Charlotte Cowell, Unsplash
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY ICE IN LOUISVILLE SO FAR THIS YEAR? DON’T ASK ICE, THEY WON’T TELL YOU
BY CALEB STULTZ
As nationwide ICE raids escalate, Louisville residents demand transparency and action— while city officials emphasize support for immigrant communities but offer few concrete answer.
As many have seen across social media and in news headlines, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been deployed across several major cities across the nation. Whether it be during elementary school graduations, or right on the streets in downtown metros like Los Angeles and New York.
What about here in Louisville? According to Mayor Craig Greenberg, he is “proud that Louisville is a city with many immigrants.” At least that’s what he told the public during a demonstration outside of Metro Hall on Tuesday, just after the president of the United States weaponized the National Guard against protestors in Los Angeles this week.
“Immigrants make our city richer, stronger, and more vibrant. We’ve got wonderful entrepreneurs. We’ve got wonderful teachers. They are a part of the fabric of our city,” he said. “I am the grandson of immigrants who fled Nazi Germany.”
According to ICE data—which, let’s be honest, probably doesn’t hold a lot of weight (but it’s the best we’ve got so far)—there have been just over 2,000 arrests made in the Chicago “area of responsibility,” which covers states like Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky. Despite some idea of how many people have been taken, there is no clear
data for Louisville itself currently made available to the public.
ICE Detention Statistics, which should be updated with every arrest, shows no record of any person currently detained.
As more ICE raids continue to rage on against Americans “from sea to shining sea,” many are taking up signs and putting their American-soil-born bodies in front of the action, including major protests like “No Kings Day” coming up this Saturday, June 14.
According to data from NoKings.org, there are over 1,500 “No Kings Day” events across the US, with some estimates pushing that number up to 1,800 protests, with a few key areas in the Louisville Metro, including in front of Metro Hall, and one in front of Courthouse Plaza in New Albany, IN.
And as those protests build momentum, Greenberg says there won’t be a need for the National Guard, but I don’t think he got the memo that Newsom didn’t ask for a police state either when Trump decided to send them.
“There is no need for the National Guard here,” Greenberg said. “[Police] Chief Humphrey and his team have planned for incidents. Our goal is to prevent any escalation to respect the rights of people who are protesting and to protect property, to protect individuals.”
GET YOUR PRIDE ON!
What you need to know
by Aria Baci
KPF Presents “Hotel Takeover Pride Edition”
Friday, June 20, 2025 3:00 PM - Sunday, June 22, 2025 11:00 AM
Kentuckiana Pride Festival 1101 East River Road
ALL NEW! Hotel Takeover Pride Edition
Kentuckiana Pride Foundation is excited to announce our upcoming and NEW Hotel Takeover Pride Edition event at the Myriad Hotel and in celebration of our 25 years as Kentuckiana Pride. Your purchase of the hotel stay will include a general admission ticket to the Kentuckiana Pride Festival, access to the official Pride After Party at the Myriad Hotel featuring international Australian DJ and Producer Dan Slater, and pool party access on Sunday with DJ and Producer Deanne!
Kentuckiana Pride Festival & Parade
Saturday, June 21, 2025 12:00 PM 11:00 PM Big Four Lawn, Waterfront Park
The Kentuckiana Pride*Parade Kicks off at 12pm in NULU and ends at the Big Four Lawn where the Festival takes place until 10pm. Performing at the 25th Kentuckiana Pride Festival presented by Derby City Prep Clinic are --
Natasha Bedingfield, Saucy Santana, The Scarlet Opera, Tanner Adell, Molly Grace, and more on the Big Four Lawn on June 21st.
KPR Presents “Love & Pride ‘25 Neon Fantasy Dance Party”
Friday, June 20, 2025 8:00 PM - Saturday, June 21, 2025 3:00 AM
Play Louisville 1101 East Washington Street
Back by popular demand on Friday, June 20 at Play Louisville Dance Bar is the Love & Pride ‘25 Neon Fantasy Dance Party. Get those neon colors, glow sticks, and your favorite accessories ready as we bring you two sensational DJs for a fun-filled night of dancing the night away. Join DJ Syimone at 9 PM followed by International and Greek DJ and Producer GSP.
KPF Presents “Official Pride Takeover AFTER PARTY”
Saturday, June 21, 2025 11:00 PM - Sunday, June 22, 2025 3:00 AM
The Myriad Hotel 900 Baxter Avenue
The Kentuckiana Pride Foundation is excited to announce for its 25th year celebration Love & Pride ‘25 Neon Drag Brunch and Pool Party Powered by Derby City PrEP Clinic. The day is expected to be a fun-filled day of drag, brunch, poolside music from DJ and Music Producer Deanne. What a great way to connect with fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the day!
Pool access is from 10 AM through 5 PM. DJ Deanne starts spinning at 12 PM. Limited food menu available for those who purchase pool access only.
The drag brunch will showcase an exciting entertainment lineup featuring Nina West and Naysha Lopez from RuPaul’s Drag Race, along with Kassandra Hylton, Karmen Kazzi, and The Diva Extreme Syimone. Additionally, Derby City PrEP will present guest performers during this event. The brunches will be hosted by the renowned Leah Halston, so attendees should come ready for an unpredictable experience. Brunch will include your choice of appetizer and entrée. Tea, water, and soda are included with the purchase of your ticket.
• 10:30 AM brunch ticket holders will need to arrive at the Paseo restaurant by 10:15 AM for seating.
• 12:30 PM brunch ticket holders will need to arrive at the Paseo restaurant by 12:15 PM for seating.
Tickets are only $69.99 for brunch and pool access! Pool only access is $39.99.
Iconic LoUIsville A Photo History Of The Hot
by the
Louisville’s culinary scene is a flavorful mix of tradition, creativity, and Southern charm. From timeless classics to locally loved hidden gems, these iconic dishes capture the true taste of the city.
Southern Lady Magazine Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
A creamy cucumber spread created by Miss Jennie Benedict in early 1900s Louisville, has become a beloved Kentucky staple served at showers, Derby parties, and local restaurants as a sandwich filling, dip, or savory condiment.
Louisville Tourism
The Hot Brown
Created in 1926 by Chef Fred K. Schmidt at Louisville’s Brown Hotel, is a famous open-faced sandwich with turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce that’s become a Kentucky icon and national favorite.
The Baker Chick Mint Julep Cupcakes
Inspired
iconic Derby cocktail, these sweet treats are infused with bourbon, mint, and a hint of lime, topped with fluffy mint buttercream and often served in mini silver wrappers to mimic julep cups.
BY SHELBY BROWN
LoUIsville Dishes:
Brown, Derby Pie, And More
Muth’s Candies
Muth’s Modjeska
A soft marshmallow dipped in rich caramel, was created in early 20th-century Louisville by Anton Busath, and today Muth’s still uses the original family recipe for this one-of-a-kind treat.
Kentucky Living Beer Cheese
A zesty, creamy cheddar spread blended with beer and spices is a beloved local appetizer, often served with soft pretzels or crackers.
A Well Crafted Party Deviled Eggs with a Twist
Many Derby hosts get creative with this Southern favorite, adding bourbon-candied bacon, hot sauce, or pickled toppings for a festive spin.
Louisville Tourism Bourbon Balls
One of the most popular bourbon-infused desserts in Bourbon Country.
Kern’s Kitchen Kern’s Derby Pie
Created in 1954 using a secret recipe, is a rich Kentucky dessert made with chocolate, walnuts, and a flaky crust, still baked by hand and enjoyed across the country.
Our State Magazine Country Ham Biscuits
Mini buttermilk biscuits filled with salty, cured Kentucky country ham are a beloved Derby Day finger food at tailgates and brunches alike.
