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The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) will host the 7th Annual Louisville Brewfest on Friday, September 25th from 4:00pm to 10:00pm at the Louisville Slugger Field, 401 East Main Street. The event is presented by BoomBozz Pizza & Taphouse and will feature independent local and regional beer, wine and bourbon, as well as food vendors and a silent auction. Admission is $5 which includes a souvenir cup. Attendees must be 21 or older to enjoy the beer, wine and bourbon. (Designated drivers get free admission.) VIP tickets are $45 and include access to exclusive beers, special gifts made by local artisans, and larger pours in a commemorative festival glass. For more info, visit www.keeplouisvilleweird.com.
In addition to sampling brews from 19 different local and regional breweries, festival goers will have the exclusive opportunity to taste a limited edition beer created especially for this event by Louisville’s Mayor Greg Fischer. Working with Goodwood Brewing Company, Mayor Fischer provided input on the recipe for an Irish Oatmeal Stout style beer, and he will participate in the brewing process at a media event on Friday, August 28th at 10am at Goodwood, 636 E. Main Street. Local musician Ben Sollee will also create his own variety of beer in collaboration with Apocalypse Brew Works that event attendees can sample.
Also new to the event this year will be an interactive activity where attendees can glue bottle caps and other items to an art piece to show their local love. Returning again is the “Brewseum”, a self-directed journey through the history of craft beer in Louisville, supported by demos and ‘how-to’ areas, created by Paul Young. An after party will also be hosted by The Haymarket Whiskey Bar, with free admission for Brewfest attendees.
Participating local brewers include Against the Grain, Akasha Brewing Company, Apocalypse Brew Works, Bluegrass Brewing Company, Cumberland Brewery, Falls City Beer, Goodwood Brewing Company, Monnik Brewing Company (formerly Beer Engine), New Albanian Brewing Company, and Sterling Beer. Guest brewers from the region include Central State Brewing Company from Indianapolis, Country Boy Brewing from Lexington, Eight Ball Brewing from Newport, Flat 12 Bierworks from Indianapolis, Kentucky Ale from Lexington, Rivertown Brewing Company from Cincinnati, Tin Man Brewing from Evansville, Upland from Bloomington and West 6th from Lexington. Locally made wines from Horseshoe Bend Vineyard & Winery, Old 502 Winery, Purple Toad Winery, and Smith-Berry Winery will also be available, as well as bourbon from Heaven Hill Distilleries.
The 7th Annual Louisville Brewfest is sponsored by Boombozz Pizza & Taphouse, Manny & Merle, Joella’s Hot Chicken, Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Heaven Hill Brands, Yellow Cab, The Haymarket Whiskey Bar, Buckhead Mountain Grill, Eclipse Bank, LEO Weekly, Louisville Magazine, Louisville.com, LouisvilleHotBytes.com, Nachbar, Abbey Road on the River, vo2 Multisport, WAKY radio, WFPK, Falls City Beer, Universal Linen, YELP Louisville, ValuMarket, Louisvillebeer.com, and Old 502 Winery.
Louisville-based recording artist Nick Peay will host album release parties for his newly recorded CD titled Sobering on both Friday, September 11 at 7PM at Jimmy’s Music, 123 E. Market Street in New Albany, and on Saturday, September 12 at 7PM at Saints in Sky Bar, 131 Breckenridge Lane in Louisville.
Over the past decade of recording albums, Peay is constantly reinventing himself. This songwriter-rock style CD, as with most of his music, features original songs that have a story to tell, or take some sort of stand (for or against something), or address an important social issue. Sobering includes five mixes that tell a heart-wrenching story: “Put This Bottle Down,” “Every Morning,” I Won’t Fall In Love,” “Sobering,” and “Put This Bottle Down Reprise.”
