council to get word out on diversity of talent

 SHEPHERDSVILLE - Memorial Day weekend leaned toward the artistic side in Bullitt County.

Thomas Barr

Prime Time Improv Players, with audience member Nick Canchola, on stage

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An outdoor afternoon event hosted by the Bullitt County Arts Council took place at Shepherdsville City Park, showcasing numerous styles of activities and arts associated with the organization.

BCAC hosted the event to help raise awareness of the organization, while celebrating its goal of reaching 150 friends on its Facebook page.

Local artists displayed their craft while musicians and performers appeared on stage, ranging from vocalists to an improvisational group.

Though the attendance was lower than BCAC anticipated, council member Benji Simmons said patrons were both vocal and appreciative about the event.

"This was all connected to how we're doing on our Facebook page," he said. "We used to host larger events. We wanted 150 friends by last weekend and we got that before the event. So now we're shooting for 500."

According to Simmons, a Dixieland band called Austen & The Awesomes, made up of recent Bullitt Central students, made a positive impact on those in attendance. Simmons said the band may appear at Bullitt County's Fourth of July Bullitt Blast.

BCAC's Prime Time Improv Players received a warm reception by the crowd for its interactive performance.

Also appearing was 2011 Bullitt County Vocalist of the Year Megan Crowe, who earned the title in a BCAC contest hosted at the Bullitt County Fair.

Simmons reminded that tryouts for the 2012 Vocalist of the Year competition were scheduled for Sunday, June 10, 2-4 p.m., at Ridgway Memorial Library.

Contestants may also sign up during the fair on Thursday, June 14, and Friday, June 15, from 5-6:45 p.m. The finals take place Saturday, June 16, 6-8 p.m., at the fair.

"Encourage any singers you know to come out and participate," said Simmons, reminding everyone to invite family, friends, co-workers and even themselves to try out.

Vocalist of the Year contest entry forms are available at Ridgway and will also be available at the BCAC booth during the fair.

BCAC features a wide variety of artistic opportunities for local residents with various types of skills and interests.

"It doesn't matter if you've been involved for any amount of time, you can gather with those with a lot of experience," said Simmons. "It's a great educational tool for those who are wanting to learn."

One of the new groups being formed by BCAC is the Bullitt County Community Band, a gathering of local musicians that could perform at various civic functions.

Though music and the local theatre group are BCAC's most popular categories, other activities and groups feature painting and visual arts, photography, knitting, quilting and basket weaving.

More information about the Bullitt County Arts Council is available online at www.bullittarts.org, or find their Facebook page. The council meets regularly on the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at Ridgway.

For more information call 543-7675.