May 9, 2023
The latest issue of LEO featuring Grady Goods, Cultura Phillipines, and more.
Cover Story
Grady Goods: A Young Family Turns A Life Of Art Experience Into Business
There’s something to be said about being rooted in a place. When I met Jae Grady, owner of the new Grady Goods store at 620 Baxter Ave., it was in our youth, finding our way to punk shows and raves, but now we find ourselves meeting again — as older folks — with families and…
Chef Edward Lee On Nami, A USAToday Best Restaurant of 2024
Chef Edward Lee’s name is already well known around Louisville. Now that Nami has been named one of USAToday’s Best Restaurants of 2024, his name is becoming more recognizable countrywide. For Lee, who is Korean American, NAMI is a full circle moment bringing him home to flavors he knew as a child and allowing him…
Tuesday Tracklist: Tame Impala, Belushi Speed Ball, Chanticleer, And More (5/23)
In this weekly feature, a different LEO staff member will share 7-10 of the songs they’ve got on repeat right now. (Songs by Louisville artists are marked with an asterisk.) Got a track that you think we’d like? Let us know at leo@leoweekly.com or at the author’s email below. Tame Impala — “Let It Happen”…
Louisville’s 2023 Pride Festival Lineup Features VINCINT, Brooke Eden, and More
The Kentuckiana Pride Foundation will celebrate Louisville’s LGBTQIA+ community during the annual Kentuckiana Pride Festival Saturday, June 17, on the Waterfront Park’s Big Four Lawn. The lineup is now out, led by pop artist VINCINT. Additional acts include GLAAD Media Awards nominee for Outstanding Breakthrough Artist, Brooke Eden; rising pop singer-songwriter Slayyyter; indie pop singer-songwriter…
Discover River Recreation With The “Guide To The Ohio River Way”
With topics ranging from paddling and cycling to hiking, boating, and exploring the historic sites of river towns, the new “Guide to the Ohio” river has been released. The 52-page publication, created in partnership with Cincy Magazine, highlights the “natural beauty of the Ohio River to the vibrant culture of its communities,” according to a…
Enjoy Sound Healing And Aura Portraits Tonight At Story Louisville
For those who have never experienced the deeply relaxing feeling of tuning out to the soothing tones of a crystal bowl meditation, this evening offers a beginner-friendly opportunity. Story Louisville will host “Sound Healing and Aura Portraits” from 5:30-8 p.m. at 900 East Main Street in its third floor event space. Sound therapy is known…
Shepard Fairey’s “Outside Influence” Continues Its Run With New Pieces at Louisville Thoroughbred Society
World-famous street artist Shepard Fairey was recently in town to paint a 7-story mural of Louisville’s “Greatest,” Muhammed Ali, on the side of the Chestnut Street YMCA. His works, which recently appeared in Portland’s Common Gallery, are now making a second appearance. This time, pieces from his show, “Outside Influence,” will appear alongside works from…
10 Things Under $10 To Do In Louisville This Week (5/22-5/25)
Monday, May 22 Community Yoga at West Sixth Nulu West Sixth Nulu, 817 East Market Street $10 suggested donation | 6-7 p.m. Enjoy accessible yoga in a community setting in this happy hour flow. Stick around and share beverages and conversation at the community yoga table. Comedy Night Open Mic DiOrio’s Pizza & Pub, 919…
New Louisville Metro Jail Population Dashboard Is Live But Groups Say The Dashboard Needs More Data
The city’s new Jail Population Dashboard is now live, offering basic statistics about the population of incarcerated people at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. LMDC says that it updates the dashboard three times a day. Yet while activists such as the Community Stakeholders to End Deaths at LMDC and other groups feel the dashboard…
Kentucky Flea Market Memorial Day Spectacular Turns 50
It’s time again for the largest flea market in the region. The annual Kentucky Flea Market Memorial Day Spectacular, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, is back this weekend, May 26-29, in Kentucky Expo Center’s West Wing. The annual event — voted a “Top 10 Flea Market in USA” and well-known for its many bargains —…
Art Gallery Roundup: Exhibitions To See In Louisville In June
A gallery roundup of art shows to see in Louisville this month. Note: This list is a selection of current exhibitions. “ROBERT MORGAN: MYTHS AND STORIES” Through December Solo show by Lexington artist Robert Morgan. “FRAGILE FIGURES: BEINGS AND TIME” Through December A group exhibition of portraits. KOREA FIBER ART 2023 LOUISVILLE Through Aug. 27…
Celebrate Those Who Help Survivors At The 8th Annual Breakfast Of Brilliance
