Voice-Tribune June 2025

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Dear Louisville Voices & Readers,

Welcome to our Men’s Volume. I’m proud to say that my team truly knocked it out of the park while I stepped away for a couple of weeks this month for a much-needed vacation, a mother-daughter bonding trip traveling all over Japan. It was the first real moment of pause I’ve had since December 2023, when I journeyed to Antarctica.

As we look ahead to summer, this issue is both a celebration of our roots and a bold step forward. From the international stage of the Venice Biennale to the rhythmic soul of the Outlaw Music Festival, Louisville’s creative energy is resonating far and wide. Architects Ross Primmer and Roberto de Leon of DPAW continue to reimagine regional design on a global scale, while harmonica legend Mickey Raphael shares his story of 50 years alongside Willie Nelson and now Bob Dylan.

When planning this issue and getting to know the gentlemen we’re featuring, choosing a cover was no easy task—we had some incredibly talented men to choose from. Among them is Kevin Grangier, who never ceases to amaze us with his creativity and ambition. He recently opened not one, but two exceptional restaurants: Bourré Bonne, located in the Canopy by Hilton, and Sake A Go Go, which offers an elegant Omakase experience— “I’ll leave it to the chef”—that’s quickly become a personal favorite. Kevin, you’ll be seeing me there often, and I can’t wait to see how the menu continues to evolve. A nationally recognized brand strategist and award-winning entrepreneur, Kevin launched his career by founding Carry On Communication, Inc., a top boutique marketing firm with clients like ESPN, Yahoo!, and Got Milk? After dominating the branding world, he pivoted into hospitality with The Village Anchor Pub & Roost, earning “Restaurateur of the Year” in 2010, just six months after opening. He continues to play a major role in shaping Louisville’s culinary culture. Kevin, Sake A Go Go is a triumph. I’ll see you next week!

We also spotlight extraordinary people quietly transforming our city. Calvin Philley’s work on the revival of Jimmy Can’t Dance and top notch hospitality at Darling’s redefines the industry with a whole lot of heart. Carlos Barragan’s Worldwide Showcase Gallery aims to elevate Louisville artists to an international standard. Katie Didit builds a creative community through swing, jazz, and open mic nights at The Monarch. Andrew Cozzens invites us to experience time differently through sculpture, education, and global dialogue.

Also in this volume is the phenomenal Dorian Washington, a multi-Grammy Award winner with over 65 Platinum and Gold plaques to his name. With more than 30 years in the music industry, he was named Music Executive of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. As President of Hitmaker Music Group and a former VP at Nike’s S24, Dorian has led transformative projects across music, fashion, and film. He’s a powerhouse, on fire, and we’re thrilled to share his story. Dorian is changing the world through art, legacy, and random acts of kindness.

Speaking of global impact: As I reached the 1,000th step of the Nachi Grand Shrine in Wakayama, Japan (one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow that guided the first emperor) I experienced a moment, a huge crow flew past me and cried out, causing me to jump a little. In this sacred space, where crows are believed to be messengers of the gods, my phone buzzed. The first image to appear was of Silas House.

Silas is someone who breathes and lives every aspect of life. His words are inspiring, grounded, expansive, and deeply healing. We’re honored to feature a conversation with Kentucky’s Poet Laureate. His storytelling breaks barriers around Appalachian identity, LGBTQ+ representation, and environmental justice. His voice embodies what we aim for in every issue: to uplift, inform, and connect.

When I think of Silas House’s writing, it feels like the way I am drawn to water everywhere I go. Every time I travel, I find an excuse to slip off my sandals and step into the water. I’m pulled to it; the closer I get, the faster my shoes come off. Standing in water grounds me. It reconnects me to the truest version of myself.

I’ve stood in the Nile, in the icy waters of Antarctica, and in sacred rivers and lakes across Japan, Bali, Kenya, Costa Rica, and Ireland, over 62 places now. Each time, I rush to the water to quiet my mind. When I step in, I step back into myself. It always takes me home to the creek behind my childhood house, where time slows and the world grows still. And yet, I feel connected to all the moments before it. No matter where I am, I’m home. I’ve returned to myself. It’s healing. It’s nurturing. It’s a reset.

