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Lost and found: The Lost Boys of Sudan find their way in Louisville
On Saturday, August 15, Sudanese refugees gathered at the Americana Community Center to celebrate South Sudan’s independence from Sudan. Among those gathered together were several of the approximately 75 “Lost Boys” who survived the assault of the Sudanese Army in the 1980s and now call Louisville home. Despite the trauma of their youth, most of…
Three writers and a photographer recap the Seven Sense Festival
This past Saturday, we sent a few writers and a photographer to cover Seven Sense Festival, a free, four-stage event on Preston. Here are their takeaways. [All photos by Nik Vechery] Zach: It’s becoming clear that Louisville has an abundance of riches when it comes to weekly events. As I prepared to head over to Preston…
LEO Playlist 8/24: Joan Jett, Twin Limb and more
1) “Real Wild Child” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, who will be at the Kentucky State Fair on Saturday, August 29. The next three acts will be at Waterfront Wednesday at the Big Four Lawn on August 26 2) “Satisfy Me” by Anderson East. 3) “Red Dress” by Maia Sharp. 4) “Long Shadow” by…
Visually Speaking: this week’s art news and events
[The above image is the new location of Block party Handmade Boutique.] Art news The Speed Art Museum is has announced that local restaurateur, Susan Hershberg, will open Wiltshire at the Speed when the museum reopens on March 12 (speedmuseum.org). Block Party Handmade Boutique has opened a second location at 2916 Frankfort Ave. near the…
LEO Podcast #1: Twin Limb
For the pilot episode of the LEO Podcast, editor-at-large Scott Recker spoke with Lacey Guthrie and Maryliz Bender from the folk band Twin Limb about the status of their forthcoming full-length record, the addition of Kevin Ratterman to the band and their upcoming tour dates with Houndmouth. You can catch them live on August 26…
5 Things To Do in Louisville This Weekend
FRIDAY Kentucky State Fair Kentucky Exposition Center 937 Phillips Lane $10; 7 a.m. You already know what to expect (fair food, rollercoasters, music, animals and exhibits), and chances are you’ve already made plans to go. But, if you’re on the fence, I have two words for you, my friend: doughnut burgers. Aged & Glazed with…
A Q&A with artist James Russell May
[The above image is “Severance” by James Russell May. The image on the homepage is “The Messenger.”] James Russell May (jamesrussellmay.com) is an artist whose work is best viewed in person so you can marvel at his detail and technique. Your first stop should be the Tim Faulkner Gallery since they represent him. If you…
Drew Curtis and the governor’s race
“That was when I realized,” said independent gubernatorial candidate Drew Curtis, “that if I didn’t run — and win — we’re all screwed.” While his statement is not the most conventional unofficial campaign slogan — it’s certainly the most invigorating in a gubernatorial race that, thus far, has been lackluster at best. As he was…
The way we move: A conversation with Langhorne Slim
Sean Scolnick is a singer/songwriter from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, who has been performing and releasing albums under the name Langhorne Slim for over a decade. He began his musical career in New York City and gained national attention in 2004 when he released his first album, “Electric Love Letter,” on Narnack Records. His seventh studio album, “The…
b-sides: Keb’Mo’
Not that Keb’ Mo’ needed any further confirmation, but he knew just how misunderstood his 2011 album, “The Reflection,” had been when Grammy voters, showing the same level of perception that once enabled Jethro Tull to take home the trophy in the heavy metal category, nominated “The Reflection” for a Grammy in the best contemporary…
Plugged In (Aug. 19 – Aug. 25)
WED Aug 19th 4th Street Live!: Lunchtime Live!; 11 a.m. 8Up: DJ Matt Anthony; 7:30 p.m. Baxter 942: Full Contact Karaoke; 10 p.m. Brownies The Shed (Hurstbourne): Karaoke; 10 p.m. CenterStage: 9 to 5: The Musical; 7:30 p.m. Cure Lounge: Worriers Diamond Pub (St. Matthews): Tennessee Tuxedos; 10 p.m. El Nopal (Crestwood): Nick Nichols; 7…
Meeting people is easy
I got my start in radio back in 2000 at WLRS, but by early 2004, I was already out of the game. Not wanting to leave the industry, and seeing the opportunity to learn other sides of the business, I took a job with a record label to run their radio department. Since I had just come…
Jordan Jetson – Inner City Gods
