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The sounds of summer return to Freedom Hall in August for the star-studded Kentucky State Fair Main Stage concert series. Three nights of music, ranging from country to hip-hop, offers something for everyone at the annual summer festival.
“The Main Stage concert series starts off with fun music from the 90s, and closes with a unique country rock tour right on the dirt in Freedom Hall,” said Jason Rittenberry, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “With the tradition of Alabama and newcomer Tucker Beathard in between, we believe this is one of our strongest lineups for the Fair.”
Thursday, August 17 – I Love the 90s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice Featuring some of the most iconic names in rap, hip hop and R&B, this show brings the best acts of the 90s together for what Entertainment Weekly dubbed an “arena-sized dance party.” “I Love the 90s” features Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Color Me Badd, Coolio, Tone Loc and Young MC.
Dance to favorite songs including “Ice Ice Baby,” “All 4 Love” and “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The awardwinning artists have collected numerous accolades including honors from the American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Grammys. The celebration of 90s nostalgia begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $37.
Friday, August 18 – Alabama with special Guest Tucker Beathard Alabama, one of the most successful bands in country music, blends traditional country music with a Southern rock sound. With more than 40 No. 1 hits, counting a 21 song streak on the top of the charts, Alabama is known for popular songs including “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree,” “Song of the South” and “Mountain Man.” Alabama has amassed more than 200 awards, making them the most awarded band in country music history. Up-and-coming country music singer Tucker Beathard is currently working on his debut album. Beathard has charted two singles, “Momma and Jesus” and “Rock On” and is gaining a following for his honest songwriting. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Sunday, August 27 – Southern Uprising Tour The Southern Uprising Tour features several defining stars of country music, including Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and Lee Roy Parnell.
Between them, the artists have charted more than 50 songs and are known for recognizable hits such as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Here’s A Quarter,” “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Can’t You See.” Set on the dirt of Freedom Hall, the boot stomping music begins at 6 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Tickets for all three headline concerts go on sale Monday, April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office and Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices do not include Kentucky State Fair gate admission.
Photo: Kentucky Heritage Council
Renaissance Covington was one of three communities honored recently with a 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) presented by the National Main Street Center, Inc. (NMSC) during its annual conference in Pittsburgh. Other honorees were Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants and Business Association, New Orleans; and West Chester Business Improvement District, West Chester, Pennsylvania.
“The 2017 GAMSA winners showcase the realized potential of commercial district revitalization,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of NMSC. “Whether it’s attracting independent businesses, repurposing historic buildings or cultivating a thriving food scene, this year’s winners all understand the importance of growing communities that value historic preservation while supporting the changing shift in population and trends.”
Renaissance Covington is nationally accredited through the Kentucky Main Street Program (KYMS), administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office. Kentucky Main Street is the oldest statewide downtown revitalization program in the nation, created in 1979 as a means to spark community economic development within the context of preserving historic buildings. The program utilizes NMSC’s successful Four-Point Approach® of organization, promotion, design and economic vitality.
“This award is a tremendous honor for a Main Street community to receive, indicating the quality of our statewide program and illustrating Kentucky’s success with economic development and downtown revitalization through historic preservation,” said Craig Potts, KHC executive director and state historic preservation officer. “Covington is a true standout and we are thrilled that their outstanding program has been recognized by the National Main Street Center.”
Situated in Northern Kentucky along the Ohio River, Covington is made up of 19 neighborhoods and commercial districts. According to the NMSC community profile, “The area features a casual mix of Midwestern strength and Southern charm and has developed a flourishing creative population. Brimming with beautiful Italianate brick buildings, the district has seen an influx of new independent businesses and insatiable demand for downtown residential units over the past few years.
“Established in 2003, Renaissance Covington has played a key role in spearheading efforts that integrate small business with creative public space projects to encourage civic engagement and Main Street revival. Since 2010, more than 40 new businesses have opened in formerly vacant storefronts, and many upper floors have transitioned into urban lofts. Since 2003, vacancy rates have dropped from 26 percent to 5 percent, and the district has added 790 jobs.”
For highlights including a video, visit https://goo.gl/qYA7YK.
Currently, 37 communities participate in the Kentucky Main Street Program, last year reporting a cumulative investment of $110 million including $75 million of private investment matched by $31 million in public improvements. KYMS can document more than $3.9 billion in public-private investment generated in participating communities since the program’s inception.
KYMS participation requires community commitment and financial support, with a local Main Street director administering the program through a volunteer board. The Kentucky Heritage Council provides technical and design assistance, on-site visits, a resource center, national consultants and grant funding.