Silas House does that with his words.

This issue is also deeply personal. In honor of Father’s Day, we highlight three generations of the Loewy family whose shared fitness journey at Baptist Health Milestone reminds us that health is a family affair. Through the story of the Marc Lehmann Spirit of Service Award, we recognize medical professionals who offer not just expert care but compassion that transforms lives.

We also share powerful stories from survivors supported by the American Heart Association, reminding us of the strength it takes to ask for help, and the hope found in community.

At Waterfront Botanical Gardens, Andrew Hagerty and his team are restoring not just land, but an entire ecosystem, reviving Louisville’s natural beauty.

You’ll also meet Max Neace, a rising force in independent film; explore bourbon history through the lens of the mint julep; and find motivation through Remy Sisk’s inclusive, affirming approach to fitness with Hype Man Fitness.

As always, thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve picked up our print edition every month or you’re flipping through it for the very first time—or maybe you’re discovering more local gems through LouisvilleCalendar. com—we’re proud to be your trusted source for inspiring people, places, events, and stories in our community.

Cheers to the many VOICES of Louisville!

Amelia Frazier Theobald Publisher, The VOICE-TRIBUNE

EDITOR’S NOTE

Wait, I know that guy!

Man, what a Men’s volume. I hope these stories serve as a reflection of the many insanely talented people who walk the streets of this city every day, and a reminder that you never really know who you might be standing in line with at the coffee shop. Could be a Grammy winner. Could be your cousin Dave. Either way, Louisville is full of surprises.

We were really fortunate this month to speak with some of the most inspiring male minds to roll through town, some Louisville natives, and others passing through. These are the kinds of conversations that make you want to go out and finally start that podcast, write that screenplay, or at least fold your laundry.

We hope this volume brings a smile to your face, leaves you feeling inspired, and maybe even has you saying, “Wait, I know that guy!”

Take care,

Alisha Proffitt Chief Director of Editorial & Editor

PRESIDENT/CEO, AMELIA FRAZIER THEOBALD OPERATIONS MANAGER, MARY ZOELLER

CHIEF DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL, & EDITOR, ALISHA PROFFITT

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER & DIRECTOR OF SALES, JULIE KOENIG

CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER, JOSH ISON COPY EDITOR, RENAE ISON

CHIEF EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER & DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, KATHRYN HARRINGTON

FASHION & EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER, MATT JOHNSON

FASHION & EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER, ANTONIO PANTOJA

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & CONTENT CREATOR, BRYLEA PEACH

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & FASHION COORDINATOR , CLEO HEINE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, SAMANTHA HAUB

DISTRIBUTION, KELLI & RAGAN VAN HECKE, JILL & JOHN MINNIX

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ALISON CARDOZA, ALISHA PROFFITT, CHRIS MORRIS, GILL HOLLAND, JACKIE ZYKAN, KATHRYN HARRINGTON, KELSEY KNOTT, KEVIN MURPHY WILSON, RICHIE GOFF, RUSS BROWN

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DPAW, GIOIA PATTON, JACK SPENCER, JACKIE ZYKAN, KEVIN SIVAKUMAR, MARTY KING, UOFL ATHLETICS, WOODFORD RESERVE

Branding, Restaurants, and Building Experiences: A Conversation with Kevin Grangier

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos by Matt Johnson

“Familiar and New”: DPAW’s Timeless Vision from Louisville to Venice

By Alisha Proffitt

Portraits by Matt Johnson and Structural photos provided by DPAW

Worldwide Showcase Gallery Brings a Broader Vision to Louisville’s Art Scene

By Alisha Proffitt Photos by Matt Johnson

A Conversation with Film Producer, Writer and Director Max Neace By Gill Holland

Tailored Banking, Trusted Relationships: Republic Bank’s White-Glove Approach

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos by Matt Johnson

Sculpting Time: A Conversation With Artist Andrew Cozzens By Kevin Murphy Wilson

Provided

Art, Advocacy, and Appalachia: A Q&A with Silas House

By Alisha Proffitt

by Matt Johnson

The Humble Reign of King Dorian By Alisha Proffitt Photos by Antonio Pantoja

Renée Fleming Shined at Louisville Orchestra’s Spring Gala By VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photos by Kathryn Harrington

