Open Studio

Dr. Gary Anderson, is wrapping up 35 years as the founding conductor and musical director for the Lexington Chamber Chorale. He talks about his long musical journey and previews what's scheduled to be his final concert as leader of the choral group on Sunday June 7 at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate.

Brittany J. Green closed out her season as composer in residence with the Lexington Philharmonic. Prior to the world premiere of a new work “Black Dandelions” featuring the poems of Crystal Wilkinson, she talked with Tom Musgrave about her experiences and future career goals.

The University of Kentucky School of Music closed its academic year in grand fashion with a Celebration Weekend at Singletary Center for the Arts. It also marked the final concert for longtime choral activities director Jefferson Johnson who will retire this June. He talks about arriving at UK in 1995 and the maturation of the choral program over that span. Johnson says he plans to continue as artistic director and conductor of the Lexington Singers.

For more than 87 years, Lexington Children’s Theatre has been a safe, inspiring home for young people and families. To continue serving the Commonwealth, their historic home of 25 years on Short Street needs critical updates. This week on Open Studio Tom Musgrave talks with LCT Development Director Ashlee Collins to talk about their long history and new 'Building Dreams' capital campaign in honor of Alexandra Simpson.

The Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Harrison Elementary is a dynamic, lottery-based magnet school where creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence thrive. The program, now in its second year, offers a full spectrum of arts programming, including band, dance, music, orchestra, theatre as well as digital art forms. Tom Musgrave talks with Arts Magnet Coordinator & Curriculum Coach Austin Vahle.

All this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. For the final installment Tom Musgrave introduces us to Paulick Report Bloodstock Editor Joe Nevills. As part of his coverage of the thoroughbred industry, the Michigan native has made a name for himself as the 'Haiku Handicapper' where he analyzes a race's field or makes predictions on a race card or award show in the form haiku: A Japanese poem consisting of 17 syllables in lines of five, seven, and five. Rest assured he'll be out with his 2026 Kentucky Derby edition soon!

Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists to celebrate Kentucky Writers' Day April 24th in Frankfort. This week is a rare opportunity to hear one former Kentucky Poet Laureate interview another. Affrilachian poets Frank X. Walker and Crystal Wilkinson talk about their childhood influences, inspirations as well as aspirations in this in depth conversation.

All this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. To celebrate Kentucky Writers' Day April 24th in Frankfort, Tom talks with current Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell and you'll also get to meet and hear from Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate Esme Morris.

All this month Open Studio features new interviews with Kentucky literary artists. Ada Limon served as Poet Laureate for the United States from 2022 to 2025.

Bryce Oquaye is an illustrator, comic artist and animator. From comic to cover art for publishers like Z2 Comics, illustration for Zox and Netflix, and animation for companies like Group Nine Media, Bryce has placed a focus on story based illustration and sequential work. On March 30th, as part of the 'Ideas That Matter' series, Bryce will explore how comic books and visual art uncover cultural truths and spotlight the values that shape who we are. He talks about the topic with Tom Musgrave.