Bowling Green, Ky. -- September 8, 2011 - Beginning as a theatre and movie house in the early 1900’s, growing through razing and rebuilding and two renovations, the Capitol has maintained the integrity of the arts and history in this area.
The original Columbia Theatre was renamed the Capitol in the 1920’s. The audiences out grew the 200 seat theatre and in 1938 the building was razed and rebuilt. The Capitol opened in 1939 with about 800 seats. The operation thrived as a movie house and theatre until interest shifted from downtown and the theatre was forced to close in 1972.
In 1976 the Bowling Green Warren County Arts Commission, from local fundraising efforts and money in support from the state of Kentucky, was able to complete a $1.2 million dollar renovation and the Capitol Theatre reopened to the public in 1981. To date the Capitol has been the center of the community for all performing and visual arts.
The Capitol Arts Alliance is celebrating 30 years of being the home of the arts in the Bowling Green Warren County area. The Capitol will be hosting many exciting and interesting events during the month of September to celebrate the 30th anniversary.
Events for the month:
September 10 Capitol Kids Fest and Art in the Park 10 am - 4 pm. This is a day of games and fun for the kids with crafts and a costume photo booth. Local artists show and sell their one of a kind artwork.
September 16 Jonell Mosser in concert 8 pm. Welcome Kentucky native Jonell Mosser home to the Capitol, bringing her soulful sound as she celebrates the release of her fifth solo album, Fortunes Lost, Fortunes Told.
September 17 Columbia Marionette Theatre 5 pm. Warren County Public Library presents “The World of Anansi the Spider”. This show, featuring marionette puppets, will educate and entertain children about world culture.
September 23 Concert & Dance with Skip Bond and the Fugitives 7:30 pm. Bowling Green’s own entertains like no other band can. Bring your dancing shoes and join us for a free event as a thank you back to the community for 30 years of support.
September 24 Anniversary Wine Tasting 4:30 – 6:30 pm. 440 Main is generously hosting a wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres reception to benefit the Capitol. All proceeds from the evening go directly to the Capitol.
September 30 Artist/Donor/Sponsor Reception 7 pm. This event is a thank you to everyone who has supported the Capitol as a long lasting anchor of our community, and end the month on a great note.
Also the Capitol is launching a special fund drive - $30 from 1000 donors in 30 days. This will help the Capitol continue to support the arts in the area.
Tickets, donations, or information on any of these events can be found on the website www.theskypac.com/capitol-arts-center or by calling the Capitol box office 270-782-2787.
Information provided by Karen Hume, Executive Director, Capitol Arts Alliance