Amy Higgs Managing Editor
G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher
GATEWAY TO SUMMER
May is the month of expectation, the month of wishes, the month of hope.”
– Emily Brontë
When Derby rolls around the first Saturday in May, that’s our mile marker that summer is just around the corner — which means a bevy of amazing outdoor performances, festivals, and concerts. We’ve already packed the car with blankets and bag chairs and bought a few new tubes of sunscreen.
Yes indeed, the summer season of arts and entertainment events in Louisville promises to be one of the best yet. And hey, if you don’t want to sweat it out under the sun, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite shows and artists inside a cool, dark theater instead. We’ll probably do a little of both.
In this issue of Audience Magazine, we’re thrilled to bring you a few previews of what’s ahead over the next few months. First, we get down on the farm with the latest Broadway show coming to Whitney Hall, Shucked. Read all about this corn-fed comedy on page 14.
And then, of course, the venerable Kentucky Shakespeare Festival returns for its 65th season May 28. Get the details on page 24. Audience is proud to once again provide a free program guide at each performance.
If you’re interested in supporting the next generation of artists, you don’t want to miss the Louisville Orchestra’s Creators Fest, highlighting three dynamic new pieces by LO’s Creators Corps residents. Read more on page 16.
Fund For the Arts is excited to launch a new app to keep kids engaged with the arts all summer. Find out how it works in our feature on page 22. This issue also includes our monthly Event Outlook calendar and a spotlight on events at Kentucky’s parks.
We could not bring you all these stories and more without our advertisers, so please show them some love whenever you get the chance. And check back next month for more news and events about the performing arts scene in Derby City.
Whether it’s on the grass or in the balcony, we’ll see you at the next show.
Cheers,
Amy & Doug
BARD IS BACK
TICKET GIVEAWAYS SPECIAL INVITES SHOW PREVIEWS
Your source for the arts and entertainment in Louisville and surrounding areas.
PUBLISHER
The Audience Group, Inc.
G. Douglas Dreisbach
MANAGING EDITOR
Amy Higgs
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rhonda Mefford
SALES & MARKETING
G. Douglas Dreisbach
CONTRIBUTORS
Fund for the Arts
Louisville Orchestra
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet
TO READ CURRENT AND PREVIOUS AUDIENCE PLAYBILLS AND PERFORMANCE GUIDES, GO TO ISSUU.COM/AUDIENCE502.
On the Cover: Critics hail Shucked as 'deliciously corny'. Your chance to see the show is May 13-18 at The Kentucky Center. Read more on page 14
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Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
Carsen Bryant
Patrick Mitchell
PHOTO
KENTUCKY STATE PARKS UPCOMING EVENTS
Enjoy Music, Storytelling, Barbeque, Crafts, and More This Spring
May is beautiful in Kentucky with sunny days, blooming flowers, and warmer weather. A wonderful way to experience spring in the commonwealth is to visit Kentucky State Parks. With 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks with accommodations and restaurants, there are many locations to choose from. The parks also feature 30 campgrounds and 13 golf courses.
On May 3, celebrate Derby Day at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s event. For $30, you can make a hat, sip a mint julep, and watch the races with a spirited crowd. Keep the Derby fun going on May 4 at My Old Kentucky Barbeque, hosted by My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown. Enjoy plated barbeque meals with traditional Kentucky burgoo, along with the beer garden and full bar, where guests can enjoy classic mint juleps and Lily drinks. Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time for this one.
Several parks are hosting arts and crafts events. Rough River Resort Park will host a Spring Fling Craft Show on May 3, with vendors offering crafts, art, and clothing, along with food trucks. Big Bone Lick’s Kentucky Artisan Meet and Greet takes place on May 10, featuring Jennifer Millard Art. On May 24, Kentucky Dam Village’s annual Arts and Craft Show will have art exhibits, food, craft vendors, wood carvers, jewelry makers, potters, blacksmith, painters, and more.
