The Cat in the Hat The Carson Center for the Performing Arts Paducah

The Carson Center for Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art performing arts center located in Paducah, Kentucky. The venue was built to provide a performance home for the famous Paducah Symphony Orchestra, which previously would rehearse and perform in an auditorium of an abandoned school. A performing arts center was built for the region, encompassing northwest Tennessee, southeast Missouri, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois. As four rivers are located in these regions, and the project was intended to be a regional draw, the original name was chosen as the “Four Rivers Center for the Performing Arts” (Four Rivers Center). This name was replaced in 2004 as “Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center.” The venue is also referred to as “Carson Center.”

The venue was given its current name to honor the late Luther F. Carson due to his family’s significant support. The Carson Center for Performing Arts opened for the public in February 2004. This grand opening weekend celebration featured some big-name artists such as B. B. King with Bobby “Blue” Bland and Vince Gill. The center has been heavily admired by performers and audience alike since its inception. The venue often hosts various well-known entertainers, dramas, Broadway productions, dance, and popular faith-based and family series. Shanghai Circus, STOMP, Crosby, Still & Nash, and Garrison Keillor are notable names that glamorized the center with their talent.