Starting up the Caravan
When Hayes Carll takes the stage at Phoenix Hill Tavern (644 Baxter Ave.) on Dec. 9, the show will symbolize more than a celebration of Americana — it’s the return of a series that’s long been dormant.
In 2002, the nonprofit organization Blue Sky Kentucky launched the Americana Caravan Series, but after six shows, the group lost money and was forced to take an extended hiatus to pay off its debts.
Greg Handy, the group’s president and former Alderman, says those days are long gone; Blue Sky has been debt-free since 2005.
It’s wading slowly back into the concert business: Blue Sky booked danny flanigan, John Mann, Tim Krekel, Nate Thumas and Wayne Young for the 2007 and 2008 St. James Art Fair.
“There’s a wealth of talent in this town, and you don’t have to look too far,” Handy says.
Doors for Hayes Carll and John Evans Band are at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.
Watson Memorial Jam
Dan Kilian will be among the many musicians paying tribute to the late Mark Watson this Saturday at the Highlands’ Wick’s (975 Baxter Ave.; 458-1828).
Watson, who died in September in Tampa, Fla., was a longtime Louisville musician whose resume included bands like The Marks, The Uglies and Tempus Fugit.
Doo Wop
Doo Wop Shop’s Highlands location (1587 Bardstown Road; 456-5250) quietly reopened Nov. 24, and there are plans for a grand reopening but no date has been set.
The music store’s insurance company has agreed to pay to renovate the building and replace all rental items that were damaged in a Sept. 3 fire. No one was injured.
LEO Music ’Cast
John King discusses the making of the David Bowie Ziggy Stardust tribute album, which features more than a dozen local artists covering the entire record. Listen at leoweekly.com or myspace.com/leoweekly
This article appears in December 3, 2008.