On May 9, we look forward to honoring Big Bone Lick Historic Site’s National Historic Landmark Dedication by the National Park Service. Big Bone Lick is now one of only 16 properties in the country to have both National Historic Landmark and National Natural Landmark status. For over 250 years, Big Bone Lick has been known as a significant paleontological resource, often called the “birthplace of American Paleontology.” Join us for this incredible acknowledgement.
Have some old-fashioned fun at a Vintage Baseball Double Header at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. On May 10, the Battlefield will host a doubleheader with the Bluegrass Barons challenged by the Red Stockings — a baseball event based on rules from the 1860s. Bring your chairs and sunscreen to take advantage of this fun event.
Old Fort Harrod State Park will have a Native Dawn Flute Gathering on May 23 to 25, with Native American artists and musicians sharing beautiful music and storytelling. Food trucks and craft vendors will be on site for this free event.
Memorial Day weekend will close out the month with multiple parks hosting special events and concerts. This weekend is the official start of the summer swimming season at state parks. Most pools and beaches will open at this time. Spend the long weekend relaxing in the sun at one of our resort parks!
These are just a few of the many exciting events coming up in May at Kentucky State Parks. While making plans, be sure to confirm details at Parks.ky.gov/events, where you can find additional information about each of these events and specific park information.
We look forward to seeing you at Kentucky State Parks!
Sincerely,
Lindy Casebier Secretary, Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet
Dead-style improvisation. Their music explores themes of freedom, adventure, and cosmic exploration, creating a unique mix of Southern twang and spacey, exploratory jams that push the boundaries of modern country and rock.
28 TO JULY 25
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
Much Ado About Nothing Central Park
The 65th season kicks off with one of the greatest romantic comedies ever written. It’s a battle of wits, and love is in the air, as mischievous games, pranks, and plots abound in this irresistible comedy. Free to attend.
28
WFPK’s Waterfront Wednesday Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, Southern Avenue, and Relaay
Park, the concerts present a diverse lineup of national and local artists across various genres and attracts music lovers for an evening of live performances, food trucks, and scenic riverfront views. A staple of Louisville’s cultural scene, it offers a vibrant, familyfriendly atmosphere celebrating music and community.
30
The Stolen Faces
Grateful Dead Tribute Band Headliners Music Hall
The Stolen Faces are a Nashville-based Grateful Dead tribute band known for their authentic renditions of the Dead’s legendary catalog. With a deep appreciation for the band’s spirit, they capture the improvisational energy, intricate harmonies, and psychedelic essence that define the Grateful Dead experience. Don’t miss this show as they
30
One Vision of Queen ft. Marc Martel Queen Tribute Brown Theatre
Vocal powerhouse Marc Martel brings Queen’s legacy to life in One Vision of Queen — a high-energy tribute packed with iconic anthems like “Bohemian
31-JUNE 1
Railbird Music Festival
Red Mile Race Course (Lexington)
Another great lineup at this two-day music festival at the Red Mile Race Course in Lexington. Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson will headline the two nights, but the event is stacked up to provide a great weekend of music with over 30 artists across three stages, including The Red Clay Strays, Ryan Bingham, Gavin Adcock, Cody Jinks, Shaboozey, Luke Grimes, Blackberry Smoke, and more.
JUNE
6 & 7
Germantown Schnitzelburg Blues Festival
Corner of Hickory Street and Burnett Ave.
This year, the Kentuckiana Blues Society and Check's Cafe will host the 15th Germantown Schnitzelburg Blues Festival in the heart of this historic neighborhood. The free festival with both indoor and outdoor stages will have four acts on Friday, June 6, and seven acts on Saturday, June 7.
11
The Lemon Twigs Classic/Retro Rock
Headliners Music Hall
The Lemon Twigs, led by brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario, fuse retro rock with modern flair, drawing inspiration from ’60s and ’70s legends like The Beatles and Big Star. Known for their intricate harmonies, theatrical live performances, and multi-instrumental talent, the Long Island duo crafts ambitious, genre-blurring music. With critically acclaimed albums, they bring a fresh yet nostalgic energy to rock, earning a devoted following for their bold, vintage-inspired sound.
