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The Kentucky State Fair announces the lineup for its Turf Concert Series, which runs throughout the fair, Aug. 17-27. The series features a wide range of musical artists and there’s a different concert every night, for a total of 24 bands. All shows are free with paid admission to the Kentucky State Fair.
Thursday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
- “Elvis Extravaganza” recreates the magic and music of the King’s live performances. Recognized as the country’s best Elvis tribute artists, these singers cover his entire career – from the hip-shakin’ 50s to the rhinestone-studded Vegas years. www.elviscontest.com
- Brian, Dale, Mike, Scott and Jamie fly their fan flag in Tribute to “The Statler Brothers.” This heartfelt performance honors the country giants whose careers spanned 47 years, 38 albums and countless music awards. www.therivercityboys.com
Friday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
- At 12 years old, Ginuwine was already performing with a local hip-hop group. Skip forward, and it wasn’t long before he had signed a deal with Sony Music. That’s all it took to launch a career filed with multiple double-platinum LPs and hit singles on R&B and pop charts. www.ginuwine.com
- Tony! Toni! Toné! helped define the R&B genre – and their classic songs continue to make rotation on radio stations more than 25 years later. Today the group can be found on the road, performing their hits across the U.S. and around the world. www.tonytonitonemusic.com
Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.
- Grammy-award winning Blues Traveler covers a lot of ground with their music – blues rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, soul and Southern rock. After selling millions of records and logging thousands of miles on the road, the band continues to deliver energetic, eclectic live performances. www.bluestraveler.com
Sunday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
- A country and gospel quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys have been entertaining Kentucky State Fair audiences for 42 years. The group has scored 12 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album; earned Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards; and were recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. www.oakridgeboys.com
- Alaska and Madi, a country western duo from Tulsa, have been singing together since they were 11 and 12 years old. Members of “Team Blake” on season 6 of “The Voice,” they can now be found playing stages throughout the U.S. www.alaskaandmadi.com
Monday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m.
- Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone hit the music scene in 2012 as For King & Country, winning fans and Billboard’s New Artists to Watch. If the duo looks familiar, they have performed on “The View,” “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” www.forkingandcountry.com
- A Christian singer and songwriter, Zach Williams was a member of Zach Williams & The Reformation before going solo in 2016. That same year he released his first single, which reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart. His first full-length album quickly followed. www.zachwilliamsmusic.com
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
- Hit after hit from the ’60s and ’70s, the Happy Together Tour unites some of the era’s top artists: The Association; Ron Dante of the Archies; The Turtles, featuring Flo and Eddie; The Box Tops; Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night; The Cowsills and more.
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
- Raised in Orange Grove, Texas, population 1,200, Chase Bryant has said there were 20 guitars in his town, and he owned all of them. The young guitar player, songwriter and recording artist produces his own music, including a single that landed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. www.chasebryant.com
- One of Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists, Dylan Scott’s respect for traditional country, embrace of modern genres, unique voice and warm personality have made him a favorite with fans. His singles rank high on Billboard Charts, with millions of plays via social media and streaming. www.dylanscottcountry.com
- Chris Shrader rocks audiences with a contemporary style that has strong roots in traditional country. His wide range of influences can be heard in his songs and include: Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash; Smashing Pumpkins and Hank Williams; and Foo Fighters and Travis Tritt. www.chrisshrader.com
Thursday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m.
- Kentucky-born cellist and composer Ben Sollee has performed at Carnegie Hall, and his music can be heard on TV shows such as “Parenthood” and “Weeds.” He also uses his music to raise awareness and has performed and spoken on sustainability at South by Southwest Music and TEDx San Diego. www.bensollee.com
- Capturing the smooth soul of the ’70s and the hot Miami sound from the early ’80s, Tony and the Tan Lines knows how to get the party started. From Hall and Oates to Huey Lewis and Gloria Estefan to Steely Dan, this group keeps the energy going till the last note is played. www.tonyandthetanlines.com
- 64West began as a duo when University of Kentucky students Aaron Weaver and Bill Yackey played rock, country and R&B shows in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio. The two later added a bassist, guitarist and drummer; and moved from Lexington to Louisville, which is how the band got its name. www.64westband.com
Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
- Having spent last year on one of country music’s biggest tours – Carrie Underwood’s “The Storyteller” – Easton Corbin is back in the studio working on a new album. The Florida native is known for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. www.eastoncorbin.com
- A Kentucky native, JD Shelburne grew up on country, gospel and pop rock music. The young musician started playing small bars in Louisville and Lexington before taking the stage at events such as the CMA Music Festival, Quaker State 400 NASCAR Race and NCAA Women’s Final Four. www.jdshelburne.com
Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.
- Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman incorporates the musical styles of country and acoustic, postgrunge and alternative rock. The group has racked up eight Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Chart, with two singles reaching number one. www.theoryofadeadman.com
- Each member of Goldy lockS brings their own style to the group, for a fusion of rock, pop, jazz, R&B and heavy metal. They’ve shared the stage with a wide range of artists, including Nickelback, Ted Nugent, Collective Soul, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Maroon 5 and Grand Funk Railroad. www.goldylocks.net
Sunday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m.
