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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.
Kentucky State Fair officials have announced the cancellation of Meghan Trainor’s M Train Tour at the Kentucky State Fair on August 20. The news comes after Trainor cancelled the remainder of her tour dates and released the following message:
Really bad news… I was being careful and taking precautions, but I have hemorrhaged my vocal cords again. I got bronchitis & have been coughing a lot & that pushed it over the edge. Sadly, I will need to cancel the remainder of my tour and get surgery to finally fix this once and for all. I am devastated and so sorry. I LOVE touring and seeing your beautiful faces every night. I am determined to do what it takes to get better and come back stronger than ever. I love you, and thank you for all of your understanding, love and support.
Tickets purchased for the concert will be refunded at point of purchase. Tickets purchased online through Ticketmaster.com will receive an automatic refund.
The 2015 Kentucky State Fair is August 20-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8. For more information, visit www.kystatefair.org.
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 largest comic-con in the region, Fandomfest, kicks off this Friday, August 7, in Louisville.
The three day event features celebrities including sci-fi movie stars, sports legends, artists, authors, and more. In addition to the opportunity for fans to get autographs and photos with their favorite heroes, there is a full roster of events including movie screenings, panel discussions and Q&A sessions, gaming sessions, parades, and live performances.
Attendees will have the opportunity to get on the action as well by participating in the Fantasmagorical Fandomfest Parade, cosplay events, after parties, and more.
The event takes place in and around the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville Friday August 7 – Sunday August 9. Vendors and exhibit halls are open from 4-10PM on Friday, 10AM-7PM on Saturday, and 11AM-4PM on Sunday. Discussion panels, movie screenings and after hours events take place during exhibit hall hours and last until 2AM on Friday and Saturday nights and until 5PM on Sunday. For additional details, visit fandomfest.com.
Tickets area available online and start at $30 for all-day Friday or Sunday passes and $40 for all-day Saturday passes. Weekend passes, VIP Experience packages, and more are also available.
Be sure to keep an eye on traffic and weather around the event to make the most of your weekend.
Louisville Dispatch wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day!
If we missed any area celebrations or festivities, be sure to let us know in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
July 3
Springfield’s Independence Day Celebration
6 p.m.
Behind the Judicial Center. Features live music, car show, food and fireworks at dark.
Louisville Bats Baseball Fireworks Show
Bats vs. Columbus at 6:45 pm at Slugger Field, fireworks extravaganza following the game
Harrison County (Indiana) Kiwanis Annual Fireworks Display
Old Capital Golf Club – Fireworks at dark.
July 4
Louisville Orchestra Waterfront 4th
July 4 – 5 pm to 10:15 pm. Featuring live music, beer garden, activities, and Fireworks on the Great Lawn
Bullitt Blast and Shepherdsville City Fair
All day events at Shepherdsville City Park include 5k run, beauty pageant, car show, live music, WWII reenactments, watermelon eating contest, and fireworks at approximately 9:30 pm.
Carrollton’s Annual July Fourth Family Celebration
Point Park where the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers meet. Fireworks begin at dusk. FREE music and fun for the entire family.
Elizabethtown Founders’ Day
5 pm until dark at Freeman Lake Park. Air shows, skydiving demonstration, pie eating contest and fireworks at dark.
Shelby County Shake the Lake
Clear Creek Park Amphitheater, 5:30-10 pm. $3 per person.
Simpsonville’s Red, White and Boom
Noon – 10 pm at Simpsonville Park. Live music, food, DJ, vendor booths, bouncies & fireworks.
Crescent Hill Old Fashioned Fourth of July Art and Music Festival
10 am – 10 pm, Peterson Dumesnil House. Music, food, activities.
Fort Knox Celebrates Freedom
5 – 10:30 pm at Brooks Field on Fort Knox. Food, music, fun. Fireworks at 10:15 pm.
Madison Regatta
Fireworks Spectacular, Co-Sponsored by American Legion Post No. 9, The City of Madison Indiana, &
Jefferson County Board of Tourism. approx. 10pm / Riverfront
The Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) will kick off “Independent’s Month” with a special event on Monday, July 6th from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Iroquois Amphitheater. The celebration precedes the July installment of Free Movie Nights at the Amphitheater, so attendees can stay and enjoy a free screening of “Muppets Most Wanted”. LIBA’s Independent’s Month Celebration is a free, family-friendly event and will include:
- Live Music by Nick Peay Band
- Khalil’s
- POLLO – a gourmet chicken joint
- V-Grits Food Truck
- Kentucky Science Center
- Bluegrass Indoor Karting
- Bohemian Monkey (face painting and henna)
- Jefferson Memorial Forest/Go Ape
- White Raven Spa
- Good Garbage, LLC
- Body Center Healing
LIBA will also be making a very special announcement that night, so attendees will get to hear the news before it is officially announced on the following day.
In an ongoing effort to “Keep Louisville Weird” for more than 10 years, the Louisville Independent Business Alliance declares July as “Independents Month” and invites the publicto celebrate the city’s independent businesses throughout the month. The goal of this campaign is to create awareness around the fact that purchasing goods and services from a locally owned store keeps more money circulating in our local economy and supports the businesses that make Louisville “weird” and unique.