15
Boney James
Contemporary Jazz/R&B
Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
Boney James is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer known for his smooth jazz and R&B-influenced sound. Active since the early 1990s, he has released numerous chart-topping albums, blending soulful melodies with contemporary jazz grooves. With his expressive playing and crossover appeal, James remains one of the genre’s most popular artists, earning widespread acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
16
The Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series
The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780
Brown Theatre
Rick Atkinson’s latest book explores the pivotal middle years of the American Revolution, from the struggles of Washington’s army to the high-stakes diplomacy of Benjamin Franklin in France. As Britain’s war effort grows costly and uncertain, battles rage at Brandywine, Saratoga, and Monmouth. Timed for the Revolution’s 250th anniversary, this deeply researched narrative sheds new light on the sacrifices democracy demands. Atkinson is a Pulitzer-winning historian and bestselling author.
19
Modest Mouse
Indie Rock
Old Forestor’s Paristown Hall
Modest Mouse is an indie rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington, by lead singer/guitarist Isaac Brock, bassist Eric Judy, and drummer Jeremiah
Green. Known for their raw, introspective lyrics and distinctive, off-kilter sound, they gained mainstream success with “Good News for People Who Love Bad News” (2004), featuring the hit “Float On.” Their music blends indie, punk, and experimental rock.
19 TO JULY 26
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
Hamlet
Central Park
Shakespeare’s unparalleled masterpiece is a haunting tale of corruption, betrayal, and revenge. Follow Hamlet through an electrifying and unforgettable journey into the human soul. Free to attend.
20 & 21
Billy Strings
Bluegrass/Rock/Jam
Rupp Arena (Lexington)
Billy Strings is a Grammy-winning bluegrass musician renowned for his masterful guitar skills and dynamic performances. Raised in Michigan, Strings unique sound has earned him a loyal following of fans as he blends traditional bluegrass with elements of rock and metal from a deep library of original songs.
21
Jake Owen w. Uncle Kracker Country/Rock French Lick Resort (French Lick)
Jake Owen, a country music mainstay, boasts 10 No. 1 singles, 2.5 billion streams, and ACM awards. Known for hits like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” he’s also a philanthropist and music executive. Uncle Kracker blends country, pop, and rock, delivering hits like “Follow Me” and “Drift Away.” A former Kid Rock collaborator, he’s topped pop, adult contemporary, and country charts.
Know of a great concert, performance, or arts event we should share? Email the details to ddreisbach@theaudiencegroup.com. For a full list of our preferred Event Outlook, visit Audience502.com.
ART FEEDS THE SOUL. WE SERVE A FEAST.
Step into a space designed to spark curiosity, restore your spirit, and bring people together. As Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum, the Speed Art Museum takes you on a journey through 6,000 years of imagination and creativity—from ancient artifacts to bold contemporary works. Wander immersive galleries, experience thought-provoking films at Speed Cinema, and rediscover art’s power to inspire, challenge and connect us.
of A Bacchanal, about 1608 ‑ 1616; Oil on panel; 23 5/16 × 32 1/2 in. (59.2 × 82.6 cm.)
Jan Brueghel the Elder (Netherlandish, 1568 ‑ 1625) Hendrik van Balen I (Netherlandish, 1575 ‑ 1632) Detail
PERFORMANCE PREVIEWS
GET READY TO BE ‘SHUCKED’
BROADWAY’S CORN-FED COMEDY
COMING TO WHITNEY HALL by Audience Magazine
Louisville theatergoers, brace yourselves for a musical experience that's as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Shucked, the Tony Award-winning sensation, is making its way to Louisville in May. You won’t want to miss this unique blend of humor, heart, and toe-tapping tunes that has audiences across the country rolling with laughter.
A TALE OF CORN, COMMUNITY, & COURAGE
Set in the fictional Cob County, Shucked tells the story of Maizy, a spirited young woman whose world revolves around corn. When the town's corn crops mysteriously fail, Maizy ventures beyond the county lines in search of a solution. Her journey introduces her to Gordy, a so-called “corn doctor” whose intentions are less than noble. As Maizy brings Gordy back to Cob County, the townsfolk must confront their own biases and fears, leading to unexpected revelations and growth.