A Beautiful Nightmare: Legacy. Echoing for all eternity. By Antonio Pantoja

Outlaw Blues: Mickey Raphael rambles on with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan

By Kevin Murphy Wilson Photo by Jack Spencer

The Gospel According to Calvin Philley: Jazz, Gin, and the Tao of Hospitality By Alisha Proffitt

Photos by Matt Johnson

Monarch Artist Feature: Katie Didit By Kelsey Knott

By Matt Johnson

Jackie Zykan: Maître Liquoriste + Perfumer + Herbalist

Why The Mint Julep?

By Chris Morris

Photos By Woodford Reserve 84

Worth the Hype : Online coaching, personal training and glute-focused workouts with Hype Man Fitness

By Richie Goff

Photos by Matt Johnson

120 Kathryn Harringtons Society 80

88

How a Landfill Became a Local Treasure

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photos by Matt Johnson

92

Marc Lehmann Spirit of Service Award: a partnership thanking caregivers

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photos by Matt Johnson 94

Celebrating 3 Generations

By Alison Cardoza

Photos By Matt Johnson

98

Meet the Honorees of the Go Red for Women Luncheon

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photos by Antonio Pantoja 108

Cards still in play for ‘26, But two losses are at least temporary setbacks

By RUSS BROWN

Photos By UofL Athletics

Function Meets Style in Amy Wagner’s Recent Design Project

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photos by Matt Johnson 118 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN GRANGIER

By Alisha Proffitt • Photos By Matt Johnson

You wouldn’t expect the guy representing national campaigns for Coors, ESPN, and even the iconic “Got Milk?” tagline to suddenly trade conference rooms for commercial kitchens. But Kevin Grangier doesn’t exactly do what’s expected. In 2010, after decades in marketing and brand development, he launched The Village Anchor in Anchorage, Kentucky, his first foray into the restaurant world, and almost immediately earned the title “Restaurateur of the Year” from the Kentucky Restaurant Association, and was honored again with the same award just a few months back. Not bad for someone who openly admits he had no restaurant background at the time.

“I just created what I believed the city was ready for,” Grangier says. That phrase could easily be the thesis of his career.

Grangier’s switch from representing national consumer products to building a hospitality company wasn’t a complete leap in the dark. “There were no restaurants around me here in Kentucky that I considered to be experiential dining options. With no restaurant background, I simply took what I did know - product development and branding, and applied it to food and beverage.”

For Kevin, curiosity is part of the strategy. “Like all of my restaurants, The Village Anchor, which came to life 15 years ago this year, creates a curiosity among consumers who want to know more about this hidden gem,” explains Kevin. “It champions a unique experience which ultimately is the foundation of my various restaurants.”

That approach has been central to his restaurant group, Belle Noble Entertainment, which now includes concepts as diverse as Le Moo, Grassa Gramma, and the recently opened Sake A Gogo in NuLu and The Steakhouse Bourré Bonne downtown.

But if you think Grangier has some kind of step-by-step playbook, think again. “I would not say that I have a specific process that plays out the same way every time,” he admits. “I do know it begins with a personal connection to the cuisine- Italian, southern, Japanese, steak. From there, I visualize how it might play out and if the consumer would go for it. After that, it typically takes years to be ready to do it, add to that whatever time necessary to find the right location. I envisioned Sake a Gogo probably 10 years before pen ever went to paper.”

He’s also a firm believer in big swings. Case in point: Hotel Bourré Bonne, a massive, multi-layered hospitality venture that allowed him to flex every branding and creative muscle. “Participating in the creation of Hotel Bourré Bonne and its restaurant and beverage spaces was an opportunity to explore something far grander than I had ever experienced in the hospitality industry,” he says. “Beyond the exercise of developing the brand and its nomenclature, and designing much of the space, the partnership allowed me to be a part of and learn from a team of brilliant developers and creative entrepreneurs that had its eye fixed on bringing something that would make a real difference to both locals and visitors to Louisville. Hotel Bourré Bonne is a compelling example of how Louisville’s leaders are thoughtfully composing a refreshing brand that is defining its future.”

