Hello, Hiatus: Off to Bonnaroo '09 and then Newfoundland, ho!

Well, Mama is mostly packed and ready to head out to her third consecutive Bonnaroo. I'll do my best to post from the festival-- probably more like glorified tweets than actual posts, seeing I'll be working on an iPod touch. But right after Bonnaroo, I take off for Newfoundland and Labrador, and while I'm there, I'm afraid Loueyville.com will fall silent til sometime in July.

We'll miss you! But it's a much needed and-- if I do say so myself-- much deserved vacation!

In the meantime, enjoy the Flyover Film Fest, Better than Ezra at 4th Street, Superman at the midnight Baxter movies, and all the other lovely things your city has to offer you in June.

Looking forward to getting back in touch when I get home!

Kisses,
Lou

No Maker's Mark at O'Shea's Family of Pubs

Here at Loueyville HQ, we love our bourbon. In fact, when weighing moving to Louisville, we put bourbon in the "pro" column of our pro/con list.

This week Roommate, who is becoming a regular ol' investigative reporter for Loueyville.com (who can forget his crack correspondence with Magnolia Films?), got to the bottom... or well, the middle at least... of a Maker's Mark mystery.

We love our Maker's Mark. And last week we discovered that Flanagan's on Bardstown doesn't carry the bourbon. When we asked the bartender, we got a cryptic reply involving the Maker's Mark bar on Fourth Street Live.

Roommate took matters in his own hands and wrote the Maker's Mark folks: "I discovered something disturbing the other night. Several bars along Bardstown Rd in Louisville, several of my favorite hangouts in my neighborhood, aren't serving Maker's Mark. The bartenders told me it had something to do with the Maker's Mark bar/restaurant on the embarrassing 4th St Live complex. Surely this can't be. And yet, several very busy bars (much busier than Maker's on 4th St) are not serving Maker's Mark at the moment."

While the MM folks did not confirm nor deny the rumor that the O'Shea's/Flanagan's folks refusal to carry the bourbon had anything to do with 4th street, Emily Reid, the Maker's Mark Ambassador Coordinator, did offer this response:

"...Mr. O'Shea won't budge. At this point it's nothing personal, but he made up his mind not to serve Maker's - we extended the olive branch several times but you'll not find Maker's at Flannigan's, O'Shea's, or Brendan's in St Matthews. Good places to find it? Molly Malone's, Gerstle's and just about everywhere else :) FYI - Flannigan's has the best pizza in town. His ban on MM won't make me stop eating (or drinking) there ha ha!"

This doesn't clear up the mystery, exactly-- if you have a further scoop, send it along. But thanks to Roommate for following up on this rumor, and thanks to Ms. Reid for the scoop on Flanagan's pizza-- who knew? Would be nice to marry good bourbon with good pizza someday.

Baxter Avenue Summer Midnight Movies

Just got back from seeing UP at Baxter Ave Theaters. Three out of the past four movies I've seen lately have been animated AND in 3-D. I'm still not 100% behind this whole 3-D thing; I hate the glasses. They itch behind my ears, and they fog up... when you cry.

UP is SAD, my people. SAD, sad, sad, very sad. The only thing sadder than sad old people are sad kids. UP has 'em both. Check and check.

I'm a s-u-c-k-e-r when it comes to sad kids' movies though.

I bawled in the middle of LILO and STITCH when Stitch is lost in the middle of the woods and lies down and cries, "I want my family!" in his wistful little hummy voice. At the beginning of the LION KING (surprisingly not when Dad bites it), I always, without fail, cry when they lift the baby Simba up and all the creatures bow. And I cried so hard during The MARCH OF THE PENGUINS that the little girl in front of me asked her mom if she thought "that lady was going to be okay."

Luckily, it looks like none of Baxter's Splodin' Summer Series of Midnight Movies are tear jerkers (because I get more weepy the more tired I am). Here's the schedule, kids:

• June 13: Superman (1978)
• June 27: Heavy Metal
• July 4: Independence Day
• July 11: Batman (1989)
• August 8: Masters of the Universe
• August 22: Grindhouse
• August 29: North by Northwest

All great movies on the big screen-- none that get my knickers in a knot, though. Only Superman... and I'll be at Bonnaroo for that.

Just thought I'd share. A mediocre movie at midnight is better than no movie at midnight at all.

Writers Retreat Workshop: A Novelist's Best Bet... and so close!

Once upon a time, Lou lived in New York City for five years (actually, four years then a break and then another year). Do you know how long it took Lou to get to the Empire State Building? She went the last day she lived there during her first four year stint. Do you know how long it took Lou to get to Coney Island? She visited the last week before she left for good. Do you know how long it took Lou to get to the Statue of Liberty? She saw it once, from a distance. Do you know how long it took Lou to get to the Twin Towers (yeah, they were still there)? She never did.

All of this is just to say that sometimes Lou has great stuff in her back yard, and she just... never gets around to it.

Such is the case with the Writers Retreat Workshop. WRW has been a huge part of my life for the past seven years, ever since I first attended in 2002. Many of my bestest friends are folks I met through WRW, and Roommate is the Big Kahuna of the program. And though I've linked to WRW, I've never actually written about it... even though it's right in our back yard.

The Writers Retreat Workshop was founded by Gary Provost in 1987 and has been held in May/June in Erlanger, KY at the Marydale Retreat Center for the past umpteen years. It is a 10-day workshop for novelists who are seriously committed to honing their craft and getting their manuscripts ready for submission. This year, for the first time, WRW is being held twice-- it's going on right now and another session will take place August 22-30.

This is not a workshop for the hobby writer. This is Boot Camp. You will be worn out and ragged after ten days. But as Mellencamp says, it hurts so good. The program maxes out at around 30 writers, so there is tons of individual attention. During your stay, you'll study under published and accomplished writers, you'll have chances to meet with editors and agents, and you'll have a hell of a good time during the little downtime you're able to snag.

Writers who have served as students, instructors, or guest lecturers over the past few years: Nancy Pickard, TJ McGregor, Michael Palmer, Jennifer Cruisie, Jack Getze, Kimberly Frost, Ayelet Waldman, Christine Goff, Janet Chapman, Arthur Golden, Donald Maass, Gregory McDonald...

Back in 2002, I won the program's Robin Hardy Scholarship-- a full scholarship for a new attendee. This year's scholarship winner is another Louisvillager (I wasn't a Louisvillager at the time when I won). Winning that scholarship is easily in the top ten list of best things that's ever happened to me. I've attended three or four WRWs since then-- sometimes just dropping in to take a few classes and visit with friends (I'm lucky enough to be in good with the Big Kahuna. Most people can't do this.) And every time I go, I learn more great stuff and make more great friends.

That scholarship application for August is open until June 5. If you're a novelist and serious about buckling down and becoming the best writer you can be, this is something you should shoot for. And even if you don't win, it's an awesome investment. Once you've been to one WRW, you are part of an incredibly supportive, smart, and dynamic family. I'm so thankful I stumbled upon the program online in 2002. It changed my writing and it changed my life.

