Cover Story
Meet The Man Who Has Spent 3 Decades Hunting For Rare Derby Glasses
Editor’s Note: This story was reported in early 2020 for Louisville Magazine’s Derby issue. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, that issue never ran and the story got lost in the wind. It is being published by LEO Weekly with Louisville Magazine’s blessing. Minor updates regarding time references have been made. Chandler tells…
Donald Trump Endorses Thomas Massie Despite Past Insults
A little more than two years after calling Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie a “third rate Grandstander” who should be thrown out of the Republican Party, former President Donald Trump has endorsed the 4th District representative who is seeking re-election in 2022. While Trump lashed out at Massie back in March of 2020 for attempting to…
Here’s How Young Arts Writers Can See ‘Hamilton’ in Louisville for Free (and Get Published in LEO)
Arts Angle Vantage is looking for you, young writers. Arts Angle Vantage helps to grow arts writing skills and critical thinking about the arts with young people from diverse backgrounds. The work of AAV is to “elevate the voices of young people” and “helps youth better understand themselves, others, and the world around them.” It…
Trifecta, a Pizza-Burrito-Salads Concept On Brownsboro Road, Appears to Close
Trifecta, the pizza-burritos-salads concept that opened last year on lower Brownsboro Road, has closed. The building, located at 1791 Brownsboro, was a daycare before Trifecta converted it to a fast-casual restaurant that was largely a build-your-own concept, with a salad station, pizza station and burrito/taco station. In recent months, it had added other menu items,…
WATCH: Kentuckian Noah Thompson Overpowers COVID to Advance to Top 5 on ‘American Idol’
Noah Thompson, a construction worker from Louisa, Kentucky, has been winning hearts and votes since he first auditioned for “American Idol” in late February. The 19-year-old has advanced through round after round on the singing competition show — and on the most recent episode on Sunday, he advanced to the Top 5, joining contestants Fritz…
WFPK Adds New Headliners to its Waterfront Wednesday Lineup
This morning, WFPK announced the remaining bands and artists in the lineup for its free outdoor Waterfront Wednesday concert series. Moon Taxi and Joan Osborne have been added as headliners, while Seratones and Boa Boys are now supporting acts. Here’s the full lineup: May 25 – Maggie Rose, Boa Boys, Phourist & the Photons June…
Gasthaus German Restaurant Closes After 29 Years
A popular Louisville German restaurant has closed its doors after 29 years: Gasthaus on Brownsboro Road shut its dining room down in late April. The Greipel family, who opened Gasthaus in 1993, said in a Facebook post that they hope someone with a love of German culture takes over the restaurant. Gasthaus was one of…
New Kentucky Law Aims to Improve Domestic Violence Homicide Tracking
Kentucky will soon begin developing a coordinated, statewide system for reporting crimes related to intimate-partner violence. Gov. Andy Beshear’s signature on Senate Bill 271 mandates data collection on domestic violence. Advocacy groups say they have struggled for years to verify state records of these types of cases, and have relied primarily on media reports and…
10 Things to do in Louisville This Week for $5 and Under (5/9-5/13)
MONDAY, May 9 Storytime in the Park Shawnee Park Free | 6:30-7:30 p.m. Experience story time with the trees and bees at Shawnee Park. The Louisville Free Public Library brings the books and activities, you come with blankets and chairs. TUESDAY, May 10 Craig Buthod Author Series Presents Emily Bingham & Crystal Wilkinson Main Library…
A New Baby Seal Has Been Born At The Louisville Zoo, And You Can Watch Her On A Webcam
There’s a new baby animal at the Louisville Zoo. Tonie, a 20-year-old harbor seal, gave birth to a pup on Friday, April 29, according to a press release. It was unintentionally well-timed, too: Tonie and her child share a birthday. The Zoo also announced that there are two other babies on the way, too —…
New Child Abuse Reforms in Effect in Kentucky
Gov. Andy Beshear has signed legislation clarifying the definition of child abuse and neglect, and allowing the state to move faster on suspected abuse cases, along with a host of other reforms. Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, sponsor of Senate Bill 8, said the law changes the risk requirements needed for state services to intervene…