- Matthew West is an award-winning Christian artist – Dove Award, American Music Award, Billboard Music Award and Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year – plus an Emmy and four-time Grammy nominee. His music has sold more than 1.6 million albums. www.matthewwest.com
- A gospel performer from Tennessee, Colton Dixon started singing when he was 13 years old and placed seventh on the 11th season of “American Idol.” www.coltondixon.com
- Hawk Nelson is a Christian rock and pop punk band. The Canadian group has released seven albums and won multiple GMA Awards. Their songs have also been used in promotions for “American Idol,” the NFL, Nike, JCPenny and the Olympics. www.hawknelson.com
- A Christian performer, Sarah Reeves plays pop and worship style music and has released a number of albums with chart-topping hits. Her popularity is boosted by her YouTube channel which, at last count, had over 13 million views from around the world. www.sarahreevesmusic.com
The Turf Concert Series is held in Cardinal Stadium with seating on the field, which is first-come first-served. Gates open approximately an hour-and-a-half before the music begins.
A spectacular day of Bluegrass and Americana music, food and beverages, craft vendors, and youth activities in a scenic environment awaits those who visit Jefferson Memorial Forest’s thirteenth annual Forest Fest on Saturday, May 20.
Forest Fest has been known for providing a great variety of bluegrass music; this year’s event expands on that tradition with six musical acts in the lineup. The music starts at 11:30 a.m. in the forest’s Horine Section, 12408 Holsclaw Hill Road.
The lineup starts off with the Jon Stickley Trio, followed by The Wooks (from Lexington). Louisville’s own Misty Mountain String Band and Mipso play next. Four-time IMBA award winner Flatt Lonesome and former Carolina Chocolate Drop Leyla McCalla round out the evening.
The event is free, but parking is $10 per carload. Bring a blanket or chair. Food, wine, and beer will be available for purchase along with items from various crafters. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome, and their owners are asked to be considerate of other patrons.
The event is made possible through the financial support of presenting sponsors, Metro Councilwomen Vicki Aubrey Welch (District 13) and Cindi Fowler (District 14), in whose districts Jefferson Memorial Forest is located, as well as assistance from Councilpersons Marianne Butler (District 15), Rick Blackwell (District 12), James Peden (District 23), Madonna Flood (District 24), David Yates (District 25), Jessica Green (District 1), Pat Mulvihill (District 10), Glen Stuckel (District 17), Mary C. Woolridge (District 3), Barbara Sexton Smith (District 4), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (District 5), David James (District 6), Angela Leet (District 7), Brandon Coan (District 8), Bill Hollander (District 9), Dan Johnson (District 21), and Robin Engel (District 22). Also sponsoring the event are: LG&E, WFPK Radio Louisville, Forcht Bank, and LeafFilter.
A variety of entertainment options for children, including live nature demonstrations and a climbing wall, will take place during the day, beginning at noon and ending at 5 p.m. Workshops by performers will begin at 12:30. Artists from across the region will demonstrate their skills as part of a craft fair, and food and beverages from Comfy Cow Ice Cream, Shack in the Back Barbeque, Lil Cheezers and DakShin food trucks, Brooks Hill Winery, Heine Brothers Coffee, Mr. G’s Kettle Corn, and local craft beer from Falls City will be available for sale.
Forest Fest Band Schedule:
- 11:30 a.m. Jon Stickley Trio
- 12:45 p.m. The Wooks
- 2:00 p.m. Misty Mountain String Band
- 3:30 p.m. Mipso
- 4:45 p.m. Flatt Lonesome
- 6:00 p.m. Leyla McCalla
Forest Fest Schedule of Activities:
- 10:30 a.m. Booths open to the public; food areas open; Forest Nature booth opens for children
- 11:30 a.m. Music begins; Children’s activities begin (until 5 p.m.)
- 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. Band Workshop: Misty Mountain String Band
- 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Band Workshop: The Wooks
- 2:30- 3 p.m. Band Workshop: Mipso
- 3:30 -4 p.m. Band Workshop: Flatt Lonesome
- 4-4:30 p.m. Band Workshop: Leyla McCalla
- 7 p.m. Forest Fest concludes
Gov. Matt Bevin joined four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield last week to announce a championship boxing match to be held in Louisville on June 24 at Freedom Hall. The announcement was made in conjunction with the Louisville Sports Commission, the Muhammad Ali Center, Top Knotch Boxing (TKO), Kentucky Venues, and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.
The televised event will kick off a fight series entitled the “Real Deal Championship Boxing Series” that will be promoted by Holyfield’s company, Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. The Louisville event will feature a championship bout among contenders and an undercard that will include local amateur boxers.
The event is part of Louisville’s six-week celebration of Muhammad Ali’s legacy, entitled the “I Am Ali” festival. The festival runs June 3 to July 15, and focuses on Ali’s legacy and core values.