Bonnaroo Tix Have Arrived! Let Summer of Awesome Adventures Begin!

Ah... Bonnaroo. This is year three for me & Roommate.

On the surface, Bonnaroo seems like the most un-Lou thing in the world:

• I don't do drugs. And neither should you. (PSA brought to you by the "Ask Me About My Other Vices Coalition of America")
  
  
• Despite the fact that I'm a liberal wing-nut, I don't particularly enjoy the company of hippies. (All that hula-hooping and hacky sacking and juggling sticks stuff makes me nuts.)
  
  
• I am crowd-phobic. And I have a particular aversion to drinking in crowded places. (After my first day of drinking at New Orleans Jazz Fest, I never had another drink at Jazz Fest in the other seven years that I went. Booze + crowds + sun = freakout!)
  
  
• I despise jam bands. (A twenty minute drum solo?? Really??)

But I do love my 'Roo. I do love camping. I do love any excuse to be dirty. (Yeah, take that however you want to, dear reader.) There are few things I love more than good music outdoors. I love the (overpriced) food. I love the marketplace, even the stalls that sell the strange hippy shit. I do love drinking back at the tent, listening to bands in the distance. I do love the people watching. It's all good. It's all fantastic.

But 'Roo '09 is just stop one in Lou's Summer of Awesome Adventures. The day after we get home from Bonnaroo, I'm hopping a plane to Halifax, Nova Scotia where I will be meeting up with a friend that I haven't seen in probably fifteen years to accompany him on a road trip through Newfoundland and Labrador.

Have we been in touch all these fifteen years? Uh, no. Am I basically taking a two week roadtrip with a Facebook Friend? Uh, yes. That's why it's called an Adventure.

What's the worst that could happen? (Rest assured, we have many mutual friends, all of whom attest that he's not a crazy ax murderer. Phew.)

Then we're back in the Ville for the month of July and then off on a solo road trip up the East Coast from Baltimore to Boston and beyond. Thelma and Louise without the Louise and without the whole-driving-a-car-off-a-cliff thing.

Why is Mama filling you in on her summer plans now? Because the Summer of Awesome Adventures officially begins in around six hours. (Cue: "School's Out for Summer!") Woo Hoo!

I'm looking for local adventures, too! I'll keep you posted!

You've got your Lebowski Fest in my Bonnaroo!

No, you’ve got your Bonnaroo in my Lebowski Fest!

 

I love it when great things come together!  The Lebowski Fest guys are having a Movie Party (twice) in Bonnaroo’s Cinema Tent.  They promise “shenanigans.”

 

The what-have-you will occur on June 13 & June 14 at 3pm.

 

Rock on.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LOU!

Dang. I missed it. It was yesterday. Sigh.

Anyway, fair readers, happy two years of Loueyville.com!!

It’s been fun. We’ve been through a lot together. Thanks for being there when I needed you, and thanks for sticking around during my sometimes long absences.

My hopes for the next year: less personal drama, more time to get out and about to enjoy my favorite city, more new friends, and… more press releases!! (You know how Mama loves her press releases)

Party over. Back to work. No biggie: Lou doesn’t like cake anyway.

Party Without Me: Waterfront Wednesday and DCE Afterparty

Mama double-booked herself for this coming Wednesday and is none too pleased. That means I'm going to have to miss Waterfront Wednesdays, my "happiest day of the month," and will have to probably miss the afterparty at Derby City Espresso.

I know squat about the Meat Puppets, but I'm just sad to miss the festivities in general-- WW is never a bad time. And Matt at DCE is featuring Slithering Beast and $1 PBRs starting at 10pm. Sounds like a great night for someone-- just not me!

Other stuff Mama's going to miss later this summer: June's Waterfront Wednesday... sniffles... and the June 26th Better than Ezra show at 4th Street Live. Heartbroken!! My first real vacation in two years or staying home and seeing WW and Better than Ezra? Sorry, kiddos. I'll take the wilds of the Atlantic coast of Canada, thank you. Have fun without me!

Southern Belles: Louisville, premiere. Our Fair City!

A blue million years ago, a friend and I road-tripped cross-country from NYC to Phoenix. While we were in Phoenix, we went to this crazy faux-diner chain restaurant called Ed Debevic's (little did we know that there was one in NYC at the time). It was one of those places where the wait staff is purposely rude to you and the line chefs hop up on the counter and danced to "YMCA" whenever the juke box played it. At Ed Debevic's (there are still two in Illinois), I purchased a bumper sticker that said, "Who Hired All These Crazy People?"

Then a couple years later, I hung it up in my office because it was suddenly funny. "Who Hired All These Crazy People?" Because I hired all those crazy people. Get it?

Right.

So I'm thinking that the producer of "Southern Belles: Louisville" has that bumper sticker hanging in his/her office. Heck, I'm thinking every reality show producer needs that bumper sticker. "Southern Belles" doesn't stray from the formula.

"Southern Belles: Louisville" premiered on SoapNet on Thu, May 21. It follows Emily, Hadley, Julie, Kellie, and Shea-- five friends from Louisville. The tagline is: "Southern tradition meets modern ambition."

I don't know where to begin except to thank the producers of the show for making our fair city look super good. Seriously. And not only does Louisville look good, it's the Louisville I know, for the most part. (Okay, all the high society stuff, not so much). Good job, location scouts! Good job. (One day last fall, Roommate & I were at Jenicca's-- sniff, still miss that place-- as they were getting ready to shoot there.)

The five friends... they probably shouldn't be thanking the producers. I'll just leave it at that.

Of course I'm going to keep watching it. Though I'm not a fan (quite the opposite) of reality TV, I can't not watch. But rather than comment on the plot, I'll stick to the city. Next week, I'll make notes on Louisville locales featured in the show. I didn't think to do it with the premier. Off the top of my head, familiar sites included:

• O'Shea's (where they held the premiere party last Thursday)
• Heine Brothers (I think the Eastern Parkway/Bardstown one)
  
• Kentucky Derby Museum (where they held a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen fund and raised a paltry $3K)
• Clodhoppers
• Audubon Country Club
  
• A skating rink-- I think it's Alpine on Gardiner Lane
• The pawn shop across from the now-defunct Karma Cafe (exterior only)
  

DEWEY, the New York Times Bestseller by Louisvillager Brett Witter

Cross-posted from Lou Reads, my book review site.

I have an awesome idea for an animal book. It's very vague; I'm still looking for inspiration. But the general gist of it would be this: the book would be about an animal like a giant tortoise or a parrot, a tortoise or a parrot that is inspiring and brave and gentle and kind... AND LIVES FOR-FRICKING-EVER. Seriously, either of those animals are bound to outlive their owners. And most importantly, those animals are bound to live all the way THROUGH the end of their memoirs. The book could end: "And as I finish this book, I look out the window at Timmy the Life-Saving Tortoise, watching him carefully masticating a big bunch of kale, and I know that he has many, many years of good living ahead."

I'm just saying... I'd read it.

