​MOUNT VERNON – “Let’s build some happy little trees.” That was but one of the many catch phrases Bob Ross would say during his very popular PBS program, “The Joy of Painting.”  In most episodes, Ross would note that one of his favorite parts of painting was cleaning the brush. He would smile and often laugh aloud as he said to "beat the Devil out of it".  Ross would instruct viewers in oil painting using a quick-study technique from the imagination that used a limited palette of paints and broke down the process into simple steps.  
 
On Thursday, May 30, Ken Barnett will bring Bob Ross to life on the Chautauqua stage including painting as Ross would on his show and donating the finished painting to an audience member. Ken has performed at the Chautauqua Series many times over the years with his spot on portrayal of Mark Twain, Red Skelton and many more. This will be the first time Ken will portray Ross, having worked on his painting technique for the past few years to bring a special element to his presentation.
 
Opening the theme of a PBS night program will be Jeff Putnam, Chris and Mike Petee performing the music of Peter, Paul and Mary.
 
The Chautauqua Series is held in the lower level at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon).The facility is accessible to those with special needs such as walkers, wheel chairs, service dogs and strollers. Doors open at 6 PM and program begins at 7 PM.
 
The Series, now in its 13th season, is organized and brought to you by Elixir Presents, the Grand Hotel and supported in part by a generous grant from the Ariel Foundation. These programs bring year round living history to our community and are presented on a donation basis. All donations go directly to the performers.
 
For more information about this and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org or call 740-392-3018. To receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.

​Chautauqua Welcomes Comedian Phyllis Diller
MOUNT VERNON – Born in Lima, Ohio, appeared in 40 films, multiple television shows and multi-award winning actress, Phyllis Diller is best known for her eccentric stage persona, her self-deprecating humor, her wild hair and clothes, and her exaggerated, cackling laugh.
 
This coming Thursday, May 16, Susan Kahrl will once again grace the Chautauqua stage, performing first person living history as Phyllis Diller. Susan has written and performed many Chautauqua characters over the years and this portrayal will leave the audience in stitches (preferably of the laughing kind).
 
Opening the program will be Lowell Borchers, tickling the ivories and singing the songs of the era. Lowell has performed multiple times for the Chautauqua Series and captivates the audience with the music of the 1950’s and 1960’s setting the stage for the appearance of Susan Kahrl as Phyllis Diller.
 
The Chautauqua will be held in the lower level at the Grand Hotel (12 Public Square in downtown Mount Vernon).The facility is accessible to those with special needs and will be helped to their seats by Elixir Presents volunteers if needed. Doors open at 6 PM and program begins at 7 PM.
 
The Chautauqua Series is organized and brought to you by Elixir Presents, the Grand Hotel and supported in part by a generous grant provided by the Ariel Foundation. These programs bring year round living history to our community and are presented on a donation basis. All donations go directly to the performers.
 
For more information about this and upcoming presentations, please visit www.elixirpresents.com, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org or call 740-392-3018. To receive a “Gentle Reminder” email on the Sunday before each program, contact Mike Petee at elixir_petee@hotmail.com.