The 2017 Great American Main Street Awards were made possible through support from PNC Bank.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation is seeking to fill open lifeguard positions at its four outdoor pools; Norton, Algonquin, Sun Valley and at Nelson Hornbeck Park in Fairdale.
In addition to current staff, the Metro Parks and Recreation aquatics division says there’s room for approximately 15 more lifeguards to be hired over the summer.
Metro Parks and Recreation lifeguards start out at $10 per hour. For more information or how to apply, visit here or call the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center at 502/897-9949.
Metro Parks and Recreation lifeguards must:
- Possess and maintain lifeguard certification, CPR and First Aid
- Able to observe swimmers for safety and sit for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
- Able to exercise tact and diplomacy when interacting with the public
Lifeguards who do not meet those qualifications have the opportunity to attend a lifeguard training class from 4-9 p.m. at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center from Monday, May 22nd to Friday May 26. The cost of the class is $200 – but that fee is waived if upon completion the candidate pledges to work for Metro Parks and Recreation during the 2017 summer outdoor pool season.
For more information on the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, Metro Parks and Recreation’s outdoor pools and the city’s spraygrounds and playgrounds, please click here.
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.
Develop Louisville will hold nine open house forums for the public to view the work completed to date on the Comprehensive Plan update and provide feedback. Develop Louisville encourages all residents to attend the forums, particularly those who have not yet participated in the Comprehensive Plan update process
“The Comprehensive Plan will shape our city’s growth for the next 20 years, therefore we are soliciting broad and diverse input to help create the plan,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I encourage residents from all neighborhoods of our city to attend a forum and share your thoughts on the future of our community.”
Forum locations, dates and times are as follows:
- Monday, May 22: Main Library (301 York Street) from 4-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 24: Southwest Library (9725 Dixie Highway) from 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 30: Bowman Field (2815 Taylorsville Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 31: Sawyer Hayes Community Center (2201 Lakeland Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, June 3: The Table (1800 Portland Avenue) from 9-11 a.m.
- Monday, June 5: Fern Creek High School (9115 Fern Creek Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 6: The Jeffersonian (10617 Taylorsville Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 7: Shively Community Center (1902 Park Rd) from 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, June 17: Sir Friendly C Community Center (822 S 15th Street) from 1-4 p.m.
The Comprehensive Plan will guide the growth of the community for the next 20 years and serves as the basis for land use and transportation policies. This update will build upon the success of Cornerstone 2020, the current comprehensive plan, and will be informed by recent planning initiatives, including Vision Louisville, Move Louisville, Healthy Louisville 2020, and Sustain Louisville.
To date, the Comprehensive Plan team has held or been a part of over 100 meetings and events to gather input from the community. Examples of outreach include meetings with an Advisory Committee, work groups, suburban communities, neighborhood groups and business organizations.
For information on the Comprehensive Plan, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design/comprehensive-plan
The largest annual gathering of workplace safety professionals from companies all across Kentucky gathered in Covington last week for the state’s premier occupational safety and health conference and exposition.
Representatives from 48 companies who earned the prestigious Governor’s Safety and Health Award during the last year were in attendance to help celebrate Kentucky’s all-time low Injury and Illness Rate.
“The recipients of the 48th Governor’s Safety and Health Award are a major reason why Kentucky’s workplaces recorded their safest year in history,” Gov. Bevin said. “In order for the Commonwealth to become the greatest version of itself, we must keep the health and safety of our workforce a top priority. I am delighted to congratulate each company for achieving this high honor by being leaders in this area. Together, we can find ways to continue raising the bar of excellence and making our workforce the safest and strongest in the nation.”
The Labor Cabinet also used this week to draw attention to a renewed focus on workplace safety education and training called “KY SAFE.”
“’KY SAFE’ is our effort to re-brand the education and training services that the Cabinet provides to all two million workers in Kentucky,” Labor Secretary Derrick Ramsey stated. “We want to eliminate hazards before injuries occur by building better partnerships with Kentucky employers and their employees. Between our free on-site surveys, online training modules, statewide OSHA training seminars and partnership programs, the Labor Cabinet is working tirelessly to advance health and safety in the Commonwealth. We want to urge employers of all sizes to contact us on ways we can help safeguard their workplace before a needless injury or illness occurs.”
Co-hosted with the Kentucky Safety and Health Network (KSHN), this year’s conference also featured $40,000 in Scholastic Achievement for Education (SAFE) Award scholarships to college students and an additional $20,000 to a new initiative to train thousands of students who will graduate from high school with an OSHA 10-Hour card.
“The 2017 conference theme is ‘Made Safely in Kentucky,’” KSHN President Lisa Curtis said. “This theme is meant to highlight the many products and services provided by Kentucky businesses that put safety first and increase the awareness of workplace safety and health through education and training.”
