Cover Stories
Kentucky Black Farmers Work To Reduce Barriers To Food Programs
This story was originally published by Public News Service. Black farmers in Kentucky said they have benefited from participating in Farms to Food Banks, an agricultural program funneling leftover produce from local farms to regional food pantries, and into the hands of Kentucky families in need. Tatum Lewis of Black Roots Farm in Clark County…
The Wizard Of Old Louisville: Devin Person Is Using Magic To Build A Community
Believe it or not, you might notice the wizard’s friends before you see the wizard himself. They gather at Old Louisville Brewery one Wednesday every month to talk about magic. Sometimes they get tarot readings or play board games or watch movies. Many of them are magic enthusiasts, too, some with wizardly outfits and accessories…
Railbird Festival Announces 2023 Lineup
Railbird Music Festival, a summer music festival in Lexington, announced its 2023 lineup today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Railbird Festival (@railbirdfestival) Festival officials decided that Railbird would “take a pause” this summer due to concerns from guests about long lines and insufficient water stations, among other things. In May, organizers…
Speed Cinema To Host Four Screenings Of Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pinocchio” This Weekend
This weekend, the Speed Art Museum will host four screenings of Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio,” a stop-motion movie with a thematic twist from the familiar Disney story. “Pinocchio” (PG) is set in Fascist Italy in the 1930s and 1940s. According to the event page, the movie is “a reading of the classic tale that works…
Louisville Chef To Lead Gordon Ramsay Restaurant At Caesars Southern Indiana
Louisville chef Stephen Dunn will be the executive chef at Gordon Ramsay Steak at Caesars Southern Indiana, a press release announced this morning. Chef Dunn’s background includes roles at Matt Winn’s Steakhouse, Equus and Jack’s Bourbon Lounge, Harvest, The Hub and Sullivan’s Taphouse. Chef Dunn said in a statement, “I’m excited to join Gordon Ramsay…
Louisville Comedian Raanan Hershberg Added to NYT’s “Best Comedy of 2022” List
The New York Times recently published its “Best Comedy of 2022” list, and Louisville comedian Raanan Hershberg took home the honors for “Best YouTube special.” In the article, critic Jason Zinoman wrote: “You can make an argument that the best producer of specials right now is YouTube, especially when you factor in price for the…
Comedian Heather McMahan To Play Brown Theatre This Week
Heather McMahan, a standup comedian and substitute co-host of “The Today Show,” will perform at the Brown Theatre this Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $50.31-$167.31 and are available at this link. VIP passes come with a Q&A talkback after the show, a lanyard and an autographed tour poster. McMahan appears in…
Interstellar Brings Art and Sanctuary Together For Its Latest Night Market
The rise in popularity of night markets in the United States is notable. Louisville is no different with night markets popping up at Fourth Street Live and in NULU. On the evening of December 14, Interstellar, a group whose mission it is to bring the Louisville community together with “an exceptional variety of art, craftsmanship,…
10 Things Under $10 To Do In Louisville This Week (12/5)
Bread & Puppet Theater – Our Domestic Resurrection: Apocalypse Defiance Circus! Art Sanctuary Free (suggested donation $10-$25) | 6 p.m. The Vermont-based theater company joins the Squallis Puppeteers for an all-ages “circus” performance — not like Ringling Bros. — with the theme of defying climate change. Expect “stilt-dancers, blue horses, paper maché clouds and tigers,”…
Name PriceWeber’s 40-Foot-Tall Nutcracker And Win A Gift Basket
The gigantic PriceWeber nutcracker on Shelbyville Road is back — and he needs a name. PriceWeber, a local PR firm that wraps its decommissioned belltower like a nutcracker for the Christmas season, recently announced a contest to name the nutcracker. In a press release, PriceWeber CEO Fred Davis said, “Since 2015, our nutcracker has been…
Cody and Friends host a ‘Magical Holiday Special’ at the Highview Arts Center
Cody Clark, a local magician and autism advocate, will host a magic/variety show at the Highview Arts Center (7406 Fegenbush Ln.) on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., the second in his new bimonthly show series, “Cody & Friends.” Clark will host and perform in “Cody & Friends – A Magical Holiday Special” as his…
5 Things To Do In Louisville This Weekend (12/2)
FRIDAY, DEC. 2 The Muppet Roast The Bard’s Town $15 | 10-11:30 p.m. ? It’s time to go to Bard’s Town It’s time to dress up right It’s time to laugh at Muppets At the Muppet Roast tonight! ? Do not bring your children. SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Bardstown Road Aglow The Highlands (tree lighting at…
After 35 Years, Sweet Surrender Dessert Café & Coffee Shop Will Close
Sweet Surrender Dessert Café & Coffee Shop, a bakery and coffee shop in Clifton, announced on Thursday afternoon that it will close after next Saturday, Dec. 10. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sweet Surrender Dessert Cafe (@sweetsurrendercafe) In a statement, Sweet Surrender owner Jessica Haskell said, “The challenges of the current…
RSV, Flu, COVID: KY Faces “Triple Threat” This Winter
This story was originally published by Public News Service. The flu, COVID and RSV are rapidly spreading in Kentucky, and health experts say that’s a problem for hospitals, schools and the state’s vulnerable residents. So far, more than 20 school districts have temporarily halted classes due to RSV. At Norton Children’s Hospital, pediatrician Dr. Robert…
BlackRainbow Records, A Local “Queer-Forward” and “BIPOC-Affirmative” Rock, Punk and Metal Record Label To Launch In January
A local couple will launch a new record label in January to help promote BIPOC and LGBTQ musicians. Philip Odango and his partner David Johnson are the founders and co-managers of BlackRainbow Records. A press release says that BlackRainbow will offer clients “music production services, video production, licensing and distribution assistance, marketing, and merchandise sales…
Local Activists remember those living with and lost to the HIV epidemic on December 1st, World AIDS Day.