Still, opening multiple venues nearly simultaneously, as he did with Sake A Gogo and the Hotel Bourré Bonne projects, is no small feat! “The exercise of developing multiple brands at nearly identical times was a challenge, for sure,” he says of this massive undertaking. “Launching both brands nearly in sync required careful consideration of the audiences affected by each brand, and how and when we introduced those brands to them. There’s a real risk of overload and confusion. Two separate teams executed the launches, which led to unique strategies, message platforms, assets, and identifiers for each.”

With all this expansion and experimentation, it begs the question: how does he balance the creative side with the day-to-day chaos of operations? The answer, unsurprisingly, comes down to people. “I have an incredible team, many with whom I have worked for 15 years, we understand each other. We train, activate, monitor, and are constantly focused on both the business and customer experience objectives. With the team operating full steam, I am afforded the opportunity to develop, create, and execute new brands fresh with new and innovative ideas.”

As for further expansion outside the city? He’s open, cautiously. “I am regularly presented with opportunities outside of the Louisville area, but I don’t feel I have saturated the local environment as each of my brands is different and their experiences and offerings are distinct. Local or otherwise, I will always ask some basic questions before taking on the development of a new brand: Will the concept resonate with the consumer? Is it good timing- can the economy and environment withstand any turbulence? Can I assemble the leadership team that blends seamlessly with Belle Noble? And can I physically make it happen within a reasonable budget?”

It’s a refreshing dose of pragmatism in a world that can sometimes be fueled more by buzz than business sense.

For aspiring restaurateurs, Grangier offers advice that cuts through the froth: “Hospitality is a fascinating industry that can lead to a fulfilling career. You need not have a passion for food or the kitchen, but you do need to have respect for people and a passion for serving them. You must recognize that the way you build a company that adds value to your portfolio is by constantly being aware of your customer and making their experience the foundation of your mission.”

Outside the restaurant world (if there is such a thing for him), Grangier finds joy in history, documentaries, and understanding people and the human experience. “ I have a passion for people and find myself studying them to understand not simply what makes them tick, but why they tick.” And in perhaps the most charming revelation of our entire conversation, he shares a soft spot for kittens. “I am a fervent advocate of animals, kittens in particular, and make time to rescue, heal, and re-home them.”

So, to recap: branding guru, restaurateur, hotel visionary, people-studier, kitten rescuer.

And somehow, for him, it all makes perfect sense.

DPAW’S TIMELESS VISION FROM LOUISVILLE TO VENICE

By Alisha Proffitt • Portraits by Matt Johnson and Structural photos provided by DPAW

Fresh from the canal waterways of Venice, where their work now graces the U.S. Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale, Ross Primmer and Roberto de Leon of DPAW return to Louisville with their architectural compass still set on exploration, context, and community. The exhibit highlights their latest project, an event pavilion at Historic Locust Grove, yet their journey, like their work, is more captivating than polished facades.

“Neither Roberto nor I are from Louisville, it’s an adopted city for both of us,” says Ross, co-founder of de Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop (DPAW). “We met as architectural graduate students at Harvard and found we shared similar views on both architecture and what an architectural practice could be.” That shared vision is what ultimately gave rise to DPAW in 2005, a firm now internationally recognized with work spanning from Kentucky tobacco barns to the Istanbul Design Biennial.

Their Workshop, as they call it, is built on the ethos of investigation and inquiry rather than routine problem-solving. “Architecture is simply the tool we use for pursuing larger questions and engaging with the world around us,” Ross adds.

Roberto, who transitioned from microbiology to architecture, found himself drawn to a discipline where ambiguity wasn’t a limitation but an invitation. “Design problems are approached not with the aim of finding a single correct answer, but by balancing and resolving multiple, often competing, factors,” he explains.