The Labor Cabinet’s Division of Occupational Safety & Health Education & Training leads the Cabinet’s proactive efforts to create safe and healthful workplace conditions, including overseeing a new web-based training service called eTrain (www.KYSAFE.KY.GOV). This new online training module will offer a variety of safety and health training topics, certificates, and live and recorded webinars all at no cost.
In addition to eTrain, the Cabinet provides free consultative services to employers across Kentucky on ways to increase workplace safety – including how to improve Injury and Illness Rates. Services include free on-site consultations to all employers, as well as other compliance assistance, educational materials, and class-style training for all employers.
Last year, the Division conducted 350 free on-site visits, or “consultative surveys,” for employers across Kentucky. As a result of these confidential surveys, employers corrected 3,813 serious conditions that could have affected up to 108,307 employees and could have resulted in enforcement penalties of up to $26,691,000.
Based on a mathematical calculation from a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report that describes the number of recordable incidents per 100 full-time employees, Kentucky’s rate improved from 3.8 in 2014 to 3.7 in 2015 – reflecting the most recent data available and the lowest rate in Kentucky’s history. This rate has steadily declined since it was first calculated in 1996 when a rate of 8.4 was reported.
2017 Governor’s Safety and Health Award Recipients
Abel Construction Company, Inc. – Louisville
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. – Calvert City
Amfine Chemical Corporation – Hopkinsville
Atlas Machine & Supply, Inc. – Louisville
Big Rivers Electric Corporation – Sebree Station – Robards
Carhartt, Inc. Madisonville Cutting – Madisonville
Carhartt RCV Customer Service Center – Hanson
Catlettsburg Refining LLC – Catlettsburg
Charah, Inc. – Mill Creek Station – Louisville
Cintas Distribution LLC – Grayson
Daicel Safety Technologies America, Inc. – Beaver Dam
Daicel Safety Tube Processing, Inc. – Beaver Dam
Dana Incorporated Louisville KY – Louisville
Domtar Hawesville Mill – Hawesville
Donaldson Company, Inc. – Nicholasville
Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation – Glasgow
Firestone Building Products – Florence
Firestone Industrial Products – Williamsburg
H. B. Fuller Paducah, KY – Paducah
Heaven Hill Brands – Bardstown
Henderson Services, LLC – Louisville
Interplastic Corporation – Ft. Wright
J-Lok Corp. – Earlington
Joy Global, Inc. – Lebanon
LG&E Cane Run Station – Louisville
LexPlastics – Lexington
Lockheed Martin – MFC – Lexington
Madisonville West Side Wastewater Treatment Plant – Madisonville
Maker’s Mark Distillery – Loretto
Mid-America Conversion Services, LLC – Kevil
Multi Packaging Solutions of KY – Louisville
Ops Plus, Inc. – Louisville
Owensboro Municipal Utilities – Customer & Shared Services – Owensboro
PIC Group, Inc. – Louisville
PIC Group, Inc. – Harrodsburg
Raytheon Company – Louisville
Sargent & Greenleaf, Inc. – Nicholasville
Sekisui Specialty Chemicals America LLC – Calvert City
SFC Global Supply Chain, Inc. – Walton
Southern States Cooperative – Winchester
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. – Edmonton
Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc. – Scottsville
Swift & Staley, Inc. – Kevil
Tower International – Shepherdsville
Toyota Boshoku Kentucky – Harrodsburg
Toyota Boshoku Kentucky – Lebanon
Wabash National – Cadiz
Wacker Polymers – Calvert City
Nonprofit organizations committed to creating a culture of health and wellness can now apply for a 2017 Mayor’s Healthy Hometown mini-grant.
Mini-grants are awarded annually to non-profit organizations offering programs or services within Louisville and Jefferson County that align with the focus areas and goals of Healthy Louisville 2020:
- Healthy Homes and Healthy Neighborhoods
- Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies
- Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Obesity Prevention
- Social Determinants of Health
- Substance Abuse Prevention
Applicants must be incorporated nonprofits that have been qualified to do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for a minimum of the past three years. Applications must be submitted online. To access the online application manual, go to http://bit.ly/2pY31VP. To access the online application, go to http://bit.ly/2qKOi1x. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 13. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel of representatives from the community.
Organizations interested in applying can participate in a call to provide technical assistance and answer questions on Wednesday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The number to call is (502) 574-6164
In 2016, awards ranged from $7,500 to $11,000 and were presented to: the Academy of Music Production Education and Development (AMPED), Girls on the Run of Louisville, the Metropolitan Housing Corp., and 2NOT1 Fatherhood and Families, Inc.
Since 2005, the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Movement has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to more than 100 community groups.