Singer-songwriter Peay says, “The inspiration for writing and recording Sobering came from thinking about struggles that we all face. I think everyone has something significant that they struggle with or have struggled with in the past. If you can address it, and meet it head on, then you can come out a better person on the other side. And while this CD isn’t autobiographical,” he continues, “I think it tells a story that is probably familiar to all of us. People lose themselves in addictions every day, and it doesn’t have to be drugs or alcohol – it might be a bad relationship or a job, and it’s up to us to find our way out. I believe Sobering speaks to all these things.”
Peay first recorded the songs and released them back in 2006. However, it was his first recording, so the quality was inadequate. Always having loved the songs and the story, Peay felt it needed a chance to be something special. Things fell into place earlier this year with studio time and he was able to go in, record, mix and master the album.
The CD artwork was designed by Peay. “I really wanted to stay away from the overtly obvious ‘alcoholism’ theme that the story implies, but I also think that’s the means to the end to get to the moral of the story,” says Peay. “The bottom right corner symbolizes the black corner you find yourself in at your lowest point, and slowly, as you face your demons, you move into the shapes of things. Although they’re not quite clear, the more you rise, the more things come into focus and you start to have clarity and color, until finally you break the surface and see the light.” Continue reading
There is still plenty of time to get out and enjoy the final days of the 2015 Kentucky State Fair, which runs through this Sunday.
There is entertainment for everyone at the fair. Children (and kids at heart) will enjoy the performing animal acts like JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Challenge, Miller’s Border Collies, and Cuzzin’ Grumpy’s Porkchop Revue. Fair-goers looking for thrills will want to check acts like the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei or Team FMX.
Foodies looking for something interesting for their pallets may want to try a few of the many vendors that are selling unique items like the Philly Cheesesteak Doughnut Burger, a deep fried bacon-wrapped Oreo, or some traditional Kentucky favorites with a twist like the Hot Brown on a Stick or the deep fried Derby Pie. There are also cooking contests and demonstrations throughout the day as well. On Friday, there’s a Taste of Beef Challenge and Cast Iron Skillet competition. Those interested in farming will enjoy a walk through the Agriculture exhibits to see various fruits, vegetables, and grains that were grown throughout the state, including a pumpkin that weighs over 800 lbs.
Attendees interested in the performing arts won’t have to look far. Alumni and faculty of the Jefferson County Youth Performing Arts School are performing two different musicals celebrating the history of the Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation. Dance lovers will also be able to see cloggers, square dancers, and other forms of dancing during the fair daily.
For the animal lovers there are sheep, swine and beef cattle competitions daily and, on Sunday, there will be a draft horse and mule pull. For a more hands on experience with animals, there is the Discovery Farm in the exhibit hall where fair goers can see ducklings learning to swim, learn about dairy, and have a chance to see chickens hatch. The World’s Championship Horse Show is wrapping as well. Free seating is available in Freedom Hall starting at 9:00 AM in the Upper Level.
There is no shortage of musical entertainment either. Visitors to the 2015 Kentucky State Fair can visit any of the many venues placed throughout the grounds. There are a variety of bands playing all day that will surely suit everyone’s tastes. There are also concerts nightly in the Cardinal Stadium, many of them free with fair admission. Charlie Daniels with Colt Ford will be playing Friday at 8:00 PM and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts with Devour the Day will be playing at the same time on Saturday. Sunday at 8:00 PM Boyz II Men and Kool & The Gang will be playing. Tickets for this show can be purchased through Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $50 to $1800, which includes standard fair admission.
Be sure to check out our 2015 Kentucky State Fair album on Facebook for more photos of all the action.
Free Weekend Concert is open to the public
As summer begins to wind down this year, Central Park in Old Louisville is the perfect place to enjoy what is becoming a nice tradition of music in a great setting.
Councilman David James (D-6) once again presents “Jazz in Central Park” on Sunday, August 30th.
“This is a great way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with a wide variety of music and entertainment, and best of all its free and open to any and every one,” says James.
“Jazz in Central Park” will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. This year’s event is hosted by Dawne Gee of WAVE TV, Miss Krystal of WLOU and Valerie Sickles.
