Louisville.com

Listen to 102.3 The Max's Lambert & Lindsey talk with our editor about Louisville's weekend doings every Friday morning [Events]

Lou — Thu, 31 May 2012 21:30:00 +0000

by Lou

Every Wednesday our editor, Zach Everson, compiles a list of Louisville's choicest weekend happenings, which we send out in our Weekender newsletter.

And every Friday, usually around 7:40 a.m., Zach joins 102.3 The Max's Lambert & Lindsey to chat with Linda and George about his picks.

So, if you're trying to decide where to go and what to do in Louisville this weekend

The Winston Hours live on Crescent Hill Radio [Music]

Anna Blanton — Thu, 31 May 2012 19:45:26 +0000

by Anna Blanton

Tune in tonight at 8pm to hear The Winston Hours, a Louisville pop/rock band, play live on Crescent Hill Radio, a non-profit 501(c)3 online radio station that features local Louisville bands. The Winston Hours will be performing 3 acoustic songs from their upcoming demo and talking about their California tour.

To listen to the radio station you can listen online or if you are in the Crescent Hill neighborhood (along Frankfort Ave. between Clifton Ave. and Stilz Ave.) you can tune in to AM 1650.

Band members are Taylor Nicholson (Vocals/Guitar), Jim Bob Brown (Keys/Vocals), Russ Allen (Bass/Synth), and Nick Beach (Drums).

Some of their upcoming shows:

June 2 Wick's Pizza, 10:00pm

June 8 Hard Rock Cafe, 10:00pm

June 9 Haymarket Whiskey Bar, 9:00pm

June 16 Pride Festival- Belvedere, 2:51pm

June 20 Zazoo's, 9:00pm

June 28 Gerstle's Place, 8:00pm

Photo: courtesy of The Winston Hours' Facebook page and Crescent Hill Radio website

"Steamdrunks: 101 Steampunk Cocktails and Mixed Drinks" mixes drinks with humor [Books]

Jessica Lynn — Thu, 31 May 2012 17:18:56 +0000

by Jessica Lynn

If you want an engaging and entertaining discussion item at your next steampunk party or convention, former Louisville.com writer Chris-Rachael Oseland has supplied your demand.

SteamDrunks: 101 Steampunk Cocktails and Mixed Drinks is a hilarious concoction of drinks and anecdotes to chew on and put your bloomers in a twist. Literally. Many of the drink recipes use milk, and Oseland uses her geeky wit to move you beyond the grossness and into the humor.

For example, after giving the instructions to creating Whiskey Milk she notes that these drinks were created in a time when anything liquid was probably full of deadly bacteria.

"Both water and milk were so unsafe, children often went from the breast straight to the pint. This calcium-rich recipe dangerously includes more milk than alcohol. Serve it either to bare knuckle boxers who live for danger or your least favorite son after he loses three fingers at the textile mill. Either way, buy some insurance first."

The book does have some less terrifying recipes and is separated into milk drinks, egg drinks, punches, tea cocktails, rum cocktails, whiskey cocktails, and Absynthe cocktails. Some of the cocktails are quite drinkable, although some of them seem downright ridiculous taking weeks to make properly. The author does claim that anyone using the Absynthe recipes at a convention will probably be the only one making a drinkable Absynthe cocktail, hinting that many conventioneers forget that less is more when it comes to Absynthe.

The amount of research put into this book is impressive. While this book may not have you rushing out to buy new ingredients and practice them on unsuspecting party guests or yourself, it does threaten to have you spitting milk and alcohol out your nose if you do. It actually lists quite a few recipes that use ingredients you may have sitting at home. Steampunk revelers aren't the only ones who would get a kick out of this book. It's a great conversation piece for any modern party as well. You can find it at Amazon.com for just $3.99

Bush, Nickelback rock the YUM! Center, fans packed the floor. [Music]

Allison Ray — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:47:53 +0000

by Allison Ray

Aside from the slightly difficult traffic pattern around the YUM! Center, crowds made their way into the arena to watch four bands throw it down. My Darkest Days, Seether, Bush, and Nickelback took to the stage to lay down the rock Saturday. The show began promptly at 6 pm, a bit earlier than a normal show, but a must with four bands on the bill.

My Darkest Days played originals as folks filed into the YUM! Center to find their seats and stake claim to prime stage real estate. Playing for 20 minutes, Matt Walst (lead vocals), along with Sal Costa (Guitar), Brendan McMillan (Bass), Drummer Doug Oliver, and Reid Henry (Keys), My Darkest Days put the crowd in the mood to rock. My Darkest Days is the recently signed band to Nickelback lead singer Chad Kroger’s record label.