Garden & Gun Burgoo
A rich, slow-cooked stew made with a mix of meats and vegetables, burgoo is a comforting Kentucky tradition often served at festivals and family gatherings.
A Baker’s Dozen
(And A Couple More) Of the Most Beautiful Pastries In Louisville
Louisville is home to a wide range of bakeries, each with their own style, influence, and specialty. From European patisseries to neighborhood favorites and cultural staples, these fifteen spots are turning out some of the city’s most eye-catching sweet treats.
A traditional
A Yemeni café and bakery known for rich
Beehive Bakery
A small-batch bakery known for its playful, seasonal sweets.
La Pana Bakery & Cafe
A Latin American bakery and café offering a variety of sweet and savory baked goods.
A custom dessert bakery focusing on cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Bridget’s Bakehaus
A Louisville bakery offering traditional German cookies and pastries, including springerle and gingerbread.
La Patisserie Francaise
French bakery specializing in classic pastries and viennoiseries.
Bayt Al Mocha
coffee and Middle Eastern pastries.
An
A
Smor Nordic Bakeri
A Scandinavian-inspired bakery featuring traditional Nordic breads and sweets.
La Morena Panaderia y Tortillera
A Mexican bakery and tortillería featuring pan dulce and fresh tortillas.
Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe
artisan bakery and café celebrated for its rustic breads and European-style pastries.
Baked
contemporary bakery blending classic techniques with inventive flavor combinations.
The Sugar Mamas Bakeshop
A neighborhood bakery offering nostalgic, made-from-scratch desserts.
My Favorite Muffin
A national chain location serving oversized muffins and bagels.
Blu Bakery
A boutique bakery focused on elegant, design-forward pastries and cakes.
Lu Lu Licious Desserts
A dessert shop known for bold flavors and over-the-top sweet creations.
Nords Bakery
A longtime local favorite for classic donuts and comforting baked goods.
EAT, DRINK AND SEE IN THIS WEEK’S STAFF PICKS
NOW, UNTIL AUGUST 10, 2025
Cultural Pass is Back at the Falls of the Ohio and Surrounding Area!
Falls of the Ohio | https://culturalpass.app/ | FREE
The new Cultural Pass app is your Digital Passport to Creativity! Cultural Pass offers young people ages 0-21 and their families in the Greater Louisville area FREE access to over 50 arts and cultural venues from May 31 – August 10, 2025. Simply download the app on your Android or Apple device and register your Pass holders to start your adventure. The Falls of the Ohio State Park offers special programming daily at 1 p.m. during the summer.
LEO Weekly Staff
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
Summer Songwriter Series
Christ Church Cathedral | 421 S. 2nd St | ccclou.org | Free (donations appreciated) | 1:00 p.m. | All ages
In the first of three installments of the Summer Songwriter Series, (all of which are set to take place over the next three months), artists featured will be host Nick Teale, Katie Didit, Shannon Vetter, Michael Schrader, and Joe Piano. While the show is free, donations will be taken for the Louisville area faith-based community action and advocate organization Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together (CLOUT). Please note that although these shows take place at Christ Church Cathedral, the Summer Songwriter Series are not religion-based events and are separate from the church’s normal Sunday services. The shows are LGBTQIA+ friendly, and people from all walks of life are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
—Jeff Polk
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025
Sonic Solstice Music Festival Holsopple Brewing | 8023 Catherine Lane #105| $28+
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with us on June 21, 2025 at Holsopple Brewing for a day of nonstop music, great beer, tasty food, and all around fun. Bring your friends and dance to the sonic waves, there’s enough for everyone! Don’t miss out! No outside food or drinks. Doors at 2pm. Nonstop music from 3pm-11pm.. Re-entry allowed. 18+
—LEO Weekly Staff
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Punk Rock Night Louisville Presents: Terry Malts, The Dirty Pretty, Shugie & The Babygirls, Best Girl
The Alcove | 246 Spring St, Jeffersonville | thealcovebar.com | Free | 9:00 p.m. | 21 and over
When you see Punk Rock Night Louisville, you know you’re getting a killer show. And in the case of their shows at The Alcove, they’re free! So you really have no excuse not to support these great local acts. And on June 21st you’re getting the old school late 70’s/ early 80’s punk rock sounds of Terry Malts, homocore punk rock duo The Dirty Pretty (from River Falls, Wi), the lovesick grunge pop of Shugie & The Babygirls, and Jeffersonville’s Best Girl, whom I assume are emo because it is part of their Instagram name. Should be a great time! And did I mention it’s free?!
—Jeff Polk
NOW UNTIL
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
Floral Frenzy
Kentucky Kingdom | kentuckykingdom.com/ explore-the-park/festivals-events/floral-frenzy
Experience color in motion as we celebrate the transition from spring to summertime in Louisville. Kentucky Kingdom’s Floral Frenzy festival commemorates the boldness of color with a larger-than-life Mosaiculture and flower walls! Capture picture-perfect moments under our colorful canopy and hear rich sounds as live music fills the air. Plus, participate in their interactive, special events throughout. Celebrate the fun of the seasons with all your senses!
—LEO Weekly Staff
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
Pawty on the Patio
Full Stop Station | 1132 E. Saint Catherine St | FREE
It’s a Pawty!!!!
Full Stop Station & MAS Mash Up Celebration for Dogs & Cats!
On June 28, all day, donations made to MAS at Full Stop will receive a super cute limited edition sticker (made by Matt from Full Stop!) and $1 off their order! We’ve included a donation wish list on the next slide. To keep the pawty going, we’ll have drink features, a dog photo booth, and tons of treats. There will also be special appearances from some adoptable dogs throughout the day!
—LEO Weekly Staff
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
World Oddities Expo
Kentucky Exposition Center | 937 Phillips Ln. | worldodditiesexpo.com | $20 GA/$25 VIP | 11:00 a.m. | All ages
Don’t confuse this with the Oddities and Curiosities Expo that came through a few months ago; the World Oddities Expo is a whole different deep dive into the strange and bizarre. Check out their Lost Curio Marketplace featuring a variety of vendors selling taxidermy, macabre art, jewelry, home decor, and more. Get a tattoo on-site in the Oddity Ink Parlour. Take a hands-on class in butterfly pinning, diorama terrarium creating, owl pellet dissection, and taxidermy for both jackalope and rats in the WOE Labs, (additional charges apply for all classes). Listen to guest speakers on a variety of topics in the WOE Theater, and catch live entertainment consisting of music performances, live painting, burlesque, and more. General admission begins at 11:00 a.m., and VIP gets you in an hour early at 10:00 a.m.
—Jeff Polk
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
New Voices Showcase
Actors Theatre of Louisville | $12+ | 4pm
From June 17-28, a group of talented high school students and recent grads will collaborate with professional artists from the renowned ensemble UNIVERSES at the New Voices Summer Intensive. They’ll be working behind the scenes to create bold, original pieces. On June 28, catch their final performance—an exciting showcase of fresh voices and imaginative new work.
—LEO Weekly Staff
Saturday, June 28
Kentucky Craft Bash
Brown-Forman Lawn at Waterfront Park | 1301 River Rd. | kycraftbash.com | $55 GA/$65 VIP/$10 designated drivers | 1:00 p.m. | 21 and over
Its true Bourbon is king in Kentucky, but on June 28th, craft beer takes the crown for a day when the Kentucky Guild of Brewers hosts the 8th annual Kentucky Craft Bash. This Kentucky-only beer festival features over 50 breweries from all across the Commonwealth pouring more than 150 different varieties of beer as well as ciders, seltzers, and more. Plus, the brewers and brewery staff are the ones pouring, giving you the chance to meet them in person. There will also be a variety of vendors, music, games, and food trucks. VIP enters an hour early at noon and includes a special 12oz tasting glass and swag bag. GA enters at 1:00 p.m. and includes a 5oz tasting glass.