In a recent blog post I said that the fact that I was reading and enjoying DEWEY: THE SMALL-TOWN LIBRARY CAT WHO TOUCHED THE WORLD by Vicky Myron and Louisvillager Brett Witter was evidence that I am not as jaded and cynical as I maybe thought I was. And the fact that I enjoyed it all the way through confirmed that.

I didn't pick up the book because I am a pet lover. I have no pets of my own-- my lifestyle isn't condusive to pet mothering. But early readers of Loueyville may remember that the blog was named after a neighborhood stray cat, Louey, who hung out on my porch. After disappearing several times for months at a time, he got sick and had to be put down, and I was devastated. Now a neighbor's cat has claimed me as his part-time mother, and he comes and goes as he pleases. But that doesn't make me a cat person. (Methinks the lady dost protest too much... )

I picked up the book because shortly after we moved to Louisville, Roomie and I met Brett Witter and his family and some of their friends, and despite the fact that we all hit it off, we didn't really keep in touch. And then, two plus years later, DEWEY happened. And this really nice guy we had a really nice dinner with suddenly became a HUGE publishing success. So I had to get my hands on this book.

I admit, I was skeptical when I bought it. Just because something is a New York Times Bestseller doesn't mean it's any good (TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, anyone?). But within a page, I was assured that this was no soft-read, fluff, glorified Hallmark card. The introduction of the book, called "Welcome to Iowa," is such a magnificently rendered description of a very foreign-seeming place that if I were still teaching a writing class, I would give it to my students as a gorgeous example of "setting." I didn't hesistate to plow forth.

Around thirty pages into the book, after Dewey the library cat shows up on the scene as an abandoned, nearly dying, frozen kitten and is nursed back to health by Vicky and the other librarians, I started to worry. How the heck are the authors going to get 240+ more pages of cat life out of this story? Cat makes friends. Cat has adversaries. Cat has quirks. Is there really more than 240 pages worth of that stuff to tell?

No. There's not. But that's not what this book ends up being about. Cat friends, adversaries, and quirks are entertwined with Vicky's family's story and with the story of the small, suffering town of Spencer, Iowa. And those stories are just microcosms for the struggles of the farm belt and small manufacturing towns everywhere. Whether it's Wal-Mart showing up in town or the card catalogue being replaced by computers, change sometimes steamrolls over the town and sometimes pushes the town forward. But Dewey is the constant.

DEWEY is a lovely book. It is a soft-read, but it's not fluff. It's exceptionally well-written. If you love books or love the rural Midwest or love cats, the book has something for you.

Take Me Out To the Paaaark!!!!

Every time I go to a Bats game, I get confounded at the 7th inning stretch. I'm a 4th generation Red Sox fan. As they say in my former neck of the woods: "Some people are Christian, some people are Jewish; I'm a Red Sox Fan." And I love base ball and all its trappings. So when the Jumbotron at Slugger Field plays the official words to "Take me out to the Ballgame," I am bulloxed up by the line "Take me out with the crowd!" I SWEAR, at Fenway, the lyrics are sung: "Take me out to the Paaaarrrkk!"

Anybunny know for sure? Or is this just a Mama thing. Because back when she was a wee wee girl she also thought the line "If we don't win it's a shame" was "If we don't win it's a SHAVE." A shave. It made total sense to me. Like: "if we don't win, it must have been a very close (like a shave) game."

Mama's got to get herself to another Bats game. Seems like she has good mojo working this year: seen two games, seen two wins. And out Louisville Bats are on a bit of a losing streak. This should be a beautiful weekend for a game (or two) vs. Syracuse. But starting on Monday, the Bats have a series with the Pawtucket Red Sox, and my loyalties suddenly become a bit muddy.

I think next time I go, I'll get the Rally's Grand Slam Deal so I can get a free hat. I think the math is pretty excellent:

Ticket $6 <-- dirt cheapest rate
Hot Dog $2.50
Soda $3
Program $2
Rally's Burger $2 (?? never been to Rally's??)
= Hat for $2.50

In other Slugger Field news, Browning's has re-opened-- I'm, like, the last person to blog about it. But I'm hearing mixed reviews.

Dog Day at the Park is coming up June 9. Bring your pup, and you get in for $6 and Rolf gets in for $3. I am pupless, but I may have to check out the general chaos.

Also, on Sunday July 12, Christian Rockers Tenth Avenue North are playing at Slugger Field, if you're into that sort of thing. (I am not) Tickets MUST be ordered by July 1.

Play Ball, y'all!

Newy-ville!! Soft Publishing of New Look

Mama's never been known for her patience. I just had a great meeting today with John Wurth of Hatch Creative. Thanks to John and his recession-friendly pricing, Mama has a brand new logo. Or as I told him, "It's not a NEW logo. It's a LOGO!!"

I was going to try to hold out for another week-- our blog birthday is May 27-- before debuting the new look, but I couldn't help but rush home and futz around with stuff and now that I have it just like I want it....

So, whaddaya think??? Isn't she PURTY? I just love, love, love the logo. And I just loved, loved, loved working with John at Hatch. Bless his little heart, I wrote him a letter that was basically caveman-ese: "Me want acorn. Me want cute. Me want retro-ish. Me want perky. Me want cheap." And viola!!! A cute, retro-ish, perky acorn with way more character than I ever envisioned. Heavens to Betsy, I'm pleased. (I'm doing a little happy dance in my chair right now).

So, early happy birthday to Lou!! We'll be a-tweakin' over the next week, but enjoy the new look now.

And Hatch's "Pay What You Feel" pricing lasts only til July 1st, so hop on it! According to their site: "From now until July 1st, we’re letting you tell us what you are willing to spend on our services, whether it be redesigning your website, creating a new brochure, designing a print ad, product photography, or setting your company up on Facebook or Twitter." Love them, love them, love them!! Good Loueyvillagers!

Wednesday Afternoon Randomness

Happy Wednesday, boys and girls! How can you not be chipper on a day as beautiful as this? It’s a good day to be a Loueyvillager. Here’s some Wednesday Afternoon Randomness for you.

· Lou over at Louisville.com [ahem, THIS Lou raises her broadsword over her head and bellows: “THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!! Then she puts it down because she’s a lover not a fighter]** has awesome coverage of the free concerts being offered at the KY State Fair this year. Highlights include Peter Frampton (9/20), the Oak Ridge Boys (8/23), and Mama’s favorite on the list: The Wallflowers (8/28). I was skeptical that Jakob Dylan was still touring with his old band, but it looks like he is. Check out Lou’s [“ONLY ONE!!”] write up here.

· Michelle at Consuming Louisville has a great post today informing all veterans, current members of the armed services, and spouses of deployed military personnel that they can eat free (up to $30) at Avalon on Bardstown Road on Memorial Day. What a nice thing for Avalon to do! Good Loueyvillagers!

· Speaking of Ms. Michelle, her book drive continues.

· Speaking of stuff I’ve spoken of before, a reminder that there’s all kinds of theater goodness going down this weekend (in addition to all kinds of music goodness—Reggae AND the Beatles? Methinks the city’s pot dealers will be living XL after this weekend.). Miranda Branson Branson Miranda continues. As does Bent & I am My Own Wife. I was lucky enough to catch BENT last weekend, and it was awesome. Very powerful. Bring a hankie.

