Arts & Culture

A Lexington native who played a maid in the opening season three episode of the PBS series says working with Shirley MacLaine was an overwhelming experience.

Lucille Sharp said she was vaguely aware of the series about life in an English manor when she was called to audition. Soon after she was cast, she found out she had gotten the role as maid to MacLaine's character. Sharp called MacLaine outgoing, confident and beautiful.

The 22-year-old Sharp, who now lives in London, had about five minutes of screen time in Sunday's opening episode and her character does not return for the season.

Sharp attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Lexington.

Officials say private fundraising for a planned Bluegrass Music Center in Daviess County is going well.

International Bluegrass Music Museum Terry Woodward says the drive has received pledges from large donors for $2.6 million and expects to reach a $7 million goal.

The proposal calls for turning an old state office building in Owensboro into a center that will include a museum, an indoor theater and outdoor festival seating. Woodward has said organizers want to offer fans a Bluegrass Opry, something akin to the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Tenn.

A major fundraising drive kicked off in August, and four months later Woodward updated officials in Owensboro  on the progress.

"I'm happy to report that of the $3 million goal from large donors, right now we have $2.6 million," Woodward told commissioners last month. "We're off to a good start."

North Carolina singer-songwriter Malcomb Holcombe has seen plenty of changes in his career in the music business. However, he thinks the way technology has "leveled the playing field" for independent artists is a very positive development. Malcolm recently completed a new album project , working with some big names and top session players in Nashville.