A Woman’s Death Shines Light on Cracks in Louisville’s Domestic Violence Response
What began as an argument between Christopher Gordon and Angelica James in November 2020 escalated to a violent assault that police said lasted several minutes. Angry at James for talking to the mechanic working on her car, Gordon tossed her to the ground and beat her with his fists before taking the car, police said.…
Jack Harlow Brings Drake to Town for Derby
Jack Harlow did more than feature Drake on his new song “Churchill Downs,” he’s brought him there. Or at least is showing him Louisville during the Derby. Louisville native rapper Harlow was spotted around town with the Canadian legend Drake on Derby Eve, which also happened to be the day Harlow’s new album, Come Home…
Marvel Goes Full Horror with ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” 4 out of 5 stars With its 28th feature film since May 2008 — let that sink in for a minute — Marvel Studios has finally gone full-on horror with “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” That this significant moment comes from the twisted mind and director’s…
How Prices Have Risen at 9 Louisville Restaurants
Dan McMahon sat with a Sharpie and an extra copy of his restaurant’s trifold menu and pondered a difficult decision. McMahon, general manager of Danny Mac’s Pizza in the Mellwood Art Center, knew he would have to raise prices. With grocery prices rising fast, gasoline prices topping $4 a gallon locally, and inflation in the…
Everything You Need to Know About Kentucky Derby 2022
The Kentucky Derby is upon us and while that brings excitement, it also brings questions like, where do I park, which streets are closed and can I bring a liter of bourbon into Churchill Downs? Well, we’ve got you. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about Derby at the Downs for the…
Louisville Jail Worker Accused Of Smuggling Drugs To Distribute To Inmates
A Louisville Metro Department of Corrections food services contract employee was arrested on drug charges on Friday morning, with the jail saying they believe the worker was smuggling narcotics into the facility with the intent to distribute them among the inmate population. In a statement, Metro Corrections said that “Marissa Brown (aka Carlotta Phillips)” was…
How a Florida Think Tank Influenced Kentucky’s New Welfare Restrictions
During a legislative committee meeting in March, members of the Kentucky House of Representatives gathered to debate a controversial welfare reform bill that, just a couple of weeks later, would be signed into law. Republican Rep. David Meade of District 80 read off a number of statistics related to House Bill 7, emphasizing claims that…
Forest Fire Impacts 3 Acres Of Bernheim, Naturalist Urges Caution From Visitors
Last week, a fire spread through approximately three acres of the Poplar Ridge area of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, and although their crew and the Bullitt County Fire Department aren’t exactly sure how it started, they say it was possibly caused by a cigarette. After an employee saw smoke while driving on Tuesday, April…
5 of the Best Things to do in Louisville this Derby Weekend
FRIDAY, May 6 20th Hillbilly Outfield 12202 Old Shelbyville Road $55 | 4:30 p.m. The Hillbilly Outfield is like a backyard Derby party with friends and family — just with more people. The two day outdoor bash in a residential area of Middletown features a cornhole tournament, a bonfire, live music and more. Draft beer…
3 Concerts to Catch this Derby Weekend in Louisville
FRIDAY, May 6 Photo Finish Festival Headliners Music Hall $15-$20 | 9 p.m. Ben Sollee & Kentucky Native, Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, Wombo and Producing A Kind Generation will all perform at the single-day Photo Finish Festival, highlighting some of the area’s various local talent. Mannequin Pussy Zanzabar $15 | 8 p.m. A garage…
Jack Harlow Drops First Album in 2 Years, ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’
Jack Harlow barely needs an introduction at this point, but the originally-from-Louisville rapper dropped his first album in two years, Come Home The Kids Miss You, at midnight this morning. This is Harlow’s first release as a bona fide star, having shot up in fame since his 2020 hit “Whats Poppin.” His past year has…
Jon Spencer Talks Courtesy, COVID and His New Band, the Hitmakers Ahead of Derby Day Show
