Happy Friday Randomness!!

If you're like me, this weekend is really only about one thing: THE HUNGER GAMES. Really, I haven't this HARRY POTTER-level excited since the last HP book came out.  Yes, book not movie.  I never got all that psyched for the movies... although I did see a lot of them when they premiered at midnight. Last night, I was a responsible adult-- in bed by midnight, but my students who went to see it have rave reviews.

Here are a few bits of news to take us into the weekend.

• Oh, right... it's not just HUNGER GAMES weekend, there's also a little basketball going on. Congrats to U of L for busting my brackets (I had Izzo's team winning the whole thing) and making it into the Elite 8. Can you tell Roommate is out of town? 
• Speaking of Roommate... Do you read Brandon Klayko's blog, Broken Sidewalk? You should. Goodness. I kind of think he's a little bit of a magic man... how else do you explain how someone has such a great Louisville blog without even LIVING here?? Today's post about facade loans to local businesses reveals an interesting move-- Highlands Tap Room is relocating to 1058 Bardstown Road-- that's right across from Arby's by Grinstead Road. Back when Roommate and I first moved to Louisville, the Taproom was our regular hangout.  But then it got to be a weird scene-- or we finally wised up to the weird scene it had always been. But still, it remains one of my favorite outdoor drinking spots in the city. Such great people-watching from their patio. I sure hope the new location recreates that patio space. (Oh my lordy, I just looked at their website. Do they really have karaoke four night's a week? That makes this move a little less interesting to me. Sorry folks, I am allergic to karaoke.)
• Don't forget... Humana Festival is in full force. There are currently seven plays in rotation.  Check out my reviews of  four of the plays here.  I've seen six of the seven plays, and those remain the four plays not to miss.
• A colleague of mine just bought the Dairy Kastle on Eastern Parkway. Sounds like he and his partner are doing it right.  Check out Michelle's reviews of the veggie chili dog here. 
• Don't forget, THE MOTH is coming around again next week.  Last Tuesday of the month at Headliners at 8pm. This month's show is hosted by the lovely and talented Awesome Louisvillager, Gabe Bullard.  The topic: Resourcefulness

Have a lovely, lovely weekend, folks.  And may the odds ever be in your favor.

(Oh, I know. But I had to.)

Oct 25 The Moth in Louisville Round II: Neighborhoods

Gabe Bullard, host of this month's Moth Story Slam

I was grateful that I thought to get advanced tickets to last month's debut of the Moth Story Slam at Headliner's; lots of people I know weren't so lucky and were turned away at the door when the show sold out. If anything, I expect this month's installment of the Story Slam will be even more popular: I'm thinking everyone who saw last month's event spread the good word to anyone who would listen.

If you're anything like me, you've been a fan of The Moth Radio Hour for a while now; the show features the best stories from events from around the country. At the Moth Story Slams, a theme is announced in advance (this month's theme is "Neighborhoods"), and on the night of the show, everyone who has prepared a five-minute story puts their name in a hat. Ten names are drawn, and those people are invited on stage to deliver their stories. The winner of the event is voted upon by a panel of judges chosen from the audience.

I'm particularly excited about this month's installment because it's being hosted by friend and Awesome Louisvillager, Gabe Bullard, News Director for WFPL.  Bullard bravely took the stage as the first storyteller of the evening in last month's Story Slam and eventually came in second (by my math, at least).

Producer Tara Anderson promises more chairs this time, but I was just fine standing. Trust me, get your tickets in advance. Doors are at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. If you want to tell a story, remember the theme is Neighborhoods and you should get there pretty early to make sure you get your name in the hat.  Tickets are $8 and are available on the Headliner's website. It's October 25, the last Tuesday of the month. More Story Slams are scheduled every last Tuesday of the month through December.

(And yes, I'm always looking for a reason to post that awesome picture of Gabe Bullard.)

Galactic at Headliners 6/17

I tweeted and blogged relentlessly about two of the best music shows to hit Louisville this year.  If you didn't see Trombone Shorty or Low Anthem at Headliners over these past couple of months, I'm so sorry you didn't follow my advice.

Trombone Shorty was energetic, sexy, funky, and wonderful.  His album, BACKATOWN, was my favorite album of 2010.

The Low Anthem, hailing from Providence, RI, are pretty much my favorite new-ish band now, and their show at Headliners was so good that it left many members of the crowd wiping away tears. They were featured in a number of top ten lists of "Bands you need to see at Bonnaroo 2011."  Their Bonnaroo 2009 show was transcendentally amazing.  In a few weeks, they start a national tour opening for Mumford and Sons, and I swear to you, they're better than Mumford and Sons. I know that may be indy-rock heresy, but they do what Mumford and Sons do... better.  But the crowd at Headliners? Tiny.

I don't think the crowd at the Galactic show will be tiny.  First of all, they've been gaining a loyal following for around a dozen years.  But seriously folks, I do NOT lead you wrong when it comes to music-- go see Galactic on June 17 (Friday) if you like a little funk, a little jazz, and a little New Orleans infusion.  Tickets are on sale for $17 or $20 at the show.

I am SUPER picky about music, but I love me some Galactic.  Back when I lived in NOLA, a couple of the members of Galactic were parents at the school where I taught.  Every year just before Jazz Fest, they would come in and play a show for the little kids... the K-6 kids... and you've never seen pure music appreciation until you've seen a hundred or so teeny tiny girls dancing their behinds off to pure NOLA funk and jazz.  Awesome.

Can't wait.

Low Anthem at Headliners 6/4

Next Saturday one of my favorite bands is coming to Headliners, and the show is only TEN BUCKS!  If you're looking for a totally transcendant way to spend your June 4th, or you just like discovering beautiful music, I hope you'll join me at the Low Anthem show.

I first discovered Low Anthem (who hail from Providence RI, a mere 45 minutes from my hometown) when they opened for Lisa Hannigan at the 930 Listening Room back in 2009.  I loved Hannigan, but I was floored by the hymn-y, sea-chanty-y, Americana of Low Anthem.  The Avett Brothers and the Decemberists (who put on an amazing show at Iroquois Amphitheater last month) do something like what Low Anthem does, but I still think Low Anthem does it better.   

(PSA: that Lisa Hannigan/Low Anthem show was the first and only time I will ever darken the doorstep of the 930 Listening Room.  At the time of the concert, I did not know much about the 930-Sojourn Church connection. Sojourn is a conservative Christian organization cloaked in hipster, stylish, artsy, twentysomething chic. Vile anti-gay stuff going on there. I don't care if their next show features Leonard Cohen with Bono as an opening act, I won't go. You shouldn't either.)

Saw Low Anthem again at Bonnaroo 2009 in the middle of a middle of the night downpour.  Loads of Bonnaroo recaps I saw cited that show as one of the best of the festival. Huge and beautiful and quirky and sweet.  Love them.

I promise you, I don't blog mediocre music.  I'm not a huge music person in general, but when I get behind a band, you know they're off the charts (I tweeted relentlessly about Trombone Shorty at Headliners last month, and everyone who went had an ecstatic experience!).

Low Anthem
Headliners
June 4, 9pm $10