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Photo: Louisville Free Public Library
School is out for the summer, and Mayor Greg Fischer is reminding parents and caregivers that there are plenty of fun, low-cost or free learning opportunities available for Louisville area students of all ages over the next three months.
During a news conference at the South Central Regional Library in Okolona, the Mayor and partner organizations outlined a number of programs designed to keep kids engaged and prevent summer learning loss, including the Louisville Free Public Library’s Summer Reading program and the 2018 Cultural Pass presented by Churchill Downs in partnership with Metro Louisville, the Free Public Library, the Arts and Culture Alliance, and Fund for the Arts.
“Lifelong learning means year-round learning. And with our Summer Reading Program, Cultural Pass, and other programs, parents and children have plenty of fun options this summer to keep kids’ minds active so they’re prepared for success in school and beyond,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I’m grateful to so many important partners in this effort, from Churchill Downs to the Fund for the Arts.”
In celebration of both the Library’s Summer Reading Program and the Cultural Pass, the Mayor announced the Main Library will host the Summer Reading Kickoff and Cultural Pass Showcase on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will offer a host of activities, performances, and crafts featuring more than a dozen members of the Arts and Culture Alliance. Participating groups will include the Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Science Center, Frazier History Museum, Kentucky Shakespeare, and more. For more information, please visit http://LFPL.org/Kids or call (502) 574-1620.
The Cultural Pass supports and encourages lifelong learning by providing free access to 50 Greater Louisville’s arts and cultural institutions for children and young adults to age 21.
New this year, residents in three surrounding counties—New Albany/Floyd County, Jeffersonville Township, and Bullitt County—will also be eligible to participate in the 2018 Cultural Pass through their public libraries. Southern Indiana residents are eligible for the Cultural Pass for the first time thanks to support from Bales Foundation, Duke Energy, and Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County.
The Pass is valid from June 1 to August 11 for one-time general admission at each of the 46 participating institutions. Also new this year, the Office of Advanced Planning developed an interactive map for enhanced user experience that can be found:https://fundforthearts.org/venues-cultural-pass.
“Our community is fortunate to have one of the most unique initiatives across the country to fight summer learning loss,” said Tonya Abeln, Director of Community Relations for Churchill Downs Inc. “Churchill Downs is proud to continue supporting arts & cultural experiences that make our city stronger.”
“This Cultural Pass is a passport for Greater Louisville kids and families to unlock boundless creativity at our world-class arts & cultural institutions,” said Christen Boone, Fund for the Arts President and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners who make this one-of-a-kind initiative possible. This is a critical investment for our region that allows kids to learn, play, and grow all summer long.”
The 2018 Cultural Pass and Summer Reading Program materials are available now at any Louisville Free Public Library branch. Pass holders can register and track the progress of their Cultural Pass online at LFPL.org/culturalpass and are encouraged to visit as many venues as they are able during the summer. Children with 5 or more documented visits are entered into a drawing for prizes, including a free stay at 21C Museum Hotel, tickets to area performances like The Christmas Carol at Actors Theatre or Louisville Ballet’s Nutcracker, family memberships to Bernheim Forest, the Frazier History Museum, Gheens Science Hall and Planetarium, and more.
“The Arts and Culture Alliance is proud to be the part of the Cultural Pass that provides access to arts and culture,” said Kim Baker, Chair of the Arts and Culture Alliance. “We invite our community and the new surrounding counties participating, to experience all our amazing arts and cultural organizations have to offer!”
To learn more about the Cultural Pass, please visit http://fundforthearts.org/culturalpass.
One of the largest off-road industry shows in the country, the Unlimited Off-Road American Show & Expo roars into the Kentucky Exposition Center June 1-3 in South Wing C and Lots B, V and W.
The Unlimited Off-Road American Show & Expo (UOR) showcases a huge collection of off-road companies, parts, equipment, gear and experts. Events focus on off-road racing, rock crawling, trail riding, sand sports, motorcycles, UTVs and ATVs, adventure camping and more. Visitors discover the latest products and innovations, get first-hand experience on demo rides, and meet professionals who live the off-road lifestyle.
Crowd daily favorites include:
- BFGoodrich Jeep Drives: Take a BFGoodrich Jeep on a specially designed off-road course
- Five-Acre Obstacle Course: bring 4×4 vehicle and tackle jumps, climbs, a mud pit and more
- Show & Shine Contest: show off vehicle and compete for cash prizes
- Racer Lounge: meet the racers
- Garage and Live Build: watch skilled technicians at work
- Over 200+ exhibitors: see new products, save with special deals
Show hours are:
- Friday, June 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, June 2, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, June 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Sunday events feature a swap meet and trail riding)
Purchase tickets online at uorshow.com/ky. Prices are:
- Adults:
- in advance: $15 for a one-day pass $20 for a three-day pass
- at the door: $20 for a one-day pass$35 for a three-day pass
- Children ten and under are free.
- Additional packages and discounts are available online.
- Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle and $20 per bus.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit uorshow.com/ky.