Take, for instance, their reinterpretation of regional materials. “At Mason Lane Farm, the hay barn reimagines the Kentucky tobacco barn through an intricate lattice façade of locally grown bamboo,” Roberto shares. “Used in an unexpected manner, they transform the familiar into something new.” That same principle was used in the new pavilion at Locust Grove, where a herringbone façade of standard limestone sills (typically relegated to window ledges) becomes something architectural, something surprising.

For DPAW, architecture is designed for people. At the Filson Historical Society and Centennial Commons Pavilion, community engagement is a blueprint. “We see our role as architects primarily as one of ‘listening and distilling,’” Ross says. “Our work is a direct reflection of the people and places it serves.” Their design process begins with intensive charrettes, collaborative workshops where ideas flow from the community and feed into the project.

That sense of humility and responsiveness also appears in their adaptive reuse work. “The historic structure remains the primary focus and anchor of the project, while our interventions play a complementary, supporting role,” Ross explains. “We never imitate historic elements in new additions; instead, the new work is designed as a respectful companion.” It’s an approach that both honors the past and reinvents spaces from a modern perspective.

Sustainability, for DPAW, is equally grounded in context and pragmatism. “At Mason Lane Farm we leveraged passive design strategies rooted in regional building traditions,” Roberto says. “Strategies like optimizing natural light, maximizing cross ventilation, and prioritizing previous ground surfaces are simple, costeffective methods to reduce environmental impact.” Their most contemporary feature there? A wood-fired boiler powered by farm debris, a sustainable solution drawn from the land it serves. DPAW generally doesn’t rely on high-tech for sustainability and turns first to regional, passive strategies.

Even as their portfolio moves between urban and industrial environments to more rural areas, their approach remains the same. “Whether in an urban environment or a rural landscape, we design so that the projects seem to emerge organically from their surroundings,” says Ross. “They reflect the unique character, history, and conditions of the place, so much so that they feel inseparable from it, as if they could exist nowhere else.”

So, what’s next for this duo, recently named Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and recipients of three AIA National Honor Awards? On the boards now is a renovation and expansion of the Lloyd Library and Museum in Cincinnati, home to a collection on plant-based medicine, including volumes from the 14th century. True to form, the design will feature a custom celadon-colored terracotta façade, fabricated in Germany.

As architecture continues to evolve, DPAW remains refreshingly steady in its philosophy. “We see our design philosophy evolving through a continued exploration of ‘economy through innovation,’ rather than by following architectural trends,” Roberto says. “This approach strikes a balance that looks both forward and backward, honoring the past while actively shaping the future.”

From Venice to Louisville, bamboo barns to historic libraries, DPAW continues to create spaces that are, as Ross puts it, “both familiar and new.”

For more information on DPAW visit: deleon-primmer.com

Sponsored • By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Matt Johnson

At Republic Bank, business banking is defined by relationships, not transactions. Leading that philosophy is Alex Campbell and the Private & Professional Banking team, known for delivering highly customized financial solutions to professionals, entrepreneurs, and families with complex financial needs. “Our focus on company principals and their business allows us to meet any need whether that is an investment-secured loan, mortgage loan, revolving line of credit, building construction or business acquisition.” explains Campbell. The team offers an elevated level of service designed to meet clients where they are, whether they’re expanding a practice, acquiring a business, or building personal wealth alongside their enterprise.

Private & Professional Banking is built around clients with high expectations and often fast-moving financial lives. The team provides support that ranges from structuring investment-secured loans to facilitating real estate acquisitions and advising on cash management. They are equally equipped to handle complex commercial transactions, offering tailored solutions for business owners and entrepreneurs. Clients benefit from responsive, local decision-making that allows them to move quickly when opportunity strikes. The emphasis is on long-term relationships built on trust, consistent service, and an understanding of each client’s unique goals.

Republic Bank’s ability to make decisions locally is a major advantage. Unlike larger institutions where approval processes can be lengthy and impersonal, Republic is structured for agility. Clients work directly with experienced bankers who are empowered to respond quickly and thoughtfully. For Campbell’s team, that means the freedom to tailor every interaction (from the structure of a loan to the cadence of communication) to each client’s preferences.