The narrative is driven by two witty storytellers who break the fourth wall, guiding the audience through the tale with a healthy dose of humor and charm. The show's book, penned by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie), is replete with puns and clever wordplay that keep the laughs coming from start to finish.
A SCORE THAT STRIKES A CHORD
The musical's score is the brainchild of Grammy-winning Nashville songwriters Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. Their country-infused melodies and heartfelt lyrics provide the perfect backdrop for the story's themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.
One standout number, “Independently Owned,” performed by the character Lulu, has been hailed as a showstopper. In fact, Alex Newell's portrayal of Lulu earned them a historic Tony Award, making them one of the first nonbinary actors to receive such an honor. Their powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence are not to be missed.
BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE PRESENTS Shucked May 13-18, 2025
KENTUCKY CENTER, WHITNEY HALL
CRITICAL ACCLAIM & AUDIENCE DELIGHT
Shucked has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. The New York Post described it as “flat-out hilarious,” while The New Yorker noted that the show has “the audience erupting into show-pausing cheers with memorable melodies and clever lyrics.” Time Out New York lauded it as “a deliciously corny new musical with rollicking song.”
Shucked continues to win hearts with its universal themes and infectious energy. Its ability to blend humor with poignant messages about community and acceptance makes it a standout in the world of musical theater.
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T MISS IT
For Louisville audiences, Shucked offers a refreshing theatrical experience that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. Its relatable characters, catchy tunes, and clever humor make it a perfect outing for theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Whether you're drawn to its witty script, its heartfelt music, or its timely message about embracing change and diversity, Shucked promises an evening of laughter, reflection, and good-natured fun.
For tickets and more information, scan the code or visit: Louisville.broadway.com
The Cast of The North American Tour of Shucked. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
SHUCKED
PERFORMANCE PREVIEW
A FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION & COMMUNITY
CREATORS FEST CULMINATES YEAR-LONG
LOUISVILLE RESIDENCY
by Louisville Orchestra
LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS Creators Fest May 9 & 10, 2025 KENTUCKY CENTER, WHITNEY HALL PERFORMANCE PREVIEW
The Louisville Orchestra’s Creators Fest returns to Whitney Hall on May 9 and 10, 2025, spotlighting the world premieres of three dynamic new compositions by the 2024-25 Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps (LOCC) residents: Brittany Green, Baldwin Giang, and Oswald Huỳnh. Conducted by Music Director Teddy Abrams, with acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Kahane joining the orchestra, the festival also features a live recording of Andrew Norman’s electrifying piano concerto Split.
Creators Fest is more than a concert — it’s the culmination of a year-long residency that embeds composers into the cultural fabric of Louisville. Since its launch in 2022, the LOCC has become a national model for integrating artists into civic life. Each year, three composers relocate to Louisville’s Shelby Park neighborhood for a 30-week residency, during which they compose new music, engage with the community, and serve as artist-leaders within the orchestra. The program is the only one of its kind in the world.
This year’s festival marks the debut of new works by the 2024-25 creators:
• Brittany Green – Known for her exploration of identity and social justice through sound.
• Baldwin Giang – A composer whose work blends classical and electronic elements to create immersive sonic experiences.
• Oswald Huỳnh – An artist who draws from Vietnamese heritage and contemporary narratives to craft poignant musical stories.
Their compositions reflect the creators’ deep engagement with Louisville’s communities and their own unique artistic voices.
A MAJOR RECORDING EVENT
In addition to the premieres, the festival features a live recording of Andrew Norman’s Split, a high-energy piano concerto that has captivated audiences with its kinetic rhythms and emotional depth. Pianist Jeffrey Kahane brings his virtuosic skill to this performance, which promises to be a highlight of the festival.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND
Creators Fest offers a rare opportunity to experience the forefront of contemporary orchestral music. It is also a celebration of innovation, community, and the transformative power of music. By attending, you’re not only witnessing the debut of groundbreaking compositions but also supporting a program that redefines the role of artists in society.
