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Photo: Louisville Metro Council
With great fall weather underway, another great Old Louisville tradition takes place this weekend highlighting some of the best blues music to hear in Metro Louisville. And no one can argue with the price for admission: it’s FREE.
President David James (D-6) and Four Roses Bourbon invite the community to the 2018 Garvin Gate Blues Festival to be held on Friday and Saturday, October 12th and 13th at The Gate on Garvin Place at Oak Street in historic Old Louisville.
“The Garvin Gate Blues Festival is yet another reason why Old Louisville is the place to be during the fall season. It began as a simple idea to bring a little music to a neighborhood and then grew into a wonderful community event,” says James. “I can think of no better place where you can sit back and enjoy some great music from some of the best in our area and across the country.”
Among the headliners for this year are the Andy T Band, Danielle Nicole, The Keeshea Pratt Band, L. C. Williams and The Driver, Jamiah “BluesSuperMan” Rogers Band, and Laurie Jane & the 45s and Friends.
The Festival grew from what began in the parking lot of the Rudyard Kipling in 1988; a simple jam session that became popular to the people of the area. Over the years, the Garvin Place Association experienced growth with new expanded boundaries and before long became the Garvin Place Neighborhood Association.
The Association extended an invitation to those in the jam session to be an accommodating host and create a new neighborhood event. Since then, legendary blues musicians that have performed at the festival through the years.
“The Garvin Gate Neighborhood invites you join us for this free annual two-day arts and music event featuring local and national performers, a celebration of the blues and the arts, this festival attracts a multiracial, intergenerational audience,” says Howard Rosenberg, Director of The Garvin Gate Blues Festival. “In addition to continuous live entertainment from two stages the festival has an array of food and drink vendors and over 50 crafts booths. The event now in its 23rd year is one of the most prestigious blues events between Chicago and Mississippi.”
Garvin Gate Blues Festival Schedule
Friday, October 12
Four Roses Stage
- 6:30-7:15 Jamiah “BluesSuperMan” Rogers Band
- 8:15-9:00 L. C. Williams and The Driver
- 10:00-11:15 Andy T Band featuring Alabama Mike and Anson Funderburgh
Info+ Kentucky Blues Stage
- 7:20-8:00 One Shot Johnny
- 9:10-9:55 Ladies Sing the Blues featuring LaToye Montgomery, Lainey Brown, and Jennifer Lauletta
Saturday, October 13
Four Roses Stage
- 2:00-2:45 The Pearls
- 3:15-4:00 King Bee & The Stingers
- 4:30-5:15 Django Knight
- 5:45-6:30 Mississippi Adam Riggle Band
- 7:15-8:15 Laurie Jane & the 45s and Friends
- 8:45-9:45 Danielle Nicole
- 10:00-11:15 Keeshea Pratt Band
Info+ Kentucky Blues Stage
- 4:05-4:25, 5:20-5:40 da Mudcats
- 6:40-7:10, 8:20-8:40 The Dirty Church Revival
In continuous live entertainment from two stages, the festival has an array of food and drink vendors and over 50 craft booths.
This free blues music festival is presented by Four Roses Bourbon and Garvin Gate Neighborhood, Metro Council President David James, Genscape, FMS Commercial Cleaning, and Down In The Alley Records
“This Festival is also one way we can help preserve the historic nature of the Garvin Gate Neighborhood in Old Louisville,” says James. “I want to thank Four Roses Bourbon for partnering with us as we keep Old Louisville unique. Help yourself to some great blues this weekend,”
Proceeds benefit the Garvin Gate and Old Louisville neighborhoods.
For more details, contact Councilman James’ Office at 574-1106 or Howard Rosenberg at 502-445-4193 or visit the website at www.garvingatebluesfestival.com.
Brightside, Louisville’s organization for keeping the city clean and green through beautification and education, will be holding its 5th annual Brightside Bash presented by the Republic Bank Foundation from 6-9 p.m. on September 20 at The Louisville Palace (625 S. 4th Street).
First held in 2014, the Bash serves as a fundraiser for the Brightside Foundation, which works to ensure funding to allow Brightside to continue offering its many educational programs, sustainability initiatives and beautification projects across our community.
This year’s Bash will also include the second Brightside Awards, an opportunity for Brightside to thank their dedicated volunteers and business/corporate partners. Awards and winners include:
- Fred Wiche Volunteer of the Year Award: Jeff Miller
- Brightside One Bright City Award: McFerran One Mile Walkers Club
- Brightside Green Acorn Award for Outstanding Youth Leadership: Jack Leffert
- Mayor’s Brightside Award for Outstanding Corporate Engagement: Passport Health Plan
- Brightside One Bright Future Award: Jason Wohlgemuth
- Brightside’s Golden Broom Award: Metro Council President David James
The Brightside Bash is a fun evening filled with local bands, silent auctions, raffles and food. The emcee for the event will be WHAS11’s Kaitlynn Fish. Tickets for the Brightside Bash are $53 (includes tax).
