New partnership will bring annual concert series to downtown Somerset; first performance announced Saturday, May 9
SOMERSET, KENTUCKY (March 13, 2026) — Just as Louisville has the Louisville Orchestra and Lexington has the Lexington Philharmonic, Somerset has the Somerset Big Band. And just as those legendary Kentucky ensembles have a home base, Somerset’s will now as well — in the city’s most historic performance venue.
The Virginia in downtown Somerset will become the official home of the Somerset Big Band, the two groups announced today, launching a new partnership that will bring an annual concert series to the venue. Under the agreement, the Somerset Big Band will serve as the ensemble in residence, presenting three performances in its first year with the option to add more events in the future.
The partnership marks a significant step forward for Somerset’s growing arts and cultural scene and further establishes downtown Somerset as a destination for live entertainment and creative expression.
“This partnership gives our ensemble a true home and provides a place where audiences can gather regularly to experience live big band music and special collaborations with outstanding artists,” Somerset Big Band board member Dr. Adam Hopper said. “It’s an exciting moment for our musicians and for our community.”
The concert series will debut at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, with a songwriter showcase featuring four regionally and nationally acclaimed artists performing alongside the full 21-member ensemble. Somerset Big Band’s special guests will include:
- Elvie Shane, a Kentucky native whose breakout hit “My Boy” reached Platinum status and topped the country charts
- Cody Lee Meece, a Kentucky singer-songwriter known for his soulful blend of Americana, country and rock
- Spooky Fox, a soulful Appalachian artist whose storytelling songwriting has earned a devoted following
- Brando Vanschoyck, a Kentucky songwriter recognized for his authentic country sound and powerful vocals
This isn’t the first partnership of its kind at The Virginia. Daisha Lile, the venue’s executive director, noted that the venue has formed multiple partnerships with groups across the region to enhance Somerset’s arts and entertainment scene. Somerset’s Flashback Theater often uses the venue for performances and season announcement celebrations. The Master Musicians Festival, the region’s premier summer music event, hosts its Classical Night in the venue. And Lake Cumberland Children’s Theatre delights audiences with annual theatrical performances, Lile said.
“These partnerships reflect exactly what The Virginia was created to do — be a place for everyone, a place for people to enjoy exceptional performances and for artists to help define our region’s culture,” Lile said. “The Somerset Big Band has built an incredible reputation over the past decade, and we’re thrilled to welcome them home to The Virginia. Their performances will bring masterful musicianship, energy and artistry to our stage.”
Founded with the mission of keeping America’s most important musical tradition alive, the Somerset Big Band has entertained audiences across Kentucky and the Lake Cumberland region for more than a decade. The 21-member ensemble is composed of professional musicians and community members from central and eastern Kentucky and has performed at festivals, corporate events and concert venues throughout the state.
The Virginia, which was built in 1922 as a movie theater, served the community in that capacity until the mid-1990s, when an ice storm damaged the roof and shuttered the venue. Years of neglect and decay left the building in shambles, but with the help of the Downtown Somerset Development Corporation, grant funding and generous donations from the community, the building was purchased, the roof was repaired, and the remnants were cleared. The City of Somerset purchased the building in 2021 and renovated it into a live performance space, opening its doors to live music, theater and classic movies on the building’s 100th birthday.
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck said this new partnership and The Virginia’s growing popularity as a live performance venue in Kentucky demonstrate the role arts and culture play in Somerset’s continued momentum.
“Communities that invest in the arts create places where people want to live, work and visit,” Keck said. “Simply put, music, art and entertainment light up communities, and they certainly continue to light up ours. The Somerset Big Band is an outstanding example of the creative talent that exists in our region, and having them call The Virginia home strengthens Somerset’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination while enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”
Visit thevirginiaky.com to purchase tickets for Somerset Big Band’s May 9 performance, and follow The Virginia on Facebook and Instagram @thevirginiaky for announcements about future performances in this annual concert series.