—Jeff Polk
FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025
Paristown Fourth of July ft. The Crashers + Zambelli Fireworks
Christy’s Garden | 720 Brent Street | $15+ after 5pm
Paristown will once again host its 6th Annual Fourth of July Celebration, presented by Jack Daniels on Friday, July 4th in Christy’s Garden, 720 Brent Street. This year’s community celebration will feature a FREE and open to the public, outdoor 4th of July Artisan Market on Brent Street from 10am – 5pm on Friday. The Kroger Fresh Express will also be offering FREE trackless train rides from 10am – 7:45pm. Marion Halliday will sing the National Anthem at 6:30pm to kick off the patriotic celebration. The Crashers will then hit the stage with Paristown’s own Zambelli Fireworks Show at 9:45pm. Jeff’s Donuts 3rd Annual “National Donut Hole Eating Championship,” with a $1,000 grand prize sponsored by Fante’s Coffee, will take place during the band’s break at 8pm. Tickets will be required to enter the event area after 5pm.
—LEO Weekly Staff
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2025
Caffeine & Chrome
Monthly Car Show: Prizes, Fun, and All Types of Vintage, Rare, and Classic Vehicles
Gateway Classic Cars of Louisville | 13576 Blue Lick Rd., Memphis, IN 47143 | FREE
Summer is creeping ever closer but the increasing heat never stops car fans! Join Gateway Classic Cars for Caffeine and Chrome on June 28, 2025, from 9am to 12pm. Bring your classic car or daily driver! The event is open to the public and has NO admission fee. Cruise in with your collectible car or daily driver and bring your appetite. Indulge in donuts and coffee while supplies last. All makes and models are welcome, with plenty of parking space. This is a family and pet friendly event!
—LEO Weekly Staff
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 4 & 5TH, 2025
Harrison County Popcorn Festival 202 E. Walnut St., Corydon, IN | FREE
Join us for the 2025 Harrison County Popcorn Festival, happening July 4th and 5th in beautiful downtown Corydon, Indiana! This two-day celebration honors our county’s rich agricultural roots with a festive lineup that includes a hometown parade, live music, a beer garden, local food and craft vendors, and of course— plenty of delicious popcorn. This beloved event celebrates one of the county’s most cherished agricultural products with a parade, children’s activities, exciting games, and a beer garden. Enjoy live music performances, a variety of food vendors, and a host of family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant community spirit and delicious flavors that make the Popcorn Festival a highlight of the summer!
—LEO Weekly Staff
SOUTHERN-INSPIRED FLAVORS AT THE EXCHANGE PUB + KITCHEN
JOE DESENSI
Being married to a Hoosier, she regularly reminds me that there has been a wonderful food scene right across the bridge(s) for a couple of decades. A fave of my family north of the mighty Ohio River is The Exchange Pub + Kitchen where locally sourced ingredients meet Southern-inspired dishes and where Southern Indiana chefs go toe-to-toe with Louisville’s best. With thoughtful decor, exposed brick, amazing art, bourbon flights that’ll make a Kentuckian blush, and farm to table curation of their menu, this place ticks every foodie box.
A Feast to Remember
My Zoeller family converged on the Exchange recently, and we are a group that likes to eat and explore menus. For starters, we actually tried some of the side dishes: a roasted cauliflower side, glutenfree and vegetarian, and the vegetable of the day in which the chef chose a summer salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, and a tangy vinegar to pull the flavors together.
One unique aspect about the preparation of the cauliflower is the oil that they create to cook it (which is a mixture of oil,
lemon, red pepper, and a few other secret spices) that makes the cracked pepper, salt, parsley, and basil all pull together for a specific, wonderful flavor profile. After all of the cucumbers and tomatoes were gone from the summer salad, the residual onions were combined with the remainder of the cauliflower, giving it just a little more of a crunch.
Hope, my dining partner-in-crime, went with a crowd favorite, the Verlasso salmon. It’s served over a velvety bed of pesto risotto (yes, pesto-risotto.) and comes with a simple side of roasted asparagus for balance. I call this dish a “unicorn” because Hope ordered it exactly as listed on the menu without a single substitution. I, on the other hand, went full culinary diva by Frankensteining an entree (Hope would tell you that this is more the rule than the exception).
One thing that I love about The Exchange is that they offer an Impossible Burger (as a sandwich or added protein to an entrée or salad). Because it’s mankini season, and I’m trying to watch my calories just a little bit, I go with the local farm salad with lettuce, red onions, radish, cherry
tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, but I’ll leave off the croutons and swap out the ranch dressing for their lavender honey vinaigrette. Then, I add an Impossible Burger to the mix, and if the kitchen is not too busy, I have them put an egg over easy on top of that. It’s sort of a deconstructed veggie burger with the lettuce bun.
If you’ve read my articles over the years, you’ll know that I’m a huge Michter’s fan. The Michter’s flight menu offering allows you to really do a Pepsi challenge across their different entry level spirits: the American whiskey, the bourbon, the sour mash, and the rye. And, I feel like I’m being disingenuous to my Commonwealth Bourbon roots but I thought the rye was the pick of the litter. Confession time: even though it’s borderline sacrilege, I couldn’t resist mixing the last few sips from each flight into my own “mash-up.” Possibly heretical but absolutely delicious.
To completely undo any early-dinner calorie savings, we finished the meal by nibbling on a hot fudge sundae (make it gluten-free by having them hold the chocolate chip cookie)…something about vanilla ice cream, rich whipped cream, and
decadent hot fudge just feels like summer. For you carnivores, The Exchange is your meaty playground. From the braised short rib to the Nashville hot chicken (paired with mac and cheese so good it gets my niece’s seal of approval) and a teras major steak frites with chimichurri butter that whispers sweet nothings to your alimentary soul, their entrees are a celebration of flavor and creativity. Or is you are going all “classic ‘Merican” with your summer cravings, they have a variety of burgers and toppings satisfy the meatiest of meat eaters out there.
Beyond the Meal
At The Exchange, you’ll see everything from polos and sundresses to folks kicking back in flip-flops on their sprawling patio (complete with a killer view of the nearby bridge). The vibe is welcoming with a twist of upscale energy, making it the perfect backdrop for a date night, a family dinner, or just grabbing midday burgers and bourbon. The service here is stellar. Knowledgeable without being pushy, the staff masters that balance of helpfulness and letting you linger. Whether you’re checking on gluten-free options or figuring out which bourbon pairs best with that beer cheese fondue, they’ve got you covered.
Michter’s Flight Hot fudge sundae Joe DeSensi
KISHI BASHI REVISITS HIS DISCOGRAPHY WITH GENRE-BENDING BRILLIANCE AT WHIRLING TIGER
On Saturday, May 31, Kishi Bashi brought his virtuosic violin and surreal songwriting stylings to Whirling Tiger for a career-spanning retrospective. The set featured totally different instrumentation of songs across all of his albums, with some remarkably inspired re-imaginings.
Sporting a very sharp suit accented with an adorable otter, Kishi Bashi (stage name of Kaorou Ishibashi) took the stage, just him and his trusty violin named Tsunami. He introduced what would be a reflection of his career in chronological order. An easel sitting stage right showcased the album art to his very first EP, Room for Dream, a pun whose explanation got a groan from the audience. He opened the set with Manchester, a perplexing, beautiful meta-narrative of a love story as told by its narrator writing a novel about this love story.
