HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Over 400 patrons gathered at the Historic Alhambra Theatre Saturday night to groove to 70s and 80s hits to raise money for new theatre equipment. The entertainment for this year’s Hoptown Hopfest, an annual fundraiser for the Pennyroyal Arts Council, Inc. and the Alhambra Theatre, was the band ‘Ride Like the Wind: The Yacht Rock Experience.’
The band put on a lively show, covering artists from the Yacht Rock era including Hall and Oats, Christopher Cross, ToTo, Boston and more. Patrons were seen dancing throughout the duration of the show, and a few even ended up on stage singing with the band before the night ended.
Lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Chayse Pannell told Christian County Now that this music is so important to keep alive because some of the greatest artists are from the era, and that Yacht Rock, despite its name, is for everyone.
“The name ‘Yacht Rock’ can have a bit of a wealthy vibe to it, but this music speaks to everyone,” Pannell said. “It really excites me to play this kind of music, and when we (the band) finished the set list, we thought it could probably be our best show.”
Saturday night, including sponsorships, ticket sales and concessions, brought in over $30,000 to support the arts. Pennyroyal Arts Council Executive Director Margaret Prim said throughout the years of Hopfest, the arts council has raised over $150,000 for theatre upgrades.
“We work hard to preserve the arts and create impact,” Prim said. “The money raised tonight will
fund specific needs for the theatre, including new microphones and a scrim.”
Prim said an aspect that makes Hoptown Hopfest special is that the arts council has received support from the same sponsors for many years, including HES Energynet, Atmos, HWEA, Bluegrass Beverage and more. HES Energynet Manager Jeff Hurd said the Alhambra Theatre is the centerpiece of the community, and the business is proud to support the arts.
Band member praises history of Alhambra, shares backstory
From Atlanta, Georgia, Ride Like the Wind is a seven-member tribute band that covers popular music from the 70s and 80s era, specifically the Yacht Rock era, composed of smooth melodies, easy-going vibes and the music you’d hear while sailing in the sunshine.
Pannell said the Alhambra Theatre is such an important part of the city of Hopkinsville because live music is a gift and it can be scarce in parts of the country.
“I don’t hear about enough bands coming up here to give people live music,” he said. “It’s so important that music is accessible to all because it’s powerful.” Pannell also shared how he got into music at a very young age due to family and his health.
“I was born with hemophilia, where my blood doesn’t clot, so when I was young, my family wondered how I’d navigate my life safely, but still creatively.” he told Christian County Now. “When I started music, I realized my disorder wasn’t holding me back, it allowed me to home in on my craft.”
The rest of the band includes Bill Pritchard, bass guitarist and vocalist, Steven Chopeck on drums, Rich Gunderberg on saxophone, Penny Russell on flute and keyboard, Kevin Sanders on keyboard, and Travis Cottle on lead guitar.
The Pennyroyal Arts Council intends to continue the annual fundraiser to bring live talent to the community and raise money for the historic Alhambra Theatre nestled in the heart of the city.
Editor’s note: Payton Frimel is a freelance reporter for Christian County Now and is also employed by the Pennyroyal Arts Council.