· Having coffee today with Hatch Creative to go over Lou’s new look. Big, mushy, “I love you, man” sort of post about Hatch Creative coming soon. Seriously. Love them!

That’s all for me for now. Have a beautiful Wednesday!

Sunday Afternoon Randomness

Yeah, sure, I have real work that I could be doing, but it's a bright sunshiny Sunday, and I have zero motivation juice. So here's some mostly NTDWL randomness for you:

• Bri Tunes: Roommate and I had a great goofy time checking out Brian Williams' new music blog. Yes, that Brian Williams, from MSNBC. The first interview is with Deer Tick from Brooklyn, and if you've ever longed to hear Brian Williams utter the phrase "Give it to Me Right" check out his introductory blog. Made me go a little bit wobbly in the knees. Brian Williams = another Loueyville crush.
  
• Carla's AT Experience: Follow my kick-ass, tough cookie friend as she walks the Appalachian Trail alone. Gorgeous pictures and a very thorough log of the journey. Carla's doing this right.
  
• The Bonnaroo Schedule is out! No overlapping artists that will break my heart. I always get a bit nervous when first looking at the schedule. Sometimes they do stupid shit like pitching Bruce Springsteen against Elvis Costello (they didn't, but it wouldn't have suprised me). Looking most forward to the 1:00AM Nine Inch Nails show, honestly. For those of you 'Rooing this year, my hot tip is the Low Anthem at 10pm on Thursday night. The Low Anthem opened for Lisa Hannigan at the 930 Social concert. As I sat in the audience, I downloaded their album Oh My God Charlie Darwin. Great stuff.
  
• On a personal note, I just celebrated my one year Cancerversary-- diagnosed May 7, 2008. I can't believe how much has happened this year, but it's really flown by. Last year, I went to Bonnaroo 2008 just 12 days after my bilateral mastectomy. I'm looking forward to going to a 'Roo that I will likely REMEMBER-- I was so hopped up on (legal) drugs last year. The one moment burned into my brain from 'Roo08 is Pearl Jam singing "Alive" and feeling very... alive.
  
• On a Loueyville note, somebody's got a birthday coming up!!... May 27, Lou turns (the terrible) two! Mama's gonna reboot sometime between now and then. Fun trivia: Lou's first post was about Birdzerk!

Louisvillagers Powers Activate! Form of LFPL Supporters!

I just love love love that Louisville is so full of fantastic people and that I’m getting to know so many of them.

The wise and lovely Ms. Michelle over at Consuming Louisville is urging her readers to support the Louisville Free Public Libraries with her: “Libraries are Free, But Books Aren’t” drive. The LFPL has established an Amazon wish list just for this cause.

In the rather unlikely event that you read my little blog, and not Consuming Louisville, I would love love love it if you would help support Michelle’s drive and support the LFPL by purchasing a book off of the wish list.

Mama’s a bit broke these days—even this whole blogging hobby that I have is starting to get expensive—but how can I not support this cause? I was on my way to the end of the list to purchase an adult book (if you want to buy adult books, they’re on pages 8 & 9—and I don’t mean “adult books” like the Adult Bookstore across the river means it), and I discovered that the LFPL was in need of one of my favorite books as a child: Blueberries for Sal by Robert “Make Way for Ducklings” McCloskey.

Totally reminds me of Nana and G-pa Lou, and their old beach house by the New England shore. Sniffles.

Blueberries for Sal, it is for me. What is it for you?

More Theater News: Miranda & Auditions

Y'all know how much Mama loves her press releases....

May 14 - 16 & 21 - 23 at Walden Theatre, you can catch MIRANDA BRANSON BRANSON MIRANDA, a new play by Backseat Sandbar blogger Hank Willenbrink. The show, presented by the Necessary Theater features Madeline Marchal, Angela from the much-praised production of My So-Called So-Called Life.

According to the release:

Five years ago Miranda’s father, the Magician, made her mother disappear…or did he? Now Miranda is haunted by the two women her father sawed in half…nightly…who claim to be her Mother. Her best friend is horning in on her indie rock boyfriend, and the truth won’t set her free.

To reconnect with her mother, Miranda has to travel to Branson, Missouri—the family-friendly Las Vegas: home of Yakov Smirnoff, Shoji Tabuchi, Table Rock Lake, and a gigantic Titanic museum that is a replica of the ill-fated luxury liner. MIRANDA BRANSON BRANSON MIRANDA is a surreal, hilarious comic drama about the perils of growing up, the anxieties of youth, the liberation of leaving home, and what happens when what you find isn’t what you thought it was.

I'm going to bust my little bee-hind to get to this show for a number of reasons. The first is that Hank is a great Louisvillager, and I believe in supporting the good ones. Secondly, Marchal was a fantastic Angela in My So-Called. Thirdly, Mama has a strange obsession with all things magician-y and has spent some QT in Branson taking in all that is Dixie Stampede-y and mini-golfish. (Some day, I should dedicate an entire post to all of my strange obsessions. They include, but are not limited to: sharks, carnival side-show freaks, people who are fanatics about something or other, New Orleans, penguins, roadside attractions, kitsch in general....)

The show costs $10. Call (502) 454-4370 for reservations.

***
Also next weekend, Actors is casting locally. Here's their information:

LOCAL CHILDREN AUDITIONS (children ages 6 - 12) Saturday May 16 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Sunday May 17 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Children auditioning for Dracula, A Christmas Story and A Christmas Carol

LOCAL AUDITIONS FOR YOUNG ADULTS (13 years and older) AND ADULTSSaturday, May 16 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.Sunday, May 17 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

To Schedule an AuditionPlease call 502-584-1265 ext 3403 or Email auditions@actorstheatre.org to schedule an audition. Because of time we will only see people with schedule appointments. More information available at : lable at http://www.actorstheatre.org/about_casting.htm

re: Production Simple, Coyotes, and The Dead Weather

Two Production Simple folks got back to me today to inform me that Coyotes is honoring contracts for shows that were booked before the venue closed.  So The Dead Weather is on. 

 

And… yes, kids, I know I have to brush up on the Cool Bands before I hit my third Bonnaroo next month.  I didn’t know that The Dead Weather is a new project by Jack White of the White Stripes, et al. 

 

Nifty. But my favorite White is Meg.  I’m just saying.

Rainy Wednesday Randomness

There’s so much good stuff going on these days that I just don’t have time to give everything its own post. Here are some of the events that are on my noggin:

Tll All this week the Bats are in town. Yippee! Mama loves her Bats.