When an artist comes out the gate that powerfully with the very first song they release, they are either setting the bar too high or setting a precedent for a legendary career. This evening turned out to be a testament to how innovative Kishi Bashi has remained through the years, constantly switching up his songwriting style while expanding his sonic palette.
After the frantic, violin-shredding calland-response of It All Began With A Burst, Mr. Ishibashi flipped the album artwork on the easel to reveal his debut LP, 151a. After a moment of explaining this album title, the thesis of the evening became clear. 151a is a loose translation of a Japanese idiom referring to ‘one place, one time,’ a concept that draws attention to the particularity of any one moment that cannot be recreated. As he explained, tonight would be an organic reinterpretation of his catalogue, something conjured in front of our very eyes by means of looping live takes of the instruments rather than relying on backing tracks.
By this time, his violin work was bolstered by two other musicians, banjo-playing Mike Savino (perhaps better known as the artist Tall Tall Trees) and cellist Emily Hope Price. Violin, banjo, and cello, and a bunch of guitar pedals to affect and stretch these instruments to their full, far-flung potential. The trio masterfully covered the sonicscape, using pedals to pitch up and down octaves and layering loops on top of each other, adding percussive flourishes in between melodies until the full frequency spectrum was filled and sounded lush.
After Wonder Woman, Wonder Me, and Atticus in the Desert, he introduced the “aggressively titled” breakup song, I Am The
DRAKE BOLING
Antichrist To You. Streaming numbers show this to be one of his most popular songs, and the audience seemed to agree, with everyone singing along, asking, “Who are you? Who am I to you?” only to be answered by the title. Around this time, my girlfriend/bandmate made the earth-shattering observation that the man often sings like a violin. My jaw was on the floor. Just listen to that chorus, and imagine a master of the instrument modeling falsetto melodies off of the fretless glide of the sawing strings. My mind started to race. I’ve always noticed that, generally speaking, singing drummers often tend to sing more percussively than their guitar-playing counterparts. Indeed, singing pianists often opt to belt in a similar mellifluous action as if hitting hammer-struck notes led by their hands and sustained by their feet. I’m afraid she might have just cracked some sort of ontological musical code and seen through the matrix.
The next art change revealed an album named after one of the shortest poems ever composed—the single word: Light. The
neoclassical opulence of Philosophize in It! Chemicalize With It! saw Tall Tall Trees whacking a metal piece attached to the skin of his banjo, effectively creating a snare drum beat that he looped from his pedalboard. The dance party of The Ballad of Mr. Steak naturally saw an anthropomorphized giant steak mascot come out and dance around in a moment of playful abandon.
The next album reveal was, of course, the psychedelic, abstract flowerscape of Sonderlust. Although I may consider this close to my favorite Kishi Bashi album, most of the reasons I love it are for some of the truly other-worldly synth sounds on the album!
Following the Q&A portion of the night was last year’s Kantos, his most recent gold-encrusted, seemingly ABBA-inspired album, which was a return to form for maximalist classical compositions juxtaposed with some very funky bass lines and over-the-top 80s sensibilities. He introduced it as being inspired by the novel Hyperion—a proclamation that made me involuntarily release a “hell
yeah.” I read the first novel in the Hyperion Cantos last year, and it instantly entered the sphere of my absolute most favorite novels of all time. Someone from the back exclaimed, “Shout out The Shrike!” (It was probably my buddy Will.)
Sometimes the simplest change in the way an artist uses space can make the biggest dynamic. Illuminated by cell phone flashlights, unmediated by any stage, barriers, or sound system, this encore was pure, it was raw, and it really took the entire performance to the next level.
Overall, although I’ve never been to a show that hot at Whirling Tiger, it was the perfect concert at the perfect place, with the perfect blend of showmanship and intimacy that made this concert one of my favorite shows I’ve seen this year, and that’s saying something.
Mishi Kishi performs alongside banjo-playing Mike Savino and cellist Emily Hope Drake Boling
MUSIC
THE SUMMER SONGWRITER SERIES RETURNS TO CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL FOR 2025
BY JEFF POLK
The singer/songwriter showcase returns for three shows featuring 13 different artists with proceeds benefiting three Louisvillebased community organizations.
After a successful run last year, Christ Church Cathedral and Josie Awardnominated singer/songwriter Nick Teale are once again teaming up to present the Summer Songwriter Series for 2025. The three all-acoustic events, each hosted by Teale (who will also be playing all three shows), will happen once a month through August and highlight four Louisville-based singer/songwriters per show, as well as take up collections for three Louisvillearea faith-based community action and advocacy organizations. The lineups are as follows:
Sunday, June 22:
Katie Didit
Shannon Vetter
Michael Schrader
Joe Piano
With donations to benefit Citizens of Louisville Organized and United Together (CLOUT) cloutky.org.
CLOUT is an interfaith grassroots, direct action, multi-issue organization dedicated to solving community problems by holding systems accountable. Some of their current initiatives include police reform and accountability, plugging the school-to-prison pipeline, affordable housing, and much more.
Sunday, July 20:
Cait Justice
Vincent Gleeson
Aaron Bibelhauser
Scott T. Smith
With donations to benefit Central Louisville Community Ministries (CLCM) centrallouisvillecm.org.
For more than 50 years, CLCM has collaborated with the Association of Community Ministries, community partners, and neighbors to meet immediate needs and to act as a trusted advocate. This includes assisting with rent and utilities and helping with food, clothing, prescriptions, haircuts, winter coats, and other necessities.
Sunday, August 24:
A Girl Named Earl Don’t Call Me Lady
Avery Joyce Landrum
Alisha Nikole
With donations to benefit Uniting Partners for Women and Children (UP) - uplouisville.org.
UP’s mission is to provide day shelter, resources, emotional support, and community connections to women,
children, and marginalized genders experiencing homelessness to address the barriers to housing, so they can leave homelessness for good.
All three shows take place at Christ Church Cathedral (421 S. 2nd St.) from 1 to 3 p.m. All shows are free, but donations will be collected for the aforementioned organizations. Parking will be available at the Louisville Surgical Center (444 S. 1st St.), located behind the cathedral.
Please note that although these shows
take place at Christ Church Cathedral, the Summer Songwriter Series are not religion-based events and are separate from the church’s normal Sunday services. The shows are LGBTQ-friendly, and people from all walks of life are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Katie Didit diditkatie, Instagram
DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE COMES ALIVE: FOOD, FILM, AND FUN AWAIT THIS SUMMER AND FALL
BY AUDIENCE502
Food Truck Wednesdays, Drive-In Movie Nights, Pickle Ball and more will be available for all to enjoy this summer and fall. The Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP) is at the forefront of revitalizing downtown Louisville, Kentucky, through a series of engaging events and initiatives during the summer and fall seasons. These programs aim to foster community engagement, support local businesses, and enhance the vibrancy of the city’s urban core.
Food Truck Wednesdays
Every Wednesday through October, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
4th Street between Jefferson and Market Streets
Food Truck Wednesdays have become a staple in downtown Louisville, offering a diverse array of culinary delights from local food trucks. Each week features a rotating lineup of vendors, such as Abol Coffee, Celtic Pig, and Frickled Pickle Express, providing options ranging from gourmet dishes to classic favorites like burgers and tacos. Live music performances, like those by Logan Leet, enhance the festive atmosphere. The event is sponsored by JPMorgan Chase and supported by Louisville Metro’s Department of Licenses, Permits, and Investigations, which assists food trucks in obtaining proper licensing.