Today, Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. The day is meant for people to unite in the fight against HIV to support those living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who have passed away from illnesses related to HIV. Locally rallies, prayer services and personal memorials have happened to observe the day. …
The Louisville Ballet Sets The Holiday Mood With The Brown-Forman Nutcracker
The Louisville Ballet’s dreamy holiday classic, The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, returns Friday, Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 23 at The Kentucky Performing Arts’ Whitney Hall. The performance features choreography by Val Caniparoli with the Louisville Orchestra providing the score. The orchestra will be conducted by the Louisville Ballet Music Director, Tara Simoncic. The Sugar Plum…
Queer Kentucky To Celebrate New Print Publication At Upcoming Event
Queer Kentucky, an online platform for the LGBTQ community, will celebrate the first of its two print publications spotlighting LGBTQ health equity at an event next week. A press release describes the launch as “the expansion of their authentic storytelling and singular style from the world wide web to your hands.” The first issue is…
Drag Queens On Ice Skate into Paristown’s Fête de Noël
Drag Queens on Ice, a free show that’s exactly what its name sounds like, will return to the rink at Paristown’s Fête de Noël this Sunday, Dec. 4, from 7-9 p.m, at 720 Brent St. The performers this year include Leah Halston, Tova Ura Vitch, Breanna Burns, Starlette and Celeste DeChardonnay. Rodney Coffman, president of…
New Albany Opera House Honored With New Mural
New Albany has a new mural and the design is museum worthy. It’s a nod to the Art Nouveau with a large Mucha-esque design commemorating the New Albany Opera House built in 1866. The mural done by artist Carrie Johns covers 3,700 Square Feet of the old building which stands at only half its original…
This Wizardly Podcast Guest-Stars A LEO Reporter
LEO’s most recent cover story, “The Wizard of Old Louisville,” profiles Devin Person, a Louisville transplant with a very unique career. Today, Nov. 30, marks the eight-year anniversary of the ritual he did to “become a wizard” in 2014. Person also hosts a podcast called “This Podcast is a Ritual,” where he interviews guests about…
LDB Fest Announces Headliners And Lineup; Knocked Loose To Play First Hometown Show Since Dec. 2021
Editor’s note: This story has been updated. LDB Fest, a local festival of hardcore music, announced its 2023 lineup on Wednesday. The festival will be at the Triple Crown Pavilion (1780 Plantside Dr.) on Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 502 Shows (@502shows) The two…
KRAMPUS. WILL. RETURN. (To Art Sanctuary This Weekend)
You better watch out. You better watch out. You better watch out. This Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m., Gore Club will once again host Louisville Krampus, a dark (but fun) celebration of the legendary Christmastime demon-goat, at Art Sanctuary. There’ll be live magic from Darshwood, the Whiskey Wizard; burlesque from Va Va Vixens; food…
Maggie Harlow Films Video About Teaching Jack To (W)rap For Local Charity
“I taught Jack Harlow how to wrap,” said Maggie Harlow, mother of the superstar Louisville rapper, in a tongue-in-cheek video released today by Kosair Charities, a local nonprofit that offers financial assistance to families struggling with medical bills. Kosair produced the video in conjunction with a Giving Tuesday gift wrapping event (which ended this afternoon),…
Rudolph’s Run Returns With The Spirits of Scrooge Escape Room Experience
Rudolph’s Run is returning. This scavenger hunt game is played from the cozy, warmth and comfort of your own personal vehicle. On the hunt, you will see some of Louisville’s most extravagantly-decorated homes while working through the solution to clues and puzzles to aid Santa in “saving Christmas.” The game ends when you reach the…
Bernheim Forest Announces One-Day Festival For Dogs
