News 4U Owensboro – April

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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APRIL ‘09

table Of COntents owensboro edition 4 BBq festival

14 sandbar

BY MELISSA KAISER

By Ashley Sollars

Synonymous with outdoor fun.

It’s the new bar on the block and the story of its up and coming owner.

8 the poptart monkeys

BY CAROLYN CUMMINGS Straight-forward rock with a little bit of quirkiness.

13 kid’s page

22 relay for life

BY MELISSA KAISER Running for awareness and a cure.

23 homegrown Bluegrass festival

guides

BY NICK DURCHOLZ

15 Clubs

Month of the banjo in Henderson and Owensboro featuring acts such as River Bottom Band and King’s Highway.

16 Nightlife

10 Restaurants

21 Shopping 24 Arts & Etc. 26 Road Trip to Evansville

25 horrorscopes

reviews

BY SWAMI B2

12 Food

BY MOMKAT

27 Music 30 DVD 32 Movies

Publisher Bashar Hamami Business Manager Sharon Tindle

Owensboro Account Executive Russella Jones

Managing Editor Ashley Sollars

Evansville Account Executives Beth Culver

sharon@news-4u.com

editor@news-4u.com

Promotions Casey McCoy

russella@news-4u.com

(270) 485-2292

Sales Manager

Carolyn Cummings Keith LaCrosse

Web Programming Jeff Lingis Production Supervisor Amanda Smith

art@news-4u.com

Graphic Artist Jaqulyn Woolsey Staff Photographer Mark McCoy

on the cover this month...

Staff Writers Nick Durcholz Melissa Kaiser Contributors Abby Bauder, Chad Benefield, Carolyn Cummings, MomKat, Charlize Smith, Swami B2.

Photos 1,3,5 Amanda Smith Photos 2,4 Owensboro Chamber

NEWS4U IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY AND IS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE TRI-STATE . FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONS, DISTRIBUTION OR GUIDES & LISTS, CALL (270) 485-2292, TOLL FREE AT (866) 684-7574, SEND US A FAX AT (866) 463-9748, OR WRITE US AT 119 W. 3rd ST., OWENSBORO, KY 42303. NEWS4U IS PUBLISHED BY ATOMA PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION WITHOUT PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. DISTRIBUTION OF THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT NECESSARILY CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS, SERVICES OR OPINIONS WITHIN. ADVERTISERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT OF THEIR ADS.

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

PHOTO BY AMANDA SMITH

I

t’s that time of year again folks - The International BarB-Q Festival once again takes over downtown Owensboro, transforming it into a Bar-B-Q lovers paradise!

Can you hear it? The sizzle of delicious meets grilling on the open flame, the glub-glub-glubbing of burgoo simmering in huge iron kettles, music blasting from every corner, and the squeals of delight from those enjoying the carnival rides – all these sounds and much more collide to create Melissa Kaiser an atmosphere unlike any other. On May 7, 8, & 9 you will Staff Writer have the opportunity to enjoy this phenomenal festival in all its traditional glory!

Over the course of three days over 85,000 people are expected to converge on our fair town to enjoy more than 10 tons of mutton, 1,500 gallons of burgoo, and 5,000 bar-b-q chickens, not to mention the usual fair treats: corn dogs, polish sausage, candy apples, fried Oreos, and so much more! (Is

your mouth watering yet? Mine sure is!) Food booths open on Thursday night at 5 p.m., on Friday from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., giving you ample time to taste and savor everything the festival has to offer.

If you’re looking for a bargain, check out the Mutton Glutton, held at the RiverPark Center, where you can feast on “the finest cuisine that Owensboro has to offer.” On Friday, from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., and Saturday, from 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., you can “Eat and drink to your heart's content in the comfort of the RiverPark Center's air-conditioned lobby or outside on the patio with a grand view of the Ohio River.” Making this an even better deal, kids 12 and under eat free when accompanied by an adult! However, you must register early to take advantage of this fantastic deal. Visit www.bbqfest.com/ event_muttonglutton.shtml for more information.

When your stomach can hold no more, take a stroll along 2nd Street and visit the Arts and Crafts booths- everything from woodcarvings to beaded bracelets are found here. There will also be several non-profit organizations hosting fundraising booths located in the Midway area. All booths are open Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Sunset Cruisers Car Club will once again host A Cruse-In/Sock Hop on Friday night from 5 p.m. to11 p.m., featuring restored “old-time muscle cars.” The Classic Car Show continues on Saturday, with judging for the best car in the afternoon.

You will notice a few things different about this year’s festival, mainly being the location has shifted slightly. Due to the construction along Veteran’s Blvd/ River Front, all the booths you would normally find there have been moved to the side streets of St. Ann & Allen and closer to the old Executive Inn area.

Also, due to the closing of the Executive Inn, there will only be three pageants this year – all held at the RiverPark Center. On Sunday, May 3rd at 1:45 p.m., the Miss Bar-B-Q PreTeen Pageant will spotlight girls age 9 – 12, followed by the Miss Bar-B-Q Teen Pageant at 3 p.m. for young ladies age 13 - 15, and the main competition: Miss Bar-B-Q Festival at 6 p.m. for ladies age 16 - 21. Visit www.bbqfest. com for deadlines and general information on the pageants.

For more athletic individuals, check out the 5K Run/Walk beginning at 8am, sponsored by the Owensboro Family YMCA and Owensboro Area Runners & Walkers Club, and the annual Horseshoe Tournament, hosted by The Moose Lodge, held at 9am and 10am at St. Elizabeth & 2nd Street. There will also be Motor sports activities starting at 11am and a Keg Toss competition at 2pm. For more information on these events and competitions, visit www.bbqfest.com.

As the night wears on there, take a break and enjoy some adult beverages at the Official Festival Beer Plaza located at the Mitch McConnell Plaza. Here, you will also

find the Jim Bean Stage, featuring several fantastic acts over the weekend. Friday night features local favorites August Christopher and Flat Stanley pumping out Rock n Roll & Classic Rock hits. Throughout the day on Saturday, numerous acts will entertain one and all: Troy Miller’s The Traveling Troubadour playing Country Rock and Blues; Heath Eric with Randy Lanham & Molly Troutman presenting Original Folk and Acoustic Soul; Amazing Soul Crackers showing off some original Soul music; and Owensboro’s own Pop Punk and Powerpop Rockers RUKKUS. The Beer Plaza will be open Thursday at 5 p.m., Friday at 6 p.m., and Saturday at noon.

There are several other outdoor stages scattered throughout the festival area.

The School Age Stage will feature Hardcore, Heavy metal and Punk artists through out the weekend. Friday will feature a truly unique group The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza. Saturday will feature nationally know artists Thy Will Be Done, Ambush, and A Life Once Lost. One the Miller stage you will hear such outstanding acts as Acoustic 87, Blues band Damudcats, and 11-year-old country singer Natalie Leibfreid. The RiverPark stage will feature several local talents including Johnna Day on acoustic and the DCHS Jazz Band. A few nationally known groups will perform as well including Rockers Stompbox 40, Insulated, and country group Line of Fire. Let’s not forget the First Baptist Family Pavilion, providing Gospel and Christian music as well. There’s no doubt something for everyone at the Bar-B-Q Festival!

In addition, what would a festival be without the many carnival rides! Beginning Thursday night, you can spin, flip, and scream until your hearts content! Rides are open Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Let’s not forget about the real reason all this delicious food is being cooked: the cooking competition. Cooking teams from all over the tri-state gather to compete with their secret barbecue recipes, all vying for a shot at best chicken, mutton and burgoo titles, as well as the coveted Governor's Cup for the "Best Overall Bar-B-Q Cooking Team." Competition is fierce, and this year is no different with several cooking teams signed up to smoke, stew, and grill their way to a win! Also, the Backyard Cooks Cook-Off is back again this year, giving locals a chance to compete with their own special sauce. Just bring your grill and get to cooking!

Whether you come for the competition, food, entertainment, arts and crafts, or just because you have nothing better to do, we hope you have a fantastic visit, stuff yourself to the gills, and make this a family tradition each year! Have fun and see you next year.

For a complete schedule of events, registration information and general information on the International Bar-B-Q Festival, please call the Festival Line at 270-926-6938 or visit www.bbqfest.com.

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292 • www.News4UOwensboro.com

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photo courtsey of myspace.com/poptartmonkeys

hat’s in a name? A rose by any other name – blah, blah, blah, we’ve all heard it. Sometimes, however, there is something unique, something special in a name. I first read the name Poptart Monkeys several years back and couldn’t help but smile. It was so quirky, so different; I actually remember going home that Carolyn Cummings night and saying to my ex- husband “I heard the Contributor craziest band name today.” When I told him what it was he chuckled and smiled too. He and I often used the nickname “poptart” for one another, so it wasn’t much of a stretch that soon after the conversation our very young daughter Aidan adopted the nickname “Poptart Monkey.” Aidan is now eight and for the majority of those eight wonderful years Poptart Monkeys has definitely been a household name; in our household anyway.

Recently I began writing for News4U again and it didn’t take long for the name to reappear on my desk. I generally get to pick my stories and often take the easy road and choose artist I know a bit more about, Merle Haggard, Hank Jr. etc. However, I just couldn’t resist this one. To be honest I wasn’t at all familiar with the bands music, but once again the name made me smile and the connection my daughter and I have to it made this band one I was ready to explore.

I’m glad I did.

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

The high-energy, progressive, “straight ahead rock and roll” sound delivered on the band’s newly released (February 2009) album Count to Zero is a perfect example of why these once “Pennsylvania based cover musicians” are now an original regional power-house. Due to their harmonies, explosive live performances and musical chemistry the band has found themselves as the supporting act for 3 Doors Down, Alien Ant Farm, Bowling For Soup, Breaking Benjamin, Saliva, SR-71, Sum 41, Yellowcard and in January of 2009, Trust Company and Saving Abel.

They may not be a household name all over yet, but with the talent, honest lyrics, and difficult to achieve balance between beauty and grit possessed by this band it won’t be long before the name Poptart Monkeys is falling from your lips.

On the 25th at FYE I got a chance to sit down with the band and speak with them face to face. The entire interview will be available online at www.news4uonline.com.

The last thing you want to do though is let someone else make your musical judgments for you, especially someone who nicknames their loved ones after pastries (my sons are pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread in case I hadn’t mentioned). So I suggest you mark your calendar because the Poptart Monkeys are playing two area dates in May. You can swing in and catch them at Frankie’s in Owensboro on May 15th @ 10:30, or at Woody’s in Evansville on May 16th @ 11.