Downtown Work Perks
Every fourth Wednesday through October, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Alongside Food Truck Wednesday on S. 4th Street
Downtown Work Perks is a monthly initiative designed to appreciate downtown employees. Held concurrently with Food Truck Wednesday, this program offers complimentary perks to the first 50 downtown workers each month. For instance, in May, participants received free fresh produce from Sunny Acres Farms. The initiative aims to foster a sense of community and rejuvenate the downtown area by encouraging interactions among workers and supporting local businesses.
Downtown Drive-In
Select Friday nights through October; amphitheater opens at 8:00 PM, movies begin at sunset Brown-Forman Amphitheater, Waterfront Park, 1301 River Rd.
The Downtown Drive-In series transforms the Brown-Forman Amphitheater into an open-air cinema experience. Attendees can enjoy a selection of classic and family-friendly films under the stars.
The 2025 lineup includes:
• July 11: Pretty in Pink (PG-13)
• August 1: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (PG)
• August 22: Men in Black (PG-13)
• September 19: Moana (PG)
• September 26: Jaws* (PG) Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Local vendors, including Ten20 Craft Brewery, offer snacks and beverages for purchase. The events are free and dog-friendly, providing a relaxed environment for all ages.
Open Play at Baird Urban Sports Park
Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Baird Urban Sports Park, 615 W. Main St.
Baird Urban Sports Park offers open play opportunities for pickleball and wiffle ball enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a mid-week office break or a weekend activity with friends, the park provides a welcoming space for casual games. Participants are asked to bring their own equipment. The park’s accessible location and extended hours make it a convenient option for downtown workers and residents alike.
These events collectively contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Louisville, offering residents and visitors alike a variety of engaging activities throughout the summer and fall seasons. For more information and updates on these events, visit LouisvilleDowntown.org.
502 FILM LAUNCHES KENTUCKY’S FIRST NARRATIVE SHORT FILM INCUBATOR
The Front Porch Film Lab is supported by the Community Foundation of Louisville
BY ARIA BACI
502 Film is launching the Front Porch Film Lab. The 10-day incubator lab will focus on short-form narrative filmmaking in the Louisville region. Supported by the Community Foundation of Louisville, the lab will take place Sunday, October 12 –Friday, October 24, in Louisville.
This program is the first of its kind in Kentucky and offers a new opportunity for filmmakers in the Kentuckiana region, including professional mentorship, project development, and direct access to industry decision-makers. 502 Film will pull focus on emerging creatives and storytellers from underrepresented social groups.
Founded by Soozie Eastman in 2021, 502 Film is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to nurturing a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative film industry in Louisville. They offer production attraction, infrastructure growth, and workforce development in partnership with Louisville Tourism. They also serve as the official film agency partner of Louisville Metro.
“502 Film was established to attract film and television productions to our region and develop workforce training opportunities to grow our local creative community, economy, and infrastructure,” Eastman said. “With three years of incredible growth of the film industry across our state, we are ecstatic that … we can expand our programming to nurture and support filmmakers from within our own city.”
The 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab is committed to nurturing inclusive regional storytelling. For its inaugural year, six to eight Louisville-based filmmaking teams will be selected. Special emphasis will be placed on including underrepresented voices in the film industry.
The selected teams — which will each consist of a director and a producer — will receive 10 days of mentorship from industry professionals, including screenwriters, directors, and producers, as well as accommodations and a $1,500 stipend for their team. Guest speakers will participate over the course of these 10 days to share knowledge about specialized topics like festival and distribution strategy, marketing and public relations and career advising.
The 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab will culminate in a live pitch session, where Fellows present their projects to a curated audience of community stakeholders, arts
benefactors, and emerging film investors.
This will run in parallel with a Film Literacy Masterclass, designed for local investors and benefactors interested in exploring the art and business of supporting local filmmakers and film productions.
Lisa Hasko, Head of Exchanges at the American Film Showcase, serves as Lab Consultant. Formerly the Director of Artist Development at Film Independent, Hasko brings more than 15 years of experience and an expansive network of collaborators such as Netflix, CNN, and the Sloan Foundation.
“I’m honored to collaborate with 502 Film in creating a space where bold, diverse filmmakers from the Louisville area can bring their visions to life,” Hasko said. “This new initiative is about championing their unique perspectives while providing meaningful support from industry professionals. It’s a
place to celebrate creativity, foster community, and develop exciting new work that will help propel these artists forward in their careers.”
Financial support for the 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab is made possible by a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Louisville. Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation mobilizes people and social networks to inspire positive change in Louisville. The priorities of the Community Foundation are removing barriers to access of capital and resources and securing opportunities for underserved communities.
“The Community Foundation of Louisville’s support for the 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab reflects a shared commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering collaboration, promoting local talent, and
uplifting underrepresented voices,” said President and CEO Ron Gallo. “As Louisville continues to grow into a dynamic cinematic hub, initiatives like these serve to create a future filled with innovation and storytelling through film.”
Applications for the 502 Film Front Porch Film Lab are now open. Eligible applicants must reside in Louisville or one of the surrounding counties (Jefferson, Oldham, Spencer, Bullitt, or Shelby), be at least 18 years old at the time of the Lab, and have a short narrative script (maximum 30 pages). The application deadline is Monday, June 30. Acceptance notifications will be delivered in July.
502 Film shoots from within Incubator Lab
Max Moore
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week of June 20
ROB BREZSNY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries writer Joseph Campbell was a world-renowned mythologist. His theories about the classic hero archetype have inspired many writers and filmmakers, including Star Wars creator George Lucas. As a young man, Campbell crafted the blueprint for his influential work during a five-year period when he lived in a rustic shack and read books for nine hours a day. He was supremely dedicated and focused. I recommend that you consider a similar foundation-building project, Aries. The coming months will be an excellent time for you to establish the groundwork for whatever it is you want to do for the rest of your long life.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In Japan, komorebi refers to the dappled sunlight that streams through tree leaves. It names a subtle, ephemeral beauty that busy people might be oblivious to. Not you, I hope, Taurus! In the coming weeks, I invite you to draw on komorebi as an inspirational metaphor. Tune in to the soft illumination glimmering in the background. Be alert for flickers and flashes that reveal useful clues. Trust in the indirect path, the sideways glance, the half-remembered dream, and the overheard conversation. Anything blatant and loud is probably not relevant to your interests. PS: Be keen to notice what’s not being said.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Finnish folklore, the Sampo is a magic artifact that generates unending wealth and good fortune. Here’s the catch: It can’t be hoarded. Its power only works when shared, passed around, or made communal. I believe you are close to acquiring a less potent but still wonderful equivalent of a Sampo, Gemini. It may be an idea, a project, or a way of living that radiates generosity and sustainable joy. But remember that it doesn’t thrive in isolation. It’s not a treasure to be stored up and saved for later. Share the wealth.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Tides don’t ask for permission. They ebb and flow in accordance with an ancient gravitational intelligence that obeys its own elegant laws. Entire ecosystems rely on their steady cyclical rhythms. You, too, harbor tidal forces, Cancerian. They are partially synced up with the earth’s rivers, lakes, and seas, and are partially under the sway of your deep emotional power. It’s always crucial for you to be intimately aware of your tides’ flows and patterns, but even more than usual right now. I hope you will trust their timing and harness their tremendous energy.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Some jewelers practice an ancient Korean art called keum-boo, in which they fuse pure gold to silver by heat and pressure. The result is gold that seems to bloom from within silver’s body, not just be juxtaposed on top of it. Let’s make this your metaphor for the coming weeks, Leo. I believe you will have the skill to blend two beautiful and valuable things into an asset that has the beauty and value of both—plus an extra added synergy of valuable beauty. The only problem that could possibly derail your unprecedented accomplishment might be your worry that you don’t have the power to do that. Expunge that worry, please.