• This month is Abbey Road on The River (May 21-25) at the Belvedere. Five days and more than 50 Beatles tribute bands. This is the kind of event I’d love to just go to check out, but even with the coupon available on the website, it’s $15. A bit steep for a quick check-out. HOWEVER, if you happen to be under twenty-one, you get in FREE if you go with a ticket purchaser. Spreading the Beatles love to the young ‘uns.
• Waterfront Wednesday (another big Yippee!) features the Meat Puppets this month (May 27). I’ve heard of them, but… ?? The other bands in the line-up are: the Features & Broken Spurs.
• If you go NOW—before midnight TONIGHT—to http://www.oprah.com/, you can download a coupon for a FREE two-piece grilled chicken dinner at KFC. Tried it last weekend and wasn’t a big fan, but free food is free food.
• May 22 is Bardstown Bound (now with added Baxter!!). Shopping, trolley, entertainment starting at 5pm. Here’s the website. It’s always a wonderful time. I particularly dig this year’s hippy-ish posters.
• Louisville landed a big convention fish yesterday. The ABC Kids Expo decided that Las Vegas mayyyyybe wasn’t really the best fit for a show that focuses “on products from newborn through teen, predominantly in the areas of furniture, bedding, room décor, baby gear, gift and layette, toys and related accessories.” I’d have a ball at that expo. Seriously. I love toys. Now can we please steal the big ALL CANDY EXPO from Chicago? I don’t even like sweets, but this still looks like the happiest place on earth to me.

And finally, the big news on the Lou front is for her second birthday (at the end of this month), she’s getting a whole new look! (well, the website, not so much Lou.) COMING SOON!!!

You Gotta Love Calvin

The CJ is the first to feature the SI cover with Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird.

Pandora Productions: BENT & I AM MY OWN WIFE

For the past decade or so Pandora Productions has been producing plays that engage the LGBTQ community. This weekend, Pandora Productions begins its run of Martin Sherman's Bent. Here's what their release says about the show:

Homosexuality runs through all classes of society and not all homosexuals were victims during the war. While many gay people who were too poor (like Horst) or too naïve (like Rudy) ended up in concentration camps, others used their money (like Uncle Freddie) or their power (like the concentration camp commandant or some of the German officers) to stay out of harm's way. Max occupies a middle spot in this spectrum between resistance and collaboration, as initially he tries to survive against all odds and perhaps later even escaping the camp, but he undergoes a transition because of Horst's influence and realizes one cannot always change one's luck through sheer willpower. The play was the first time that popular culture had acknowledged the fact that the gay men were victims of the Holocaust, and helped pave the way for more historical research and documentaries to be released about the fate of homosexuals under Nazi Germany.

BENT is showing May 7, 8, 9, 10, 22, 24 @ 7:30 p.m.; May 10 @ 2:00 p.m.

The next weekend begins Pandora's run of I Am My Own Wife. Again, I'll let their website do the talking:

I Am My Own Wife was the winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize and the 2004 Tony Award. Based on a true story, and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright over several years, the play tells the fascinating tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real-life German transvestite who managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German Communist regime. Former theatre critic for the Courier-Journal, Roger Fristoe, stars in this one man tour de force directed by Rand Harmon of Specific Gravity Company.

I Am My Own Wife is showing May 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 23 @ 7:30 p.m.; May 16 @ 2:00 p.m.

All plays are at the Bunbury Theater downtown. The Saturday show for BENT is already sold out! Ticket information here.

Production Simple: Bringing the Hip

Seems like once a day I get an email from the good folks at Production Simple announcing a new show for their Spring/Summer line-up. Today's info was on the Old 97's at Headliners on July 24th and the Dead Weather on June 11th at Coyotes....

... As I typed that, I muttered aloud, "uhhh, that doesn't make sense..."

Yes, I am eloquent when I am da solo. Actually Roommate is here, so I'm not technically da solo, but he's working and I'm working so it feels that way.

Point being, I thought City Block was closed... and therefore Coyotes was closed. Hence my musing about Hanson the other day. I have asked the Twitter world what's up with that... if you know what's up with that, leave a comment or email.

Anyhoo, Production Simple. (Hey I guess I could email them and find out.) They were responsible for the breathtakingly good Lisa Hannigan show we saw at the 920 Listening Room (Not a fan of the venue... I don't want to start anything-- I know it's part of the Sojurn Church-- but the fact that you had to SIT and that the strongest beverage available was coffee made it feel a bit like a kiddie show. Please don't ever make me SIT when in the presence of great music. Fine, don't let me have a beer, but don't make me sit through Lisa Hannigan.) Production Simple was also responsible for the also breathtakingly good Greyson Capps show at Phoenix Hill a few months ago. (Those two venues: a study in contrasts.)

Other upcoming shows include the Decemberists, Conor Oberst, that Ben Sollee show that I'll probably never get around to buying tickets for, Jenny Lewis, Southern Culture on the Skids/Los Straightjackets, Gomez, and Lucinda Williams. Basically if you're a musical act that is way cooler than I am (not hard) and you're coming to Louisville, Production Simple probably booked you.

Check out their calendar for dates and ticketing info.

This = Mama Showing Her Age

I haven't blogged shite about Derby Festival mostly because I've been disappointed with the line up. Not a country fan at all, unless you count old school like Willie and Johnny and Dwight. (Same can be said for this year's State Fair line up-- if you aren't a country fan or an American Idol fan, you're SOL). But today, Roommate got all buggery with me wanting to know how Loueyville, superfan of all that is Louisville, didn't know that Everclear was playing Derby Festival.

I didn't know that Everclear-- c'mon, you know you love "I will buy you a new life" at the very least, right?-- was playing Derby Festival because I don't know who the heck Gavin DeGraw is. And Everclear is OPENING for Gavin DeGraw. Gavin DeWho???

I feel old and out of touch, and because I feel old and out of touch, I will refrain from googling said Gavin DeGraw and just say that I thought he was a country artist. But Everclear wouldn't open for country. I will allow myself to wonder. But I will do my best to get to the show. "Santa Monica" is such a great song.

Oh, Thinkin' About Our Younger Years...

I know all y’all are probably pretty psyched for the Ben Sollee concert at the Kentucky Center on May 8.

(Sigh, Lou, why haven’t you bought tickets for that? You know you love Ben. And you know it’s likely they will sell out or are already sold out. You’re all talk-y, talk-y; no do-y, do-y.)

Sorry, I had to have a little chat with myself.

Anyway, Ben Sollee aside, there’s all kinds of good stuff coming up at the Kentucky Center. And that good stuff includes Bryan Adams, my friends. Yes, I said it. Bryan. Fricking. Adams. On May 7. Bryan Adams was one of Lou’s very first concerts. (VERY first concert: Eddie. Fricking. Money). Estranged Cousin dragged Lou to a Hooters/Bryan Adams concert back in the day. The Hooters, by the way, rocked, and so did Bryan Adams, although back then I was way too cool to admit that I liked the concert a lot.

I’m not a Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang sorta chick, but the KC’s got that going on May 5-10; I don’t know if I’ve ‘fessed up to this before, but I don’t really like musicals. That being said, I may have to check out Spring Awakening in June, mostly because I think the guy in the promo photo looks like Lyle Lovett, and I’m dying to see if he can pull off that hair.

