Thursday, April 2, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe

Ashland Donates $100,000 To Fund Performing Arts Series on KET

In a news conference held today in Frankfort, Gov. Paul E. Patton announced that Ashland Inc. has funded the 1998 season of the television series In Performance at the Governor’s Mansion with a $100,000 grant.

The pilot series, which premiered on KET in January 1997, showcases Kentucky artists and art groups. "Ashland’s donation will ensure that the series can continue to shine the spotlight on the outstanding talent of all ages we have in the Commonwealth, " Governor Patton said.

"Ashland Inc. believes the arts are a vital part of life and education and essential to the well being of the state", said Ashland Inc. Chairman and CEO Paul Chellgren. "Ashland Inc. is pleased to ensure the continuation of programs that demonstrate the diverse talent that can be found in Kentucky and that provide such great enjoyment."

"Ashland Inc.s contribution will make the arts more accessible to Kentuckians," commented Cabinet Secretary Roy Peterson. "We welcome this partnership and commend Ashland Inc. for its leadership role in the arts in Kentucky."

According to KET CEO and Executive Director Virginia G. Fox, the 1998 series of three programs will take to the road for its premiere. The May 9 performance, to be held at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, features the Lexington Philharmonic, pianist Cliff Jackson, soprano Vertrelle Cameron-Mickens and the chorus from the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Lafayette High School in Lexington. Cawood Ledford will read "Casey at the Bat" accompanied by the Philharmonic. Sky Yancey, a former TV news anchor, will host the one-hour program.

Previous programs held at the Governor’s mansion and on the grounds of the mansion have featured singer-composer Tim Lake, the a cappella gospel group Northern Kentucky Brotherhood, jazz vocalist Gail Wynters and trumpeter Vince DiMartino, and diverse musical groups ranging from Robert Phillips and the Fender Benders to the Eastern Kentucky University Brass Quintet, the Louisville Orchestra, the Louisville Ballet and the Kentucky Opera.

"We have heard from many people across Kentucky saying how much they have enjoyed seeing the performers on the KET broadcasts. We are delighted that with this grant from Ashland, Inc. we will be able to continue to showcase some of Kentucky's premier talent" , Judi Patton said.

In Performance at the Governor’s Mansion is a partnership among the Governor’s Office, the Secretary’s Office, Cabinet for Education, Arts and Humanities, and KET. Television production of the current season is made possible by Ashland Inc.

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