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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EATS

Restaurant Guide Barbeque George’s Bar-B-Q 1362 E 4th St 926-9276 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn 2840 W. Parrish Ave 684-8143 $5-$15/Casuals/Beer & Wine/All Major Credit Cards Old Hickory B-B-Q 338 Washington Ave 926-9000 Under $10/Casulll/All Major Credit Cards Ole South Barbeque 3523 Highway 54 E 926-6464 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

Café & Bakery Cheddar’s Casual Café 3040 Highland Pointe Dr. Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards Daily Delicious 603 Park Plaza Dr. 685-2468 Under $10/Casual/VISA,MC Johnnie’s Jungle Café 819 E. 9th St 686-8424 Under $10/Casual Miss Daisy’s Tea Room 404 E. 24th St 684-5001 Under $15-$25/Casual/Reservations Reccomended/All Major Credit Cards Panera Bread 4600 Frederica St. 683-9033 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

House of Chiu 3011 Frederica St 926-6451 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards New China Buffet Restaurant 4768 Frederica St 683-7363 Under $10/Casual/Reservations Accepted/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards Super Buffet 3200 Villa Point, Suite A 684-8858 Under $10/Casual/Credit Cards

Deli Colby’s Deli and Cafe 401 Frederica 684-2495 Under $10/Casual/Reservations Accepted/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards Great Harvest Bread Co. 3211 Frederica St. 691-0093 Under $10/Casual/Catering

Family/Homestyle Barney’s 420 Frederica St. 683-8919 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards Bob Evans 3123 Kentucky Hwy 54 6833515 $10-$15/Casual/All Major Credit Cards Cadaillac Restaurant & Grecian 1315 W. 2nd St. 685-1020 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards Cracker Barrel 5311 Frederica St. 684-4118 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

Tammy’s Bakery 1731 W. Parrish Ave 689-1988 Under $10/Casual

Chinese Hong Kong Chinese 1650 Starlite Dr. 852-7777 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards • 12 •

House of Canton 2845 W. Parish Ave 683-7662 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards

Country Ham Restaurant 5421 U.S. Hwy. 60 W. 926-9249 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

EZ’s Country Kitchen 3720 Hartford Rd. 270684-0081 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards JD’s Restaurant 1420 Breckenridge St. 683-9419 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards Lambert’s Diner 12637 Highway 231 Utica, KY Under $10/Casual/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards O’Charley’s Restaurant 5205 Frederica St 6868780 Under $10/Casual/ Reservations/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits 202 W Third St 685-4239 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/Reservations/Checks Accepted/ Major Credit Cards Z’s 1100 Walnut St. 852-2322 $10-$15/Casual/ Reservations Accepted/Full Bar/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards

Greek The Famous Bistro 102 W 2nd St 686-8202 $10-$15/Casual/ Reservations Accepted/ Beer & Wine/All Major Credit Cards

Italian

Pangea Café 1320 Carter Rd. 270-689-9824 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

Niko’s Italian Cuisine 2200 E Parrish Ave 270-852-1618 $10-$15/Casual/ Reservations Accepted/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Ryan’s Family Steakhouse 4500 Frederica St 6919787 Under $10/Casual/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards

The Olive Garden Restaurant 5204Frederica St 683-4848 Under $10/Casual/ Reservations/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

The 8 Ball Restaurant 1846 Triplett 683-3693 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar The Royce Restaurant 704 W 2nd St 685-5940 Under $10/Casual Shoney’s 4710 Frederica St. 6867217 Under $10/CasualAll Major Credit Cards T.G.I. Fridays 5135 Frederica 686-1910 $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Fine Dining Briarpatch Restaurant 2760 Veach Rd 685-3329 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/Reservations/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards

Mexican Casa Martinez 3332 Villa Pt 683-4191 Under $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards Don Julio Mexican 3955 E. 4th St. 689-2125 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/ All Major Credit Cards El Toribio 3034 E 4th St 683-8361 101 Frederica St 685-2040 630 Emory Drive 691-6133 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/ Credit Cards

Bully’s Bar & Grill 1900 Lantaff Blvd.

Madisonville, KY (270) 821-8620 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar

Maloney’s Roca Bar 3030 Highland Point Dr. 684-8080 Under $10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

Frankie’s Sports Bar & Games 1230 Burlew Blvd.

270-683-2328 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/VISA,MC

Pizza by the Guy 3115 Commonwealth Ct. 686-8603 1915 W. Parrish Ave. Suite 100 685-4694 Under $10/Casual/VISA, MC

O’Bryans Bar & Grill 7006 Hwy. 815 229-9100 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards

Pizzaroma 1401 Carter Rd 684-1171 3011 Frederica St 684-0611 3020 Hwy 60 E 691-0064 Under $10/Casual/ Credit Cards

Taylor’s Sport Street Cafe 2509 W. Parrish Ave 683-5577 Under $10/Casual/ Reservations/Full Bar/ Checks Accepted/All Major Credit

Real Hacienda 636 Southtown Blvd 685-5950 3118 E. Alvey Park Dr. 684-5595 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/ All Major Credit Cards

Private Dining

Seafood

The Summit 6501 Summit Dr. 281-4653 Under $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards

Red Lobster 3410 Frederica St 926-4044 Between $10-$15/Casual/ Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina Hwy. 54 (Next to Kohl’s) Under $10/Casual/Beer & Wine/MC, Visa

Pubs

Steaks

Applebee’s Grill and Bar 5120 Frederica St 270-240-4720 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Owensboro Steak House 3600 Frederica St. Suite 7 Hwy. 270-691-9022 $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Bacchus Bar & Grill 119 E. 2nd St. 684-9880 $10 - $25/Casual/Full Bar/ All Major Credit Cards

Texas Roadhouse 943 Moseley 689-0086 $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Big Ed’s Pool & Pub 2210 W. 2nd st.

(270) 689-2200 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Tumbleweed 5257 Frederica St. 685-4111 $10-$15/Casual/ Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Blackwell’s Sports Bar, Diner & Deli 11 W. Center St. (Madisonville) (270) 245-0122 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Vietnamese

Los Amigos Mexican 1146 Carter Rd. 926-4560 Town Square Mall Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/ Checks Accepted/MC,VISA

Japanese

Pizza & Wings

Fuji Japanese Steak House 4028 Frederica St. 6850046 / 685-0048 $10-$20/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

54 Pizza Express 1700 Starlite 683-5400 3101 E. Alvey Park Dr. 683-5454 Under $10/Casual/Credit Cards

Ninki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Hwy. 54 (Next to Kohl’s) $5-$10/Casual/Full Bar/MC, Visa

Buffalo Wild Wings 4736 Frederica St. 6867800 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/VISA,MC

Shogun Steak, Seafood & Sushi Bar 5010 Wildcat Way (by Walmart) 270-685-9980 $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/ Reservations Reccomended/ All Major Credit Cards

Cecilia’s Pizza 1741 Scherm Rd. 6840050 Under $10/Casual/ VISA,MC

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant Fountain Sq., Frederica St. 926-1020 $5-$10/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

MaMa Lea’s Pizza 4748 Frederica St. 6854700 $5-$15/Casual/All Major Credit Cards

Johnny B’s Amazing Wings & Things 4820 Frederica St. 6888100 Hwy 41 S. Henderson 830-7700 Under $10/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

Owensboro Steak House 3600 Frederica St. Suite 7 Hwy. 270-691-9022 $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/All Major Credit Cards

Blind Parrot 736 Frederica St (270) 684-5554 $10-$15/Casual/Full Bar/ Checks Accepted/All Major Credit Cards

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GREAT EATS

“Y

ou’ve come a long way, Baby!” Originally used in the 1970s Virginia Slims commercials, this phrase may have been in reference to the noticeable difference in a woman’s popularity and confidence when she held the alluring white accessory but in this month’s What’s Cookin’ it is in reference to the tropical oasis nestled along the heart of Frederica Street. To say that its beMomKat ginning was rocky is the understatement of the year Contributor but even since our last food review, the Blind Parrot has undeniably come a long, long way and I, for one, stood up and took notice.

We began our food review with the intention of this being much like September food review and though the food was good then, the Parrot took it up a notch. We sat in the non-smoking side of the restaurant; we were surprised that not even a hint of the smoke permeated the glass which is much appreciated if you are a non-smoker. If you are a smoker, smoke it up in their enclosed bar area!

Stacy, our server, started us off with a fresh garden salad.

They say that smell is the sense closest tied to memory but I think taste comes in a close second.

Picture it: 1989 in a quaint diner in Woodruff, Wisconsin… My late mother ordered a meal but I wasn’t too hungry so I ordered a small salad. This salad was so amazing that it burned an impression straight onto my brain. It was the best salad of my entire eating existence and I never forgot it. My mother kept eyeballing the impressive salad and ended up sharing the salad with me in lieu of her meal. The salad that was served to us at the Parrot rivaled that salad of twenty years ago – that is how good it was… I couldn’t stop eating it and my daughter reminded me that there was more meal to come. I couldn’t imagine anything could be worth not finishing this salad!

Bacon, cheese, cucumber, tomato and carrots were the base but I truly believe what made this salad special was the Ranch dressing. My daughter worked at Texas Roadhouse many years ago and raved about how if there were a river of Ranch dressing flowing through the place it would cut her work in half.

Next, out came our appetizers: the crab stuffed mushrooms were so pretty that I hesitated eating them – for a moment. They were buttery and fresh but not soggy; stuffed with crab meat, cream cheese and rice, the crab stuffed mushrooms were sweet and supple. They were also light like an appetizer should be and the lemon really accentuated the flavor.

While we basked in the “best salad I have ever eaten” and the crabby mushies, a tender voice radiated from the bar – Andy Brasher and Terry Payne’s harmony radiated throughout the restaurant, crooning songs ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Jim Croce. It lent a touch of ambiance to the already relaxing tropical atmosphere of the Parrot.

Our next two dishes came out and the people sitting at the table next to us must have thought we were delusional – and gluttons. After eat• 14 •

ing salad and mushrooms, two full plates of catfish filets and two plates of prime rib came out to us. My daughter was partial to the medium-rare tender prime rib but I couldn’t get enough of the cornmeal hand-breaded fa r m - r a i s e d catfish filets. An old boat captain in South Carolina once called them Yankee filets and though I have only recently come to understand why – sorry, I’m from Wisconsin and can’t get past the zillions of bones – these filets didn’t even hint of muddy flavor.