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Some Indigenous cultures keep track of time not by clocks but by natural events: “the moon when the salmon return,” “the season when shadows shorten,” “the return of the rain birds.” I encourage you to try that approach, Virgo. Your customary rigor will benefit from blending with an influx of more intuitive choices. You will be wise to explore the joys of organic timing. So just for now, I invite you to tune out the relentless tick-tock. Listen instead for the hush before a threshold cracks open. Meditate on the ancient Greek concept of kairos: the prime moment to act or a potential turning point that’s ripe for activation.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Botanists speak of “serotiny,” a plant’s ability to delay seed release until the environment is just right. Some pinecones, for instance, only open after a fire. What part of you has been patiently waiting, Libra? What latent brilliance has not been ready to emerge until now? The coming weeks will offer catalytic conditions—perhaps heat, perhaps disruption, perhaps joy—that will be exactly what’s needed to unleash the fertile potency. Have faith that your seeds will draw on their own wild intelligence.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): One of your superpowers is your skill at detecting what’s unfolding beneath the surfaces. It’s almost like you have X-ray vision. Your ability to detect hidden agendas, buried secrets, and underground growth is profound. But in the coming weeks, I urge you to redirect your attention. You will generate good fortune for yourself if you turn your gaze to what lies at the horizon and just beyond. Can you sense the possibilities percolating at the edges of your known world? Can you sync up your intuitions with the future’s promises? Educated guesses will be indistinguishable from true prophecies.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Sagittarius-born Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) got a degree in law and economics and began a career teaching those subjects at the university level. But at age 30, he had a conversion experience. It was triggered when he saw a thrilling exhibit of French Impressionist painters and heard an enthralling opera by Richard Wagner. Soon he flung himself into a study of art, embarking on an influential career that spanned decades. I am predicting that you will encounter inspirations of that caliber, Sagittarius. They may not motivate you as drastically as Kandinsky’s provocations, but they could revitalize your life forever.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The ancient Egyptians revered the River Nile’s annual flooding, which brought both disruption and renewal. It washed away old plant matter and debris and deposited fertile silt that nourished new growth. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, I suspect you will experience a metaphorical flood: a surge of new ideas, opportunities, and feelings that temporarily unsettle your routines. Rather than focusing on the inconvenience, I suggest you celebrate the richness this influx will bring. The flow will ultimately uplift you, even if it seems messy at first.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Medieval stonemasons worked not just in service to the immediate structures they made. They imagined eternity, laying foundation blocks in cathedrals they knew they would never live to see completed. I think you are being invited to do similar work: soulful construction whose fruits may not ripen for a while. A provocative conversation you have soon may echo for years. A good habit you instill could become a key inheritance for your older self. So think long, wide, and slow, dear Aquarius. Not everything must produce visible worth this season. Your prime offerings may be seeds for the future. Attend to them with reverence.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the frigid parts of planet Earth, some glaciers sing. As they shift and crack and melt, they emit tones: groans, pulses, crackles, and whooshes. I believe your soul will have a similar inclination in the coming weeks, Pisces: to express mysterious music as it shifts and thaws. Some old logjam or stuck place is breaking open within you, and that’s a very good thing. Don’t ignore or neglect this momentous offering. And don’t try to translate it into logical words too quickly. What story does your trembling tell? Let the deep, restless movements of your psyche resound.
Homework: You know exactly what you need to do next, but are refraining. Why? Do it!
THE BOYFRIEND EXPERIENCE
BY DAN SAVAGE
Hey Dan: My boyfriend went on a trip abroad with his friend (also a guy). After he came back, he showed me that he made a Bumble profile while he was there. I didn’t feel like anything was off or ask him to show me; he volunteered. He said that he was just curious to see how popular he would be in the motherland and that he had no intention of meeting any of the women he matched with. He showed me the chats, and the exchanges were short. None of the messages were sexual, flirtatious, or talked about meeting up. I still felt upset about it though, and he apologized profusely.
For context, we have been together since college — almost ten years — and I’ve never once suspected him of cheating. I have also made it clear to him many times that if he’s interested in other people or no longer wants to date me, he should tell me rather than lying. At the time he told me about getting on Bumble, I gave him the benefit of the doubt because he was transparent. I felt like if he did cheat on me, he could have just not told me. It’s been a few months since it happened, but I was reminded of it recently when I found out that you can delete Bumble chats by unmatching. That made me rethink what he told me. What if he just unmatched with people that he was flirting with or exchanged contact info with?
I’m not sure what to think. If I posted about this on TikTok, I’m pretty sure everyone would say I’m being naive and that he was cheating and that I should dump him. Would you take what he said at face value?
His Upsetting Revelation That Stung
Just wanna make sure I’m following you: You’re struggling to take your boyfriend’s word at face value — the boyfriend who’s been with you for nearly a decade, has never given you reason to suspect he’s been unfaithful, and made a full and free confession about getting on Bumble while visiting the motherland — but you would be willing to take the word of strangers on TikTok at face value ? People who don’t know you, know nothing about your relationship, and have never met your boyfriend — the guy who made the mistake of telling you he got on Bumble, explained why, and showed you the chats? That guy?
Getting on Bumble while he was abroad — even if it was just to see how he’d do with “the locals” — was dumb, telling you about it was even dumber, and I’m sure he regrets both actions now. But if he’d walked into a bar with his friend and chatted up the locals… would that have been worse? Whatever he did on his trip, he did what you’d always asked him to do — he told you no lies, not even one of omission — and you’re thinking about dumping
him. Could he have unmatched with women he flirted with more seriously? Sure. That’s possible, HURTS, but your boyfriend still deserves the benefit of the doubt here. And doesn’t his confession — his stupid, guileless, unnecessary confession — make it seem less likely something happened?
And you had to know — you had to expect — that he might flirt with other women on this trip. Even if the app was a surprise, wasn’t it a given that he and his friend might chat up the locals or run into (but not through) other tourists? If you can trust your boyfriend when he’s out of your sight at home, and if you can trust him to travel on his own, then it seems to me you can trust that you can take your boyfriend at his word when he tells you he didn’t touch someone else with his penis while he was away.
As for TikTok… yeah, the TikTok mob would urge you to dump your boyfriend. Not because they care about you — they don’t know you — but because people love drama. People love telling other people to break the fuck up. And when it comes to other people’s relationships, the TikTok mob demands a level of perfection they’ve never achieved in their own relationships. (Assuming they’ve ever been in relationships; when it comes to love, the loudest, most judgmental voices online are inexperienced tweens and bitter incels.)
Instead of breaking up with your boyfriend, tell him you heard about this feature on Bumble and ask him for a little more reassurance. But don’t punish him for his honesty — reward it by deleting TikTok.
Hey Dan: I’m going through a divorce and connected with a long-ago boyfriend in a similar boat. We started a long-distance relationship and were fairly serious. We were seeing each other every second or third weekend. His particular kink is he wants his partner to have other lovers. And as long as everyone involved is consenting, I’m fine with that. And since we’re long distance, I figured how convenient for me and found myself a local “friend with benefits.” He is aware of my long-distance relationship and accepts it but wants nothing to do with my other guy. Here’s the problem. My long-distance partner longs for a throuple type of relationship. He decided, without my consent, to create a profile on a popular mainstream dating app with photos of me seeking a playmate for us. When I found out, I broke up with him immediately and deleted the account from his phone. I see many problems with this — lack of communication, lack of consent, coerciveness, not to mention that many people I know personally and professionally don’t even know that I’m divorcing much
less that I have another partner — but he sees no harm in what he’s done and is trying to get me back.