The following artists will be featured
- TRI+ADD Music
- Maestro J
- Donna Mason
- Walter & Kays
- with headliners The Urban Jazz Coalition
Local Food Vendors will also be on hand for the afternoon.
“If you have a love of jazz and want to kick back and enjoy a nice Sunday afternoon, Central Park is the place to be with these great artists and the hospitality of the people of Old Louisville,” says James. “So please, come and join us.”
For more information about “Jazz in Central Park”, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
The 2015 edition of Louisville’s Fandomfest has kicked off at the Kentucky International Convention Center downtown.
This celebration of all things pop, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and comic related draws large crowds each year as visitors meet their idols from the big screen to the small screen and from the pages of graphic novels and comics to the pages of favorite tomes.
Fans line up well in advance of celebrity appearances, eagerly anticipating the chance to meet them, shake their hands, exchange stories, and pose for photo opportunities. This year, Fandomfest provides the opportunity for attendees to meet celebrities from movies and TV such as Billie Piper, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Peter Mayhew, Josh McDermitt, Kevin Smith, and Jason Mewes, and sports stars such as Ric Flair, Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, and Pete Rose. Attendees in line buzz with excitement over the opportunity to get an autograph from their favorite celebs.
Visitors that forgot to bring something to get autographed (or need that special piece to complete their collection) don’t have to look far. The Fandomfest show hall is packed to the gills with exhibitors and vendors showcasing their wares including comics, cards, sports memorabilia, classic gaming systems, costume components, art supplies, collectibles, action figures, and their own original works from paintings to novels.
One such purveyor of original work is Kentuckiana’s own A.E. McCullough. McCullough – sporting a tee-shirt showing his fondness for another vigilante character – told us about his new novel, The Reaper: Grimm Vengeance, about a former Army Ranger who takes justice into his on hands when he takes on the thugs of a street gang. McCullough, who lives in Taylorsville and works in Louisville, said that this was his second Fandomfest.
Another sophomore exhibitor at Fandomfest 2015 is an author that had to travel slightly further to attend. Addie J King lives just north of Dayton, Ohio and was in town to showcase her latest release, Grimm Legacy. Addie has a lot of traveling to do, with her next stop being Wizard World in Chicago. On an even longer journey, Joann H. Buchanan, came from Kansas to spread the word about the latest work in her H.A.L.O. Saga, Shine, at her first Fandomfest.
Moving back closer to home, we also had a chance to talk with Louisville transplant (by way of Cleveland), Steve Messenger, who was creating buzz by passing out free samples of his original artwork – as well as letting out his inner Hulkamania. This was Steve’s first time exhibiting at Fandomfest, but not his first time attending. He recently moved to the area after falling in love with it following a previous visit which included – you guessed it – a visit to a previous Fandomfest.
Showing off a different kind of local original art, some of the crew from Tattoo Charlie’s were on hand to put ink to skin for attendees. Their booth display not only offered the chance for attendees to decorate themselves, but also a chance to win some free ink by dropping their names into the fishbowl. While we were there, we got to see artist Darin Ennis doing what he loves to do.
Despite everything going on across the exhibit floor, the action doesn’t stop there.
Fandomfest is packed with film screenings. We had a chance to sit in on a couple of these, including Samuel Platizky’s comedy-horror Devil You Know, which follows a young lady’s journey into hell as she hopes to free her father’s soul. We also sat in on Alfred Giancarli’s Don’t Despair, a disturbing tale about a couple embarking on a deadly quest to connect with one of their gruesome idols. The screenings of these shorts, and many others, run all weekend and offer attendees the opportunity to get some entertainment while resting their feet from roaming the exhibit hall.
Fandomfest’s offerings don’t stop there either. The show is packed with celebrity Q&A sessions (such as the one that we attended with a couple of AMC’s The Walking Dead‘s pet zombies); panel discussions on a wide range of films, shows, art genres, and more; cosplay judging sessions; gaming competitions; and a full host of after-hours events – many of them geared for the 18+ crowd.