My daughter who doesn’t even like catfish devoured hers with delight but still insisted that the marinated prime rib was too flavorful to come in second. Served with spicy hush puppies – these pups added a zing to the muted fish.

We thought our review was coming to an end when David Schrecker and Danny Atherton, the Blind Parrot’s owners brought out two sinful desserts – the turtle cheesecake and… get this… chocolate suicide hurricane cake. Hum-in-a, hum-in-a! If there are any chocolate fans out there, my suggestion is: if you need a fix, stop in and order either of these desserts!

The Blind Parrot has come a long way and they are to be commended for sticking with it through all of the bad press and hardships. If you are looking for a superior meal I strongly suggest making the Blind Parrot the top of your list. Check them out on May 2nd for a Derby celebration and get your smoked pork chops, and Boston butts straight from the smoker. The Parrot also offers an upstairs patio that can be rented out for special occasions and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out the Parrot’s newest upgrades in the next few months: a Tiki Bar on the outside patio and MORE PARKING!

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

TOT TIME

KID’S PAGE INTERNATIONAL BBQ FESTIVAL KIDS EVENTS! See the entertainment guide on page 17

Carmel Home 2501 Old Hartford Road, 270-683-0227 Barbecue Picnic Sunday, May 17, 2009 serving 11 a.m.

St. Mary of the Woods 10534 Main Cross Street, Whitesville.

270-233-4196 Barbecue Picnic Sunday, May 31, 2009 serving 11 a.m.

Chautauqua Park Friday, May 29 and 30, 2009 at 7 p.m.

Owensboro Oilers Home Games West Kentucky Mavericks @ the Owensboro Oilers.

Five years ago, Charlie Pierce, a Babe Ruth League Commissioner, decided to resurrect the long forgotten team. This time, it isn’t Class D Professional Baseball, but rather the K-I-T League is summer college baseball.

Guys from a dozen different colleges move to Owensboro for the summer for a chance to play almost every day in this sweltering humidity! One out of only about 25 leagues nationwide, the K-I-T League is NCAA compliant and only uses wooden bats.

They also work with kids at the local Boys & Girls Club. www.owensborooilers.com

Diamond Lakes Resort

South X-Ball League Regional Tournament The public is welcome to come out and watch all the exciting action!

MomKat

Contributor

Chili Cookoff & Daytime Fishing Tournament Saturday, May 16, 2009 Fishing tournament is from 8 a.m.

- 6 p.m.

Come and cook your best chili recipe for great awards and join in the first of this year's catfish tournaments.

Memorial Day Celebration & "Golf Cart Rodeo" May 23 Come join DL for a touching flag raising ceremony in front of the Pit Stop Grill. Are you good at driving blindfolded? Test your driving skills at our 3rd annual Golf Cart Rodeo! Bring your own golf cart or rent one of theirs.

Immaculate Parish Hall 270-683-0358 Owensboro Ballroom Dancing Club Spring Dance May 16 at 8:00 PM $10/adults and $5/students bring hors d'oeuvres

Riverpark Center Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 7 p.m.

Third Tuesday Writers Coffeehouse The writer's coffeehouse features writers plus music and humor.

Admission is FREE.

7301 Hobbs Road (270) 229-4900 May 2 www.diamondlakeresort.net AXPS Paintball hosts MidOwensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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J

ust because Owensboro is located next to a large body of water doesn’t mean it is considered a tropical paradise – by any means. But one tri-state native brought Miami heat to 9th Street.

Born in Muhlenberg County, Shawn Plemmons moved to Miami over a decade ago. During his stay, Plemmons worked his way up in the nightlife and resCharlize Smith taurant scene – ranging from bar back to bartender Contributor and even general manager of some of the hottest clubs in south Florida.

With the recent news of a baby on the way, Shawn and his wife, Elmis, decided that they needed to trade in the nightlife scene for a more family-friendly hotspot so Shawn and his father went on the hunt to find the perfect establishment to be Shawn’s first bar-owning endeavor. In December 2008, Shawn’s father saw that Wildcats was for sale and upon entering it, Shawn knew that it had to be his. The family moved to Owensboro in February and opened the newly renovated Sandbar Sports Bar on March 20th.

“I really like Owensboro. I used to come here and party a lot when I was 21 and 22 so I already knew a little bit about it. We looked at a lot of places but really liked this one,” said Plemmons.

Though Shawn was unwrapping and cleaning glasses when I entered the bar, the transformations he has already implemented are incredible.

“I extended the bar, put new wood on all the walls and have 11 flat screen TVs and one projection screen,” explains Plemmons. “We cleaned it up a lot and still spend a lot of time cleaning it every day.”

Sandbar is a sports bar complete with pool tables and plenty of TVs but hints of Jimmy Buffetesque motif are sprinkled throughout.

When asked where the name Sandbar came from Plemmons coolly answered, “My friend owns Sandbars all over the country. I like the name so I used it but I brought my own flair to it.”

Shawn has big plans for Sandbar in the near future. “I hope to have seating out front and maybe even out back – on the patio. I also hope to serve food like pizzas, wings, burgers and subs in about a month or so.”

But, don’t think Sandbar is a bore right now! Enjoy happy hour specials from 3-7 on Monday thru Friday with pool leagues on Mondays and Wednesday, ladies night on Thursdays and bands on the new stage on weekends.

You’ll see old friends and new faces at Owensboro’s latest bar. Check out the entertainment listings in our nightlife section. Sandbar Sports Bar – a new atmosphere to Owensboro with a hometown touch!

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

GOING OUT

Clubs & Pubs 2nd Street Bar 820 W 2nd St. 270-683-7422

Club 701 701 Frayser St. 270-314-5008

The 8 Ball 1846 Triplett St. 270-683-3693

Crazy Scorpion Saloon 4416 Hwy. 60 East 270-240-4583

Bacchus Bar & Grill 119 E. 2nd St. 270-240-4720 Big Ed’s Pool & Pub 2210 W. 2nd St. 270-689-2200 Blackwell’s Sports Bar, Diner and Deli Ø 11 W. Center St. (Madisonville) 270-245-0122 Blind Parrot 736 Frederica St. 270-684-5554 Buffalo Wild Wings Ø 4736 Frederica St. 270-686-7800 The Boiler Room 1100 Walnut St. 270-684-4999

Equals Bar, LLC 1006 E. 4th St. 270-313-0820 Frankie’s Sports Bar & Games 1230 Burlew Blvd.

270-683-2328 HD Shakers 414 West 2nd St. 270-926-6431 Johnny B’s Amazing Wings & Things Ø 4820 Frederica St. 270-688-8100

O’Bryan’s Bar & Grill 7006 Hwy 815 270-229-9100 Our Place 718 West 9th St. 270-683-9882 Pappy’s 604 Crabtree Ave. 270-684-4573 Sandbar 1108 W. 9th 270-686-0007 Sixty West 800 W. 2nd St. 270-689-9907 Taylor’s Bar & Grill 2509 W. Parrish Ave. 270-683-5577 The Yellow Rose 3220 W. 2nd St. 270-926-6104

Millay’s Tavern 9431 HWY 144, Philpot KY 270-681-0736 Milligans Lounge 3136 W. 2nd St. 270-685-3946

Club 300 Lounge 600 E. 14th St. 270-684-5372

key: Ø= No Smoking NS = Non-Smoking Section Available

hey oWe nsB help us keep thIs oro lIst upDateD! If you are In a !

BanD or openIng a neW CluB/puB, please senD us your Info!

EDITOR@NEWS-4U.COM

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

• 17 •

sunday, may 3 friday, may 1 Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird/ 8 ball tournament bar rules/Bad Penny Equals -- Karaoke Royale Milligans Lounge -- Flat Stanley Derby Party Sandbar, The -- Self Inflicted Derby Weekend Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Old School Night with DJ Total Control Theatre Workshop of Owensboro -- Quilters Yellow Rose, The – Ladies Night/TBA Blind Parrot -- Andy and Terry Show/DJ Bacchus Bar & Grill – DJ

Boiler Room, The -- DJ Your Way Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Stompbox 40 Towne Square Mall – Derby Trot 10 pm

saturday, may 2 Big Ed’s -- 9 Ball Tournament Bar Rules/Bad Penny Diamond Lake Resort -- AXPS Paintball hosts Mid-South X-Ball League Regional Tournament Milligans Lounge -- Flat Stanley Derby Party Our Place-Owensboro -Derby Day Cookout/Open Pool Tournaments

onlIne

Sandbar, The -- Self Inflicted Derby Weekend Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Patio and Derby Party/ New School Night with DJ Total Control Theatre Workshop of Owensboro -- Quilters Yellow Rose, The -- TBA Boiler Room, The -- Derby Day Party/DJ Your Way Equals -- Derby Party with Hat Contest Blind Parrot -- BP’s 2nd Birthday Party with BBQ, Race and Hat Contests/ Velvet Bombers after Race/ DJ with Crown Royal Girls Bacchus Bar & Grill -- DJ Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Stompbox 40

International Bar-B-Q Fest -- RiverPark Center Miss Bar-B-Q Pre-Teen Pageant 1:45 pm Miss Bar-B-Q Teen Pageant 3:00 pm Miss Bar-B-Q Festival 6:00 pm Theatre Workshop of Owensboro -- Quilters Blind Parrot -- Karaoke Windy Hollow Raceway -- Races

monday, may 4 Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Sonbird and Customer Appreciation Equals -- Piano Night Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -APA 8 Ball Leagues

Sandbar, The -- 8 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Blues and Jazz Night Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Nationwide Poker Tour Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- 8 Ball Tourney/Blue Collar Night Boiler Room, The -- Corn Hole

tuesday, may 5 Bacchus Bar & Grill -Karaoke Big Ed’s -- Bike Night/ Ladies Night/Steve and Cyndie Acoustic with Free Pool and Free Lessons Equals -- Bingo Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -Ladies Nite Tuesdays: Jack and Jill Pool Tournament Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Karaoke Blackwell Bar -- Cinco de

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Country Western tWIst WIN tickets to see Country’s favorite Rebel – David Allan Coe performing at Woody’s, The Hardest Bar in Town.

