West Louisville Performing Arts Academy celebrate 33 years of helping youth through arts

WLPAA will be in concert and honor community leaders

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 33rd Hope Awards Dinner Concert at6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th at the Galt House Hotel, 140 North Fourth Street in the Grand Ballroom.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient and keynote speaker will be Dr. Teresa Reed, Dean for the School of Music at the University of Louisville.

Additional awards will be presented during the program to recognizes community leaders who support WLPAA.

McDaniel Bluitt, Executive Director says “We are really excited to be in-person this year. It is so important to keep our youth motivated. This awards dinner gives them a chance to highlight their talent in front of a room full of people who are there to support them. We were one of very few organizations that were able to keep our youth engaged during the pandemic with the generous support of sponsors as we continued to meet and help our youth during such a challenging time. We cannot wait to dress up and have them share what they have been working on for the last two years. We hope you come out and support us” 

Tickets are $100.00 for adults and $50.00 for students. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and/or by contacting WLPAA by email at wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com.

We would like to thank our supporters over the 33 years and this year’s donors; LG&E, PNC Bank, Gheen’s Foundation, Direct Relief, and the Fund for the Arts.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com or http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

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History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors’ other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir. Some of its more notable performances are Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

The VIPP Report: Introducing you to the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy

By Sherlene Shanklin

In today’s Your Story. Their name has changed but their music remains the same bringing all genres of music to West Louisville. I talk to the founder about their success. You recognize them as the West Louisville Boys Choir. 

In 1990, McDaniel Bluitt started The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy originally named the Moore Temple Boys Choir.  In 2002, the choir expanded by adding girls to the program. 

McDaniel says “We started the program because kids needed a way they can be engaged positively and doing the kinds of things that can make them productive members of the community.” 

Two current students, Sylvia Lontz and Alexandria Bluitt were introduced to the program differently but both believe it’s an amazing opportunity and everyone feels like family. 

Sylvia Lontz is heading to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) this fall.  She says “I personally found out about this choir from my former choir director at Central High School.  He introduced it to me.  I though it would be an amazing opportunity for me and my younger sister.” 

Alexandria Bluitt is currently in high school but understands the importance of legacy.  She says “I’ve been in this choir ever since I was 4 or 5 years old.  Considering my grandparents started the choir.  This choir gave me a sense of family, not because they started it but because of the connections I made with people in this choir.”

The program is a melting pot of talents discovered within each child.  A. Bluitt goes on to say “It gives me a sense of structure.  For me personally anyway and I believe everyone needs a foundation to build on top of.”

M. Bluitt says “It’s a part of our slogan its more than just music…its more than just singing because children bring with us whatever they have with them at the time.  Some have training prior to coming to me while others haven’t.” 

They’ve had a chance to travel and perform all over the world from Bahamas to Las Vegas, and all over the state of Kentucky.  With that exposure caused some of his former students to think out of the box.   Key’mon Murrah & Kay’mon Murrah both participated in the program.  As adults they are both classically trained. 

Key’mon is moving to New York.  He says “I’m going to Juilliard in the fall for a graduate diploma. And then I have me Opera debut this winter.”

Kay’mon remains in the area to help others interested in the arts.  He says “I’m working with Kentucky Opera at various events but right now im working as a board member for the public arts commission in Lexington, KY. So that’s been really fulfilling. “

Mr. Bluitt says “Music evolves its never to stay the same.” And so does its leadership. His son Joshua will take the helm and carry on the tradition.  Bluitt says he will still be around consulting and help counsel but feels it’s the right time to pass the baton so his son can take the program even further. 

McDaniel says “One of the things its accomplishing its helping to dispel the myth in the minds of so many people.  Not just Black people, White people m Jewish people not just men but men and women.  They get a chance to see the program that’s holistic.  They get a chance to see the program as positive and believe it or not got their children in it. That’s ongoing and I’m proud of that.” 

Kay’mon says “You have to be open for new things and be willing to absorb it all. I really believe once you start that process you will be able to fly anywhere.”

The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy has a 100% graduation rate and they now enjoy new home for their program.  You can now find their studio in the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage at 17th and West Ali.  To support go to www.wlpaa.org

►Contact Your Story’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram. 

To see the story, click the link below.

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/west-louisville-boys-choir-community-impact/417-4eb6cf86-d4de-447d-8908-f17c26b0b202

The VIPP Report: WLPAA 30 Year Celebration: “A Million Dreams”

WLPAA

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 30 Year Celebration: “A Million Years” 6:00 p.m. Saturday December 14, 2019 at the Omni Hotel Louisville in the Olmstead Ballroom.

The emcee for the evening will be the Honorable District #4 Councilwoman, Barbara Sexton Smith. Special guest for the evening will be the Honorable Greg Fischer, Mayor of Louisville.

Come!!  Enjoy!! The evening will be filled with the “sounds of hope,” orchestral sounds from Jubals Strings, and fine dining, and tribute will be given to McDaniel Bluitt, founder/director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, for 30 years of service.