Following a set change, Seether took the stage under the cover of darkness in the moderately filled arena. Concert goers were still entering the venue as the lights came up on the stage and lead vocalist and guitarist, Shaun Morgan let the chords rip. Hailing from South Africa, Seether employs the talents of Dale Stewart (bass, vocals) and John Humphrey (drums) to rock out award winning tunes.

With just enough time to venture to the food and beverage vendors in the concourse, fans hurriedly collected themselves in the short 20 minute set change to be in place for Bush at 7:45 pm. Opening with “Machine Head”, the long awaited return of Bush was welcomed with a nearly full house. Throughout the show, Bush played many of their older material, including the fan favorite “Glycerine” to which fans sang along when prompted by Gavin Rossdale. Material from the newest release, The Sea of Memories, also filled the rafters with that unmistakable Bush sound. Gavin took the opportunity to check out the real estate at the YUM! Center by walking through the crowds on the floor and in the seats on the first and second tiers. To close the set, Bush offered “Comedown” including a stellar guitar performance by Chris Traynor.

Following Bush, some fans left the concert, as one fan stated, “I only came to see Bush”. No worries for Nickelback, the crowd was still thick for the great stage show Nickelback hosted. With a dark stage and a loud pop, Nickelback was in full rock mode. Nickelback mixed the set with older material such as “Photograph” with newer material from their latest release, Here and Now, “This Means War”. Chad Kroger walked around the stage, showing his impeccable guitar talents combined with his smooth voice. For many songs, Chad and guitarist Ryan Peake used harmonica mics to mimic the sounds of “Woke Up This Morning”. Nickelback is known for a killer live show, and with the addition of pyrotechnics, expertly timed lighting, and of course, the music, fans smiled as they left the arena.

Another successful concert is on the books for the YUM! Center as the Red Hot Chili Peppers are the next show set to play June 7, 2012.

Rossdale begins the show in camo

Bulk up your bookshelves at the Friends of Library Spring Book Sale this weekend [Books]

Erin Day — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:17:14 +0000

by Erin Day

What goes best with that tall glass of lemonade (besides gin)? That’s right. I’m talking about our sweet and spine-ed friends, those quiet confections of wonder and wood pulp. Ahhh…The Book. As we prepare for the Ohio Valley’s savory blend of murderous Sun and muggy haze, the gentle hand of manmade creature comforts beckons us with the promise of respite from the Louisville Swamp crouched in its death prowl. A soothing beverage of some tart (and adult?) variety, the crackle of electricity whizzing through the hard-working heart of a window unit (very romantic), random fountain diving (other people do this, right?) – and, oh yes, a little literature to balance out the light-headedness. Check your couch for change, grab a bag and head out to the Friends of the Louisville Free Public Library Spring Book Sale this weekend.

Kicking off tomorrow evening, Friday, June 1^st, and closing up shop on Sunday afternoon, June 3^rd, the Annual Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale is a frenzy of good book gluttony – especially for bookworms on a budget. With prices ranging from $1 for Paperbacks and Children’s books to $2 for Adult Hardcovers, even the stingiest of readers can find a reason to crack open the piggy bank.

This year’s sale will take place at the South Louisville Community Center, and eager readers can expect doors to open tomorrow evening at 6pm for the Member’s Only Preview; memberships will be available at the door for the forgetful. Saturday opens the sale to public, running from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday rounds out the weekend with operation hours from 1pm to 5pm (late-comers have the added incentive for last day deals, such as my personal favorite, 10 bucks for whatever you can stuff into a box). Afternoon hunters will also have the opportunity to view the magical stylings of the famous Mr. Mustache, making a special appearance at 2pm (no comment).

Take a deep breath (you might need an inhaler if there happens to be an Air Quality Alert), dust off the porch swing and fill those long, languid summer days with the balm of books.

The South Louisville Community Center is located at 2911 Taylor Boulevard.

For more information about the Friends of Louisville Free Public Library, visit their website.

Image: Courtesy of www.photobucket.com

Check's Germantown Cafe: A neighborhood staple [Food & Dining]

Elizabeth Orrick — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

by Elizabeth Orrick

It's Thursday. You've had a long day at the office, your back hurts, and you clock out at your desk dreading 9:00am the next morning. You don't really feel like driving home to another lean cuisine over re-runs of Friends, so you search for some food—uncomplex, good, affordable food, in a place that is not at all intimidating and you can get a cheap drink. A place where everybody knows who you are, a place where they're glad to see you. You need to visit Check's Germantown Cafe.

Louisville Sub Rosa arts and entertainment networking and showcase event returns to new home in the Highlands [Neighborhoods]

Jessica Lynn — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:00:30 +0000

by Jessica Lynn

Tomko's bad luck continues; Bats fall 2-1 [Sports]

Kevin Geary — Thu, 31 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

by Kevin Geary

The Louisville Bats’ offense has not supported Brett Tomko all season. Nothing changed to that affect Wednesday night as the Bats fell to the Syracuse Chiefs 2-1. Tomko tossed his fifth consecutive quality start, going 6-2/3 innings giving up just two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out three, but saw his record fall to 0-6.