The bank’s people-first culture extends across departments, creating a collaborative environment where experts work together to deliver comprehensive support. The Private & Professional Banking team often partners with Republic’s commercial lenders, treasury specialists, and real estate experts to ensure that every piece of a client’s financial picture is addressed with ease.

Republic’s culture of internal collaboration strengthens its client service in measurable ways. For example, when a business owner needs to align their operating accounts with a personal mortgage strategy or explore a complex financing option tied to their investment portfolio, multiple specialists within the bank coordinate to provide a single, cohesive solution. This holistic approach ensures consistency, reduces friction, and saves clients valuable time.

That same spirit of alignment is found throughout the business banking ecosystem at Republic. Under the leadership of seasoned professionals across multiple areas, the bank has cultivated a team of bankers who combine technical expertise with a sincere commitment to helping clients succeed.

In Corporate Banking, team members regularly draw on each other’s experience to solve problems and deliver creative solutions. Open-door leadership and an emphasis on professional development have made collaboration a natural part of the culture.

Commercial Banking at Republic is driven by accessibility and strategic thinking. “Being locally owned means our decisions are made right here, about people who understand our community’s unique needs and economic landscape,” says Corky Beatty, Director of Commercial Banking. “What appealed to me was the ability to provide clients with quick service. When a business opportunity arises for our clients, they can’t afford to wait weeks for an answer, and we understand that.” He adds, “I think our size positions us perfectly in the market, large enough to handle complex commercial transactions, but nimble enough to adapt quickly to changing client needs.”

The team’s experience ranges from supporting nonprofits and small businesses to managing complex commercial real estate deals and multimillion-dollar credit facilities. Clients rely on these bankers for their ability to move quickly, without compromising on diligence or depth. The bank’s size allows it to be nimble while offering a full suite of capabilities that rival larger competitors.

“I continue to be impressed by the company’s focus on innovating our products and services for clients in the rapidly changing marketplace,” says Jason, the Chief Treasury Management Officer at Republic Bank. “I am also proud of the emphasis on continuing our philanthropic culture so that our company, associates, and communities can Thrive Together.”

In Treasury Management, Republic Bank supports clients with tools to protect assets, manage liquidity, and optimize cash flow. These services are delivered by teams that understand how to apply strategic thinking to everyday business operations. Rather than offering generic products, they engage with clients to align financial systems with business goals.

The bank’s commitment to community involvement is also a defining element of its identity. Through its Community and Multicultural Banking team, Republic provides specialized support to nonprofits and minority-owned businesses. These bankers work closely with organizations and leaders who are making an impact, helping them access the capital, guidance, and banking services they need to thrive. It’s a partnership model that prioritizes access and equity while strengthening local economies. “I love working closely with nonprofits, minority-owned businesses, and communities that need extra support,” shares Rolandas “Ro” Bryd, Senior Vice President and Director of Community and Multicultural Banking. “My passion is helping people navigate their financial paths and achieve success, and that’s what brought me into banking.”

Ro was inspired to join Republic Bank because of its reputation for building strong client relationships and community involvement. “Since I started, my experience has been incredibly rewarding,” he shares. “I’ve grown professionally, built meaningful relationships, and helped with important projects like assisting Simmons College of Kentucky purchase its first student dorm in nearly 100 years, a huge milestone for the school.” He adds, “What sets Republic apart is how personal banking feels here, we focus on customized solutions and truly caring for our clients.”

At every level, Republic Bank distinguishes itself through its accessibility. Business clients (whether launching a startup or running a third-generation enterprise) are matched with bankers who are approachable, responsive, and informed. These relationships don’t begin and end with a loan application. They evolve over time, with clients leaning on their bankers for insight, connection, and clarity throughout the lifecycle of their business.

What ultimately ties Republic Bank’s business banking strategy together is a commitment to people, both clients and colleagues. The culture encourages new ideas, rewards initiative, and creates an environment for genuine teamwork. Associates are encouraged to bring forward new concepts, refine services, and shape the future of the bank in meaningful ways. That internal support translates into an experience where clients feel seen, heard, and supported at every turn. “Talk to us and other bankers in the community, Republic truly cares about its people and celebrates success.” says Brandon Jaggers, who now leads the Corporate Banking Division.