To reassure me (or not!) and to educate him and anyone else who might ever consider creating a “couples” profile without the consent of half of the couple: Is this as bad as I think it is? Is there any way of seeing this as not obviously out of bounds? Can you imagine it being repairable? Oafish Violation Ends Relationship
This is just as bad as you think it is. What your long-ago/far-away boyfriend did was out of bounds, and the damage is — in my opinion — irreparable. You can’t trust a guy who would pimp you out on a dating app without your consent. Red flags don’t come any redder.
In his rush to realize his fantasy — being in a throuple with a woman and another man — he revealed what really mattered to him: his dick, not you. While I think kinks are great and people should strive to be GGG for their partners and sexual adventures can bring couples, throuples, quads, and squads closer together, consent — mutual, affirmative, enthusiastic consent —is key and his willingness to violate your consent is disqualifying. And you were already on board in a way that felt safe for you! You had your long-distance boyfriend and your local friend-with-benefits. And who knows? Maybe in a year or two, your current FWB might’ve come around — he may have been open to being in a more formal throuple down the line — or you would’ve moved on to someone who was. But your long-ago/ far-away boyfriend couldn’t give things a chance — he couldn’t give you a chance — to evolve. And in his rush to have everything his way, he demonstrated that you weren’t a person in his eyes, but a means to an end.
So: accept his apology (if you feel like it), tell him to delete your photos, and make it clear that if you see them online again, you’ll go to the police and file a revenge porn complaint. Then block his number to avoid getting sucked into conversations about his regrets and/or manipulated into giving him another chance. Finalize your divorce, focus on your FWB, and forget about this asshole.
P.S. To the long-ago/far-away boyfriend: Hotwifing and cuckolding forums are filled with guys whining about how hard it is to find a woman willing to explore these dynamics with them… and you found one, dude, and you blew it. So dumb.
Hey Dan: I need advice. I met a guy on Facebook dating, and we texted nearly every day for a year before meeting this past Christmas. We live three and a half hours away and have been rotating nearly every two weeks since then. It’s been great, we’re both happy and in love. We’ve even had a weekend getaway together in early April. We traveled well together. I see him in my life forever. He is still close with his ex and considers him his best friend. I’m actually fine with this. The one thing that bothers me though is he’ll compare us to when he dated him or will say things like, “My dog hasn’t seen me having sex with a guy other than Alex,” or, “Alex said if I didn’t fool around with him the first time, he
wouldn’t have started a relationship.” It bothers me he says these things, I don’t want visions of him being with other people. I’m not sure he realizes he does this, but it gets annoying and I’m not sure how to bring it up to him. I know one day he’ll want me to meet Alex cause he’s his best friend but how do I tell him I don’t want to hear about the things he used to do with him? Any help would be great!
Not Enthralled With Boyfriend’s Important Ex
Your insecurity is understandable — and asking a new boyfriend to be considerate of an understandable insecurity is a good way to figure out whether he’s a “keeper,” as the kids say.
Zooming out for a second: it sounds like your new boyfriend is trying to be matter of fact about Alex — his ex and best friend — because Alex is still an important part of his life. If you’re going to be an important part of your boyfriend’s life going forward (potentially the most important part), that means Alex is gonna be part of your life, too. So, your boyfriend may be mentioning Alex in an effort to normalize Alex’s presence — and your new boyfriend could be testing you. Because if you’re not the kind of guy who’s comfortable with his boyfriend being close with his ex, NEWBIE, you’re not the right guy for him. But you’re feeling what you’re feeling, NEWBIE, your feelings are valid, and it’s possible your boyfriend has been hitting Alex a little too hard. So, here’s what you can say to your new boyfriend that should cut down on the Alex talk without scaring him off: “Hey, I really like you and I’m excited about where this is going. I know it’s common for gay men to be friends with their exes and it’s a good sign about a guy — your friendship with Alex is totally a green flag — but I’m still new around here [point at boyfriend’s crotch] and hearing so much about Alex is making me feel insecure. I’m not asking you to pretend Alex doesn’t exist — not at all — all I’m asking is to ease up on the details about your history with Alex for a bit. I promise I’ll feel more comfortable hearing about Alex once the two of us have built up some history of our own.”
Whatever you do, NEWBIE, don’t make the mistake of ordering your new boyfriend to choose between you and his best friend. And who knows? You might like Alex once you meet him in person. And when you and your boyfriend are ready to start having threesomes — also common among gay men — hot exes make great thirds.
P.S. Hot exes make great thirds because your boyfriend is less likely to leave you for someone he’s already left.
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Or record your question for the Savage Lovecast at savage.love/askdan!
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CLASSIFIEDS
Michael Wolff at 4110 Chambers Way, Louisville, KY 40299, with phone number 502-7127735, has intention of obtaining title to a blue in color 2015 Chevrolet Equinox bearing VIN #2GNALLEK4F1175475 registered in name of CHRISSY JEAN WEATHERS. Last known address 3752 PENWAY AVE, LOUISVILLE, KY 40211
Lienholders:CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CO. 25505 W. 12 mile road. SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034. Owner or lienholders have 14 days after last publication of this notice to object. Objections must be sent in writing to the above address.
Public Notice
Pursuant to KRS 376.480, the following abandoned mobile home located at 3512 Blue Park Lane, #C7 in Fort Bluegrass MHP LLC. Community, Louisville, Kentucky shall be sold by Fort Bluegrass via sealed bid on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM to recover rent, storage and legal fees incurred by the owners of said mobile home. The sealed bids will be accepted at Fort Bluegrass MHP, LLC 3510 Bluegrass Park Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Title to the mobile home is not warranted, subject to prior liens and all sales are final. Seller reserves the right to bid. Terms of sale cash only. Unknown Occupant
• Unknown Heirs or Beneficiaries
• Unknown Owner(s) or Creditor(s)
• Year: 1959
• Make: NewMoon
• Model: Unknown
• VIN: Unknown
• Located at 3512 Blue Park Lane, #C7 in Fort Bluegrass MHP, Community
Public Notice
Pursuant to KRS 376.480, the following abandoned mobile home located at 3515 Blue Park Lane, #D42 in Fort Bluegrass MHP LLC. Community, Louisville, Kentucky shall be sold by Fort Bluegrass via sealed bid on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM to recover rent, storage and legal fees incurred by the owners of said mobile home. The sealed bids will be accepted at Fort Bluegrass MHP, LLC 3510 Bluegrass Park Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Title to the mobile home is not warranted, subject to prior liens and all sales are final. Seller reserves the right to bid. Terms of sale cash only. Unknown Occupant
• Unknown Heirs or Beneficiaries
• Unknown Owner(s) or Creditor(s)
• Year: 1969
• Make: Elcona Homes
• Model: Unknown
• VIN: Unknown
• Located at 3515 Blue Park Lane, #D42 in Fort Bluegrass MHP, Community
Public Notice
Pursuant to KRS 376.480, the following abandoned mobile home located at 3533 Blue Park Lane, #D33 in Fort Bluegrass MHP LLC. Community, Louisville, Kentucky shall be sold by Fort Bluegrass via sealed bid on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM to recover rent, storage and legal fees incurred by the owners of said mobile home. The sealed bids will be accepted at Fort Bluegrass MHP, LLC 3510 Bluegrass Park Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Title to the mobile home is not warranted, subject to prior liens and all sales are final. Seller reserves the right to bid. Terms of sale cash only. Jorge Aguilar
• Unknown Heirs or Beneficiaries
• Unknown Owner(s) or Creditor(s)
• Year: 1969
• Make: Unknown
• Model: Unknown
• VIN: Unknown
• Located at 3533 Blue Park Lane, #D33 in Fort Bluegrass MHP, Community
AI International, Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, has a Construction Project Specialist position responsible for leading the installation of material handling systems, particularly conveyor systems, in the parcel industry. This is a fully remote position. Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time within the United States. Please send applications to HR.GROUP@aiinternational.com, Attention: Ashley Lienhart.