Interviews these days are an adventure. Because of the pandemic more folks work at home including myself and that presents all sorts of fun variables. Loud kids, loud pets, weird internet, and because I live on a hill, every so often someone that I interview gets the privilege of an echo. When I called to…
Make a Donation to a Progressive Political Candidate, and This Louisville Cook Will Bake You a Pie
As a person with a passion for cooking since she was in second grade and a former longtime food editor for the Courier Journal, Sarah Fritschner’s go-to when it’s “time to gather people around” is a meal. So, when she wanted to “gather” others to donate to progressive political candidates, it was inevitable that she’d…
JCPS Students Walk Out In Protest Of Looming Roe v Wade Decision
JCPS students at three different schools staged walkouts today in protest of the looming possibility of Roe v Wade being overturned. Students at Atherton, duPont Manual and Ballard high schools all walked out, according to JCPS spokesperson Carolyn Callahan. The protests followed a leak on Monday of a draft Supreme Court majority opinion that would…
Learn to Photograph Wildlife at a Louisville Zoo Workshop
If you like photography and animals, the Zoo has an event that’ll teach you about, well, photographing animals. The Louisville Zoo announced on Tuesday that they’ve got a workshop coming up next week in collaboration with Murphy’s Camera for adults and teenagers who want to learn how to photograph wildlife. The workshop, “Wildlife Photography Basics,”…
Where’s Harlow? Rapper Set To Appear Across Louisville This Derby Weekend
This story has been updated. Obviously, most Louisvillians know who Jack Harlow is at this point. The chart-topping rapper and Louisville native recently made an appearance at the Met Gala and is set to release a new-star studded album, Come Home The Kids Miss You, this Friday, May 6. This Derby weekend, Harlow is coming…
Big Bar Expands With A Colorful New ‘Rainbow Room,’ Opening Today
Big Bar was never big. A joke that was clearly obvious when you squeezed into the popular gay club and all you saw was a bar, some tables and tons of people. But now, Big Bar on Bardstown Road will actually be large, with a new expansion into the former Wine Rack next door. “Everyone…
Why A Judge Ordered Quintez Brown To Remain In Custody While Awaiting Trial For Attempted Mayoral Candidate Murder
Quintez Brown will remain in federal custody while awaiting trial over the Feb. 14 attempt on Louisville mayoral candidate Craig Greenberg’s life, a federal judge ordered on Tuesday. In a 16-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Benjamin Beaton wrote that evidence presented so far showed that Brown was a flight risk and a threat to the…
’80s Child Star Corey Feldman And His Band Are Bringing Their Upcoming Tour To Louisville
Pop culture icon Corey Feldman and his band are set to stop by Headliners Music Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 7. The former child actor turned musician’s Love Retours tour will be his first time on the road since 2017, and will support his new album, Love Left 2: Arm Me With Love. Tickets are $25…
Prolific Louisville Muralist Damon Thompson Seeks Funding For Book Documenting His Pandemic Project
When the pandemic hit, the world became a bit rocky for everyone. For local artist and muralist Damon Thompson, the pandemic arrived with the loss of a job. “I started the project the day after my work laid off all employees,” Thompson said in an email to LEO. “I had been working at the retail…
Guacamole Modern Mexican Opens Its Rooftop Bar Tomorrow With A Cinco de Mayo Party
This Thursday, May 5, is Cinco de Mayo, a day that historically celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army over French forces at the Battle of Puebla and, in the United States, is a celebration of Mexican culture and food. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow, Guacamole Modern Mexican, a restaurant in NuLu, will…
2 More Lawsuits Have Been Filed Against Jack Harlow, Vibes 1 Year After Nightclub Shooting
Two additional lawsuits have been filed against Louisville native and Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow and Vibes Nightclub, stemming from a shooting at a Derby weekend party that happened last year. Both lawsuits claim injuries were sustained because certain individuals were allowed to bypass security screenings. The shooting at Vibes, which is now closed, left Kasmira…