For clients working with Alex Campbell and the Private & Professional Banking team, the result is a uniquely customized experience; one that reflects the complexity of their financial lives and respects the importance of their time. Whether managing private wealth, professional assets, or both, they have a team behind them that understands the stakes and brings solutions with precision, urgency, and care. “No one is a number at Republic Bank; we make local decisions with local people,” Campbell says. “Our associates are accessible,” he adds, “We are dealing with people’s finances, one of the most sensitive and important facets of our clients’ lives, and we take that very seriously.”

From seasoned business owners to early-stage entrepreneurs, Republic Bank provides a network of accessible experts who collaborate to support growth, security, and success. With local decision-making, a wealth of resources, and a commitment to customized service, Republic Bank remains a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes.

For more information visit: www.republicbank.com Republic Bank is a FDIC-insured institution and an Equal Housing Lender.

Photo: John Guccione Pexels.com

BRINGS A BROADER VISION TO LOUISVILLE’S ART SCENE

Sponsored

By Alisha Proffitt

Photos by Matt Johnson

When you walk into Worldwide Showcase Gallery in Louisville, you might notice something very unique about the space right away. The work on the walls doesn’t belong to one region, one style, or one type of artist. Some pieces come from Denmark, others from Cuba, and others were created just a few blocks away. The range is intentional, the reason being the gallery’s mission, to place local artists in conversation with international ones, and to raise the standard for what’s possible in Louisville.

The gallery’s founder, Carlos Barragan, came to this idea after spending years in cities with thriving art cultures, including Miami, where events like Art Basel give those in attendance a clear view of how art can function as a serious cultural force. When he returned to Louisville to be closer to family, he brought that perspective with him. “Opening Worldwide Showcase Gallery was my way of creating a space where both worlds could meet. It’s also a way for me to give something meaningful back to the city I now call home and hopefully build a legacy my family can one day be proud of,” he says.

That perspective inspired the founding of Worldwide Showcase Gallery, which opened with the goal of presenting work that could hold its own in any gallery, anywhere, while still making space for artists from Louisville and surrounding areas. The selection process is pretty rigorous and not one Carlos takes lightly.

“I look for pieces that evoke something: emotion, conversation, a sense of place or identity. Whether it’s a Danish contemporary artist, a Cuban abstract painter, or a local talent from Louisville, the common thread is quality, originality, and voice. I bring in what I’ve seen and admired in the international circuit, and pair that with my instincts and taste developed through years of travel and cultural exposure. Every piece must speak for itself and stand alongside world-class work,” Barragan explains.

Rather than categorize artists by where they’re from or how long they’ve been working, the gallery presents them side by side. “Louisville is becoming more dynamic and culturally curious. There’s a hunger for new experiences: visual, global, and thought-provoking. I think we’re part of that momentum,” he says. “Worldwide Showcase Gallery helps bridge local and global creativity. We’re not just another gallery; we’re a connector between Louisville and the wider world. I believe that by introducing work seen in places like France, Spain, or NYC we expand the imagination of what’s possible here.”

And he’s right. Louisville’s art scene is changing. Over the past few years, there’s been a growing interest in exhibitions that offer something new, whether that’s a different visual language, a cross-cultural approach, or simply more ambitious curation. This gallery is part of that shift.

“There’s so much incredible talent out there that never gets seen because they don’t have the right connections or opportunities. Worldwide Showcase Gallery is here to change that. We offer a platform where their work can be seen next to international artists. We also offer guidance on pricing, presentation, and professional development, things that aren’t always easy to navigate when you’re starting out,” he adds.

Mentorship plays a hefty role in that equation. Since opening, the gallery has partnered with younger artists in Louisville who might not yet have experience showing their work professionally. “Art from Louisville deserves to be shown on the same stage as art from LA or Miami. That’s how we validate our local scene and push it forward. We’re not just importing culture; we’re exporting it too. By curating thoughtfully and including both established and emerging voices, we create a conversation across borders that enriches everyone,” Barragan says of these partnerships.

