250Lex Celebrates Literary Lexington in April
Throughout April, as part of Lexington’s 250th anniversary festivities, numerous events across the community will highlight the history of great local writers, as well as showcase current artists and authors. Events include poetry readings, historical archive exhibitions, conversations with Kentucky Poets Laureate, hip hop performances, a walking tour, and more.
“We are approaching the fourth month of our year-long 250th anniversary celebration,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “I am an avid reader, and I hope everyone will join me in celebrating local literary talent, as they share their stories and experiences, and the stories of our great city.”
The “250Lex Literary Celebration: An Evening Inspired by the Written Word” event, starting at 6:30 p.m. on April 8, will take place at the Kentucky Theatre. The free public event will feature numerous Lexington authors and performers, including readings by current and former Lexington-based Kentucky Poets Laureate Silas House, Frank X Walker, George Ella Lyon and Jeff Worley; National Book Award Recipient Nikky Finney; Hip Hop and spoken word artist Tony Wavy; and Lexington Youth Poet Laureate Eva Alcaraz-Monje. In addition, there will be choreographed dance, musical and theatrical performances.
“For all of our 250 years, Lexington has been a thriving center of writers, authors, publishers, and related creative industries engaged with the literary arts,” said Lexington Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Heather Lyons. “The month of April offers over a dozen literary events featuring our city’s wealth of talent, and appreciation for writing. And on April 8th, at the Kentucky Theatre, we look forward to a spectacular event that showcases some of our most inspiring and prolific writers and performers of words, written, spoken, and sung.”
For more details about the April 8 event, visit https://250lex.com/literary-celebration/.
Throughout April, the literary celebration includes events and exhibits presented by numerous community partners, including the Lexington Public Library, The Carnegie Center, Institute 193, and more.
The Carnegie Center has long been part of Lexington’s literary history. The building opened 120 years ago in 1905, and originally served as the city’s public library. The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning moved into the building in 1992.
On April 15, the Carnegie Center will host the Kentucky Great Writers Series, which will feature current and former Kentucky Poets Laureate of Lexington.
“During April, it would be impossible to highlight all of the many outstanding Lexington writers of regional, national, and even international acclaim,” said Carnegie Center Executive Director Jennifer Mattox. “There are so many, and we also have a city rich with emerging writers with strong writing skills. At the Carnegie Center, we’ll host a 250Lex Special Edition Kentucky Great Writers Series reading April 15, celebrating Lexington’s Kentucky Poets Laureate. Our Larkspur Press gallery exhibit will feature broadsides of works, primarily by Lexington writers. These are just some of many ways we’re celebrating Lexington’s 250th anniversary throughout April, and the rest of the year.”
More details of the Carnegie Center’s April 15 Kentucky Great Writers Series can be found at https://carnegiecenterlex.org/event/250lex-edition-kentucky-great-writers-reading
The 250Lex Commission, co-chaired by Dr. Eunice Beatty and Kip Cornett, has worked over the past 15 months to bring a full year of events and programming that tell the story of Lexington’s 250-year history.
Find more information and a full events calendar at www.250lex.com.