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest has announced a new upcoming festival, Paws in Nature, geared toward dogs and their owners. The festival will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. It’s free to attend, but there’s a suggested donation of $10 per car. At the event, dogs will get to…
The Whirling Tiger To Reopen Under New Ownership
The Whirling Tiger is getting another life. This past weekend, longtime Louisville music promoter Mark Evans announced that he and Alley McDowell have bought the bar and performance space at 1335 Story Ave. in Butchertown. The goal, they told LEO, is to have a soft opening in December, and a more robust calendar of events…
‘Finding The Melancholy Past’ At the Paul Paletti Gallery Starts In December
The Paul Paletti Gallery is presenting its last show of the year with “Finding the Melancholy Past,” the photography of Diana Schoenfeld. The show will run at the Paletti Gallery from Dec. 1 through March 31, 2023. Schoenfeld is a California artist. This show will combine works from several of her other photography projects and…
10 Things Under $10 To Do In Louisville This Week (11/28)
MONDAY, NOV. 28 Metal Monday w/Swollen Teeth Highlands Taproom Free | 9 p.m. A free show from Swollen Teeth, Sid Wilson’s side project. (You may have seen Wilson at Louder Than Life this year — he’s the DJ for a little band called Slipknot.) Miracle on Market Galaxie No cover | 4 p.m. Galaxie’s Christmas-themed…
‘A Cold 40’ Art Show Returns With A New Venue
Louisville is a great city for purchasing local art and gifting it for the holiday season. On Saturday, Dec. 17, Evan Wallace and Planet of the Tapes are coming together for “A Cold 40.” Not the 40 oz. beer you might be thinking of but an art show with all works being priced at $40…
Louisville Chamber Choir To Host Christmas Concert
The Louisville Chamber Choir will host its Christmas concert at St. James Catholic Church (1826 Edenside Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. The show, “Songs of Christmas Night,” will include arrangements of “Deck the Halls,” “Away in a Manger,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night” and “In the Bleak Midwinter.” Tickets are $30 for…
Rural Kentucky Schools Tackle Childhood Trauma
This story was originally published by Public News Service. Russell County teachers, staff, counselors and bus drivers have received intensive training on the effects of childhood trauma on kids’ mental and physical health since 2019. Today, elementary school suspensions have decreased by 50%, and more kids report feeling safe, cared for, and feel they “belong”…
A Short Guide To Bardstown Road Aglow
Bardstown Road Aglow, the Highlands’ biggest shopping day, will return this year on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 12-10 p.m. (LEO is one of the sponsors for this event.) Bardstown Road, Baxter Avenue and Barret Avenue will light up, literally and figuratively, on what community officials say is the neighborhood’s busiest shopping day. Restaurants and shops…
5 Things To Do In Louisville This Weekend (11/25)
FRIDAY, NOV. 25 Light Up Louisville Downtown Louisville (various locations; see link) Free | 3-10 p.m. Santa Claus and Mayor Fischer will light the city Christmas tree together. There’ll also be a parade (led by none other than Frosty the Snowman), live music, holiday vendors and fireworks. Lights on Main 615 W. Main St. Free…
Renowned Men’s Chorus Chanticleer To Play Christmas-Themed Show In Louisville
Chanticleer, a renowned men’s chorus from San Francisco, is coming to Louisville as part of their upcoming winter tour. The musical group will perform in the Cathedral of the Assumption on Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. According to a press release, the concert, a performance of the group’s program “A Chanticleer Christmas,” which will…
Comic Review: ‘Hell To Pay’ # 1
Hell To Pay #1 Written by Charles Soule Art by Will Sliney “Hell to Pay” starts out like a lot of stories: a beautiful woman and a very rich man are playing a game of cat and mouse. It’s going to take more than money and a castle in Ireland to impress her, so he…
Louisville Laughs Louisville Comedy SUPERLIST Is Here!