• 18 •

Hear the exclusive interview with local author Jessica Angelique as she dives into her recent memoir I Now Know Why that Caged Bird Sings.

fooD famIly frIenDs fun Enjoy the consistently warm weather in a welcoming atmosphere and bring the kids for all the fun you can handle! Check out the Catholic Church picnic schedules. www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

COE PHOTO COURTESY OF MAXIMUS ENTERTAINMENT

loCal author sItDoWn mp3

Mayo Celebration/Music Legend James Michael Harris Boiler Room, The -- Open Mic Night with Andy Brasher Frankies Sports Bar & Grill – Tore Down Tuesdays/DJ

Wednesday, may 6 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Wine it Wednesday - Reggae Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Open Mic with Roy Kyle Equals -- Karaoke Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- College Night with Karaoke and DJ Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -APA 9 Ball Leagues Sandbar, The -- 9 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Night-

club -- Open Mic Night Boiler Room, The -- Karaoke with Songbird

thursday, may 7 Bacchus Bar & Grill -Open Mic Hosted by Criss Cheatham Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/with Songbird Boiler Room, The -- Flip Cup Equals -- 80s Dance Party Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Ladies Night with DJ International Bar-B-Q Fest -- Sponsors Appreciation Event 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman/Comedy Caravan Our Place-Owensboro -Open Pool Tournaments Sandbar, The -- Ladies Night Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- College Night with DJ Total Control

Blind Parrot – Karaoke/DJ

friday, may 8 Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird/ 8 ball tournament bar rules Equals -- Karaoke Royale International Bar-B-Q Fest -- Concessions 11:00 am - 11:00 pm (St. Ann and Allen Streets) Mutton Glutton 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Hot Food served until 9:00 pm) Souvenir Sales 11:00 am 9:00 pm (Headquarters) Burgoo Relay 2:00 pm Cruise-In (Car Show)/Sock Hop 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm Carnival Rides 5:00 pm Motorsports 5:30 pm Opening Ceremony 5:30 pm Pie Eating Contest 5:45 pm (Miller Stage) Cooking Team Balloon Toss 6:00 pm

Souvenir Sales 6:00 pm 9:00 pm (RiverPark Center) International Bar-B-Q Fest -- Beer Garden 5:00 pm (Mitch McConnell Plaza) Milligans Lounge -- Interface “The Rockin’ Docs” Sandbar, The -- Andrea Tanaro Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Old School Night with DJ Total Control Yellow Rose, The – Ladies Night/TBA Blind Parrot -- Andy and Terry Show/DJ Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Len Snow & the Seventeen Twenty Band Boiler Room, The -- Never Been Caught Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- CC3 w/Criss Cheatham

saturday, may 9 Big Ed’s -- 9 Ball Tournament Bar Rules/Steve and Cyndie Acoustic International Bar-B-Q Fest -- Beer Garden 5:00 pm (Mitch McConnell Plaza) International Bar-B-Q Fest -- Carnival Rides 11:00 am Midway Games 11:00 am (2nd St.) International Bar-B-Q Fest -- Concessions 11:00 am-11:00 pm (St. Ann and Allen Streets) All Other Concessions 5:30 pm-11:00 pm Mutton Glutton 2:00 pm-11:00 pm (Hot food served until 9:00 pm) Offsite Sales 4:00 Pm (Wesleyan Park Plaza)

evolutIon retaught

run for the roses Ladies, get your hats because the running of the 135th Kentucky Derby is upon us! See the schedule and more.

festIvals!

Get the low-down on all the area festivals!

• Owensboro BBQ Festival • Fridays After 5 • Woody’s Rock on Main

freeDom fest reCreate The Freedom Festival is ALL NEW this year!

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Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

• 19 •

WRESTLING PHOTO COURTESY IRONMANROBCONWAY.COM / FREEDOME FEST BY MARK MCCOY

Wrestling is back in the Tri-State! Get ready for a hard-hittin’, mat-slammin’ good time! New Focus Wrestling presents: Back With A Vengeance! Main Event-Former WWE Tag Team Champion “Ironman” Rob Conway vs Flash Flanagan and “Formerly WWE’s Eugene” Nick Dinsmore vs Vic The Bruiser with over a dozen more wrestlers.

Cooking Team Serving 4:00 pm International Bar-B-Q Fest -- Backyard Cook-Off Set Up 6:00 am 5K Run/Walk 7:30 am Car Show Registration 8:00 am-Noon (3rd Street) Souvenir Sales 9:00 am-9:00 pm (Headquarters) Horseshoe Pitching 10:00 am (2nd and St. Elizabeth) Motorsports 11:00 am Backyard Cook-off Judging 1:00 pm Keg Toss Registration 2:00 pm (VFW) Souvenir Sales 2:00 pm-9:00 pm (RiverPark Center) Car Show Awards Ceremony 3:30 pm Backyard Cook-off Awards 6:00 pm (Miller Stage) Sponsors Appreciation Event 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Milligans Lounge -- Interface “The Rockin’ Docs”/ Male Review Ladies Free Our Place-Owensboro -Open Pool Tournaments Sandbar, The -- Andrea Tanaro Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- New School Night with DJ Total Control Yellow Rose, The -- TBA Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Andy Brasher/Pieces of the Day Blind Parrot -- Brad Snap Acoustic/DJ Theatre Workshop of Owensboro -- Bluegrass Show - Band and Kings Highway Equals -- Show Nights Boiler Room, The -- Never Been Caught Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Hip Hop

• 20 •

sunday, may 10 Blind Parrot -- Karaoke Windy Hollow Raceway -- Races

monday, may 11 Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird and Customer Appreciation Equals -- Piano Night Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -APA 8 Ball Leagues Sandbar, The -- 8 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Blues and Jazz Night Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Nationwide Poker Tour Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- 8 Ball Tourney/Blue Collar Night Boiler Room, The -- Corn Hole

Wednesday, may 13 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Wine it Wednesday - Reggae Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Open Mic with Roy Kyle Equals -- Karaoke Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- College Night with Karaoke and DJ Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -APA 9 Ball Leagues Sandbar, The -- 9 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Open Mic Night

Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird Boiler Room, The -- Flip Cup Equals -- 80s Dance Party Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Ladies Night with DJ Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman/Comedy Caravan Our Place-Owensboro -Open Pool Tournaments Sandbar, The -- Ladies Night Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- College Night with DJ Total Control Blind Parrot – Karaoke/DJ

friday, may 15 Bacchus Bar & Grill – Elliot Sublet

tuesday, may 12 Bacchus Bar & Grill -Karaoke Big Ed’s -- Bike Night/ Ladies Night/Steve and Cyndie Acoustic with Free Pool and Free Lessons Equals -- Bingo Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -Ladies Nite Tuesdays: Jack and Jill Pool Tournament Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Karaoke Blackwell Bar -- Delilah Why Boiler Room, The -- Open Mic Night with Andy Brasher Frankies Sports Bar & Grill – Tore Down Tuesdays/DJ

Sandbar, The -- Gridlok Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Old School Night with DJ Total Control WKTG -- Summer Shindigs at the Boiler Room - Grillin’ and Chillin’ Yellow Rose, The – Ladies Night/TBA Blind Parrot -- Andy and Terry Show WBKR -- Relay for Life at College View Middle School Blind Parrot -- DJ Boiler Room, The -- Anywhere But Here Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Poptart Monkeys

saturday, may 16 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Criss Cheatham Big Ed’s -- 9 Ball Tournament Bar Rules/3rd Tri Milligans Lounge -- Rukkus/The G Man’s Bday Our Place-Owensboro -Open Pool Tournaments Sandbar, The -- Gridlok Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- New School Night with DJ Total Control Yellow Rose, The -- TBA Blind Parrot -- Brad Snap Acoustic/DJ Equals -- DJ Ron from Nashville Boiler Room, The -- DJ Romeo Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- 10 Pound Pie

sunday, may 17 Blind Parrot -- Karaoke Windy Hollow Raceway -- Races Join Criss Cheatham at Bacchus Bar and Grill every Thursday for Open Mic Night. All instruments are welcome!

On the web: www.myspace.com/augustchristopher

Boiler Room, The -- Karaoke with Songbird

thursday, may 14 Bacchus Bar & Grill -Open Mic Hosted by Criss Cheatham

Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird/ 8 ball tournament bar rules/3rd Tri Equals -- Karaoke Royale Milligans Lounge -- Rukkus/The G Man’s Bday

monday, may 18 Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird and Customer Appreciation Equals -- Piano Night Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -APA 8 Ball Leagues

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

Boiler Room, The -- Karaoke with Songbird

Thursday, May 21 Sandbar, The -- 8 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -Blues and Jazz Night Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Nationwide Poker Tour Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- 8 Ball Tourney/Blue Collar Night Boiler Room, The -- Corn Hole

Tuesday, May 19 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Karaoke Big Ed’s -- Bike Night/Ladies Night/Steve and Cyndie Acoustic with Free Pool and Free Lessons Equals -- Bingo Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -- Ladies Nite Tuesdays: Jack and Jill Pool Tournament Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Karaoke Blackwell Bar -- The Library Trio Boiler Room, The -- Open Mic Night with Andy Brasher Frankies Sports Bar & Grill – Tore Down Tuesdays/DJ

Wednesday, May 20 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Wine it Wednesday - Reggae Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Open Mic with Roy Kyle Equals -- Karaoke Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- College Night with Karaoke and DJ Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -- APA 9 Ball Leagues Sandbar, The -- 9 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -Open Mic Night

Bacchus Bar & Grill -Open Mic Hosted by Criss Cheatham Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird Boiler Room, The -- Flip Cup Equals -- 80s Dance Party Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Ladies Night with DJ Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman/Comedy Caravan Our Place-Owensboro -- Open Pool Tournaments Sandbar, The -- Ladies Night Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- College Night with DJ Total Control Blind Parrot – Karaoke/DJ

Friday, May 22 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- TBA Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird/ 8 ball tournament bar rules Equals -- Karaoke Royale Milligans Lounge -- Mark Collier Sandbar, The -- U-Turn Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -Old School Night with DJ Total Control WKTG -- Summer Shindigs at the Boiler Room - Grillin’ and Chillin’ Yellow Rose, The – Ladies Night/TBA Blind Parrot -- Andy and Terry Show/DJ Boiler Room, The -- Andrea Tanaro and the Ghost Flame Riders Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Rukkus

Saturday, May 23 Bacchus Bar & Grill – Bad Penny Big Ed’s – Karaoke/9 Ball Tournament Bar Rules Milligans Lounge -- Suspect Stereo Our Place-Owensboro -- Open