Louisville Parks and Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its ten golf courses during the Memorial Day Weekend.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any 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 Louisvile 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!”
Louisville Parks and Recreation golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
He was a great leader, committed to being a voice for minorities and other disadvantaged citizens and his work will be long remembered by the people he served and touched in Metro Louisville and across the United States.
On Friday, May 18th Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the late Rev. Dr. C. Mackey Daniels to unveil an honorary sign at the corner of 18th and West Chestnut Streets to commemorate his life and legacy.
“It was an honor to serve alongside Rev. Dr. C. Mackey Daniels on the Simmons College of Kentucky Board of Trustees. He provided informed wisdom and governed with a steady hand every step of the way. Simmons College of Kentucky and our community are better today because he lived a legacy-filled life,” says Sexton Smith.
A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Rev. Dr. Charles Mackey Daniels came to Louisville in 1977 to be the pastor of the West Chestnut Street Baptist Church and served there for 40 years. He passed away earlier this week at the age of 81.
Dr. Daniels earned a BA and BD from Morris College and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from both Morris College and Simmons College of Kentucky.
During his time as pastor, Dr. Daniels expanded the church’s youth and outreach ministries, as well as its physical structure by building a $1.3M Christian Life Center, and has improved the church’s beautification and strengthened its property assets and fiscal management. He also established the C. Mackey Daniels Scholarships to provide financial assistance to college-bound students, and a Bridge to Success program to help youth get ahead rather than having to play “catch up” in life
Under his leadership, the church has partnered with the Highland Presbyterian Church to embark on innovative, community ministries that include a court monitoring program, a reading program in the poorest elementary schools, a pulpit exchange, and annual joint worship service, all which have been interracial bridge builders that enhance on-going racial harmony.
In his lifetime, Dr. Daniels has served as President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and as a member of the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the Baptist Joint Committee, the Congress of National Black Churches, Inc., and U of L’s Upward Bound, and is a Lifetime Member of the NAACP, Urban League, and Trustee of Simmons Bible College.
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of honorary street sign at the southeast corner of 18th and West Chestnut Streets to be designated as “Dr. C. Mackey Daniels Way.”
The Metro Council unanimously passed the Resolution.
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 2:30pm at the corner of 18th and West Chestnut Streets.
The WAVE 3 News Abbey Road on the River will return to the Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, Indiana on Memorial Day weekend, May 24-28, 2018. For the 17th year, the music festival will bring together 60 bands and 20,000 fans from around the world to enjoy five days of peace, love and rock-n-roll – all inspired by The Beatles.
Grammy-winning rock group America will perform their hits “A Horse with No Name,” “Ventura Highway,” and “Sister Golden Hair” and more on Saturday, May 26th. Like The Beatles, America found great success in working with producer George Martin and recording engineer Geoff Emerick, who were both extremely influential on the band’s sound during the 1970’s. The fathers of psychedelic rock Vanilla Fudge, “Ticket to Ride” and “You Keep Me Hanging On,” will also headline the event, with shows on both Friday, May 25th and Saturday, May 26th.
The Beatles’ audio engineer and four time Grammy-winner Geoff Emerick will give a presentation at 10:00am S aturday, May 26th, addressing the creative process of the band in the studio and how he achieved the sounds on their most famous and beloved songs. At the age of 19, Geoff Emerick became the Beatles’ chief audio engineer and is the man responsible for their distinctive sound on the Revolver, Sgt. Pepper and Abbey Road albums, considered by many to be some of the greatest rock recordings of all time.
The 2018 festival will also present special concerts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The White Album, which was mostly written in India while the band was studying meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The festival favorite LOVE Album show will return on Sunday, May 27th with a live concert performed note-for-note just as the compilation was arranged by the late Sir George Martin.
The WAVE 3 News Abbey Road on the River will feature more than 60 bands performing on eight indoor and outdoor stages. Festival attendees can also enjoy a playground area for children, a Beatles merchandise marketplace, interactive art installations, on-site food and bar services, and art and craft vendors. General admission tickets are just $20 if purchased in advance with the discount code “Wave 3 News.” More information can be found online at www.arotr.com.
The WAVE 3 News Abbey Road on the River is produced with support from Wave 3 News, Budweiser, Bud Light, Four Roses, Southern Indiana Tourism (SoIN), Crosley, Gretsch Guitars, Fidelity Investments, The City of Jeffersonville, Jeffersonville Parks and Recreation, Buckhead Mountain Grill, Louisville Magazine, Louisville.com, Clark Memorial Hospital, Koetter Construction, Octopus’s Garden, V.G. Reed Printing, 91.9 WFPK Relics, and WAKY 103.5.
There a few places in Metro Louisville where you will find scenic beauty and hear great Bluegrass Music. In the springtime, the best place to find both is in the Jefferson Memorial Forest.
On Saturday, May 19th Council members Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Cindi Fowler (D-14) and David Yates (D-25) proudly present the 14th Annual Forest Fest.