May the Fourth Be With You at These 4 Star Wars-Themed Events In Louisville This Week
May 4 has become the unofficial-official day for fans to celebrate all things “Star Wars” (because, y’know, May the Fourth… may the Force be with you… all that.) Here are four events on Wednesday, May 4, for Louisvillians of all galactic species. Annual May the 4th Be With You Bar Crawl Bardstown Road No cover…
Learn How To Make Hyperrealistic Cake At The Louisville Library With Artist Deepa Karande
If you’re a fan of “Is It Cake?” or “Nailed It!” then you’re well aware of the popularity of creating realistic and one of a kind cakes and confectionery desserts. Even on social media, there are scores of videos that show something as innocuous as a clothing iron transform when someone cuts into it, revealing a…
A Festival Devoted To Pugs Comes To Louisville For The First Time Next Week
Pug lovers, rejoice: an annual pug-themed celebration has relocated permanently to Louisville — and its first time here is next week. Next Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a new annual event called Bluegrass PugFest will bring thousands of dogs to the West Hall at the Kentucky Exposition…
12 Derby Week Parties Where Locals Will Feel At Home
There are certain big-name parties that draw a lot of attention from out-of-towners during Derby weekend, but what about those of us who want to go to something full of, well, other Louisvillians? We’ve put together this list of events at local venues on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Although we know that these venues are…
The Louisville Library Is Accepting Entries For A Kids Photography Contest About Water Quality
Marking the passing of Earth Day 2022 the Louisville Free Public Library and partners are hosting their second annual Ripple Effects Photo Contest. The contest is open to all Kentuckiana students from kindergarten through high school. The focus this year is on students thinking about what “clean and healthy” waterways in Kentuckiana mean to them. …
10 Things To Do In Louisville During Derby Week For $5 And Under (5/2-5/6)
WEDNESDAY, May 4 Turners Annual Steamboat Race Party American Turners-Louisville $5 | 4 p.m. Watch the Great Steamboat Race on the shores of the American Turners club. There will be music from AJ Clements; burgers, brats and burgoo available for purchase, Derby-inspired desserts and Oaks Lilys and other specialty cocktails. Annual May the 4th Be…
Brittney Spencer To Sing Kentucky Derby National Anthem, Jack Harlow To Give Rider’s Up Call
The performers of two pre-race rituals at Churchill Downs on Derby Day have been announced, with country artist Brittney Spencer set to sing the national anthem, and Louisville native and Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow slated to give the Rider’s Up call, the command for jockeys to mount their horses right before the Run For The…
3 Concerts To Catch This Weekend In Louisville (4/29)
Friday, April 29 Air Chrysalis, Yellow Cellophane, Broad Arrow The Whirling Tiger 8 p.m. | $10 After a lengthy pandemic hibernation, it’s nice to see the local music scene springing with so much life again, and this show is a great example. Air Chrysalis’ swirling, experimental dream pop lands wave after wave of subtle emotional…
Fleur De Flea Vintage Market Hosts Mid-Century Modern Pop-Up Shop
Fans of the sleek and cool modern of mid-century furniture will be excited about Kentuckiana Mid Century Modern Pop-Up Shop being held by the Fleur De Flea Vintage Market on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. What is Mid-Century Modern design? It basically is a description of furniture, architecture, clothing and graphic design aesthetics…
5 Things To Do In Louisville This Weekend (4/29)
FRIDAY, April 29 Purr, SLAY, Sip: An Evening with Scarlet Envy of RuPaul’s Drag Race Purrfect Day Cat Cafe $45 | 7-7:30 p.m. and 8-8:30 p.m. Drag queens + cats = a fun combination. Drag superstar Scarlet Envy, who hails from Louisville and whom non-drag-savvy TikTokers will recognize from her viral “Am I the drama?”…
Andy Beshear Is The Most Popular Democratic Governor In America, According To New Poll
We knew Gov. Andy Beshear was popular, but the most favored Democratic governor in all the land (aka, the country)? That was a surprise. Beshear earns the honor if you go by Morning Consult’s new poll, released today. Fifty-nine percent of registered voters in Kentucky approve of Beshear’s job performance while 36% disapprove. Republican governors…