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

Pool Tournaments Sandbar, The -- U-Turn Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- New School Night with DJ Total Control Yellow Rose, The -- TBA Blind Parrot -- Brad Snap Acoustic Equals -- Show Nights Blind Parrot -- DJ Boiler Room, The -- Andrea Tanaro and the Ghost Flame Riders Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- Rukkus

Sunday, May 24 Our Place-Owensboro -- Open Pool Tournaments Blind Parrot -- Karaoke Windy Hollow Raceway -Races

Monday, May 25 Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird and Customer Appreciation Equals -- Piano Night Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Sandbar, The -- 8 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -Blues and Jazz Night Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Nationwide Poker Tour Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- 8 Ball Tourney/Blue Collar Night Boiler Room, The -- Corn Hole

Tuesday, May 26 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Karaoke Big Ed’s -- Bike Night/Ladies Night/Steve and Cyndie Acoustic with Free Pool and Free Lessons Equals -- Bingo Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -- Ladies Nite Tuesdays: Jack and Jill Pool Tournament Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Karaoke Blackwell Bar -- The Dementia Cookie Box Boiler Room, The -- Open Mic Night with Andy Brasher • 21 •

Frankies Sports Bar & Grill – Tore Down Tuesdays/DJ

Wednesday, may 27 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Wine it Wednesday - Reggae Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/-- Open Mic with Roy Kyle Equals -- Karaoke Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -- College Night with Karaoke and DJ Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman Our Place-Owensboro -- APA 9 Ball Leagues Sandbar, The -- 9 Ball Pool League Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -Open Mic Night Boiler Room, The -- Karaoke with Songbird

thursday, may 28 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Open Mic Hosted by Criss Cheatham Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird Boiler Room, The -- Flip Cup Equals -- 80s Dance Party Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -Ladies Night with DJ Milligans Lounge -- Karaoke with Caveman/Comedy Caravan Our Place-Owensboro -- Open Pool Tournaments Sandbar, The -- Ladies Night Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- College Night with DJ Total Control Blind Parrot – Karaoke/DJ

friday, may 29 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- National Association of Professional Women Big Ed’s -- Free Pool during Happy Hour/Karaoke with Songbird/ 8 ball tournament bar rules/Grid Lok Equals -- Karaoke Royale Milligans Lounge -- 2nd Annual Owensboro Icon

• 22 •

Owensboro Oilers Baseball -West Kentucky Mavericks @ the Owensboro Oilers. Chautauqua Park 7 p.m.

Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- Old School Night with DJ Total Control WKTG -- Summer Shindigs at the Boiler Room - Grillin’ and Chillin’ Yellow Rose, The – Ladies Night/ TBA Blind Parrot -- Andy and Terry Show/DJ Boiler Room, The -- Andy Brasher Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -Anywhere But Here

saturday, may 30 Bacchus Bar & Grill -- Namaste Big Ed’s -- 9 Ball Tournament Bar Rules/ Grid Lok Fisher Park -- Gameday USA Fast Pitch & Baseball Tournament Milligans Lounge -- A$$ Scratchin’ Rodeo Band Our Place-Owensboro -- Open Pool Tournaments Owensboro Oilers Baseball -West Kentucky Mavericks @ the Owensboro Oilers. Chautauqua Park 7 p.m.

Sixty West Bar & Nightclub -- New School Night with DJ Total Control Yellow Rose, The -- TBA Blind Parrot -- Brad Snap Acoustic/DJ Equals -- Dance the Night Away with DJ Gheo Boiler Room, The -- Andy Brasher Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill -Anywhere But Here

sunday, may 31 Blind Parrot -- Karaoke Windy Hollow Raceway -- Races

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

SHOPPING POOCH ACCESSORIES

FIDO FAN www.footballfanatics.com Kentucky Wildcats White Collegiate Dog T-shirt Get your pooch into the game with this ribbed collegiate dog t-shirt from Pets First! Measure your dog from base of neck to base of tail for sizing. $14.95 and up

MUTT STRUTT Petsmart 5241 Frederica St. (270) 688-0412 www.petsmart.com

THIRST QUENCHER www.muttropolis.com Gulpie’s Water Bottle H2O to go! No need to carry a water bottle and bowl for your canine pal.

Our Gulpy Water Dispenser provides an easy way to carry and dispense water for your pet. It flips open so your dog can sip from the attached cup. Simply flip to open position and gently squeeze bottle to fill tray.

Convenient belt clip for no-hands carrying. Great for hot days and long walks with your dog.

Premier Gentle Leader Dog Training Collar Offers a painless, highly effective way to stop your dog from pulling, lunging and jumping. Can be used on dogs as young as 8-10 weeks. $16.99 and up

$10.99

E & L Pets 4036 Frederica St (270) 684-5248 Taste of the Wild Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food formulas are grain-free formulas for all life stages with sweet potatoes and peas that provide highly digestible energy for your active dog. Made with real roasted meats, each formula offers a taste sensation like no other. Supplemented with fruits and vegetables, Wetlands Wild Fowl,

Pacific Stream and High Prairie deliver natural antioxidants to protect your dog s body from the damage of everyday living, supporting a healthy immune system and overall good health. Your dog craves a taste of the wild.

Spend $100 in product (at once or over time) you’ll begin to receive a 4% discount on all purchases, $200 you’ll receive a 9% discount and $300 you’ll receive an 11% discount on all future purchases.

20 lb bag $25.99 and up

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

• 23 •

Celebrating Hope “T

wenty-five years of HOPE.” Twenty-five years of research.

Twenty-five years of fighting back. Twenty-five years of making a differMelissa Kaiser ence in the fight against Staff Writer cancer. This is the prestigious history of The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. What started as one man’s 24-hour journey around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising $27,000, has blossomed into a global event held in over 19 countries and over 5,000 communities across the United States, raising over three billion dollars. In 2008, more than 3.5 million people took part in Relay events across the US – that means 1 in every 100 Americans is a Relay participant.

That is an amazing statistic – and you can become a statistic too. Kicking off in May and continuing through out the month of June, local communities will host their own Relay for Life event. Take this opportunity to join in the fight against cancer.

Daviess County will be the first in the area to host a Relay on May 15 at College View Middle School (www.relayforlife.org/daviess), followed by Henderson County on June 5 th at Henderson High School (www.relayforlife.org/hendersonky), and McLean County, also on June 5, at McLean County High School (www. relayforlife.org/mclean). Several Relays will take place on June 12: Webster County at Webster County High School (www. relayforlife.org/webster), Hancock County at Hancock County High School (www. relayforlife.org/hancockky), Ohio County at Ohio County High School (www.relayforlife.org/ohioky), Breckinridge County at Breckinridge High School (www.relayforlife.org/breckinridge), and Union County at Union County High School (www.relayforlife.org/unionky). Grayson County will host their Relay on June 19 at Grayson County High School (www. relayforlife.org/ grayson) and Muhlenberg County ends the run on June 26 at the Ag Center (www. relayforlife.org/muhlenberg). Each event is unique so please visit each of the above websites for specific information about that counties’ fun-filled community Relay for Life event.

• 24 •

The American Cancer Society continues to keep their mission in the spotlight. In 2002, American Cancer Society Relay For Life hosted Celebration on the Hill™, “a grassroots event celebrating cancer survivorship and empowering people to advocate for laws that will help fight back against cancer” in Washington, D.C. In 2006, they hosted their second Celebration on the Hill™ event, during which they erected the world’s largest temporary monument, The Relay for Life Wall of Hope, bearing more than one million signatures.

Closer to home, Relay for Life and ABC television teamed up for a fiveday-long Relay in Spencer County, Ind., in 2006, as part of an episode of the show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Shawna Farina of St. Meinrad, Ind., an active Relay For Life participant, was the recipient of the home makeover.

Each Relay for Life event aides the American Cancer Society in its mission of “ helping people stay well, by preventing cancer or detecting it early; get well, by being in their corner through every step of their cancer experience; by finding cures, through groundbreaking research and treatment discoveries; and by fighting back, through influencing public policy.” Each and every one of knows someone who has been affected by a form of cancer. Take this opportunity to honor them and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families by contributing to this extremely worthy cause.

Please visit www.relayforlife.org or contact the American Cancer Society’s local office at 270-683-0778 to learn more about this incredible organization. www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

The Month of the Banjo: May Bluegrass Festivals

S

photo credit: www.cdinteractiveinc.com

pring isn’t only a time of rejuvenation in nature but a renewal of community and self. In Henderson and Owensboro this May bright, sharp notes will fill the air sparking frivolous activity and high spirits. Simply put: bluegrass is just damn fun music. Bluegrass bands from the tri-state area will be the driving force behind these shows. The two events are the Homegrown Bluegrass Festival in Nick Durcholz Henderson and the Bluegrass Show in Owensboro.

Staff Writer

When they say “homegrown” they are not messing around. This is truly a community event on May 15th and 16th in which all ages can come together through music, art and even an inflatable playground. Audubon State Park is host to this festival and a perfect setting for such an event. There are 10 bands scheduled including Bold Witness, Highway 41, Fields of Home and Brushfire. Local artists will be on hand to display and sell their wares.

Expect to indulge in original and authentic works by these artists.

The parks criterion for these artists is specifically unique to the fact. Time will be set aside for open mic so that any inspiring performer(s) can join in the fray.

Owensboro’s Bluegrass Show is an intimate, indoor event at the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro on 407 W. 5th Street at 7 p.m. on May 9. The venue was formerly an old Episcopal church which was built in 1875 and features an antiquated architectural style prime for rich, acoustic sound. In 1973, the church was acquired by the T.W.O. Scheduled to perform are two of the area’s most known bluegrass acts River Bottom Band and King’s Highway. Tickets are $10 and proceeds go to benefit the United Way. Make a request as soon as possible only 100 seats are available in the venue. Come out and be ready for some pickin’ and wailin’.

In few cases is the environment for bluegrass so appropriate and satisfying. There is a large movement in revitalizing old style bluegrass and contrarily most of these bands, especially the bigger names have originating in the western U.S. Some of these bands are very talented but the true spirit of the music exists in a setting that these two events portray. Bluegrass is an underrated genre which has an energy and precision no other music can fully encompass and it is great to see this energy being kept alive on a local level. They don’t call it “The Bluegrass State” for nothing.

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

• 25 •

ARTS & ETC.

LOCAL CULTURE (270) 736-5114

May 15-17:15th Annual Forrest’s First Battle of Sacramento - held each year at the site in which the actual battle occurred – will take place the weekend of May 15th starting on Friday with history day for school groups and families. This year, troops are coming from as far away as Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia and Arkansas to participate in this year’s event and they are bringing their horses making it the largest cavalry event in the state!