The Center for Women and Families will host its 8th annual Breakfast of Brilliance on Thursday, May 25, at Mansion 1886 (New Albany), 904 East Main Street. This annual event honors the work the Center’s southern Indiana Campus does to help survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in Clark and Floyd counties. It will…
Unfiltered And Unfettered: Billy Porter Talks Career, Politics, And, Of Course, Fashion
Billy Porter is seasoned. He’s been around and seen some things while working in the entertainment industry for more than three decades. With time comes wisdom and Porter has plenty. From singing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he’s from to a Carnegie Mellon education, and the stages of Broadway, movies, TV screens and more, he’s traveled…
3 Concerts To Catch In And Around Louisville This Weekend (5/19-5/21)
A quick note: Belushi Speed Ball, arguably the biggest name in the Louisville punk scene and the subject of plenty of LEO coverage, will celebrate their 100th show this Saturday with a “prom” at The Whirling Tiger. The show is currently sold out, but keep an eye on the band’s socials in case any tickets…
Strengthen Your Brain At Mindfest Mental Health Festival
Roots 101 African-American Museum (124 North 1st Street) will host Mindfest Mental Health Festival Saturday, from 12- 5 p.m. The free community event will feature music, food, entertainment, art, yoga, wellness vendors, panel discussions and more. MindFEST Louisville is an organization that advocates for mental health through music, podcasting, professional services, blogging and community outreach.…
5 Things To Do In And Around Louisville This Weekend (5/19-5/21)
FRIDAY, MAY 19 Poorcastle Breslin Park $20/day, $40/weekend | 2 p.m. This weekend-long, all-local “fest for the rest” not only features the Poorcastle debuts of up-and-coming bands, but it also features a number of returning artists from previous years as part of “Flashback Friday.” (This is a LEO-sponsored event.) Shrek Rave (18+) Mercury Ballroom $37…
Coming Home
“Monica” Directed by Andrea Pallaoro. Written by Andrea Pallaoro and Orlando Tirado. Opened May 12. After seeing “Monica,” the new film by Italian writer-director Andrea Pallaoro, I’m sure opinions will be divided. Shot in a narrow aspect ratio and composed almost entirely of static shots, “Monica” could be dismissed as a chilly exercise in rigid formalism.…
Love, Hope, and ‘Hadestown’: J. Antonio Rodriguez on the power of connection in Louisville
This story comes to LEO through our partnership with Audience Magazine: Your Performing Arts Connection. In the world of theater, it is rare to find a production that transcends time, space, and cultural barriers, speaking to the hearts of audiences with a profound message of love and hope. “Hadestown,” the critically acclaimed musical that reimagines an…
The Sonic Sundays concert series hosted by Copper & Kings will kick off on Sunday, May 21.
Sonic Sundays will occur on the third Sunday of every month and have a different performer for each concert. The series will run from May to September. It will have food and drinks from Copper & Kings alongside yard games, vendors, and of course, live music. The series will begin with local psychedelic rock band…
Vernon Lanes Hosts Silent Disco And Teacher Appreciation Night
Get your headphones, get ready to dance and celebrate your educators and school administrators Saturday, May 20 at Vernon Lanes for a silent disco and teacher appreciation night. The event begins at 9 p.m. and lasts until 1 a.m. For those not in the know, a silent disco offers attendees the opportunity to put on…
Highview Arts Center To Host “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” A Jukebox Musical With ‘50s/’60s Songs
Next month, Highview Arts Center will host a production of “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” a jukebox musical with ‘50s and ‘60s songs like “It’s My Party,” “Mr. Sandman,” and “Stupid Cupid.” The show is about a group of high schoolers who perform at their senior prom in 1958 amidst “the ups and downs of high school,…
Art Sanctuary Fundraiser Will Help Kentuckians Gain Access To Abortion And Trans Healthcare
Wear what brings you joy, and help to deliver abortion access and gender-affirming healthcare tomorrow to Kentuckians in need of assistance at Art Sanctuary’s KHJN | FAT Gala, May 19, 6-11 p.m., at 1433 South Shelby Street. The event is named for both the Kentucky Health Justice Network (KHJN) and Fund-A-Thon (FAT), a nationwide fundraising…
John Yarmuth: ‘Denny Crum Had A Heart The Size Of A Basketball, The Competitive Spirit Of A Gladiator…’