This is the second major combat sports announcement in Kentucky this year and comes on the heels of Gov. Bevin’s reorganization of the Kentucky Boxing & Wrestling Commission (KBWC). The reorganization streamlined KBWC as part of the Red Tape Reduction initiative and tasked the commission with cutting needless bureaucracy that stifled the combat sports industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome Evander Holyfield and Real Deal Sports & Entertainment to Kentucky for this exciting championship bout,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “Our state has a rich boxing heritage, and we have worked hard in recent months to cut red tape and remove unnecessary bureaucracy hampering the industry. As a result, Kentucky is able to once again host large-scale combat sports events. We anticipate that this will be the first of many to come and are grateful to Real Deal Sports & Entertainment for their vote of confidence.”
The boxing industry has experienced significant growth in Kentucky as a result of Red Tape Reduction efforts. In 2016 alone, there were 13 boxing shows, which was more than the prior three years combined. The number of scheduled shows in 2017 is already on track to exceed last year’s numbers. The state has also experienced approximately 30 percent growth in combat sports revenue during the last fiscal year.
Public Protection Cabinet Secretary David Dickerson stated that he is looking forward to additional economic development opportunities that will arise from Gov. Bevin’s charge to cut red tape in the industry. “It’s exciting to witness the explosive growth of combat sports in our state, and KBWC is constantly exploring new ways to grow the industry,” he said. “We believe that today’s exciting announcement is just the beginning.”
To date, Gov. Bevin’s Red Tape Reduction Initiative is responsible for repealing 151 regulations and targeting an additional 338 regulations for repeal. Over 1,900 of Kentucky’s 4,700 regulations have been reviewed as part of the initiative. Visit http://redtapereduction.com for full details.
The Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission oversees all professional boxing, wrestling, and full contact competitive bouts and exhibitions in Kentucky. Learn more about the commission at http://kbwa.ky.gov.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Metro Parks & Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its nine golf courses during the Memorial Day Weekend.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any Metro Parks course. The $25 includes greens and cart fees, and families can take advantage of the deal after 4:30 p.m. on three days: Saturday, May 27, Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29.
Families are encouraged to call in advance to book a tee time at the golf course of their choice.
“Our courses are in great shape this spring, and we’re hoping for a lot of play from families this summer,” said Metro Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose. “Come out and enjoy a round of golf with the family on a great course at an affordable price!”
Metro Parks golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
The Kentucky Derby Museum invites both professionals and amateurs to enter their hats for inclusion in the 2017 It’s My Derby fashion exhibit. The hat contest is a signature element of the exhibition which strives to capture the spirit associated with the landmark sport and cultural event that is the Kentucky Derby.
All hat entries will be judged by an expert panel where 20-25 hats will be selected for display in the Museum exhibit for one year. There will be a ‘Judges’ Choice’ Award for best overall entry and a ‘Most Representative of Derby’ Award, presented to the hat that best captures the essence of the Kentucky Derby, and an ‘Employees’ Choice’ Award.
- Entries will be accepted through May 31, 2017 during Museum hours only
- Hats must be delivered or shipped and postmarked May 31, 2017
- No international entries
- Museum is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items
For all rules and entry form, visit https://www.derbymuseum.org/hatcontest.html
For questions, deliveries and shipments contact: Emma Bryan, Curatorial Intern, 704 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208; 502-637-1111, ext. 259, EBryan@DerbyMuseum.org
Credit: KY State Parks
Give mom a break this Mother’s Day with a buffet at a Kentucky State Park. The Kentucky State Parks will be offering a Mother’s Day buffet Sunday, May 14, at its resort parks.
The menu includes salad bar, fruit, cheese, roast beef, roast pork with apple dressing, chicken and dumplings, fried catfish and hush puppies, vegetables and desserts.
The buffet will start at 11 a.m. and closing times will vary by park. General Butler State Resort Park is having seatings at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30, 4 and 5:30.
The adult price is $19.50 plus tax; $9.50 plus tax for children ages 6-12 (drink included).
The resort parks all have gift shops. Visit a state park gift shop for unique Kentucky handcrafted items. Kentucky State Park gift cards are also available at parks and make excellent gifts.
For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov.
Credit: KY State Parks
Ten Kentucky State Park golf courses will be participating in the free “Get Golf Ready” day on May 13.
Participating courses will offer guests a free 10-minute golf lesson, hold a putting clinic and provide tours of the facility. The idea is to introduce the game of golf to people who may have never played before.
The following state parks with 18-hole courses will be participating in the Get Golf Ready day:
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Glasgow
- Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
- General Burnside Island State Park, Burnside
- Grayson Lake State Park, Olive Hill
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Calvert City
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
- Lincoln Homestead State Park, Springfield
- My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown
- Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
- Yatesville Lake State Park, Louisa
Kentucky State Parks offer excellent golf throughout the state. For more information, visit: http://parks.ky.gov/golf/ For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit: www.parks.ky.gov