Awesome Pickup Line Potential Alert for April 30

April 30 is National Poem in Your Pocket day. The Academy of American Poets, in honor of the end of National Poetry Month, asks that we consider printing or writing out our very favoritest poem and tucking it in our pockets tomorrow. In theory, we’re supposed to find other folks with poems in THEIR pockets and share. Not exactly easy to do unless you’re in a closed environment, like my workplace, for example, where I’ve been bugging my colleagues to participate for weeks.

That being said, it’s awesome icebreaker potential for Derby Eve: So, I noticed you from across the crowded bar, and I thought to myself—he looks like a literarily minded guy, I bet HE has a poem in his pocket for Poem in Your Pocket Day. Do you have a poem in your pocket you’d be willing to share with me?

Or, of course, there’s always: “Is that a poem in your pocket…?”

In Lou’s pocket tomorrow: “Paradiso” by Kenneth Koch. Koch, one of the New York School Poets, was a college professor and mentor of mine. Published this in the New Yorker either just before he died or immediately posthumously. He taught me that I was kind of a shitty poet. I’m grateful for that.

Added: It's Derby Eve Eve or Oaks Eve, really.

Watch Troy Live: Local Drummer to Attempt Record Breaking Marathon

Thanks to Matt at Derby City Espresso for highlighting this on his Facebook page. A Louisvillager, currently stationed in Kuwait, will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for an individual drumming marathon. Troy Slocum will try to drum for 125 hours in honor of Louisville Slugger's 125th anniversary, and you can watch him live-- starting in just seven hours-- on his website.

Troy "started off learning percussion playing with street musicians at local art and music festivals, taking several road trips to play bucket drums at Mardi Gras, Hooka Fest, All Good Fest, Bonnaroo Fest and New York City subway stations, and further molding his talent with lessons from teachers at Mom's Music and Flying Hands of Kentucky."

Check out the website for the live streaming and for all the rules and regulations that Guinness imposes. Drum, Troy, drum!

Friday Night Randomness

Thoughts and blather...

• Wow, the whole Pitino extortion story gets all Weekly World News-ish weird. Okay, maybe not THAT weird, but still wicked weird. The allegation is here.

• I have a big ol' Portuguese family, so the odds were pretty good that more than one of us would put our gift for useless but uber-nerdy knowledge to use in a blog. I'm pretty proud of my baby cousin MOVIEBOB, though. He's been nominated for at least one super geeky award. (Although big cousin Lou just surpassed him by two on her Google reader subscriptions-- take that, geekchild!) Check him out. He kind of rocks.
  

• City Block is closing. The only concert I've ever felt compelled to attend there was Hanson. And I didn't. But, come on... "Mmmm Bop" makes you smile, doesn't it? Smile big and perky? I need to go download that right now.
  

• The tix for the Holy Trinity at Slugger Field are a whopping $69.50. If you've been thinking about asking Lou out for a date but have just been too shy or too nervous, now's the time. Yes, I'll go to see Dylan/Willie/Mellencamp with you. And I'll even buy the hot dogs... if you'll just snag us a couple of tickets.
  

• Big Mama Lou is visiting for the weekend, and as I dropped her off at the Residence Inn (where I lived in Ike-delivered exile for nearly six months... it was actually awfully nice to see the place, especially the front desk crew, again) I was happy to see that Market Street from DCE to Baxter was hopping. Big Mama and I will be hitting the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair tomorrow in this absolutely blissed-inducing weather.

Hope the weather induces bliss in you as well this weekend.

Louisville Love from Garden & Gun

Lou has already established that her favorite magazine is the quirky and gorgeous Garden & Gun. This month's edition features lots of love for Derby City including an article called "Time to Go to Louisville" by Pableaux Johnson.

I'm not 100% sure what Johnson's story is-- although I think I did know it at one time but have since forgotten it... damned chemo brain-- but I know he's the food editor of the CJ, and he's a fellow New Orleans exile. NOLA exile = insta-buddy with Mama.

Anyway, the article lists out some of the "bests" of Louisville and, while much of the list is on the tony side for this Loueyvillager, I approve of most of it. Glad to see nods to WhyLouisville, Scout, Toast, and the Makery (all stuff Lou can afford). Still puzzled as to why every "Best Of" list includes dive bars like the Nach Bar and the Mag Bar...

(Johnson sez: "Universally known as the Mag Bar, this neighborhood dive has a street rep as Old Louisville’s wood-paneled punk bar and home of a damned solid Lebowski-esque White Russian (depends on the barkeep). Nice touch: a centerpiece portrait of J. Edgar Hoover with fishnet-clad crossed mannequin legs.")

....and no list ever includes our favorite dive bar (with the best White Russians in town), The Back Door.

Also in this issue, an article about Bourbon Old Fashioneds including a recipe from 610 Magnolia, an Old Louisville restaurant that also made Johnson's list.

Village 8: 2009 Louisville Gay and Lesbian Film Series

As if Apex Theaters don’t bring enough art films to Louisville (actually, I could stand for a few more, really), this June the Village 8 will present the Louisville Gay and Lesbian Film Series.

Editorial remark: You know what stinks? That because these eight films are about the LBGT community it pretty much guarantees that they’re “art films.” I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry?? Major movie studio. Tru Loved, the story of a 16 year old who is … “uprooted by her lesbian moms from her comfortable gay-friendly home in San Francisco and moved to a conservative, suburban community in Southern California”? Art film. Ok, maybe that’s a bad choice—that would be an art film even if her folks were straight. But you catch my drift.

Much more peppy editorial remark: You know who I love? I love Tom Cavanaugh—Ed formerly of the underrated tv show “Ed.” I just do. He’s in a movie called Breakfast with Scot. I’m so going to see that.

Check out the line up. Two movies every week for a month. Good stuff.

Holy Trinity, Bats man!!

Wow. That's an awful title.

But I'm giddy beyond belief at the announcement of the summer concert at the Louisville Bats' Slugger Field:

DYLAN

WILLIE

MELLENCAMP

July 8. Tickets on sale on May 9.

Pinch me!

Now, seeing that this is a betting city, anyone want to take bets as to how fast this concert will sell out? (crosses fingers, mutters a little prayer: Please, please don't let me forget.... )

Randomness: Art Jobs Available

I don’t usually repost other folks’ whole blog posts, but in light of the economy, I thought I’d share two job openings posted on LEO’s FatLip news blog:

The Kentucky Arts Council (www.kyarts.org) has two open positions: Arts Education Program Director and Arts Access Program Director. These positions should be available for application on the personnel website by Friday, May 1. For more information, contact Katie Hamilton at katherine.hamilton@ky.gov or (502) 564-3757, ext. 470.

The ZOOM Group is seeking a Studio Arts Manager. The non-profit organization helps adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Must be a practicing artist and familiar with various types of art media including paint, digital arts, ceramic, fiber art and other 2-D and 3-D art. For more information, go to www.zoomgroup.org or call 581-0658 ext. 16

Beer Festival at Flanagan's

Sunday, June 7 from 2-5pm meet reps from 40 craft brewers, each brewer will be pouring 1-3 beers! Tickets go on sale via email to subscribers on 4/27 and to the general public on 4/29.

