Latest news with #TheVirginia
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Virginia has been entertaining Somerset since 1920s
SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) — Somerset is a spot for food fanatics, lake lovers, and art admirers. The city is also not without history. The Virginia has been entertaining Somerset since the 1920s. As expected, the historic venue has changed since the doors first opened. It opened in 1922 as a local movie theater and for more than 70 years became part of the city's fondest memories. But the family-owned business fell on hard times, sitting vacant and deteriorating for nearly three decades. In 1994, The Virginia closed after an ice storm caused its roof to collapse. Somerset coffee shop looks to bounce back after being destroyed in May tornado The Virginia has been entertaining Somerset since 1920s Somerset looking to capitalize on growth through occupational tax hike Several years ago, Somerset bought the property from the city's downtown development corporation, spending $2.3 million to bring the theater back to life ahead of its 100th anniversary. The historic space is now more than a cinema, renovated into a multi-use venue. 'The Virginia Theater, what I like to call the artist formerly known as the Virginia Cinema, was one of the movie theaters located in downtown Somerset. One of the others was the Kentucky, which is now a parking lot. That was one of the main reasons why this community really banded together to try to refurbish this theater was to not let it become a parking lot and to let it be a part of the rich history of this community,' said John Alexander, the Pulaski County government's communications director. Last month, it hosted the 606-strong tornado relief benefit concert to raise money for storm survivors of May's horrific tornado that damaged parts of the area. Alexander is proud to have an iconic piece of the city back in play. He said if the lake is the city's lifeblood, then The Virginia is its heart. Read more of the latest Kentucky news 'The community was very welcoming of it. I like to use the quote that Humphrey Bogart used in The Maltese Falcon: it's 'the stuff that dreams are made of.' This has been our dream for decades and to have it back open, to have it accessible to the public, and to be in a form that it's never been in before and to have a building that is modern, that does have modern sensibilities, then also a throwback to the past,' Alexander said. Alexander also hosts a classic movie series at the theater once a month. 'To me, it's a chance again to show people Somerset that when they visit here, when they visit the lake, when they visit this area, that it's something that they can come see that's modern but then also looks towards the past as well,' said Alexander. 'They can't stay on the lake 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, to have things like this in downtown Somerset for people to go do outside of the lake and outside of that regular Memorial Day to Labor Day lake season is something that benefits everybody.' Friday night, the band Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience is performing at the Virginia. The show starts at 8 p.m. For a list of other shows and events, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kentucky artists perform tornado benefit concert in downtown Somerset
SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) — United through the sound of music. 'It's just a chance for us to all get together, heal and rebuild,' said Tiffany Finley, executive director of the Master Musicians Festival. Master Musicians Festival and The Virginia [in downtown Somerset] put on the 606 Strong Benefit Concert. In a region that is hurting, Tuesday's concert at the theater was all about uplifting people from Laurel and Pulaski counties after an EF-4 tornado caused destruction a week and a half ago. 'And know that they are doing it for a good cause, that somebody will be blessed by them buying that ticket tonight, but there is going to be a smile on their face for giving up that money, but also hearing some amazing music,' said Mayor Alan Keck. Man agrees to Alford plea in connection with 2016 Lincoln County death Kentucky artists perform tornado benefit concert in downtown Somerset Fayette County schools vote to move forward with tax increase plan More than 500 tickets were sold as seven performers took the stage. 'I know a guy who had a tattoo shop that it came down. I just want people to know that its somebody out there that is going to lend a helping hand, because that's what we do as Kentuckians,' Spooky Fox, a performer, said. Tommy York, an attendee, said he and his friends were excited to hear some local music. They were also supporting their buddy who lost his grandmother because of the tornado. 'We came out for the tornado relief, helping out with that, came for a good time as well, ready to listen to some good music,' York said. Laurel Lewis, a Laurel County native, said she took her name after her beloved county. The artist now resides in Nashville and made the trip down for the concert. She said she is hurt by what her community had to endure. Read more of the latest Kentucky news 'When I received word that I was asked to do this, I just couldn't have been more happy because I had wanted to give back to my community in a way that feels good to me and that I know I can do, and what I know I can do is music,' Lewis said. Tuesday's concert raised more than $10,000, with proceeds going to the United Way of South Central Kentucky and the United Way of Laurel County, who are already helping those affected. 'We've already had phone calls from people who already know they are going to have long-term recovery needs, and we're excited to have those funds to provide for those,' said Reci Shook, Board President of United Way of South Central Kentucky. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tornado benefit concert '606 Strong' Tuesday at The Virginia
The Master Musicians Festival and The Virginia present 606 Strong: A Tornado Relief Benefit concert from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at The Virginia in downtown Somerset. On May 16, a powerful EF-4 tornado tore through Pulaski County, leaving a path of destruction that continued into Laurel County. The damage has been devastating, and both communities are now facing the long road to recovery. The benefit concert aims to uplift and inspire hope with featured Kentucky native and local musicians: Sundy Best, Hunter Flynn, Cody Lee Meece, Jordan Allen, Laurel Lewis, Spooky Fox and Tyler Miniard. All proceeds will go to United Way of South Central Kentucky and United Way of Laurel County. Price of tickets is $25.86 each, which includes fees and tax. Tickets can be purchased at The event is for all ages. Attendees 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All parties must present ID. Seating is reserved and there are no refunds. The venue is standing only.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘606 Strong': Somerset concert benefits tornado victims
SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) — Seven regional musicians are coming together to raise money for tornado relief in downtown Somerset. On Wednesday, May 21, event organizers announced that the Virginia, a historic venue, will host musicians and bands like Sundy Best, Hunter Flynn, and The Voice's Jordan Allen to lend a hand on Tuesday, May 27. Read more of the latest Kentucky news 'The damage has been devastating, and both communities are now facing the long road to recovery. Together, we'll rally with our neighbors to help rebuild and bring hope where it's needed most,' The Virginia wrote. 'The benefit concert aims to uplift and inspire hope with featured Kentucky native and local musicians.' The lineup includes: Sundy Best Hunter Flynn Cody Lee Meece Jordan Allen Laurel Lewis Spooky Fox Tyler Miniard Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 7 p.m. '606 Strong': Somerset concert benefits tornado victims London survivors persevere in lieu of mandatory evacuations Man wanted on strangulation, assault charges sought by KSP All proceeds benefit United Way of South Central Kentucky and United Way of Laurel County. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