Tomko was an out away from matching his season-long start of seven innings but came up just short.

After a smooth diving play by Kristopher Negron at third to get Jarrett Hoffpauir and a three pitch strikeout of J.R. Higley, it looked as if Tomko would get through the seventh with ease. But after James Skelton doubled, Juan Rivero blooped a pinch hit RBI single to break a 1-1 tie and put Tomko, once again, on the short end of the scoreboard. Such has been Tomko’s luck all season.

“I can’t say that I’m not frustrated,” Tomko said. “What I can handle is go out there and pitch. After that, it’s not always up to me.”

The Bats fell to 2-8 in Tomko’s starts. They have scored a total of 21 runs in those games and have tallied just 10 times while Tomko is the pitcher of record.

“I go out there and try to pitch my game,” Tomko said. “Guys are going out there and trying to play hard. That’s just the way it is.”

Tomko’s game has been stellar all season. He has not allowed more than three runs in any of his ten starts and has pitched at least six innings six times. Tomko has now pitched four games in which he has given up two runs or less and suffered the loss.

“It’s probably the best April-May I’ve had of my whole career.” Tomko said. “My off-speed is probably better than it’s ever been. I think I’m a more well-rounded pitcher.”

The Chiefs got on the board first in the fourth on an RBI single from Hoffpauir. It was the 36^th time in 54 games the Bats have given up the first run of the game. They are 7-29 in such contests.

Tomko took the offense into his own hands in the fifth. With two on and one out, Miguel Rojas grounded to short for the second out of the inning. That brought Tomko to the plate who ripped an RBI single to center to tie the game. Tomko’s last RBI came May 9, 2007 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Tomko’s is scheduled to start again June 4 against the Durham Bulls.

The Bats (17-37) fell 20 games under the .500 mark for the first time since the end of the 1997 season when the Louisville Redbirds finished 58-85. They look to split the series with the Chiefs Thursday. Pedro Villarreal (2-1, 3.70 ERA) takes the hill for the Bats against Yunesky Maya (3-4, 2.57 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05. Gates will open at 5:30 for Budweiser Game Time Happy Hour.

Speed Museum Kent Bicentennial Portfolio [Visual Art]

Terri Shaw — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:29:57 +0000

by Terri Shaw

The Speed Art Museums exhibit of the Declaration of Independence is the Stone Copy of the Kent Bicentennial Portfolio. A rare 1823 engraved facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, donated to Jefferson County in 1986 by William P. Mulloy & Sons, thanks to the generosity of Mayor Greg Fischer and the City of Louisville the document will be available for viewing to the public from May 26 through July 15, 2012.

Speed Director, Dr. Charles L. Venable, remarked, “We at the Museum are very excited to be able to exhibition this rare and important document along with a series of artworks crated to celebrate the American Bicentennial in 1976. By placing the Declaration of Independence among contemporary art I hope visitors will think about the founding of our country and how documents like this are still the bedrock of our nation.”

The document is in good condition for its age. It has some water damage it seems, and there is some dark edging at the left bottom, where some of the signatures are, making them hard to read. There are also dark marking in various other places, however it seems it has been well cared for and preserved.

The Declaration of Independence is a national icon. Drafted by a young Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the text eloquently and succinctly outlined the colonies’ grievances with the British crown and declared our nation’s independence. Following ratification of the Declaration, Congress ordered an “engrossed” or final version of the document be produced on vellum and signed by all its members, which is now housed at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C.

Museum hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (open late); Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Galleries are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

General admission to the Museum is $10, free for members.

www.speedmuseum.org.

Jacob Lawrence

Going into the Futura with Theatre 502 [Theater]

Brian Kennedy — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:41:32 +0000

by Brian Kennedy

Words can hurt, literally, in the new Theatre 502 production, Futura, which opens the company's second season on Friday.

Futura will take place on June 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9 at 8 p.m. each night. All performances are to happen inside the Victor Jory Theatre at Actors Theatre, located at 316 West Main Street in downtown Louisville.

Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the door or in advance by e-mail info@theatre502.org. More information on the show can also be found at the Theatre 502 website.

Futura is a thriller set in the future where words literally become actions. In the future, the author loses all control over words, and a lecture of typography has deadly consequences.

Amy Attaway directed this Jordan Harrison-created production. The cast features Laurene Scalf as The Professor, Drew Cash as Gash, Betsy Huggins as Grace, and Tad Chitwood as Edward Wexler.

Futura is just the first of three shows Theatre 502 will present this season. More information on the season can be found in this article.

Follow me on Twitter! LouBriantheater

(Image from Theatre 502)