The SUPERLIST of Louisville Comedy A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. If we missed your event, let us know. (Information on how to sign up for open mics at bottom). UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS Wednesday, Nov. 23 7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic…
Mellwood Art Center To Host Small Business Saturday
This’ll be a busy weekend for shopping, but Mellwood Art Center (1860 Mellwood Ave.) will make it easier to support local creators and vendors in one location. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, Mellwood Art Center will host Small Business Saturday, a shopping fair with dozens of local businesses. Confirmed vendors so…
Louisville’s Little Red Bull, “Seth,” Has Been Captured But His Spirit Still Inspires Us
You might have heard that the last bull from the Great Cherokee Cow Escape of 2022 has been captured and sent to Tribe Animal Sanctuary. You may have even seen Tara Bassett’s dramatic videos. The sanctuary named the little red bull “Seth,” after one of the wranglers, while others have called him “Louie,” but we…
Ch-Ch-Changes: LEO’s Got ‘Em
As Bowie says in his song “Changes,” it’s time to “turn and face the strange.” Like most media outlets, LEO is going through some changes, and one of those is losing our fearless leader Scott Recker as he branches out into other things. This means that someone else has to step up into his place,…
The Unpredictable Outcomes Of Judicial Races
If there’s one takeaway from the 2022 judicial races in Jefferson County, it’s that women will always win judicial races against men. It’s well established that a candidate’s perceived gender is an important factor in nonpartisan races, and Louisville voters have decided that women make better judges. Simple as that. Ah, wait. The low-dollar…
Sweater Fest, A Local Music Festival And Clothing Drive, Will Return This Year With A Larger Venue
Sweater Fest, a winter festival of local music and coat drive for Kentucky Refugee Ministries, will return for its second year on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Headliners. Doors will open at 3 p.m.; music will start at 3:30 p.m. Belushi Speed Ball will headline. Other acts on the lineup include Anemic Royalty, Sunshine, TABS (formerly…
Federal Funding For Natural Disasters Fails Kentucky Counties That Need It Most
This story is from Kentucky Center For Investigative Reporting. It was produced as part of a collaboration with the Center for Public Integrity, Columbia Journalism Investigations and Type Investigations. Clay County Emergency Management Director David Watson sees signs of recovery all over Oneida, Kentucky, where flood waters tumbled down the mountains and ripped through town…
Revisiting The Sonora Pine: A Q&A With Tara Jane O’Neil
The ’90s were a fertile time for the Louisville indie scene, spawning amazing work including Rodan, which formally introduced the world to the incomparable talent of multi-instrumentalist Tara Jane O’Neil. After Rodan ended, O’Neil went on to a prolific career as an artist and musician that included collaborations with dance troupes, performing with and in…
Listen Local: Four New Music Reviews
Young Romantics “Fast Dancing in a Freezing Room” [single] Let’s get the Red Hot Chili Peppers comparison out of the way right off the bat. Yes, Young Romantics vocalist (and Louisville native) Griffin Fletcher looks just like a young Anthony Kiedis. God knows how many times he’s heard that, but the resemblance is uncanny. He…
The Local Landmark Hauck’s Corner Returns: Some Thoughts On The New Menu
This summer, 110 years after Hauck’s Handy Store opened as a neighborhood grocery on a Schnitzelburg street corner – and two years after it closed following the death of owner and patriarch George Hauck at 100 — this local landmark returned as a restaurant and bar. In 1912, you could buy a baloney sandwich on…
The Stranger Things Suite at Graduate Hotel-Bloomington Makes Family Time Fun
No holiday cheer? No problem. Do something else besides stuffing your face with turkey. Take a short road trip for fun. First, a little backstory. My son is having a rough year. School is intense, especially coming off two years of pandemic learning with schedules often merely a suggestion more than set in stone. He,…
Payne Hollow And The Legacy Of Harlan Hubbard
The bucolic drive on a warm autumn Sunday took a handful of University of Louisville students on an excursion to the river’s edge of Trimble County for a long hike down rugged terrain. Their class is studying the Ohio River’s environmental and cultural influence. But the river wasn’t the primary focus. Rather, it was the…
23 Art Exhibitions To See In Louisville This December
A gallery roundup of art shows to see in Louisville this month. Note: This list is a selection of current exhibitions. “STILL, LIFE! MOURNING, MEANING, MENDING” Through December The show focuses on dealing with loss during the pandemic. 21c Louisville 700 W. Main St. Hours: Mondays-Sundays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 21cmuseumhotels.com “PASTEL, GRAPHITE AND MUD” Dec.…
Light Up Louisville Parade, Festival To Return This Friday
If you’re staying in Louisville this Friday, Nov. 25, and want to celebrate the start of the holiday season, head downtown for an afternoon and evening of free holiday fun. On Friday, Light Up Louisville, a free festival and parade, will return to downtown Louisville from 3-10 p.m. (Disclaimer: LEO is one of the sponsors…
Bad Wires Exorcises Their Rage With Latest EP ‘Failed Fables’
What do you do when you feel powerless and overwhelmed? Two years ago, the world caught on fire, from a global pandemic to a rising tide of authoritarianism, all of which left noise metal trio Bad Wires directionless. Their last album, the amazing Politics of Attraction, blended the bombast of bands like the Jesus Lizard…
Mental Health, Gun Prevalence Top Concerns For Kentucky Kids
This story was originally published by Public News Service. Across the state, kids say they want more resources for mental health — according to the recently released 2022 Kentucky Kids Count County data book. More than 15% of Kentucky’s children and teens struggled with anxiety and depression in 2020. Kirsten Yancy is a senior at…