The Academy invites you to support the children as they celebrate this momentous occasion. Adult tickets are $100.00, student tickets are $50.00.  All tickets may be purchased at: Artspace, 4th floor 323 West Broadway

For more information regarding the 30 Year Celebration contact Kathy Washington, Event Coordinator (502) 235-0745.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com or http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

 

The VIPP Report: WLPAA Summer Music Camp

WLPAAThe WLPAA’s Summer Music Camp will convene:

Place: Artspace, 4th floor, 323 West Broadway

Date: Tuesday (June 11, 2019)

Wednesday (June 12, 2019)

Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Throughout the Summer Music Institute, June 11-15, 2019, the WLPAA’s Summer Music Camp, the students will be engaged in group rehearsals, sectionals, vocal techniques, etiquette training, choir decorum, and preparing new music for our September College Tour to Campbellsville and our Annual Hope Awards Christmas Dinner Concert. WLPAA will also have guest speakers.  On Tuesday Mr. Manfred Reid, the WLPAA Board Chairman, will be the guest speaker. He will share his amazing journey to South Africa. 

On Thursday June 13, 2019 the Day Camp will turn into a residence Camp at the downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel.  Here the children will receive etiquette training, a prelude to their Closing Ceremony, a formal dinner at the hotel’s Spire restaurant.  The students will check out on Saturday, June 15, 2019.

If you would like for your child to be a part of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy’s Summer Music Institute please contact:

McDaniel Bluitt

E-mail: wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com

 

The VIPP Report: West Louisville Boys and Girls Choirs will be in concert

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THE HOPE AWARDS GIVE YOUTH SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT WHERE EXCELLENCE HITS A HIGH NOTE

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) announces their 19th Annual Hope Christmas Awards Dinner Concert on Saturday, December 1st at the University Club on the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus.  The dinner concert will begin at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient is Manfred Reid.  The current chairman for the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy.  The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Louisville Metro Housing Authority.  In 2017, Mr. Reid received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Award given by Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.   This year’s emcees will be husband and wife team, Entrepreneur and community leader Lacy and Barbara Sexton Smith, Metro Councilwoman for District 4.

We invite you to come out and support the choirs, our honoree and other special guests.  Tickets for the 19th Annual Hope Awards are $100 for adults and $50 for students.  They can be purchased at 323 West Broadway, Artspace, 4th floor.  For more information, please contact McDaniel Bluitt at 502-376-7840.

Members of the Boys & Girls Choirs rehearse twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The WLPAA is more than just singing.  They offer college scholarships, After School Tutorials, private Acoustic Guitar lessons and performance opportunities locally and statewide.

If you would like to set up an interview with Bluitt, Founder/Director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. For additional information go to http://www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School Of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

 

The VIPP Report: Annual Hope Awards Showcase Members of the West Louisville Boys and Girls Choirs

 

West-Louisville-Performing-Arts-Academy

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) announces their 18th Annual Hope Awards Dinner Concert on Saturday, December 9th at the University Club on the University of Louisville’s Belknap Campus.  The dinner concert will begin at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient is Kentucky Senator for 33rd District Gerald A. Neal.  “He works tirelessly in the community.  Many see him on television but the things you don’t see that got the attention of my organization.  Sen. Neal has made several visits to talk to members of both choirs.  He was candid with them and helped them understand what it takes to be a leader in the community.  His knowledge was invaluable and he demonstrates all the characteristics to be this year’s honoree,” says McDaniel Bluitt, Boys Choir Director.

Senator Neal did highlight his honor but the accomplishments of the choirs by saying “I congratulate the students and leadership of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, members of the West Louisville Boys and Girls Choir for their dedication, educational obtainment, and for making a difference in the world. It is through the pursuit of excellence that they plan, prepare, and ultimately perform at a high level.”

We invite you to come out and support the youth but one of our greatest community leaders Sen. Neal.  Tickets for the 18th Annual Hope Awards are $100 for adults and $50 for students.  They can be purchased at 323 West Broadway, Artspace, 4th floor.  For more information, please contact McDaniel Bluitt at 502-376-7840

Members of the Boys & Girls Choirs rehearse twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The WLPAA is more than just singing.  They offer college scholarships, After School Tutorials, private Acoustic Guitar lessons and performance opportunities locally and statewide.

If you would like to set up an interview with Bluitt, Founder/Director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy and/or Sen. Gerald Neal contact us at info@vippcommunications.com

For additional information go to http://www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School Of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

The VIPP Report: Open enrollment underway for youth interested in the arts

West-Louisville-Performing-Arts-Academy

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) is holding its annual Open Enrollment for new students, boys and girls, ages 8 to 18.

Auditions will be held at the Artspace, 323 West Broadway, 4th floor next door to the Brown Theater. Open Enrollment has already begun and ends Friday October 13th.