Join the Louisville Orchestra on May 9 and 10 and be a part of a festival that is shaping the future of classical music, right here in Louisville.
PROGRAM NOTES
Compiled by Aaron Grad
The Lands of Hypnogagia [2025] BRITTANY GREEN
Born 1991 in Raleigh, North Carolina; Currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps composer Brittany Green produced her newest work, The Lands of Hypnogagia, as part of a broad partnership with the
Whether it's an intimate concert or an outdoor community performance, don't miss your chance to see the Louisville Orchestra during its 2025-26 season. Photo courtesy of Louisville Orchestra.
Waldorf School of Louisville and the University of Louisville. The plotline for this brief tone poem was first developed as a short story by elementary school students, who fleshed out the idea of a dream that brings a dragon to life, and a magical world centered on a tree that sprouts fairies. (These being elementary schoolers, characters in that world include Tuna Eyeball Plant and Petunia Space Butterfly.) The students also helped to generate some of the musical materials, with guidance and mentorship from Green and teaching artist Greg Acker of the Louisville Folk School. Working in sync with Green’s fantastical and groove-oriented score, University of Louisville students A.J. Ruffra and Isabel Ahnemiller produced an animated short film to accompany the live performance.
gift of tongues [2025] BALDWIN GIANG
Born 1992 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky
In this final work of his residency with the Louisville Orchestra Creators Corp, Baldwin Giang composed a horn concerto that takes inspiration from a Biblical passage — Chapter 2 from Acts of the Apostles — which he described as “particularly important to many Pentecostal communities in Kentucky.”
He explained his process in the following program note:
On the day of the Pentecost, Jesus gives his disciples the ability to suddenly be heard speaking in languages they did not know. Rather than attempting a kind of programmatic description, my horn concerto gift of tongues investigates the effects and emotional content of a miraculous moment when divided communities could, in an instant, feel recognized and heard. As a political metaphor, I think the gift of tongues is a particularly utopian and desirable vision for our world today.
Though sustained hard work bridging political lines is no doubt necessary, perhaps this passage reminds us that we must also be open to the serendipitous and surprising moments when we can connect with those of radically different communities.
This passage of the Pentecost inspired me to think of the French horn as a particularly gifted and versatile communicator within the orchestra. At different times, many principals in the orchestra are given virtuosic passages in dialogue with the solo horn. Through these many encounters, the horn evolves a language that reflects on the idiosyncrasies of each of its conversational partners.
The first movement considers the astonishment and wonder of that moment when Jesus gave his apostles “divided tongues” in an instant, “as of fire.” The slow and lyrical second movement ponders the ramifications of that moment, when his apostles had the new ability to spread his message “near and far” to different linguistic communities. The third movement reflects on the second-century prophet Maximilia, a leader of the Christian sect of Montanism, who believed that divine revelation could come directly through ecstatic fits of where followers would speak spontaneously in tongues.
This piece owes a special debt of gratitude to Scott Leger for his many years of collaboration and friendship, and to the principal players of the Louisville Orchestra, whose gifts and interests inspired what I wrote.
Tiếng [2025]
OSWALD HUỲNH
Born 1997 in Portland, Oregon; Currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky
LOCC composer Oswald Huỳnh continues his exploration of his Vietnamese heritage in this multimedia culmination of his Louisville residency. He wrote the following program note:
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In Vietnamese, the word Tiếng means both “language” and “sound.” It is the interplay of those two ideas that are at the core of this work. I grew up speaking Vietnamese (inherited from my parents) and English (learned from watching television), and the role of translator was an everyday occurrence for me as a child, from parent-teacher conferences to reading court documents for family members. Moving in between those disparate worlds, translation would often fail me in conversation, just as much as I failed the languages that were passed down to me.