Brightside has been a donor-funded, volunteer-fueled organization since 1986. As both a 501(c)3 and a government agency, it functions as a public/private partnership. The city covers a portion of its administrative expenses, but all programs are run entirely on privately donated dollars.
To purchase tickets and view descriptions of the Brightside Awards, please visit www.brightsideinc.org or call Brightside at 574-2613.
The Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium at the University of Louisville is holding a moonshine cocktail contest in advance of its October fundraiser, the Moonshine Mash Bash.
Anyone 21 years or older may enter the contest, which must feature a cocktail made using Jeptha Creed Original Moonshine. Spirits from Jeptha Creed, a family-owned craft distillery in Shelbyville, will be featured at an Oct. 19 fundraiser at the planetarium that celebrates the grand opening of the new Mary Ann Russell Science Education Exhibit featuring the moon. The winning cocktail will be served at the event.
Cocktail recipes must be submitted by Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. to planet@louisville.edu. Three finalists will compete in person Oct. 8, 1 p.m., at the planetarium. The media is welcome to attend the Oct. 8 event. Continue reading
The second-annual “Family Kite Festival” will take place on the grounds of the historic home and farm, located in southwest Louisville at 7410 Moorman Road. Admission to the Kite Festival is free, although concessions will be offered for sale. The first 300 children in attendance at the festival will receive a free kite. Activities include performances from the Chicago Kite Team and Pigs Aloft Stationary Kites; stilt walkers; bubble making, kite making, jugglers, children’s games and complimentary tours (donations accepted) of the Farnsley-Moremen House. The LMPD display helicopter will also be at the festival for kids to enjoy.
“The Family Kite Festival is quickly becoming a tradition in its second year at Riverside, one of the true gems in beautiful southwest Louisville. Last year, several hundred children attended and we’re hoping to see more smiling faces on the banks of the Ohio once again this year,” said Mayor Greg Fischer.
“This is a unique event for Louisville and we hope it becomes a popular tradition for years to come,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Parks and Recreation. “It should be a lot of fun for the entire family, whether you’re an experienced kite maker or just interested in trying out something new.”
“I’m excited to have the kite festival back for a second year at the lovely Riverside, the Farnsley-Moreman Landing. This will be a great event for young and old alike. Please plan on attending this free event on September 16,” said Councilwoman Cindi Fowler, who represents District 14 in southwest Louisville.
Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing is celebrating its 25th anniversary of public ownership this year. It exists to promote, preserve, restore and interpret historic farm life on the Ohio River. Standing atop a gentle rise overlooking the Ohio River, the Farnsley-Moremen House is the centerpiece of a 300-acre historic site in Louisville, Kentucky, called Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing. Built circa 1837, the house stands as a testament to the important role agriculture along the river played in the development of our country.
Music Industry Veteran Danny Wimmer knows a little about producing music festivals, and he should… he has been at it since 1993 with big name events like Rock on the Range, the Aftershock Festival, Carolina Rebellion, Rock Allegiance, and others.
Evidence of his expertise can be seen with the huge crowds that he’s drawn to Louisville over the past half-decade with music festivals that may sound a little more familiar. Last year alone, Danny Wimmer Presents Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life Festivals drew a combined 110,000 fans to Champions Park for four amazing days of music, food, and great times.
Later this month, both festivals return with back-to-back weekends jam packed with dozens of favorites and new acts ready to expose attendees to the upcoming crop of artists in their respective genres. Continue reading
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Free music returns to Old Louisville when “In Lightning” performs some new laid back tunes as Old Louisville LIVE returns to Central Park on Friday August 31st.
“Old Louisville is once again the place to as we offer the community free music on a Friday night in one of the best neighborhoods in Metro Louisville,” says Councilman David James (D-6). “The Old Louisville Neighborhood Council is hosting this event as a great way to kick back and enjoy a Friday night and start the weekend off right.”
Old Louisville LIVE kicks off this Friday at 7:00pm with “In Lightning” debuting new music as play a wide variety of groovy, rockin’, cinematic music. Flow artists will be on hand spinning LED hoops and batons in the dark as part of the band’s show.
Admission to the concert is FREE.
All Old Louisville LIVE shows will take place at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater in Central Park, are free, and open to public. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
Old Louisville LIVE Performance Schedule:
- Friday August 31, 8:00-11:00 p.m. In Lightning
- Friday September 7, 8:00-11:00 p.m. Junior J and Shania Robinson
- Saturday, September 15, 5-10:00 p.m. Hal & Ben’s BIKE-IN
- Saturday, September 22, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Monarchs
- Friday, September 28, 7:00-10:00pm Moondance
Joining Councilman James and the OLNC as sponsors are Louisville Metro Government, The 1300 Association, South Third Street Association, South Fourth Street Association, Garvin Gate Neighborhood Association, Belgravia Association, St. James Court Association, Treyton Oak Towers, Genscape, Paradise Tomato Kitchens, Central Park West Neighborhood Association, and BC Plumbing.