Fandomfest 2015 lasts through the weekend, so there is plenty of opportunity for fans to visit. Check out our photo gallery and stay with Louisville Dispatch for more news from the show.
The Kentucky State Fair will kick off the 11-day 2015 season Thursday, August 20. Gates will open a 7 A.M. daily with exhibits opening at 9 A.M. Discounted admission (available until August 19 at Ticketmaster outlets or on the KY State Fair website) is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12 and seniors. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.
Parking is $8 per car although discounted parking passes can be purchased in advance for $5. Free off-site parking is available on weekends at the Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and will include free tram service to the fairgrounds.
The Midway and tents will close around midnight daily and the exhibit hall will close at 9 P.M. during weekdays and 10 P.M. on weekends. Some areas may close earlier on the last day of the fair.
Running concurrently during the Kentucky State Fair, the World’s Championship Horse Show will take place in Freedom Hall, August 22-29. Free performances will be held at 9 A.M. August 24 – 29, daily. Seating will be in the upper level of the arena.
Special Promotions
Thursday, August 20 – Carload Day Pay only $20 for an entire vehicle until 5 p.m. (includes parking)
Sunday, August 23 – Military Sunday All active duty and veteran military personnel and their families save 50% on admission with valid military ID.
Tuesday, August 25 – Senior Day Admission is only $1 for seniors 55 and over before 6 p.m. Parking not included.
Thursday, August 27 – Carload Day Pay only $20 for an entire vehicle until 5 p.m. (includes parking)
Main-Stage Concerts
Thursday, August 20 – Meghan Trainor “MTrain Tour” with special guests Charlie Puth and Life of Dillon Freedom Hall, 7 p.m. – $50, $52.50
Friday, August 21 – Barrels and Boots Music Festival at the Kentucky State Fair presented by your local iHeartRadio station featuring Montgomery Gentry and John Michael Montgomery with RaeLynn, Eric Paslay, Kelsie May and Craig Campbell Freedom Hall, 5 p.m. – $37
Sunday, August 30 – Boyz II Men and Kool & The Gang Freedom Hall, 8 p.m. – $50, $55
Turf Concert Series (Free with Fair Admission)
Thursday, August 20 – Slaughter and Great White Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Friday, August 21 – Jagged Edge with special guest Dru Hill Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 22 – All That Remains Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 23 – Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Belles & Whistles Sponsored by Hillshire Farm Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Monday, August 24 – Casting Crowns with special guest I Am They Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25 – Country Gold Tour featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Steve and Rudy Gatlin, Moe Bandy, Eddy Raven, Jimmy Fortune and Gene Watson Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26 – Easton Corbin with special guest Nathan Osmond Sponsored by Weaver Leather Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Thursday, August 27 – Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, The Association, The Cowsills, Mark Lindsay, The Buckinghams and The Grass Roots Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Friday, August 28 – Charlie Daniels with special guest Colt Ford Sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 29 – Joan Jett with special guest Devour the Day Cardinal Stadium, 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 30 – Family Force 5, Hawk Nelson, Matt Maher, For King and Country Cardinal Stadium, 4 p.m.
Our very own Louisville Loop has been nominated by USA Today as one of the country’s top Urban Trails and you have opportunity to net it the number one spot.
The Louisville Loop consists of approximately 100 miles of walking, running, and biking trails snaking through and around all of Jefferson County. The trails connect neighborhoods, parks, and attractions throughout the area in addition to providing ample opportunity get out and enjoy our beautiful city while staying healthy and fit.
A panel of travel and outdoor recreation experts have narrowed down the nationwide selection to only 20 top picks. Other nominees include urban trails in Seattle, Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and, just up I-65, Indianapolis.
The top trails will be picked by voters like you. Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, July 20 at noon ET.
As of this writing, our Louisville Loop is at the mid-point of 10th out of 20.