Today’s LEO Weekly readers would not recognize much of the first issue of what was then called simply “LEO,” published 33 years ago. There’s one name they would recognize, however: Denny Crum, the University of Louisville icon who passed away last week at the age of 86. When I decided to start a new publication…
Louisville Film Society and Speed Cinema to Co-Host 2023 Short Film Slam
The Louisville Film Society and the Speed Art Museum will present the 2023 Short Film Slam on Thursday, May 18, showcasing the short films of varying genres by local filmmakers and directors. The Louisville Film Society was established in 2007 and partners with different organizations like the Speed Art Museum and The Kentucky Center to…
Thriving Through Collaboration: A Q&A With Banditos Bassist Stephen Pierce
With a genre-spanning sound that scrapes aspects of every style under the Americana umbrella, the band Banditos is a kaleidoscopic country-adjacent garage rock outfit that mixes its formula through thoughtful and inclusive collaborative from the six members. Bassist — and one of the songwriters — Stephen Pierce told LEO that building songs is an equal…
It’s A Sneaker Mecca at Snkr Culture Louisville This Weekend
Yo sneaker obsessives! Peruse rows of sneakers and apparel from 150 vendors from across the U.S. during the Snkr Culture Louisville show Saturday, May 20, 12-5 p.m., at Kentucky Exposition Center (937 Phillips Ln). It’s billed as a “Buy, Sell, Trade & Network”event, so bring your best sneaker game and get ready to barter and…
Louisville Author Lydia P. Brownlow Debuts Sci-fi Young Adult Novel “Vermillion Sunrise”
Vermilion Sunrise, a YA science fiction story, is Lydia P. Brownlow’s debut novel. Growing up in Louisville, she was a bookworm who loved science. It’s not surprising that her first foray into writing was in the science fiction genre, but it wasn’t a straight line from one to the other. I spoke with Lydia about…
Love Food And Dining? Make Food Justice A Part Of Your Diet
If you love good food, cooking and dining out as much as I do, allow me to invite you to make the food justice movement part of your culinary life, too. Um, what is food justice? Good question. Let’s start with a definition. Here’s a good one from Boston University’s Community Service Center: What Is…
The SUPERLIST of Louisville comedy for May 17
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, May 17 7 p.m. — Open Audition for Improv Anonymous, Fern Valley Strike & Spare. 7:30 p.m. —…
Nothing Shocking: Kentucky’s Beshear And Cameron Sail To Primary Wins Over Opponents, Will Face Off In Fall
Kentucky Primary Day has come and gone. No surprises as Daniel Cameron beat 11 other GOP candidates, including nemesis Kelly “I’m BFFs With Jack Harlow” Craft and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, who seemed to have outperformed Craft when the race was called for Cameron. The final vote tally will take more time. As expected, Cameron…
The Big Stomp Festival Announces Its 2023 Lineup
Help to “stomp the stigma” of mental health at The Big Stomp on August 18 and 19. Local, national and emerging acts covering several genres — from rock and bluegrass to electronica and more — will take the stage for two days on a 90-acre nature preserve in Louisville near the Parklands (8401 Dawson Hill…
Tony And Grammy Winner Hadestown Opening At The Kentucky Center
Tony and Grammy-award winning musical “Hadestown” will open Tuesday, May 16 at The Kentucky Center (501 West Main Street). The show is part of the Broadway Across America national tour. Hadestown has been described as “spellbinding” by Variety and “an affirmation of art’s transformative power” by Rolling Stone. The show is a retelling of two…
Louisville Zoo Welcomes New Red Panda
This morning, the Louisville Zoo celebrated the arrival of the red panda Sundara, also called Sunny D. The one-year-old male, whose species is endangered, came from the Kansas City Zoo and is the first red panda at the Louisville Zoo since the 1970s. His current home is in Glacier Run, inside an exhibit space that…
Afro-Beat And Baba Commandant And The Mandingo Band Playing At The Whirling Tiger May 17
Coming from the Republic of Burkina Faso, Baba Commandant and the Mandingo Band will be stopping in Louisville tomorrow, Wednesday, May 17 for a show at Whirling Tiger (1335 Story Ave.). The band will offer Louisville a taste of their fusion Musique Mandingue and afro-beat style. The band is touring in support of their new…
Tuesday Tracklist: (5/16)
In this weekly feature, a different LEO staff member will share 7-10 of the songs they’ve got on repeat right now, with one caveat: about half of those songs have to be by local artists. (Songs by Louisville artists are marked with an asterisk.) Got a track that you think we’d like? Let us know…