For the latest updates about Old Louisville LIVE visit Old Louisville Neighborhood Council’s website, oldlouisville.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OldLouisvilleNeighborhood.
WorldFest, the region’s largest international festival, will take place Labor Day weekend, marking its 16th year with four days of international food, music, crafts, and culture.
The festival, which runs Friday, Aug. 31 to Monday, Sept. 3on the Belvedere, will feature a revamped layout to enhance the visitor experience, including new locations for both the West Lawn and Fountain Stages, as well as the addition of a third stage on the Overlook.
More than 70 local and regional entertainers will offer a variety of music, dance styles and beats ranging from African drumming to Reggae to Indian, Celtic, Arabic, Latin, Caribbean music.
Complete schedule and more information
Headliner acts include Etnopolis, featuring Luca Ciari in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Chicago, the British Invasion Experience, Ville Casineras, The Pearls and more. The Overlook Stage will host Noche Latina, or Latin Night, with song, dance and sizzling Latino sounds from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1
More than 100 vendors will participate, with 30-plus food vendors serving a global sampling of cuisine and culture. Along with food, attendees can purchase unique international crafts and visit the World of Information to learn about various international agencies in the area.
“Louisville is a city of compassion, a global and welcoming city whose population growth has largely been fueled by internationals,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “WorldFest is a terrific way to celebrate and experience Louisville’s diverse and vibrant cultures.”
Admission to WorldFest is free all four days because of Passport Health Plan, and other sponsors’ generous support.
“Passport is proud to once again sponsor WorldFest, which helps recognize the diverse community in which we live, work, and play,” said Passport Health Plan CEO Mark Carter. “Louisville is known for having a vibrant mix of people representing different backgrounds and cultures. Together with our community partners and healthcare providers, we can help all Louisvillians live healthier, happier lives.”
WorldFest highlights include:
- Global Village – A kaleidoscope of Louisville’s culture, where you can interact with representatives of more than 20 nations. All nine of Louisville’s Sister Cities will be represented again this year. Located on the Overlook.
- WorldFest Children’s Area – Will feature activities from WKU’s Confucius Institute, Home Depot and Parks & Recreation’s Rec on the Go all located on the Overlook on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Parade of Cultures – On Saturday at noon, more than 50 units will march from Metro Hall to 6th Street to Main Street to the Belvedere wearing traditional attire in this colorful showcase of heritage and cultures from around the world. The parade is presented by the UK Confucius Institute.
- Stella Biergarten – This new feature on the Overlook will feature a selection of international and domestic beers, plus a great view of the festival.
- WorldFest Selfie Station – Nestled within the Stella Biergarten on the Overlook, this photo opportunity spot offers a sweeping view of all the WorldFest activities to share on social media.
- World of Information – A one-stop shop showcasing international agencies and services available to all immigrants and citizens. Located on the West Lawn.
- Naturalization Ceremony – A Naturalization Ceremony where more than 300 immigrants will become full U.S. citizens will take place the following Friday, Sept. 7 at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Hosted by the WKU Confucius Institute for a second year, the children’s area on the Overlook will include more than 20 interactive activities highlighting specific aspects of the Chinese culture, including: calligraphy lessons, fan painting and Tai Chi demonstrations. Children can stop by the Home Depot tent to participate in construction projects.
WorldFest has been recognized by the International Festival and Events Association as among the best in North America. In 2011, it was named a Top Ten Fall Festival by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, and in 2015, the International Festival and Event Association named Louisville the Top Festival City in North America.
In addition to Passport Health Plan’s Gold Sponsorship, WorldFest is brought to you by: Silver Sponsors – Kentucky Lottery, Stella Artois, ValuMarket, Western Kentucky University Confucius Institute and the University of Kentucky Confucius Institute. Bronze Sponsors – Anthem Medicaid, CareSource, Ford and Papa Murphy’s. Media Sponsors – Al Dia, Louisville Public Media, Outfront Media and WLKY.
For more information about WorldFest, visit www.worldfestlouisville.com. Let us know if you plan to attend, via our Facebook event page. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AroundLou!
When You Visit:
WorldFest runs through Labor Day weekend, Friday through Monday, on the Belvedere, at Fifth and Main streets. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. Admission is free; international food, spirits, beer and crafts available for purchase. Parking is available on nearby streets, below the Belvedere in the Riverfront Garage. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and all day Sunday and Monday. Additional parking garages and lots are also nearby.
Naturalization Ceremony: Friday, Sept. 7 at the Muhammad Ali Center. Parade of Cultures: Saturday, Sept. 1, Noon. Parade assembles at Metro Hall, and begins at 6th & Market streets, heading north to Main Street to the Belvedere, ending at the Overlook Stage.
Overlook Activities (Top of the Belvedere): Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 1-2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. This area includes the Global Village and the WorldFest Children’s Activities. The Overlook Stage and Stella Biergarten will be open Friday through Monday.