See High-Flying Kicks And Board Breaking At Hwang’s Martial Arts’ Showcase In Louisville This Weekend
Hwang’s Martial Arts is hosting their 2022 Jung Hwang Legacy Martial Arts Cultural Showcase this Saturday April 30, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at 3000 Fern Valley Road. The showcase was started to help the Jung Hwang Legacy Foundation continue to fund projects around the city. Its mission is to “provide opportunities both locally and abroad…
Gov. Beshear Authorizes Kentucky Cannabis Research Center
Gov. Andy Beshear has paved the way for a cannabis research center in Kentucky, a week after he announced that he’ll be exploring if he has the power to legalize medical marijuana in the state by an executive order. After reviewing House Bill 604 — which will create the Kentucky Center for Cannabis Research at…
Kentucky Irate Festival, Featuring Deathcore Bands, Coming To Louisville This Summer
A brand new all-ages deathcore/slam festival is coming to Louisville this summer. Kentucky Irate Festival (also called Kentucky Irate Fest) will run from Aug. 26-28 in the parking lot outside 21st in Germantown. There will be 40 national bands and 17 local bands on two stages. There won’t be any overlapping sets, but acts on…
Toast On Market To Close Louisville Location, Reopen New Albany Location
Toast on Market, a brunch restaurant in NuLu, announced on social media yesterday that they will be closing their Louisville location and reopening their New Albany location. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Toast on Market (@toastonmarketlouisville) In the post, co-owner George Morris shared that the Louisville restaurant’s last day will be…
Kentucky Republicans’ Bullying Of Transgender Children Is Rooted In Their Own Religious Perversion
In Utah, Republican Gov. Spencer Cox vetoed his state’s version of an anti-trans sports bill. He said, “Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live.” A similar bill…
14 Years After Derby Horse Euthanized On The Track, The Industry Continues Without Shame
I’ve never been to the Derby. I went to the track once a decade ago, but only as part of an elaborate, extended mating ritual. It served its purpose: I eventually married and sired offspring with my date. But I don’t think I’ll ever go again. A couple of years before my successful bid to…
2 Derby-Time Books To Read: ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ Origins, An Equestrian’s Memoir
Derby Festival organizers say it’s “back in full swing.” But, as some institutions claim we’re returning to normalcy, it has to be asked: in whose view? “The most exciting two minutes” and its attendant weeks-long calendar hasn’t always been made up of what we now feel are traditions. Upcoming author appearances include two for books…
Celebrate Holi, The Festival Of Colors, This Weekend With Louisville Hindi School
The Indian holiday Holi happened on March 18, but the festival will be happening here this Sunday, May 1. The Louisville Hindi School and Beta Clubs of Louisville High Schools are presenting their Holy Mela 2022 celebration this Sunday. The event will run from noon to 5 p.m. at 4213 Accomack Dr. in Louisville. The…
Comic Review: Adult Alice Is Addicted To Wonderland In ‘Alice Ever After’
‘Alice Ever After’ #1 Written by Dan Panosian Art by Giorgio Spalletta and Dan Panosian Review by Krystal Moore I read an excellent graphic novel called “Cheshire Crossing” by Andy Weir, in which Alice, Dorothy and Wendy Darling all find themselves teaming up against all the villains from their fanciful stories. It was such a…
25 Art Exhibits To See In Louisville This May
This list is a selection of current art exhibitions in Louisville. “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 “RESEMBLANCE OF REALITY” Through May 9 BFA student show. Barr Gallery, Indiana University Southeast 4201…
Inside The Process Of ‘Breonna’s Lullaby’ Composer Derek Douglas Carter
Derek Douglas Carter can be claimed by Louisville thanks to the UofL School of Music, where he received graduate degrees in both music composition and orchestral conducting. Carter has received international recognition for his work ever since his undergraduate career in Illinois, but his piece “Breonna’s Lullaby” has raised that level of recognition considerably. “Breonna’s…