OneWest Chef Accelerator Gore’s SmokeOut BBQ Now Open
OneWest held a grand opening for Gore’s SmokeOut BBQ on Friday, May 12 as part of its accelerator program in the West End. OneWest is a community nonprofit that works to grow the West End of Louisville through neighborhood revitalization and to improve economic and job development. Their vision is to create vibrant buildings to…
New ‘Bourbon City’ Campaign Finally Makes Louisville Look Cool
It’s time for a new tourism push for Louisville and this time it’s “Bourbon City,” but not in a way that’s been done before. This time, Louisville is offered in direct contrast to the nearby rolling hills, bourbon barrels and horse farms. This “Bourbon City” is a classy, diverse, urban landscape with swanky bars and…
10 Things Under $10 To Do in Louisville This Week (5/15-5/18)
MONDAY, MAY 15 Louisville Mandolin Orchestra Anchorage Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 11403 Park Road Free | 7 p.m. Catch the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra tonight for a free show. This acoustic ensemble includes mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, guitars and bass instruments, performing everything from baroque and renaissance music to modern-day and classical compositions. Movies at Middletown Louisville Free…
Pandora Productions Closes Its Season With “It Shoulda Been You”
Dedicated to telling the stories of LGBTQ+ community, Pandora Productions is now performing its final show of the season. “It Shoulda Been You,” adapted from the original Broadway musical production, will be performed through May 27 at the Henry Clay Theatre (604 South Third Street). The play is a comedic take about a Jewish and…
Actors Theatre Introduces Its 2023-2024 Season
The playbill is live! World-renowned Theater Company Actors Theatre of Louisville is announcing its 2023-2024 fall and spring season this morning. The programming has a heavy focus on honoring and portraying diversity and humanity. Or as a recent release from Actors Theatre relayed, it is a “Storytelling (r)Evolution.” “The artistic collaborators and projects are each…
A Bloody Weekend For Horses And People: Which Will See Change?
Seven horses died at Churchill Downs over the Kentucky Derby celebration weeks — a bloody marker for a historic event. Two of those horses died on Derby Day. The deaths of so many creatures piqued the public outcry against an industry that is flush with cash but struggling to make sense of itself in this…
3 Concerts To Catch In Louisville This Weekend (5/12-5/14)
FRIDAY, MAY 12 THROWBACK THURSDAY at The Enchanted Forest (21+) Enchanted Forest (45 W. 1st St., New Albany, IN) $10 | 8 p.m. If you know the lyrics to songs like “Ocean Avenue” and “Welcome to the Black Parade” and “Face Down” by heart, this one’s for you. The band Throwback Thursday plays emo/pop punk…
Surface Noise Records To Host Advance Base on Saturday, May 20
Advance Base, the musical project of Chicago native Owen Ashworth, will play at Surface Noise Records this Saturday at 7 p.m. The project is described as having an “electric,” “soft rock” and “lo-fi” sound. Ashworth released his most recent self-written album as Advance Base, “Animal Companionship,” in 2018. His latest release, 2021’s “Wall of Tears…
5 Things To Do In And Around Louisville This Weekend (5/12-5/14)
SATURDAY, MAY 13 Southern Indiana Renaissance Faire Fantasy Weekend Birdsell Castle (6900 Dave Carr Rd., Charlestown, IN) $15-$35 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. There shall be merriment and mirth this weekend as guests watch jousting, juggling, music, Punch & Judy puppetry, falconry, and more. Dress in thy fantasy finest. (Check out LEO’s gallery of…
Old Louisville Showcases Its Beauty During 11th Annual Springfest
Gorgeous architecture. Victorian homes. Stained glass windows. Dogwoods, azaleas and beautifully manicured walking paths. “Old Louisville,” is a historic corridor near the University of Louisville, encompassing 48 blocks of the city. It is also the largest preservation district in the city, the third largest in the nation, and the largest Victorian district in the United…
Louisville Ale Trail Wins A Global Crushie Award For Best Beer Trail
Louisville is on the map, and this time, it’s not for bourbon, the Derby or as a top tourist or Airbnb destination. This time, it’s for beer. The Louisville Ale Trail received a “Crushie” — the highest honors available in the competition — as the Best Beer Trail during the Craft Beer Marketing Awards (CBMA).…
The Oracle: What’s In Store?