May 15 8:00 AM Open Registration (reenactors only) 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM School Days Living History Kentucky History Mobile on site TBA Lantern Trail through the camp w/story telling TBA Spectacular Night Cannon Demonstration 7:00 PM Recount of Mollie’s Ride (Mollie Morehead Chapter, U.D.C. #2605) Musical Entertainment Midnight Taps, all Quiet!!

May 16 7:00 AM Reveille 8:00 AM Officer’s Call 9:00 AM Camp Open to the Public (until 1:00, then after Battle until 8:00 PM) Kentucky History Mobile On Site 10:00 AM Sick Call Scenario - 6th KY Field Hospital Unit Guest speakers or Reenactors demonstrations 11:00 AM Cavalry Competition Demonstration (battlefield) 11:30 AM Ladies Tea and Fashion Show (school gym) • 26 •

Authentic Clothing Contest - Ladies Day Dress 1:00 PM Opening Ceremony: A Visit from Abraham Lincoln and others from the past 1:45 PM Battlefield Dedication & Mollie’s Ride 2:00 PM “Forrest’s First”, Battle Of Sacramento Following Battle Hospital Unit Scenario for the Battlefield Wounded.

Guest speakers or Reenactors demonstrations 5:00 PM “Dinner on the Grounds” - reenactors only 8:00 PM Battlefield Ball (Sacramento school tennis court) Authentic Clothing Contest - Ladies Ball Gowns Midnight Taps, all Quiet!

Good Citizen Test and a raffle. Entries will be taken from 8-9:30 a.m. with judging starting at 10 a.m.

May 29-30: West Kentucky Mavericks @ the Owensboro Oilers. Chautauqua Park 7 p.m.

May 17 7:00 AM Reveille 8:00 AM Officer’s Call 9:00 AM Memorial at Mollie’s Grave (Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery) 10:00 AM Camps open to the Public (until 1:00 pm) Sick Call Scenario - 6th KY Field Hospital Unit Guest speakers or Reenactors demonstrations 11:00 AM Community Worship Services (Battlefield Events Stage) 1:00 PM Opening Ceremonies: A Visit from Abraham Lincoln and others from the past 1:30 PM Battlefield Dedication & Mollie’s Ride 1:45 PM “Forrest’s First,” Battle

Friday After 5

Chautauqua Park May 9 8:00 AM: AKCSanctioned Best of Breed Match-This Match will feature conformation classes for both puppies and adult dogs, as well as Junior Showmanship, Kiddie Conformation & Parade of Champions/Meet the Breed, classes for Canine

Ellis Park

May 1/2: Kentucky Oaks Simulcast May 16: Preakness Stakes Simulcast Battle of Sacramento

Fisher Park

May 9-10/16-17: NSA Fast Pitch Softball tournament May 23-25: BPA Baseball Memorial tournament May 29-31: Gameday USA Fast Pitch & Baseball Tournament

Downtown Owensboro May 22 5:00 PM: Free music series featuring the Velvet Bombers (Motown, R&B, Dance); CourtyardKaraoke in the Courtyard featuring Songbird Entertainment; Gospel on the River-Palmetto State Quartet, Aaron Wilburn an dthe Southern Sound Quartet, Deena Ashley & Donnie Dortch; Street Fair-Public Service Night & Owensboro Twisters Club’s Balloon Sculptors.

May 29 5:00 PM: Free music series featuring Soul Groove (Showtime Classics); Courtyard Entertainment-Karaoke in the Courtyard featuring Songbird Entertainment; Street Fair-Carnival Night

Haunts of Owensboro

(270)313-5596 Every Friday and Saturday or by special appointment: Downtown Walking Tours

Immaculate parish Hall

River Park Center

Owensboro Museum of Fine Art

Theatre Workshop of Owensboro

270-683-0358 May 16 7:30 PM: Ballroom Dance Lesson - FREE May 16 8:00 PM: Owensboro Ballroom Dancing Club Spring Dance $10/ adults and $5/students bring hors d’oeuvres w/ cash bar provided

270-685-3181 May 1-24: Dimensions - an exhibition of international art featuring more than 60 objects of metal, glass, stone, wood and fiber, reflects the works of artists from this country, Great Britain, France, Germany, Egypt, Israel and the Czech Republic.

May 1-3: The New Reality: The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century

Owensboro Parks and Recreation Monday - Friday at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Owensboro Area Runners and Walking Club meets at Legion Park to train May 29 8:00 AM: Adult Kickball League Registration Deadline

270-687-2770 May 19: Writers’ Third Tuesday Coffeehouse – Music, humor, poetry May 22: Gospel on the River - Palmetto State Quartet, Aaron Wilburn and the Southern Sound Quartet. MC: Jeff Nalley

270-683-5003 May 1-3: Quilters- by Molly Newman & Barbra Damashek Music & Lyrics by Barbra Damashek May 9 7:00 PM: Bluegrass Show - Two of the area’s most popular bluegrass bands, RiverBottom Band and Kings Highway, will play at Theatre Workshop of Owensboro.

Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

(270)852-8925 May 12 11:30 AM: Walk & Talk “Another Serving” featuring Stephen M. Vest May 24 11:30 AM: “GG” Talbott Memorial Dedication

Windy Hollow Speedway 270-785-4065 Every Sunday: Races

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

PHOTO COURTESY BATTLEOFSAC.COM

Battle of Sacramento

HORRORSCOPES Gemini In attempt to see your kid shatter his little league’s single season home run record, you demand he grow his hair into a mullet, stick him with “the juice” and refer to him only as “Jose.”

You’ve created your very own Bash Brother... with a tiny head and math homework!

Taurus You decide to launch a series of children’s books. Quick tip: make sure to omit any discussion of genitals, unless they talk and have wacky adventures.

Perhaps a steroid abusing orange tyrannosaurus rex as the main character?

Leo Cool your jets armchair quarterback, because the NFL folds due to an overwhelming majority of rough-neck players shooting each other with unregistered hand guns, confining overzealous touchdown celebrations to dank concrete cells in the pokey.

With talented quarterback Michael Vick soon to be released, only to be reincarcerated again, he’ll pioneer

the push for a new professional prison football league.

Cancer Lysol is not an adequate substitute for cologne. It is only used to cover up the smell of carpet messes and vomit; it will not attract potential mates.

Axe yourself, but be sparse, or you’ll induce nausea amongst those around you.

Virgo Automakers continue to struggle, soon making the motorized vehicle obsolete.

Environmentalists won’t stop throwing rocks and blunt objects at people putting around on scooters, insisting on the use of pedal-powered bicycles only.

To save the earth or be fat... the ultimate struggle. Ch-choo-choose wisely.

Aquarius More people come clean about feelings of favor for worst rock band in the world, Nickelback. Your faith in humanity continues to diminish, making hope a foreign concept.

Thanks for the surprise and disappointing blow, Ashley Sollars.

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

Pisces You walk into the kitchen of a strange house to meet a new “friend” and out pops Chris Hansen, flanked by cameramen and boom mics. Put any football talent to use in the soon to be formed pro prison football league.

Your weeks are pretty much over, pal.

Aries After viewing recent acts of filmed grossness on the Internet courtesy of morally bankrupt Domino’s employees, think twice about continuing your ritual of Domino’s Wednesday Night Extravaganza Pizza Feasts, or something wretched might come steaming up to your door.

Looks like a comeback for Little Caesar’s!

Libra You decide to take justice into your own hands, Magnum P.I. style. Grow the mustache, throw on some thigh-baring shorts and pull the Hawaiian print shirt out of the closet, because it’s time to cleanse the streets!

You get shot four times trying to apprehend your perp outside of a

drugstore, then arrested for impersonating an officer.

Capricorn Nice going, you’ve locked your keys in your car, idiot.

Swami B2 Rambo-punch the Contributor side window out and retrieve them.

Who needs windows; cut the whole top off... screw weather!

Scorpio Rejoice IU basketball fans, for you will have nothing to root for next season!

UK will be loaded, thanks to recent signing of mafia man, John Calipari, and his band of thugs following suit, all but ensuring a shot at the title, with only Chris Mack’s Xavier standing in the way.

Go Xavier, I don’t care what you say.

Sagittarius Cats should not eat Cadbury Eggs. Let this be a lesson.

Peeps will not function as an acceptable substitute.

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ROAD TRIP

evansville Angel Mounds State Historic Site 812-853-3956 May 1-3:Voices of the East Native American Living Village/4th Annual “Voices of the East” Native American Living Village Audubon State Park 270-826-2247 May 15-16:Home Grown Bluegrass Festival Local bluegrass bands will host this annual festival that is fun for all ages. A favorite is the open mic and pickin’ opportunities so bring your instrument!

May 16:Creative Arts & Crafts Festival - 40-50 Artists will be demonstrating and selling works of Art Bosse Field 812-435-8686 May 15/22-24 7:05 PM:Otters vs. Miners Casino Aztar 812-433-4000 May 1-2 8:00 PM:Yesterday A Tribute to the Beatles May 3 5:00 PM:Doc Stocker May 4-6 7:00 PM:The Marlinaires May 8-9 8:00 PM:The Wright Brothers May 10 5:00 PM:Greg Anderson Big Band May 11-13 7:00 PM:The Shagadelics May 15-16 8:00 PM:Stacy Mitchhart May 17 5:00 PM:Bob Minnettes Swing Cats May 18-20 7:00 PM:Bellinia Duo May 22-23 8:00 PM:The Marlins May 24 7:00 PM:The Marlins May 25-27 7:00 PM:Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band May 29 :Evening on the River - $50 May 29-30 8:00 PM:Two Tone Express May 31 5:00 PM:Steve Greenwell Trio Centre, The 812-435-5550 May 17 3:00 PM:The Childrens’ Alice In Wonderland May 18 6:00 PM:Bob The Builder Live!

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Crawdaddy’s @ Water’s Edge 812-422-1891 May 2 9:00 PM:Jay Johnson

Roberts Stadium 812-476-1383 May 11 7:00 PM:WWE Smackdown-ECW Live!