Fleeing Nazis, Descended From Slaves: The Louisville Orchestra Reclaims Works By Oppressed Composers For Its Latest Performance
New York Times critic Olin Downes ventured to Cincinnati in 1937 to cover the annual May Music Festival, which was to be highlighted by the king-sized Berlioz “Requiem Mass,” performed by the host Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the festival’s mammoth chorus — assembled to present the work in all its power and enormity. Downes dutifully…
An Expert’s Kentucky Derby 2022 Picks In A Competitive Field
After a string of cockeyed Kentucky Derbys that ranged wildly out of the norm — with an empty grandstand one year because of the pandemic, a Derby run in September, the wettest Derby Day in history another year and two disqualifications that roiled the thoroughbred racing world, it looks like (keep your fingers crossed) the…
Goodfellas Slings Proper New York City-Style Pizza On Baxter Avenue
Let’s welcome Goodfellas Pizzeria to Louisville! The first local outlet of a small but quickly growing Lexington-based chain, this corner spot in the Baxter Apartments at Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue joins sibling eateries in Indianapolis and the Cincinnati area. The pizza is good, the meatballs are impressive and the scene looks like a spot…
‘Isn’t It Lovely’ Is A Dreamy Love Song With A Throwback Sound, From Louisville Band Genevva
Love can often be a complex, nuanced monster, but that has in no way stopped bands from trying to distill it into three minute pop songs since time immemorial. To this end, Genevva, comprised of Jenni Cochran and Aaron Craker, have added their own contribution to this musical tradition with the song “Isn’t It Lovely.”…
Documentary About ‘Outlaw Poet’ Ron Whitehead To Premiere Tomorrow At Village 8
Tomorrow night, Village 8 will play host to the global premiere of a new documentary, “Outlaw Poet: The Legend of Ron Whitehead,” which profiles the eponymous Kentuckian writer. The event will run from 6-9 p.m. at Village 8, then there’ll be an afterparty at High Horse Bar, where Whitehead will perform with his band, The…
Thorns And Roses: Trump Will Make Derby Decadent And Depraved Again
Thorn: Trumped Up Prices Trump is putting the decadent and depraved back into the Derby with his planned visit. Decadent, in that tickets to his Kentucky Derby fundraiser are $75,000 per person. Depraved because, well, it’s Trump. Thorn: People Are Not Garbage In Louisville, houseless people are treated like trash. Literally. When asked by LEO…
Savage Love: My Wife’s Nighttime Masturbations Wake Me Up. Should I Do Anything?
Q: I’m a heavy sleeper, and my wife knows that, but not so heavy that I don’t wake up when she periodically masturbates next to me and has the bed shaking pretty hard. She doesn’t know this wakes me. How do I handle this? Do I offer a hand (or a dick) the next time?…
KFC Unveils “Buckquet” Of Flowers And Fried Chicken For Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to a gift she really, really won’t expect: a “buckquet” (buck-kay) of flowers and fried chicken… together. Yes, this is a thing. KFC recently announced in a press release that they’re running a limited-time promo for Mother’s Day called the “Kentucky Fried Buckquet,” which is literally a bouquet of…
Meet The Louisville Tenants Union Already Scoring Victories To Improve Public Housing
With the city’s political and ownership classes tightly transfixed upon the spectacle of a contested mayoral primary, a group of poor and working class Louisville tenants are already taking power back from them. The formation of the Louisville Tenants Union last month represents, in part, a local wave in the broader sea change in class…
How Kentuckiana Parents Are Teaching Their Sons Healthy Masculinity
The terms “toxic masculinity” and “healthy masculinity” are in reference to a set of behaviors that any man can exhibit on any given day. Through the behaviorist approach, we learn that all behavior is learned. As such, if we are to foster an environment where healthy masculinity is our factory setting, these lessons must be…
No Internal Investigation Nearly 2 Years After Louisville Police Officer Shot Pepper Balls At Reporter
On May 29, 2020, Louisville was experiencing its second night of mass protests over the police killing of Breonna Taylor when a Louisville Metro Police Department officer fired pepper balls at a WAVE 3 news crew as they were live on air. The dramatic footage of the incident — which clearly showed a riot gear-clad…
