Debate Festival

Centre College and AARP welcome the public to take part in celebrating the spirit of democracy by joining friends and neighbors for a FREE Debate Festival on the Festival Lawn starting at noon.

The general public can watch the Vice Presidential Debate as it happens via a live televised broadcast on the Festival Lawn and enjoy the following programs and performances*:

*Performance times approximate and subject to change.

Directions & Parking

The Festival Lawn will open at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 11. The entrance to the grounds is located near the corner of West Main Street and Maple Avenue in Danville, KY on the campus of Centre College. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis in and around downtown Danville on the street or in public parking lots. Please obey all normal parking laws (do not block driveways, park in front of fire hydrants, etc). 

Information about street closings in and around Danville to be announced. 

Handicap Accessible parking with shuttle service to and from the Festival will be provided behind the Horky House (accessible on Maple Avenue off of Perryville St. by Tolliver School). This reserved lot is first come, first served and available for vehicles with visible handicap plate or hangtag only.

Festival Lawn Rules & Regulations

Please remember that Centre College and the Festival Lawn are private property. All visitors who wish to remain on campus during the Festival must abide by the following rules:

• No disorderly conduct.
• NO WEAPONS ALLOWED, CONCEALED OR OTHERWISE.
• All persons and personal property are subject to search.
• Be respectful and courteous at all times.
• Chairs in bags must be removed from bags.
• No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.
• No smoking allowed on Festival lawn.
• No glass of any kind.
• No coolers allowed.
• Group expressive activity is to only take place in Speakers Park (off Russell Street).
• No PA systems or noisemakers.
• No stakes, posts, or poles.
• No signs other than candidate campaign signs, 24 X 36 inches or smaller.
• No tents or large umbrellas.
• No grilling or cooking equipment.
• No pets other than service dogs. 
• NO PERSONAL ITEMS MAY BE LEFT UNATTENDED.

About the Artists

The Marshall Tucker Band

Originally formed in the early 70s in Spartanburg, South Carolina, The Marshall Tucker Band includes founding member Doug Gray on lead vocals and tambourine. During the past forty years The Marshall Tucker Band has wowed critics and influenced major country acts like Alabama, The Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad, and Travis Tritt, with its definitive blend of rock, rhythm & blues, jazz, country, and gospel. Along the way, the they recorded twenty two studio albums, three DVDs, three live albums, numerous compilations, and a string of chart topping hits including "Take the Highway," "Heard It in a Love Song," and "Can't You See."

Ben Sollee

Ben Sollee is like no other cellist/singer-songwriter you have ever heard! His style is a mix of the Appalachian music he heard while growing up in Kentucky to the R&B style that fits his soulful voice and thoughtful lyrics. At the heart of Ben’s drive is the desire to bring communities together with music and he likes the idea of doing good things with good people. Ben has shared the stage and/or recording studios with the likes of My Morning Jacket and Bela Fleck.

Aly'an

They have been described as vibrant, effortless and intoxicating. Others claim they could be the next rock and roll “Heart” of country music. For some, it only takes two words to sum them up: show stopping.  Strong words, yet well-earned for the young but seasoned rockin’ country duo the entertainment world has come to know as Aly’an. With small town roots and big stage dreams, Alyson Burke and Andrea Warner are hitting the country music scene full throttle!

The Kentucky Ensemble

Centre College's Kentucky Ensemble, established in 2007, has become one of the College's most active groups. The festival performance features two subgroups of the ensemble. The first performance will be fronted by first-year singer and guitarist Jeri Howell, who arrives at Centre will an already-flourishing career. Closing out the ensemble’s performance will be MP, which recently released a successful full-length CD and two popular music videos. Led by Centre seniors Cadey Phipps (vocals) and Alex Ruffner (banjo), MP will perform a mix of traditional pieces, alternative-country songs, and new arrangements of old favorites.

Earthman Lanny Smith

An award-winning songwriter and environmental performing artist, Lanny was honored as a North American Environmental Educator of the Year and Keep Florida Beautiful highest Individual Award for his work using music, the arts, and the web to educate, activate, and inspire people to protect our environment. He founded The Earthman Project and has performed at thousands of festivals, schools, community events and business conferences. His songs have been recorded in more than six languages. Earthman Lanny Smith's "Please Don't Litter" Concert is sponsored by The Boyle County Fiscal Court through a grant from The Kentucky Division of Waste Management

Debate Festival Vendors

A large screen for viewing the Debate will be provided in the area, and concessions will available for purchase from Melton’s Deli.

In addition, a selection of debate festival merchandise, as well as individual artist merchandise will be on sale!

About our Sponsor

Centre College is pleased to announce that AARP will participate as the official sponsor of the 2012 Vice Presidential Debate Festival.  AARP will also facilitate a series of intergenerational policy discussions on Centre’s campus. The conversations will take place in Centre’s Ewen Room, located in the Campus Center, on September 18 at 6 PM; October 3 at 7 PM; and October 8 at 10 AM. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. Through AARP’s “You’ve Earned a Say” initiative, the organization is committed to facilitating a national conversation about policy matters affecting the retirement security of Americans.  Information about the initiative is available at www.earnedasay.org.

Please continue to check this site as updates and additional information are added frequently.  Thank you for your cooperation, we hope you enjoy the Festival!