(self-released) A singular vision seems to inform “Inner City Gods,” the newest from rapper Jordan Jetson, one that privileges smooth beats and a bouncy, tight lyrical flow. The narrative is nothing especially unique to hip-hop, with the regular accoutrements found — a grounded and somewhat socio-political look at urban life and the hope to rise…
Sloe Pink – 27 Club
(self-released) With the release of “27 Club,” emcee Sloe Pink and producer Dr. Dundiff unleash a mellow throwback to the golden age of hip-hop. This is a super mild album, in the best possible way — chill, but with a kinetic energy. As has become his standard, this is some top notch Dr. Dundiff production,…
Airplane Jumper – A Self That Touches All Edges
(self-released) With the release of “Enormous,” the advanced single for the impending full-length, Airplane Jumper made a strong enough impression that it was one of two tracks I selected for a mid-year best-of list. Does “A Self That Touches All Edges” live up to that hype? Absolutely. There is an easy energy, like a warm…
To Die Alone – Shape Changer
(Little Heart) Judging a book by its cover — or, more literally here, a band by its name — To Die Alone seem fueled by the fiery angst reserved for the young, and they certainly live up to that expectation. With the release of “Shape Changer,” their first full-length album, the band offers up a…
Kentucky Playwrights Workshop’s “The Day After” plays
Over the last several years, the Kentucky Playwrights Workshop has staked out quite a strong niche as an incubator of new plays. It regularly sponsors competitions, conferences, and workshops for Kentucky writers. Since 2012, it’s presented annual programs of new works (by Kentuckians) at the Kentucky State Fair. This past year, the organization went a…
Carlos Mencia at The Laughing Derby
Controversial and outspoken comedian Carlos Mencia was loved and hated as he led the most confrontational and socially conscious comedy show since “The Chappelle Show” called “Mind of Mencia.” Regularly challenging race, culture, criminal justice and society, Mencia has made as many enemies as he has devoted fans. He continues to travel the country working…
Video Tapeworm
BIG GAME 2015; $12.99-26.99; PG-13 As of late, Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in just about anything which allows him to ham up the screen (“Kingsman: The Secret Service”, anyone?), but this may be his grandest ego-goose yet. He’s the President of the U.S., safely ensconced in Air Force One until terrorists shoot it down.…
Until we can get to Cuba, Yoli’s will do
Here’s the deal: I really, really want to go to Cuba, and I’d like to get over there before it turns back into Vegas South, which — so I’m told — is what it was more than a half-century ago, when my grandparents used to head over there just for fun. But that was back…
The thing about Tater Tots
I’ve noticed more and more over the past year or two that Tater Tots, the little cylinder potato-things most of us grew up eating with school lunches and out of freezer bags at home, are making their way onto restaurant menus. The Monkey Wrench has featured the Tot with dishes like the Kentucky Tot Brown…
Toddlerhood 2.0
Being a mother is the best and the worst of life. We pop out these tiny people who stare helplessly as they learn the simplest of skills like keeping their tongues in their mouths and opening or closing their creepy little hands. As they grow, they take on aspects of the personalities to come and…
The VA’s credibility crisis
Officially, the decision as to whether the Veterans Administration will perform a thorough Environmental Impact Statement on the controversial 36-acre site selected for a new medical center is months overdue. Officially, nobody knows why the decision, expected last spring, is belated — or when it might be made. Officially we’re getting mixed messages — more…
Thoughts before meeting with Israel’s Consul General
This week’s Editor’s Note was prepared minutes before I had the great opportunity and privilege to sit down with the Israeli Consul General, Yaron Sideman, to discuss the Iran nuclear non-proliferation agreement. The Iran nuclear non-proliferation agreement is not only a good deal, but an imperative deal. With growing support among the science, military, religious…
Your Voice
On Artist Profile “Samal McNealy” DUDE!! YES!! Samal World-McNealy is one of my favorite artists who ever existed!!!! — Antonio Pantoja, Aug. 16 From LEO’s Margaritas in the ‘Ville Sometimes I drink tequila and get to judge margaritas #eljimador #tequila #margarita #cocktails #margaritasintheville #cheers #leoweekly — catplatz, Aug. 14 From LEO’s Margaritas in the ‘Ville…