Members of the Boys & Girls Choirs rehearse twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The WLPAA is more than just singing.  They offer college scholarships, After School Tutorials, private Acoustic Guitar lessons and performance opportunities locally and statewide.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in any of the WLPAA program offerings, contact information is below:

McDaniel Bluitt, Boys Choir Director, Cell: (502) 376-7840, E-mail: wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com

Travis Schuster, Acoustical Guitar Instructor,Cell: (502) 909-5939, E-mail: travisschuster2@gmail.com

Mamie Bluitt, Girls Choir Director, Cell: (502) 418-7236, E-mail: mamiegr@gmail.com

If you would like to set up an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, Founder/Director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy contact us at info@vippcommunications.com. If you are unable to do an interview, we request that you post the information for us.

We are also preparing for our annual Hope Awards. Please Save the Date of Saturday, December 9th at the University Club. Please consider purchasing a table and/or sponsoring a youth.

For additional information go to http://www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School Of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

 

The VIPP Report: The Hope Awards will recognize a long-time supporter of the Beecher Terrace neighborhood

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CEREMONY WILL BE HELD THIS SATURDAY AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and the West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) invite you to attend their 17th Annual Hope Awards Dinner Concert on Saturday, February 4th at the University Club on U of L’s Belknap Campus. Time is 6:00 p.m.

This year’s honoree will be Ms. Rose Livingston, founder of “The Beech”, an After-School Tutorial Center located in the heart of the Beecher Terrace neighborhood.  Ms. Livingston is a retired dedicated educator and administrator from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS).

McDaniel Bluitt, Boys Choir Director says, “Ms. Livingston has worked tirelessly in the underprivileged communities of Louisville.  Her labor of love has now attracted the attention of not only Louisville’s inner city neighborhoods, but has also garnered her the respect and recognition of the city of Louisville.”  Her goal was to educate children of the community so they could be successful both in the classroom and in life.  She is an unsung hero and on Saturday evening we just want to publicly say, “thank you.”  

WLPAA will also appreciate Ralph Bonmon, Marshall Yancey and Sherlene Shanklin.   It takes a village to keep our youth on the right track and such patrons as these make it easier.”

Tickets for the 17th Annual Hope Awards are $100 for adults and $50 for students.  They can be purchased at 323 West Broadway, Artspace, 4th floor.  For more information, please contact Mrs. Shajuana Campbell at 502-553-1383 or McDaniel Bluitt at 502-376-7840.  Emcees for this occasion will be Bill and Angela Price.

If you would like to set up an interview, contact us at info@vippcommunications.com.

For additional information go to www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

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History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-eight (28) years of experience.  He received his B. M. ED. from the University of  Louisville School of Music and a Masters degree in Counseling from Western Kentucky University.  The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries.  The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas.  They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.  Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference, Pre-Show for the Nutcracker and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The Girls Choir has also toured New York, Las Vegas, Nevada  and Los Angele, California. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

If you have a story idea, send it to thevippreport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @thevippreport @vippcomm

The VIPP Report: West Louisville Performing Arts Academy open enrollment period is now underway

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Update: 9/28/16:  Enrollment extended to October 13, 2016

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) are holding its annual Open Enrollment for new students, boys and girls, ages 8 to 18. Auditions will be held at the Artspace, 323 West Broadway, 4th floor next door to the Brown Theater. Open Enrollment ends September 30, 2016.

Members of the Boys & Girls Choirs rehearse twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The WLPAA is more about just singing.  They offer college scholarships, After School Tutorials, private Acoustic Guitar lessons and performance opportunities locally and statewide.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the West Louisville Boys or West Louisville Girls Choirs contact:

McDaniel Bluitt   Boys Choir Director 502-376-7840

Mamie Bluitt       Girls Choir Director 502-418-7236 or

E-mail:   wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com to schedule your audition time.

If you would like to set up an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, Founder/Director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy contact us at info@vippcommunications.com. If you are unable to do an interview, we request that you post the information for us.

For additional information go to http://www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

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History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University Of Louisville School Of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir.   Some of its more notable performances are: Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

 

 

The VIPP Report:Enrollment is now underway for the West Louisville Boys and Girls Choirs

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WLPAA

The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) d.b.a. West Louisville Boys and the West Louisville Girls Choirs, (WLBC/WLGC) is holding its annual Open Enrollment for new students, boys and girls, ages of 8 to 18. Auditions will be held at the Artspace, 323 West Broadway, 4th floor next door to the Brown Theater. Open Enrollment begins March 3, 2016.

Members of the Boys & Girls Choirs rehearse twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Choir members average one performance per month.   But, the Choirs are more than singing. The WLPAA offers college scholarships, After School Tutorials, and private Acoustic Guitar lessons and performance opportunities

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the West Louisville Boys or West Louisville Girls Choirs contact:

McDaniel Bluitt   Boys Choir Director 502-376-7840

Mamie Bluitt       Girls Choir Director 502-418-7236 or

E-mail:   wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com to schedule your audition time.

 If you would like to set up an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, Founder/Director of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy contact us at 502-582-7716 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. If you are unable to do an interview, we request that you post the information for us.

For additional information go to http://www.westlouisvilleperformingarts.org.

If you have a story idea, send it to TheVIPPReport@vippcommunications.com.  You can follow us on Twitter @VIPPComm.

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