May 13:”Music as a Weapon Tour” with Disturbed/Kilswitch Engage/Lacuna Coil/Chimaira/Crooked X May 31 5:00 PM:Jeff Dunham

Fast Eddy’s 812-424-7625 May 1-2 10:00 PM:Static May 8-9 10:00 PM:Stombox 40 May 9 10:00 PM:Stombox 40/Stop Light Party May 15-16 10:00 PM:Six Hills Giant May 22-23 10:00 PM:McFly May 23 10:00 PM:McFly/ Stop Light Party May 29 10:00 PM:Deaf Megan w/ DJ Jon B May 30 10:00 PM:Red Eye Max

The Women’s Hospital (Deaconess) 422-2111 May 9 10:00 AM:Babypalooza - childbirth education, maternity fashions, chair massages, prenatal exercise info, class info, support groups, lactation info, booth vendors and much more!

Hadi Shriners 812-423-4285 May 15 5:00 PM:Fish Fry May 16 9:00 AM:Shriners Fest Car Show/1st Annual Percussion on the Ohio May 16 8:00 PM:Shriner’s Fest – McFly/Rachel and the Jimmies/Scott Winzinger/ Stompbox 40

Top Spot Outdoors 812-476-8677 Meet at Top Spot Outdoors May 17 8:00 AM:Mountain Bike German Ridge (Hoosier National Forest) May 31 3:30 PM:Mountain Bike Ride at Scales Lake

Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) 812-477-4339 May 2 1:00 PM:Past Times, Past Tunes May 9 11:00 AM:Create a Gift for Mom! May 10 2:00 PM:Dance Performance & Dinosaur Doings May 16 :Law Enforcement Appreciation Weekend May 17 11:00 AM:Science Activities May 23 11:00 AM:Heathly Living May 24 2:00 PM:Wii Dance Party May 30 11:00 AM:Make your own Sidewalk Chalk!

Vanderburgh 4H Center 812-867-6217 May 2-3:Master Gardeners Plant Sale May 16-17 9:00 AM:Central Indiana Gun Show in Auditorium

New Harmony May 2-3:Arts in Harmony May 9 8:00 PM:The Cathedral Labyrinth Moonlight Walk May 16 11:00 AM:Annual Strawberry Festival

Woody’s 812-468-9400 May 7 9:00 PM:David Allen Coe

New Harmony High School May 2-3 :17th Annual Harmonie Hundred Bike Ride

Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum 812-424-5879 May 23:Jazz for Joshua Victory Theatre 812-435-5550 May 1 7:30 PM:Drew Hastings with special guest Bob Zany May 16 7:00 PM:EPYO/ EPYO II Spring Concert

Updated Nightly Online! www.news4uowensboro.com

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

TUNES

CD REVIEWS The Lonely Forest We Sing the Body Electric!

(Burning Building Recordings) www.lonelyforest.com These Pacific Northwest boys claim to be pop but seem to take musical influences out of a sonic grab-bag and smelt them together to form a tumultuous, soothing and pensive sound. If they were to remain in the pop genre then John, Bradyn, Eric and Tony have successfully reanimated the rotting corpse of classic Sixties, Seventies and Nineties pop/rock. Hopping on the album train for the second time, the band seems more than poised for departure into a hopeful future in the music business.

In “Blackheart vs. Captain America” a solid, flowing guitar riff introduces an epic track with dramatic highs and lows. The title track “We Sing in Time” is sharp and reassuring with a catchy chorus and tight drumming. “Tomato Soup” starts out with a playful piano and accompanying John’s voice is a haunting female backup. This builds into a hard but jilted chorus which then soars into a type of soaring, melodic ending. “Far Outer Banks” sports a crunchy and driven guitar amongst stumbling and bright lyrics that balance the song out perfectly. I find it hard to find things in the album I don’t enjoy.

If anything I would clarify the lyrics a bit. Other than that, this band’s potential is through the roof.

Nick Durcholz | Rating: 4.8

Bonnie “Prince” Billy Beware

indie icons Slint, from Rachel’s to My Morning Jacket -- all have called L-ville “home.” Without debate, the prolific and inimitable Will Oldham could be considered among the most important. Covered by Johnny Cash himself, and a collaborator with such renowned individuals as Bjork, Tortoise, Kanye West, and tons of others, Oldham’s Bonnie “Prince” Billy nom de plume has been his personal focus for some years.

“Beware’” is his umpteenth album (who’s counting?), and it may be one of his best and most developed.

Continuing with a similarly laid-back vibe as last year’s decent but kinda forgettable “Lie Down In The Light,” this isn’t a return to his influential early-Nineties lo-fi, mope-folk days. Oldham’s voice doesn’t waver like it used to. He’s learned to sing within his limits, and his backing band brings a rootsy and distinctly classic country sound (banjo and pedal steel figure prominently, as do mandolin and violin) to the table - fitting considering this is an album full of what seems to be autobiographical laments.

“I Don’t Belong To Anyone” is an old-fashioned country heartbreaker – lyrically seeming deceptively simple, but packing a sincere wallop upon closer listen. The first single, “You Are Hello,” is a lovely and ultra-catchy 2-minute bit of rollicking down-home good times, at least on the surface, unless you analyze the lyrics more closely. His use of language, metaphor, and juxtaposing the happy with the sad is the work of a true artist, and this is another great example of Oldham using this skill. There are plenty of smart and literate working-class tunes here, and I’d wager at least a couple will stick around for a long, long time.

Todd Zachritz | Rating: 3

Trapt

(Drag City)

Only Through the Pain

It’s strange to realize that a hotbed of indierock creativity, known the world over, can be found a mere 2 hours away, in Louisville, Kentucky. From punk/noise brats Squirrel Bait to

The fellows that brought you the aggressive, hard hitting single “Headstrong” are back to bust some skulls and make a name for themselves

Eleven Seven Music (www.trapt.com)

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

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TUNES

CD REVIEWS in the world of mainstream rock. For Trapt, the third time must be the charm because this new album has taken all my previous conceptions of the band and completely reconfigured them. Brown (vocals), Charell (bass), Montgomery (drums) and Torres (guitar) seem to have come into their own with this album. As opposed to focusing on a few great tracks they have composed a pretty solid album through and through. “Wasteland” speeds off the starting line with a buzzing, choppy guitar riff. The drumming is tight and clean. The verses are clear and meaningful but the chorus is a little lacking. “Who’s Going Home with You Tonight?” is a melodic and driven ballad. The big single of the album “Contagious” is a great showcase of the bands musical power and their ability to incorporate melodic vocals and concise rhythm.

“Forget about the Rain” incorporates a funky bass line that makes for an extremely energetic and bright track. “Curiosity Kills” is heavy, fast and catchy. With this album Trapt has matured into a band capable of moving into a unique style and sound.

Nick Durcholz | Rating: 3.9

Mono

Hymn To The Immortal Wind (Temporary Residence) 10 years and 5 albums have now passed for Japanese quartet Mono, and in that time they have cemented themselves as one of the world’s foremost purveyors of sad and melodic guitar sturm-und-drang. This group’s wistful, gentle side is gorgeously emotive, full of wild-eyed wonder and quiet introspection. In songs like the opener, “Ashes In The Snow”, the peacefulness builds, then gives way to massive thunderclaps of dissonant noise and bombastic crescendos. And the presence of a full orchestra makes for an even more heightened attack -- strings, flutes, pianos, the works -- meld into Mono’s traditional rock setup effortlessly. It all engages in a precise, wellmapped out series of dynamic, omnipotent, and dense instrumental passages, sometimes • 30 •

sad, but just as often brimming with a strong sense of hopefulness. Indeed, Mono is a force to be reckoned with. Production here is once again handled by the inimitable Steve Albini (veteran of too many Indie bands to mention), who gives the group a very live, organic, and analog sound that is unaffected by studio trickery - what you hear is what you get. And what you get? Crushing, magnificent power framed by delicate passages of sustained splendor.

“Hymn To The Immortal Wind” is monolithic, triumphant and, in one word, remarkable.

Todd Zachritz | Rating: 4

Red

Innocence and Instinct Sony Music (www.innocenceandinstinct.com) As a whole this album is nothing out of the unusual. Red is a fairly young band and there is definite potential in all aspects of their music. It is also very clear that these guys are very passionate about their music, which is a trait every great musician should have. Musically they all play off of each other very well and composition wise, they are tight and very structured. The band lived through a tragic car wreck and obviously still knows how to kick ass. If anything Red would be a force to be reckoned with live in concert.

The energy on the album seems particularly tailored for live performance. “Fight Inside” is a brutal and beautiful track, incorporating strings as a back drop to intense vocals and snarling guitar. “Death of Me” is a solid track with the same ugly but soaring sound. “Never be the Same” begins with a liquid, melancholy guitar riff and transforms into a meaningful track of lost love and nostalgia. The men of Red have true talent but their sound is not complete. They have found a couple variations that sound great but all in all there is not enough variety on the album. If this band keeps at it, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Nick Durcholz | Rating: 3.3

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

Stemm

LOCAL

Blood Scent (Catch 22) Raised in Buffalo, this modern metalcore act brings the thunder, with crystalline radio-ready production and a sound that brings to mind Pantera and Metallica - both enviable (though predictable) inspirations. The group’s crunch is loud and aggressive, taking elements from heavy thrash as well as power-groove metal.

Standouts? How about the powerful opener, “Blood Soaked,” which is a prime example of the group’s synthesis of metallic styles. Songs like the midtempo “Beneath My Skin” fall pretty close to the mainstream, but it’s all remedied with their cover of Nine Inch Nails’ thrashy “Wish,” which manages to harness the punchy, disheveled anger of the original. It’s even followed up with an unexpected and grim experimental soundscape to close it out -- can’t fault that. Taken as a whole though, “Blood Scent” is hard-hitting, mean, and covers just about everything you need in a new metal act. They may not take as many chances as I’d like to hear, but it’s certainly a solid effort. If these guys don’t catch on, it’s a shame.

Todd Zachritz | Rating: 2

The Low Anthem

Oh My God Charlie Darwin

(End Of The Road Records)

PHOTO CREDIT: VERITE PICUTRES

Seeing this multi-instrumentalist trio open for Irish songstress Lisa Hannigan recently was enough to convince me to pick this one up.

Based in Rhode Island, The Low Anthem create brisk and timeless Americana -- melding turn-of-the-century working-class folk, hauntingly tender slow/sad gospel hymns, and raving lunatic blues -- all with startlingly sincere results. Their instrumentation (pump organs, harmonium, cell phones, zithers, Tibetan singing bowls as well as guitars and drums) to craft weathered vagabond stories and hopelessly romantic tales is refreshing and unusual. “Charlie Darwin” opens the set with a stirring falsetto courtesy of front man Ben Knox Miller. “To Ohio” is a kind of dead-ringer for Duluth’s legendary ‘slowcore’ progenitors, Low (that’s no bad thing).

