Billy Bob Thornton and his band, The Boxmasters, will perform on June 4 in Hopkinsville for the eighth annual Hoptown Hopfest that benefits the Alhambra Theatre.
Thornton, an Arkansas native, is a musician, actor, writer and director. He won the Academy Award for his screenplay of “Sling Blade” in 1996. Among many roles he’s played in film and television, Thornton is known for portraying Southerners and eccentric characters.
The Boxmasters will be in Hopkinsville as part of a tour to promote a new album, “Help…I’m Alive.”
Seats for the 7:30 p.m. show are $50. The Pennyroyal Arts Council began selling tickets this week.
Described as an electric rockabilly and country rock band, The Boxmasters have been influenced by 1960s artists such as The Beatles, the Byrds and the Beach Boys. The band has opened for ZZ Top, Steve Miller Willie Nelson and Kid Rock.
Hopfest normally takes place over the Thanksgiving weekend, but it will be a summer event this year to accommodate the band’s calendar and to make way for renovation work at the Alhambra later in the year.
“We’re so excited to be included on this limited-run tour,” Margaret Prim, executive director of the arts council, said in a press release. “Proceeds from Hopfest assist with the operations and maintenance of this theatre. This winter we’re upgrading our dressing rooms for visiting artists and local acts by adding a shower and cosmetic updates.”
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
