Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry will perform at the 2018 SOAR Summit reception on Thursday, August 30 at the East Kentucky Expo Center.

The Opry, a production of the Prestonsburg, Ky.-based Mountain Arts Center, has been one of Kentucky’s most popular music and entertainment shows for more than two decades.

“We are excited to bring the Kentucky Opry to the SOAR Summit,” said Clayton Case, executive director of the Mountain Arts Center. “The Kentucky Opry is unique because everything about it, from the vocalists, musicians, and even our audio, sound and light technicians are all from eastern Kentucky.  We take great pride that our show represents the best and brightest that the region has to offer.”

The Kentucky Opry show features a wide variety of music genres, including country, bluegrass, gospel, and classic rock.  A crowd favorite is the show’s comedian Munroe.

Jared Arnett, executive director of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR), said the SOAR Summit reception is a time for people to network and share ideas.  This year, reception attendees will also have the opportunity to visit individuals, businesses, and organizations selected to showcase during this year’s Summit.

“The reception is a great way to connect with others who share the vision of a 21st Century Appalachia we envision,” said Arnett. “We are very excited to incorporate those showcasing solutions and ideas at the reception, and we are honored to have the Kentucky Opry provide the entertainment.”

The reception will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the East Kentucky Expo Center.  Tickets are $15, and the event is open to the public.  Admission includes refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.  Those wishing to attend this year’s Summit can choose to register for the reception, a pre-Summit leadership session (on August 30), and/or the Summit main session on August 31.  To register for any or all of the events, visit www.thereisafuture.org.  For more information, call (606) 766-1160 or email info@soar-ky.org.

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