This work navigates that tension of language and translation, and observes both as tools of violence, forms of grief, and points of empathy. While I recognize this is a myopic view of what are complex linguistic histories, this piece places English as a language of violence and Vietnamese as a language of grief. Interconnected by music, literature, and art, Tiếng attempts to reconcile the two languages while searching for what it means to speak a language of empathy.
Each movement of Tiếng is based on one of the six tones of the modern Vietnamese language: ngang, huyền, sắc, hỏi, ngã, and nặng. Every tone is represented by a diacritic that uniquely transforms the pronunciation of words and syllables. From these tones, I derive shape, gesture, and character, which are then used as material for the piece. Lines of poetry that explore violence, grief, and empathy — from poets Li-Young Lee, Nam Le, Ocean Vuong, and Cathy Linh Che — are paired with each of the tones, which inspired the emotional content of the music. Art inspired by the six Vietnamese tones (illustrated by longtime friend and collaborator Apikale Fouch) are projected during each movement.
Split [2015]
ANDREW NORMAN
Born 1979 in Grand Rapids Michigan; Currently resides in Los Angeles, California
Andrew Norman has enjoyed tremendous success with his music for large ensembles, as heard in performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and many international groups. His string trio, The Companion Guide to Rome, was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Music; other awards include the Rome Prize, Berlin Prize, and the prestigious Grawemeyer Award in 2017 for his orchestral score Play. The New York Philharmonic commissioned Split for a 2015 performance featuring Jeffrey Kahane, and Norman described how he took inspiration from the pianist’s “wit, vitality, and expressive character” to cast him as a “mercurial trickster.” In the end, his role “became less the prankster and more the pranked, an unwitting protagonist trapped in a Rube Goldbergian labyrinth of causes and effects.” Norman wrote the following program note:
In one sense, Split could be read as the spirited inner dialogue of a pianist with many conflicting personalities. Each of these personalities is associated with and amplified by a different group of instruments in the orchestra. In another sense, the piece is an epic battle between the pianist, who has many different stories to tell, and the percussionists, who are constantly interrupting these stories and switching the music to different channels entirely.
Each percussion instrument acts as a very specific trigger in this game of channel-changing jump cuts: the pop of a bongo drum starts a minimalist perpetual-motion machine, the metallic zing of a spring coil unleashes a florid and effusive Romanticism, and the scrape of a washboard sends everyone down a relentless spiral of asymmetric suspensions (and the list of actions/reactions could go on and on). This is a universe with a lot of rules, and for the most part I abide by them all.
In yet another sense, the title references my thinking about the orchestra and its dual nature as both organism and machine. Talk to any player in a symphony orchestra and they will describe their role as a cog in a well-oiled clockwork. Indeed, part of the thrill of watching an orchestra is to behold the mechanistic precision of its members. On the other hand, what makes the orchestra unique and indispensable (especially in this age when almost all the sounds in the music around us are made, in one way or another, by a computer) is the unmatched and unfiltered human energy and collective human expression of its constituent musicians.
Split seeks to explore this dialectic of clockwork versus organism, to celebrate the outer reaches of both precise synchronicity and complete freedom, to chart and traverse the distance between people being machines and people being people.
For tickets and more information, scan the code or visit: LouisvilleOrchestra.org
CULTURAL PASS GOES DIGITAL
FUND FOR THE ARTS SUMMER PROGRAMS
KICK OFF MAY 31 WITH NEW MOBILE APP by Fund for the Arts
As schools across Louisville and Southern Indiana dismiss for summer break, families have a new tool to keep kids engaged, learning, and having fun all season long. The 2025 Cultural Pass and Summer Reading Program officially kick off on May 31, offering young people and their families free access to arts, culture, and educational experiences — and this year, there's a big upgrade: the launch of the brand-new Cultural Pass App.
For the first time, participants can browse events, create custom schedules, get reminders, and even check in at participating venues — all from their phones. The goal, organizers say, is to make the Cultural Pass even more accessible and easier to use.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce the city to the Cultural Pass App as we work to expand this beloved program and make it more accessible to everyone in our community,” said Andre Kimo Stone Guess, President and CEO of Fund for the Arts. “It is our hope that the Cultural Pass App brings more families on more visits to more partners than ever before, helping our young people get engaged and stay engaged in their arts and culture ecosystem.”