“The Horizon Is A Beltway” is a rousing hoedown with gruff vocals that channel Tom Waits. In fact, “Home I’ll Never Be” even dares to cover a mighty Waits/Jack Kerouac composition, with surprisingly successful results. “Ticket Taker” is stark, understated, and absolutely moving, whereas “Champion Angel” is as anthemic and rocking as anything by Springsteen or the Arcade Fire. This genre-hopping and blending of moods could be disastrous in the hands of a lesser band, but the Low Anthem handle everything like true professionals. They are poised for great things. This album is already among my picks-of-the-year.

Todd Zachritz | Rating: 5 1 Crapholio 2 Needs more cowbell 3 Okay, but I wouldn’t spend more than $9.99 on it.

4 I’m likin’ it - more than just friends.

5 Phenomenal!

Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

MOVIE REVIEWS Shade of Grey (Cinefreak Productions)

The plot of this film hinges on a very interesting concept. Different people linked together through their experiences in a certain hotel room. The vibe of the movie is edgy and unrefined which actually compliments the subject matter very well. The structure and progression of the scenes is well thought out and provides a consistent point of view. The camera work was surprisingly interesting, intimate and compelling. The ending of the film is satisfying and definitely strikes a chord within the human experience.

However, this film does have its flaws. A few of them are pretty major. Some scenes have dialogue and action that is so repetitive that it severely damages the repertoire of the scene itself. The fact that there really isn’t a sense of time takes away from the viewer’s link to the plot and the characters themselves. Most of the dialogue itself, other than a few monologues is a little cliché. It needs more substance. Also, the subject matter and ideas conveyed in the dialogue need to flow a little smoother.

Overall, the film is worth watching and its director Jakob Bilinski shows a lot of potential.

Nick Durcholz | Rating : C+

Hallows Eve: Slaughter on 2nd Street (Verite’ Productions)

Local aspiring filmmakers Rodney Newton and PJ Starks layer on the fake blood and the Scooby Doo references in their attempt at low-budget horror. The real horror here is the majority of the cast (with one notable exception . . . Marty Moorman who is the tri-state‘s answer to Anthony Anderson. Comfortable. Funny. And, most importantly, NATURAL!). Yes, I suppose one can argue that an amateur production is going to sport amateur talent. I got it. But this cast actually diminishes the overall effect here. Katie Green, who stars as psychic-sensitive Stephanie, made me want to slaughter myself in my office on Frederica Street. While Hallows Eve struggles to churn fear out its location (the real “Slaughter on Second Street,” with all of its wallpaper and goofy props, just isn’t scary) and is saddled with some tragic dialogue even Meryl Streep would butcher, there are some positives here. In their opening and closing credit sequences, the filmmakers pay homage to Quentin Tarantino, who, for my money, is one of the most visionary directors in the world. And major props go out to local band Far From Fallen. Their original song Hallows Eve is big-screen ready. That song rocks!

Chad Benefield | Rating: C+ Big kudos to Rodney and PJ, who boldly put their movie up for review. They fully understand that criticism is a necessary part of the creative process.

Though my review isn’t glowing by any means, I do encourage each and every one of you out there to go see it. Local filmmakers aren’t, after all, a dime a dozen. So, you should do your very best to support the ones we have.

Kentucky Wesleyan College is hosting two screenings of Hallows Eve, Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd at Hager Hall on the KWC campus. Movie times are 8pm both nights. Admission is $5 for adults at the door. Students and faculty can purchase tickets for $3 with a photo ID. • 31 •

MOVIES

dvd RevieWs april 28th Bride Wars (20th Century Fox)

may 5th The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount Pictures) #9 on my list of the Best Films of 2008. David Fincher’s portrait of Benjamin Button, a man who, oddly enough, ages in reverse, is a poetic tale of life and its fragility. At the center of this three-hour masterpiece is Fincher’s thesis about cause and effect. It’s a seemingly inconsequential sequence of events that ends up having dire consequences for Benjamin Button‘s long-time love, Daisy. To watch that sequence (and you must) is to learn what life is truly all about. Life is essentially the pursuit of death.

From the moment we are born, our biological clocks begin ticking and inching ever closer to Doomsday and there’s nothing we can do to control or stop it. Just ask Benjamin Button.

GRADE: B+

may 12th Taken (20th Century Fox) Could anyone have predicted that Liam Neeson was going to be the break-out action movie star of 2009? Well, this Pierre Morel-helmed thriller grossed about $140 million dollars and I truly can understand why. On the surface, Taken looks like a good movie. But if you stop chomping your popcorn, gutting your gummy bears, slurping down that Coke and really pay attention, you’ll see it’s all just absurd. The dialogue is terrible. The acting is over-the-top. Liam Neeson looks about as comfortable playing the action hero as Harrison Ford did in Firewall. And let’s talk about those dastardly villains! Have you noticed that the Albanians are the new bad

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guys in Hollywood? If I was Asian, I’d be pissed. The Asians used to be the bad guys but, now all of a sudden, these Albanians come out of nowhere and they get all the attention? Excuse me! But who the hell do you Albanians think you are? Going to Paris and kidnapping Liam Neeson’s daughter! You should be ashamed.

GRADE: C

may

12th Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (Sony Pictures)

The cinematic equivalent of taking a silver bullet to the forehead. I don’t mean to sound like a civil rights activist but, “Haven’t my people suffered enough?” Did we need a third Underworld movie? And, more importantly, did Michael Sheen, who was so brilliant in The Queen and Frost/Nixon really need a paycheck this badly? Does Bill Nighy, the normally accomplished actor who stars as head vampire Viktor, really think he’s being scary when he makes his eyes bug out of his head like he‘s trying to force a bowel movement? Do I have to end every sentence in this review with a question mark?

GRADE: C

may 19th Valkyrie (MGM) Bryan Singer’s take on the plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler isn’t the tragedy I expected to be. But that doesn’t mean it’s worth watching either. Though I fully anticipated Tom Cruise being the primary distraction, he actually wasn’t that bad. What’s really odd to me is the fact that no one in this movie about Germany speaks with a German accent. I realize that Singer made an executive decision for his actors not to use them (they were reportedly struggling in rehearsals), but why then do they write in German and send and translate telegraphs in German? It’s a silly directorial choice that ends up stripping the movie of any authenticity. This is a Hollywood director’s Nazi Germany. Not Hitler’s.

GRADE: C+

www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

PHOTOS CREDITS: TAKEN: STEPHANIE BRANCHU / UNDERWORLD: KEN GEORGE /

Here come the brides! Now, take my wives! PLEASE! Anne Hathaway (who’s usually reliable) and Kate Hudson (who routinely sucks) team up to play best friends Chad Benefield who wage war on each other when they book their Contributor dream weddings on the same day in the same place.

The only thing more frustrating than the fact that this supposed comedy isn’t comic at all is the basic premise of the film. You mean to tell me that Liv and Emma, BFF’s who’ve been dreaming about and planning their weddings since they plopped out of the womb, wouldn’t relish the thought of having a double wedding? Come on, Bridezillas!

Even Marcia and Jan Brady had a double wedding!

GRADE: D

CINEMA

videO vieWs

may 1st X-Men Origins: Wolverine (20th Century Fox) Well, if you happened to catch the version leaked on the internet, you’ve already seen it. Hopefully, you didn’t give into that temptation. And, speaking of temptations, I am sure there are hordes of women (and some men out there) who fully believe Hugh Jackman should always be seen on a giant projection screen instead of a teeny-tiny laptop! Gavin Hood (Rendition) directs this Origins story, which delves deep into the psyche and history of Wolverine and how he found his way to the Weapon X program.

I haven’t enjoyed any of the X-Men movies, but this has one thing going for it. Halle Berry’s not in it! There’s no Storm to rain on the parade!

may 8th Star Trek (Paramount)

in over $217 million dollars domestically! In 2009, Angels and Demons is poised to put up similar numbers. Why? It’s based on another wildly popular Dan Brown novel. It has the same director. And it stars Tom Hanks, who reprises his role as symbologist Robert Langdon, who learns that a secret brotherhood called the Illuminati is on the verge of resurrection and threatens to destroy the Vatican. You can expect lots of layers and intrigue in Angels and Demons. I just hope that when the case is cracked, the puzzle is more elaborate than that in The Da Vinci Code. It may have stumped some, but, for me and my movie-watching pals, it was about as elaborate as a “Before and After” puzzle on Wheel of Fortune.

may 21st

PHOTO CREDITS: X-MEN: MICHAEL MULLER / ANGELS: ZADE ROSENTHAL / TERMINATOR: RICHARD FOREMAN

Terminator Salvation (Warner Brothers)

Is it just me or is Star Trek the cinematic gift that keeps on giving? Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be another Star Trek movie, Trekkies are getting beamed back to movie theatres! To be quite honest, I have never really been a fan. But, that could all change and here’s why . . .

J.J. Abrams. If anyone can reinvent Star Trek and update it for the modern age, it’s Abrams. Though he’s only directed one feature-length film (Mission: Impossible III), he’s the brainpower behind some of the most popular small-screen science fiction ever: Fringe, Alias and Lost, which I truly consider the best series in the history of television.

may 15th Angels and Demons (Sony Pictures) It’s National Treasure meets The Holy Bible! In 2006, Ron Howard’s bigscreen treatment of Dan Brown’s best-seller, The Da Vinci Code, raked Owensboro April 2009 • Call for Advertising Information (270) 485-2292

Well, Ahnuld is gone. But behold Christian Bale, the drama queen! Terminator Salvation has already made headlines and it hasn’t even hit the big screen yet. Of course, what does one expect when its star, Christian Bale, tongue-lashes a crew member and thereby officially declares to the world that he is the NEW Russell Crowe. It killed me when so-called Hollywood insiders speculated that Warner Brothers released the audio from that school-girl tirade to drum up publicity for the movie. Don’t believe that notion because it’s absurd. This is a Terminator movie. It doesn’t need publicity. The masses are going to swarm the theatre to see it and I am going to be right there with them. Charlie’s Angels director McG takes the helm and gives the franchise the gritty and nihilistic look it’s been begging for. I cannot wait!

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009

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www.News4UOwensboro.com • Owensboro April 2009