To subscribe: email ashley@louisvilleirishpubs.com

PS. Roommate says that Flanagan's has the best-looking bartenders in Little Dublin. Especially Rebecca. This = a good chance to check them out.

Bunz? Please tell me that's just a cute name.

I am all for a good burger place, although Flanagan's and Monkey Wrench have that in the bag. I'm just hoping that Bunz isn't some kind of Hooters knockoff.

What do you think?

Holy Cow! It's Waterfront Wednesday Week!

Cut to: a thirty-mumble year old woman doing a version of “the happy dance” that you have never seen before and that you never want to see.

How do these things creep up on me like this? That’s nuts! I need a Google Calendar that’s hardwired into my brain, so when I hear dates of stuff I want to remember, it just automatically downloads the event into the calendar. That’s not creepy AT ALL. Waterfront Wednesday is one of my very favoritest things about Loueyville.

Never heard of any of the folks in the lineup, but that’s not the point at all. Sea breezes (okay, river breezes), sunshine, beer, everybody you know, and live music. It doesn’t get much better. Weather Channel says it will be eh. But loads better than today.

Hm. WFPK’s website appears to be down, but their email has the info you need (I think WWs usually start around 6p).

Excitement is in the air...it's almost time for another season of Waterfront Wednesday! Join us for the first show this Wednesday, April 22nd on the Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park. The show is free and will feature WFPK favorite Todd Snider, Extra Golden and Tony Furtado.

We Will Not Let Our Fame Go to Our Heads.

… although there’s plenty o’ room in this noggin.

My Twitterfeed (go figure) was listed in Louisville.com’s “22 Online Resources to Keep Tabs on Louisville’s Cultural Events.” I guess I’m going to have to tone down the bs-y chit-chat about Susan Boyle and long nights drinking at the Back Door and step it up a bit.

Nah. Probably not going to happen.

By the way, follow me on twitter to be regaled with stories, some snark (although I try to keep that down), my love of Mythbusters and all things dorky and NPR-y, and yes, cultural events.

My twitter handle is : Loueyville

Thunder from my back yard

My first attempt at posting video on the website. Not exactly the best footage-- attempt #4 at getting some of the good boomers from the backyard. But I do love my new FlipVideo camera. Though, sheesh... it takes forever to load onto Blogger. I'll have to remember that. Mama's taking a couple of really awesome road trips this summer, hence the investment in a no-brainer video camera.

More On the Mayor's Outstanding Seniors

The Courier-Journal published the bios of the students honored at Thursday night's awards ceremony.

Seriously, Loueyvillagers, I realized today that I am not quite the cynical, hard-hearted, bitch that I sometimes think I am. (yet) Here's why:

(1) The fraking Susan Boyle story makes me cry. If you don't know who she is, watch this. Who is the pretty blond judge on Britain's Got Talent?? Watching her reaction to Boyle's singing KILLS me every time I watch it. (Yes, I've watched more than once.)

(2) I am currently reading a non-fiction book about a CAT. A cat that lives in a LIBRARY. In a small town in IOWA. Seriously?? Me?? Yeah, I'm reading it and loving it. What gives? (This book is DEWEY, by the way, and it was written by Loueyvillager Bret Witter, whom I'm going to try to interview after I'm done reading... sniffles... the book.)

(3) Read the bios of these kids... it's just not possible to be cynical when you hear about how damned awesome some of these kids are. (Yeah, I'm sure some of them are shits, but really...)

Happy Thunder Day! Hope those clouds hold off for the fireworks.

Brownings to Reopen?

Heartbroken though I am that Browning's was shuttered for most of the time I lived at the ResInn, less than two blocks away from Slugger Field, I am super happy to report that it looks like Browning's will re-open by the end of May.

Got an email from Chef Anoosh:

Two weeks until the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby and you are STILL looking for a place to celebrate? Let Chef Anoosh Shariat create a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests. Even though he is not opening Browning's to the public until later this May, the space that was formerly known as Park Place and Browning's, 401 E. Main Street, will be available for private events, including Oaks and Derby parties.

Let Chef Anoosh customize a menu for you this Derby season.

Trivia Night Fundraiser @ Gilda's Club 4/17

Kids Acting Against Cancer (KAAC) has been doing good stuff in the local cancer community for several years now. Tomorrow night they're raising funds for the battle against childhood cancer with a trivia night at Gilda's. It starts at 7pm, and its $10 for students and $20 for adults. Food, fun, and trivia. All y'all (myself included) who enjoy the various pub quizzes in the 'hood should check it out.

Gilda's
633 Baxter Avenue

The Kids are Alright, and We Will Be Too

Tonight I had the good fortune to attend Mayor Uncle Jerry's celebration for the Outstanding High School Seniors of 2009. The award celebrates students who may not be #1 in their class (although there were a fair number of valedictorians in attendance), but who otherwise distinguish themselves as being damned good kids, often through adversity or despite odds.

Around 50 kids, one from each area high school, were honored. There were teen moms with 4.0 averages. Young men who finished their sophomore year with a 1.0 GPA who now are tops in their class. Kids whose folks had died, whose folks had abandoned them, who raised younger siblings, yet still excelled in school. Older students, students with disabilities... stars, all of them.

And here's the thing: Uncle Mayor Jerry asked each kid where he or she was going to college, and around 80% were staying right here at home. Maybe as far away as Murray or UK or Moorehead, but 80% were staying in Kentucky. There was a Yale, an OSU, a Marquette, a USC, a couple Univ of Cincys and Toledos... But, those young moms with the 4.0s (there were at least 3)-- U of L or UK. The kid with the 3.8, president of his class, and quarterback? Bellarmine.

Every so often, I hear Loueyvillagers getting down on their town. Well, this should give you hope. The best and the brightest? A heckuva lot of them are sticking around. And, as guest speaker, Helen Mountjoy, the KY Secretary of Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, said by way of ribbing our Mayor For Life-- maybe, a long, long time from now one of these kids will run for mayor. But not for a long, long time.

... And All Was Right in The World: Quills Re-Opens

Mama has had a tough eleven months or so. A year ago next month, Lou was diagnosed with breast cancer. Four months later, a tree fell on her house, crushing half of it and forcing her to live in a hotel for five and a half months. And in between these two tragedies, Lou suffered another blow: the closing of her home-away-from home, Quills.

Breast cancer sucked, but Lou's doing just fine. The "new" rebuilt house is oodles prettier than the old house was. And now, Quills has reopened as of this past Saturday, bigger and better and more "Lou-ish" than before. Mama has come home. Hip hip hooray!

The New Quills is located next to Flanagan's Ale House on Bardstown and is open from 6a-11p, weekdays and 6a-midnight on weekends.

We missed you guys. Missed you something awful. There's no underestimating the power of that "third space" and its importance in some people's lives. I'm a coffeeshop nerd. Long live the coffee shop.

Bargain Cajun: $1 Entrees at J. Gumbo's Today & More Cheap Eats Starting Tomorrow

Seriously, why would you eat anywhere else today? You can barely make a decent PB&J sandwich for a buck. And I do love that they have a real Cajun chefing up the goods. Better still, the good deals don’t stop today. $3 bowls after 3pm M-F? Awesome.