The Cultural Pass is a free program that opens the doors to more than 45 arts, cultural, science, nature, and heritage institutions across Louisville and Southern Indiana. Running from May 31 through August 10, it is available to those who live or work in Jefferson or Bullitt counties in Kentucky, and Clark, Floyd, or Harrison counties in Indiana.
To celebrate the season launch, the Louisville Free Public Library’s Main Branch will host a special Summer Reading and Cultural Pass Kick Off event on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy performances and activities from Cultural Pass partners like the Kentucky Science Center, Speed Art Museum, and the Louisville Zoo, alongside food vendors, roaming characters, and hands-on fun for all ages. Staff will also be on hand to assist with signing up for the Summer Reading Program and helping families download and navigate the new Cultural Pass App.
For those unable to download the app, accessibility help is available at participating libraries, including Louisville Free Public Library, Bullitt County Public Library, Charlestown Clark County Public Library, The Floyd County Library, Harrison County Library, and Jeffersonville Township Public Library.
The Cultural Pass App is a collaborative effort presented by Fund for the Arts, Louisville Metro Government, Arts & Culture Alliance (ACA), and the Kentuckiana Cultural Consortium, with support from a wide range of local foundations and sponsors.
Meanwhile, the Louisville Free Public Library's Summer Reading Program continues its longstanding tradition of encouraging kids and teens to read for pleasure throughout the summer. The free, 10-week program offers prizes and incentives to keep young readers motivated.
Participants who complete the program — by reading a set umber of books depending on their age — will earn a backpack or shoulder bag, plus passes to attractions like the Kentucky Science Center, Louisville Bats games, Racing Louisville FC matches, and more. Sweet treats from local favorites like Fazoli’s, Ehrler’s, Raising Cane’s, and Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Co. are also part of the rewards.
The Summer Reading Program is open to all children from infancy through 12th grade. To register, visit LFPL.org/SummerReading or call (502) 574-1611.
With two powerhouse programs ready to roll and a new app to make access even easier, Louisville families are all set for a summer packed with adventure, learning, and fun — all at no cost.
StageOne Family Theatre is one of many local performing arts organizations included in Fund for the Arts' Cultural Pass program.
HAMLET
June 19-29; July 15, 18, 23, 26 (no performances on Mondays or Tuesdays in June); Directed by Amy Attaway
Shakespeare’s unparalleled masterpiece is a haunting tale of corruption, betrayal, and revenge. Follow Hamlet through an electrifying and unforgettable journey into the human soul.
CYMBELINE
July 3, 5, 6, 8-13; July 17, 20, 24, 27; Directed by Matt Wallace
Shakespeare’s inventive fairy tale of love, loss, and legacy ...
An evil stepmother, long-lost princes, a banished lover, dastardly villains, and a lionhearted princess on a quest to Happily Ever After.
TWELFTH NIGHT
Kentucky Shakespeare’s Globe Players; July 30-August 3; Directed by Kyle Ware
Kentucky Shakespeare’s Globe Players professional training program takes the stage, presenting Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, directed by Director of Education Kyle Ware. The cast is composed of students from multiple area high schools and the production is the culmination of a five-week training program.
SHAKESPEARE IN DANCE: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Louisville Ballet; August 6-10
Louisville Ballet returns for a ninth season to present an original dance piece from choreographer Roger Creel, inspired by Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy.
LATE NIGHT SHAKES (IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE)
Louisville Improvisors; 10:30 p.m.; June 14, June 28, & July 12
The Louisville Improvisors return for a 10th season with Late Night Shakes on select Saturdays, bringing late night improvised Shakespeare plays created from audience suggestions.
Kentucky Shakespeare will again partner with The Audience Group, your connection to the arts and entertainment scene in Louisville, providing a free Audience program guide for audience members throughout the summer.
PHOTO BY JOSEPH MAYS