LEO is dedicated to bringing you engaging, fun, and unique content that crosses many spectrums. From our sister paper in Tampa, Creative Loafing, we’re happy to share the Oracle of Ybor, written by Caroline DeBruhl. Here you may submit your questions about life, and the tarot will help to guide your answers. Got a question…
Listen Local: New Local Music
The BasementsStrange Noises EP One thing I love about our punk scene here in Louisville is that it’s not a bunch of bands trying to sound like each other or any other bands, instead all doing their own thing their own way. Case in point: The Basements, who at least to my knowledge, don’t sound…
Round the Fire: The Goal is Soul
My father brought our family to Fort Knox in 1974, when I was five years old. He felt that the area was a great place to raise kids. Radcliff, where Fort Knox is located, is an area filled with families from everywhere in America and around the world through marriages that have been given a…
The SUPERLIST Of Louisville Comedy For May 10
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, May 10 7:30 p.m. — Laughs In The Lounge Comedy Open Mic…
Twin Limb Is Reuniting For Poorcastle: We caught up with the band before their upcoming performance
In the mid-to-late 2010s, Twin Limb’s captivating psychedelic sound that melted dark, melancholy folk with magnetic, freewheeling indie pop made them one of the most unique and celebrated bands in Louisville. Now, after a hiatus of several years, Twin Limb is set to play a reunion show at the locally-focused three-day music festival Poorcastle, which…
A Workaround For An Almost Flowerless State
“If you ever want to accomplish something that is both tricky and ingenious, ask a stoner. We have been coming up with new tech and new tools for consumption, since forever.” – Mayor Wando Kentucky Medical cannabis users are going to find themselves in a bit of a cannabis quandary. One of the early drafts…
Anoosh Bistro Delights As Always
Between the budget impact of the pandemic and the time most of us spent hiding in our houses, I haven’t been to many fancy, upscale restaurants lately. Did I say “lately?” Let’s say I might have had one, maybe two, pricey dinners out since March 2020! I imagine a lot of you are in a…
Mage Timing
Zach Street struck gold in his first Kentucky Derby. The native of Nashville, TN., cashed a ticket worth more than $3,000. For Street it was simple — all he did was pick Mage to win. Mage surged down the stretch to win the 149th Derby on May 6, earning trainer Gustavo Delgado, Sr., and jockey…
Cultura Philippines Brings Together Traditional Dance, History And Culture In Upcoming Events
Local dance group Cultura Philippines will showcase traditional folk dance from the Philippines and modern music from Filipino American artists at two upcoming events. The shows occur in conjunction with Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month — an annual celebration of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The first chance to see the group is…
Summer Preview: What We’re Looking Forward To This Summer
Camping with Boo My best plan for any season is to typically have no plans at all! This summer there are a few, starting with concerts and festivals where there are jam bands. I am most excited to hit the road with my boyfriend in the camper van he’s been working so hard to outfit,…
Tim Sullivan On The Death of Legendary UofL Basketball Coach Denny Crum: ‘He Made Louisville Walk Taller’
Coach Denny Crum Passed Away Tuesday, May 9. He was an original member of the LEO editorial team with Founder John Yarmuth. Louisville is better because of Denny Crum. With Denny Crum, it took a backseat to nobody. If other places were more popular or more prosperous, better blessed by history or by happenstance, Crum…
TheatreWorks Of Southern Indiana To Pause And Seek New Location
TheatreWorks of Southern Indiana is taking a brief hiatus. Co-founder Chris Bundy, along with artistic director Jason Roseberry, who holds a doctorate in leadership, and managing director (and resident music director) Hannegan Roseberry, recently announced the company will pause as it considers its next steps, which include leaving its current physical location. The company began…
Tuesday Tracklist: King Buffalo, Bad Wires, Letters Of Acceptance, The Response And More (5/9)
In this weekly feature, a different LEO staff member will share 7-10 of the songs they’ve got on repeat right now with one caveat: about half of those songs have to be by local artists. (Songs by Louisville artists are marked with an asterisk.) Got a track that you think we’d like? Let us know…
Some Kentucky Lawmakers Want To Tackle Gun Violence Through A Public Health Lens
This story is by the Kentucky Lantern, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. More of Kentucky Lantern’s work can be found at https://kentuckylantern.com. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. This story mentions suicide and gun violence. If you or someone you know…
Hosparus Health’s New Grief Counseling Center Breaks Ground Tomorrow
Hosparus Health will hold the groundbreaking ceremony for its $4 million Grief Counseling Center project on Wednesday, May 10, 10 a.m., at 3532 Ephraim McDowell Dr. The space will allow Hosparus Health, a nonprofit care provider for those with serious illness, to further assist community members coping with grief. The 7,000-square-foot facility will include offices…