Crown Castle Fiber, LLC is proposing to construct a 46-foot tall (overall height) small cell pole telecommunications structure located near 2301 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky (38¬∞ 15’ 30.8” N, 85¬∞ 42’ 11.3” W). Crown Castle Fiber, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or via email to publicnotice@eca-usa.com. Ms. Howell can be reached at (770) 667-2040 x 108 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. 25-000911/PEW
ALL VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD AT
3920 South Park Road, Louisville, KY 40229 ON OR AFTER July 2, 2025
• 2003 Honda Pilot with VIN 2HKYF18603H585816 owned by Julia Kelly
• 2004 Nissan Quest with VIN 5N1BV28U84N337663 owned by Mbabazi Lucie
• 1997 Buick LeSabre with VIN 1G4HP52K4VH440527 owned by Brittany Nicole Becraft
• 2011 Chrysler 300 with VIN 2C3CA5CG0BH599534 owned by Good Price Auto
• 2016 Volvo XC60 with VIN YV440MDJ0G2867308 owned by Courtney Johnson
• 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with VIN 1G1ZG57BX8F211571 owned by Cherise Stewart
• 2013 Chrysler 300 with VIN 2C3CCAGG3DH590276 owned by Willie Gaffney and Republic Finance Llc and Santander Consumer Uns Inc.
• 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan with VIN 2C4RDGBG2ER405692 owned by Michael Whitehead
• 2004 Honda Accord with VIN 1HGCM72634A025987 owned by Trilokshan Vinayagamoorthy
• 2013 Ford Taurus with VIN 1FAHP2D98DG235901 owned by Martinique Sisk Elijah
• 2015 Chevrolet Malibu with VIN 1G11C5SL4FF107261 owned by Bella FC Auto Sales Llc
• 2014 Chrysler 200 with VIN 1C3CCBAGXEN150045 owned by Zoila Marina Tino Morales
• 2001 Toyota ECHO with VIN JTDBT123X10100847 owned by Tristan James Kirby
• 2010 Dodge Challenger with VIN 2B3CJ4DV1AH135140 owned by Elizabeth Green and Truist Bank
• 2011 Nissan Altima with VIN 1N4AL2AP4BN433903 owned by Meeca Rodgers and Eagle Finance
• 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan with VIN 2D4RN5D16AR301231 owned by Dawn Dunn Misty
• 2006 Nissan Altima with VIN 1N4AL11D46C213260 owned by Danna M Hampton
• 2012 Audi A7 with VIN WAUSGAFC3CN002275 owned by Delores N Love
• 2003 Toyota RAV4 with VIN JTEHH20V930261628 owned by Cherokee Kamariaii Gomar
• 2010 Acura TSX with VIN JH4CU2F63AC030391 owned by Nicolle Elaine Staples and Byrider Finance Llc
MULTI-HYPHENATES
BY HARRY ZHENG
PUZZLES EDITED BY
JOEL FAGLIANO
Harry Zheng, of Carmel, Ind., is a secondyear student at Purdue University majoring in computer science, math and physics. This is his second crossword for The Times. During high school, when Harry started submitting puzzles to the paper, his economics teacher said that if Harry got one in, he would frame it and hang it in the classroom. The teacher made good on his promise.
1 ‘‘The Soul Itself’’ (Emily Dickinson poem)
5 Conceal 10 Gamer’s annoyance 13 Wail, blubber, etc.
17 One of six in garden croquet
18 Emmy-winning drama series set in the Midwest
19 Disney C.E.O. Bob
21 Early phase of software development
22 Electrician who might put in overtime after a bad storm 24
Like cobras and some jackets
that
Rapscallion 34 Dog with ‘‘small black eyes that twinkled merrily on either side of his funny, wee nose’’
Prepared
Lion’s prey
Preceding times
Loud whistlers 44 Unnecessarily lengthen, as an essay 45 Brought aboard
47 Language from which ‘‘curry’’ comes
48 Increased suddenly
51 ‘‘No time to lose!’’
53 Without help
54 Step (on)
55 Dien Bien ____, 1954 battle site in Vietnam
56 Dough dispenser
59 Hard hits off the bat
61 McEvoy of cosmetics
63 Dish of chopped meat, potatoes and onions
66 Portrayer of Grindelwald in ‘‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’’
67 Author Zola
68 Large Starbucks size
69 Fascinated by 70 Potatoes, on an Indian menu
71 Nb3, Bxh7, Ra4, etc.
72 The Macarena and Cha Cha Slide, for two
74 Education support grp.
76 ‘‘The Simpsons’’ character who says ‘‘I’ve done everything the Bible says! Even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff!’’
77 Love affair
78 Corrupt
79 Snack brand with ‘‘Classic’’ and ‘‘Wavy’’ varieties
81 Iced coffee drink
82 Colorings
83 Jamie who pitched on eight major-league teams over his 25-year career
86 Weigh (down) 87 Wild tours 89 Grave
90 They might make you jump
Winter mo.
Praiseful poems
Attack from all sides
Solar wind particle
Places to dock
Defensive position
Catch
Man’s name meaning ‘‘strong’’ in Hebrew
Director Sam
Exude, as charm 112 Indication of where to cut … or something written five times in this puzzle? 114 Gave support 115 Seeks compensation, maybe 116 Relative of a badger
Starter with chips? 118 ‘‘____ Turismo’’ (2023 film)
Certain fantasy football stats
Part of MGM
Rise dramatically
1 ‘‘Don’t even think about it’’
Proscribed action
Kind of list
Opinion piece
Exec in charge of investments 6 Product of rendering 7 Big name in pest control 8 Plan for the day 9 Like bibimbap 10 Watch one’s language? 11 From time immemorial
Very start
Full of unnecessary costs, as a budget
Sign off on
Sharpened
Loops
38 Pulled a classic prank on, for short
40 Superman’s birth name
41 Genre for Fall Out Boy
42 Descriptor for a dictator
43 Stays alive
46 Santa ____
47 Magic word?
49 Lurched
50 What Boyle’s law pertains to
51 Bar exercises
52 Highly recommended story
55 Awaiting surgery,
57 Vanishing point?
58 Henry who composed the theme for ‘‘The Pink Panther’’
60 Sleep stage
61 Rating that signifies lewdness or violence
62 Concealed
64 Medical inserts
65 Parasites’ needs
73 Quite fond of, with ‘‘to’’
75 Hefeweizen, e.g.
77 Jason’s ship
80 Vacation destination in the Caribbean
81 Stronghold
83 Place to hover
84 Big name in frozen food
85 Obsequious types
86 Sauntered (in)
88 Meager
89 Closefitting headwear, in a variant spelling
91 ____ Bill, folk hero who is said to have ridden a tornado like a bucking bronco
92 Invite on a date
93 ‘‘Honesty is the first chapter in the book of ____’’: Thomas Jefferson
94 Piece of classical music
99 Repulsive
101 Strongman of myth
102 ‘‘I Know a ____’’ (rhyming children’s book)
103 Soda with strawberry and pineapple flavors
104 Derisive expression
106 Auction action
108 Clarified butter
113 Botch things
Answers
Green with the bowdlerized hit ‘‘Forget You’’
Home state of the senator Lisa Blunt Rochester: Abbr. 36 It’s heard in a hearing