Here’s the info from J Gumbo’s:

Whatever your lunch, snack or dinner plans are today, change them! For today only, J. Gumbo's is serving up our authentic big bowl Cajun entrées for just $1 a bowl. Stop by any of our Louisville locations to take us up on this special offer.

There will be special promotions all day long, chances to win concert tickets and t-shirts, and 790AM's Afternoon Underdogs will broadcast live from 3 to 5:30 pm at our Central Station location.

Kick-Off to our Cajun Nation Economic Stimulus Plan
The current economic downturn has been hard on everyone. The banks are big wigs are getting a break, we think you deserve one too! Starting April 16, we'll be offering the following deals at all Louisville locations:

• $3 bowls after 3 PM Monday through Friday (with purchase of beverage)
• Cajun Pride T-Shirt Weekends - wear a J. Gumbo's t-shirt and get your meal for half price.
• Discounts for students, seniors, active military and first responders.

Reminder: Tori Murden McClure & Bob Edwards Tonight at the KC

I was lucky enough to see Tori Murden McClure speak this morning, and she’s totally engaging and funny and, of course, fearless.  I can’t wait to see her chat with my crush, Bob Edwards. (BTW: According to his Facebook posts, he’s single again.  … Bob… call me.)

 

Here are the details from the old post. 

7pm Kentucky Center. 

Buy her book, a portion of the proceeds of tonight’s book sale help to buy a new skiff for her alma mater’s crew team. 

Help Wanted: Loueyville Needs YOU!

One of Mama's goals for the summer is to revamp Loueyville.com. Make her prettier. Offer a little more content more consistently. Little stuff. But she cannot do it alone. And as Loueyville.com ain't a money-making venture-- I will say, for the record, that the blog has helped my social life quite a bit, though-- Lou has to do this on the cheap. Or on the free. Or on the barter, if need be.

Here are the three big goals:

(1) It's time that Loueyville had a logo. A big girl logo. And Mama has nothing in the way of design chops. And Mama has nothing in the way of a bank account to hire some fancy pants designer to create a logo. Do you dabble in design? Want to try your hand at whipping something up? email lou at loueyville.com and I'll let you know what I'm looking for. If I use your design, of course I will credit you in a big, obvious way and give you undying and front-and-center props on the website. I'm also happy to chat about barter. I've got mad editorial skills (thought this site may not always bear witness to that fact) . In one of my many other lives I'm a freelance editor/copy editor. Have a thesis/documents/a website that needs editing? We'll work something out.

(2) Lou needs to figure out if blogger is the best platform for the website. I've had lots of people yell "WORDPRESS" at me, and maybe that's where I need to go. I'd like to have additional pages for the site to feature more permanent info-- more info on links, more pictures, etc. Suggestions? Again cheap or free. And super easy to use. I know bupkus about this stuff. Nada. Niente. Help a girl out and either comment here or email lou at loueyville.com with advice.

(3) If you've been reading Loueyville.com ever since its inception as an actual website PLUS blog, you'll remember my original, cobbled-together logo read: "Welcome to Loueyville.com, pop. 1. Have a Nice Day!" I've always enjoyed being that 1 in the population of this webworld. But even people who enjoy living in their own little world, as I do, have guests every once in a while. Consider this, then, your open call for guest posts. Wanna write something for Loueyville? Here are the basic guidelines.

• Your post should celebrate something about the city. I know I'm not unfailingly positive. But you'll be my guest. Be on your best behavior.
• Try not to tread too much on the toes of other local bloggers who are doing it RIGHT. Backseat Sandbar has the music thing down. Consuming Louisville is spot on for events and general city cheerleading. Page One and Ville Voice have politics (and scandal and snark) in the bag, etc....
  
• I'm bad about posting reviews-- that's a good place for people to start. Once an event is over I tend to move on. I'd love to see some reviews in here.
• I'm an English teacher. I'm happy to edit your posts... but... I'm an English teacher.
  
• Email your proposed post to lou at loueyville.com. I'll write you back regardless. If I opt to post your piece, I'll ask you for some bio info to include and let you know when your post will appear.
• Sorry I can't offer any compensation save the pride of seeing your work in print. I don't make a dime with this. Labor of love, my Loueyvillagers. Labor of love.
• Send your post or your idea for a post to lou at loueyville.com
  

Spread the word!

Pink at the Ponies

I know that this is somewhat old news, but as a breast cancer survivor, I'd be remiss to not spread the word. This year's Kentucky Oaks has become a full-fledged fundraiser for the fight against breast cancer. Partnered with both the Komen Foundation and First Lady Jane Beshear's Horses and Hope, Churchill is calling for a "Pink Out" at the Oaks this year. Like UofL games' Black Outs and White Outs, the Pink Out is a plea for all in attendance to wear pink to create a visual sea of pink in order to support breast cancer awareness.

According to the press release (Mama loves press releases):

• For every Oaks attendee Churchill Downs will be donating $1 to research for a minimum donation of $100,000 and a maximum of $135,000.
• In addition, Churchill Downs will be donating $1 of every Oaks Lily drink (the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks) to Horses & Hope, the breast cancer initiative of the Office of the First Lady and the Kentucky Cancer Program (KCP).
• Purchase tickets through www.kentuckyoaks.com/komen
• Visit the Komen tent designated for all Komen supporters
• Meet Nancy G. Brinker, Susan G. Komen founder at the tent; she will be there at 11:00 AM and will address the crowd at 11:30 AM
• For more information, visit www.komenlouisville.org/oaks.

NTDWL: Lou's so dope she doesn't have to say how dope she is...

Nothing to Do With Louisville...

Sometimes I just stumble across things that I feel MUST be immortalized in ye olde bloge. And this is one of those things.

Apparently, Kanye West got, well, South Parked by South Park last week re: his mammoth ego.

An excerpt from response on his blog (originally all in caps) (man, I didn't know that KW was such an avid blogger!):

"I actually have been working on my ego though. Having the crazy ego is played out at this point in my life and career ... I just want to be a doper person which starts with me not always telling people how dope I think I am."

Oh Kanye, I feel you. I've been trying to be a doper person for so very long.

Here's a link to the entire post. Happy Friday!

The CJ gets all Artsy

I haven’t had a chance to pick up today’s copy of the Courier Journal, but apparently it’s quite the big deal. It is, literally, a work of art.

Just yesterday, the folks on NPR were talking about the possible demise of the Boston Globe. The BOSTON FRAKING GLOBE!?!! Amazing. And today our CJ, rarely a paper to admire, does something remarkable. Check it out. Save it. It’s bound to be a collectable.

Here’s the article about the new artwithoutwalls public art initiative.

Today the CJ also gave some love to the InKY folks who are celebrating National Poetry Month with a “Poem in your Pocket” event tonight at 7pm at the Rud. (btw: the “official” Poem in Your Pocket Day is 4/30—I’ll share more on that later).

Happy Friday!!