“I am pleased to once again join with The Jefferson Memorial Forest as a presenting sponsor to bring this wonderful spring tradition to everyone in the community . It’s a one of kind event where you can sit back on a Saturday afternoon and enjoy some great music,” says Welch. “Every year I encourage those who have never been to the Jefferson Memorial Forest to take this opportunity to come out and experience the spectacular view from the overlook at Jefferson Memorial Forest!”
The 14th Annual Forest Fest will feature The Lonely Heartstring Band, Nora Jane Struthers, the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys, Hog Operation and the Local Honeys.
“Forest Fest brings together the best opportunity for adults and children to come to one of the prettiest spots we have in Southwest Jefferson County,” says Fowler. “The people of our area know this is where you can celebrate the beauty of spring and hear some very talented musicians at the same time.”
“Forest Fest is just another way the people of our districts show their pride and hospitality by welcoming those who may not know we have a great urban forest right here in Metro Louisville,” says Yates. “This third Saturday in May is always fun and entertaining for all.”
While Bluegrass Music is the main attraction of Forest Fest, it is also an opportunity to take a walk around the forest and see some fine arts and crafts, food and other refreshments presented by vendors.
Forest Fest Band Schedule
11:30 a.m. Local Honeys
12:45 p.m. Hog Operation
2:00 p.m. Whisky Bent Valley Boys
3:50 p.m. Nora Jane Struthers
5:30 p.m. Lonely Heart Strings
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.)
1-1:45 p.m. Band Workshop: Local Honeys Children’s songwriting
2-2:45 p.m. Band Workshop: Hog Operation
2:45 -3:30 p.m. Band Workshop: Nora Jane Struthers
4:30-5 p.m. Band Workshop: Lonely Heart strings
7:00 p.m. Forest Fest concludes
The Jefferson Memorial Forest staff will have nature presentations and information about educational programs and a children’s area. If you like, you can check out the trails and all the beauty the forest has to offer.
The 14th Annual Forest Fest is made possible through the financial support of Council members Welch, Fowler and Yates whose districts represent the Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Joining them as co-sponsors this year: Councilpersons Rick Blackwell (District 12), Marianne Butler (District 15), James Peden (District 23), Madonna Flood (District 24), Jessica Green (District 1), Barbara Shanklin (District 2), Bill Hollander (District 9), Pat Mulvihill (District 10), Glen Stuckel (District 17), Vitalis Lanshima (District 21), Robin Engel (District 22), Barbara Sexton Smith (District 4), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (District 5), Brandon Coan (District 8), and Stuart Benson (District 20).
Also sponsoring the event are: Aetna, WFPK Radio Louisville, and 502 Yoga.
The concert is free, but parking is $10 per car. Bring a blanket or a folding chair as well as picnic food, but no alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought in but they can be purchased on site.
“So if you love good music and want to get out of the house on a Saturday, come join us” says Welch.
To find out more about the 14th Annual Forest Fest, contact the Jefferson Memorial Forest at 368-6856.
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 fourteenth annual Forest Fest on Saturday, May 19.
Forest Fest has been known for providing a great variety of bluegrass music; this year’s event expands on that tradition with five 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 Local Honeys, followed by Louisville’s own Hog Operation. Kentucky native band Whiskey Bent Valley Boys play next. NPR acclaimed artist Nora Jane Struthers takes the stage next and 2015 IBMA Momentum Award winning band the Lonely Heart Strings 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 Councilpersons Vicki Aubrey Welch (District 13) and Cindi Fowler (District 14), in whose districts Jefferson Memorial Forest is located, and David Yates (District 25) as well as assistance from Councilpersons Rick Blackwell (District 12), Marianne Butler (District 15), James Peden (District 23), Madonna Flood (District 24), Jessica Green (District 1), Barbara Shanklin (District 2), Bill Hollander (District 9), Pat Mulvihill (District 10), Glen Stuckel (District 17), Vitalis Lanshima (District 21), Robin Engel (District 22), Barbara Sexton Smith (District 4), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (District 5), Brandon Coan (District 8), and Stuart Benson (District 20). Also sponsoring the event are: Aetna, WFPK Radio Louisville, and 502 Yoga.
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 1 p.m. 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 food truck, Brooks Hill Winery, Heine Brothers Coffee, Mr. G’s Kettle Corn, and local craft beer will be available for sale.
Forest Fest Band Schedule
- 11:30 a.m. Local Honeys
- 12:45 p.m. Hog Operation
- 2:00 p.m. Whisky Bent Valley Boys
- 3:50 p.m. Nora Jane Struthers
- 5:30 p.m. Lonely Heart Strings
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.)
- 1-1:45 p.m. Band Workshop: Local Honeys Children’s songwriting
- 2-2:45 p.m. Band Workshop: Hog Operation
- 2:45 -3:30 p.m. Band Workshop: Nora Jane Struthers
- 4:30-5 p.m. Band Workshop: Lonely Heart strings
- 7 p.m. Forest Fest concludes