Community access is part of the mission as well. “I’m a veteran, a father, and a first generation American. I know the value of connection and shared purpose. This gallery isn’t just about selling art; it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, inspired, and seen. We host events, working on collaborating with schools, and welcome anyone who wants to learn, create, or just be part of the experience. I love chatting with visitors, those conversations often inspire future exhibitions or partnerships,” he shares.

That openness extends to charitable work as well. Since its first few months, the gallery has supported organizations like Norton Children’s Hospital, donating artwork for fundraising events and looking for ways to stay involved with causes that matter locally. “I came here from Colombia and was welcomed with open arms, and that experience made me want to give back to the community that embraced me.”

Over the next five years, Barragan hopes to expand the gallery’s footprint, not just in terms of physical space, but in programming, residencies, and regional impact. He wants it to become a place where people come to find new work, but also to connect with others who care about what art can do in a city. “My hope is that this space inspires, uplifts, and helps write the next chapter of Louisville’s art story,” he says. “I hope they [visitors] feel transported. Like they’ve seen something fresh, unexpected, and moving. I want visitors to leave thinking, talking, maybe even dreaming a little differently than when they walked in. Whether they’re seasoned collectors or first-time gallery-goers, I want them to feel welcome and that they’ve experienced something meaningful.”

Scan to view this month’s collection of featured properties 2805

$825, 000

A CONVERSATION WITH VISUAL ARTIST ANDREW COZZENS

Andrew Cozzens is a Louisville-based visual artist, educator, and curator who researches time subjectivity and its effect on human experience and aging. His intriguing creations often give a metaphorical nod to the durational performance art of [Taiwanese-born master] Tehching Hsiehis, encouraging the viewer to experience the present, develop a past, consider the future, and realize their place within the continuum of the work. Outside of his studio practice, Cozzens serves as a Board member of Louisville Visual Art, Associate Professor [and acting Dean] of Studio Art at Kentucky College of Art + Design, and Director of the 849 Gallery. We recently caught up with the thought-provoking artist for a quick look (depending on the reader’s own perception of time) backwards and forwards.

: As an artist, how has your relationship to media and processes evolved over the years?

: “I have always loved working with my hands and making things, whether it was considered ‘art’ or not. Art wasn’t something I really took seriously as a possible profession until I enrolled as an undergraduate at Murray State University, followed by ‘Wash U’ [Washington University in St. Louis] for graduate school. But, as an artist, I am now able to research any topic I am interested in and address any issues I am concerned about through my creative practice. Much of my art falls into the category of sculpture. I love to draw, too. And even though I rarely exhibit any of my drawings, I’ve learned so much from the process of just looking and observing. Overall, my choice of material and process stems from the specific goal for each artwork, and I rarely work with the same materials for too long because I enjoy learning new methods of making. In some ways I feel as though my real art is what happens in the studio during the process of creation and the artwork that most people see is the residue.”

: Can you tell us a bit about your interest in Time?

: “Despite what most people think, I actually hate time, particularly the burden it often places upon people’s lives. We rarely think of time outside of stress, anxiety, or the feeling of being late or running out of time. So, my interest is actually a constant drive to overcome these structural issues and develop new approaches to experiencing time. This is why my research often relates to aging, nature, and boredom. I was especially drawn to the writing of Henri Bergson. In his book, ‘Time and Free Will,’ for example, he explores the idea of ‘dure’e’ where time experience is evaluated according to the subjective individual human experience of time as opposed to the abstract mathematical/atomic calculation or measurement of time. It is fascinating to me to consider how we as humans have evolved within the natural world, and our bodies and minds were not built for the speed in which we now experience time. In fact, the aging process actually slows and the world opens up when our time perception shifts to a slower, more intentional, and more natural pace.”

VT: Although you are based here in Louisville, you’ve frequently shown your work all over the world. What did these experiences teach you?

AC: “I have been very fortunate in that my art has brought about several opportunities to travel the world, exhibit my work in different contexts, and have creative discourse with amazing people from different cultures. My interest and research about time has led me to become a member of the International Society for the Study of Time, and through this interdisciplinary group of scholars I have been able to further my discourse, understanding, and discussion about the subject of time as a universal concept and construct that permeates cultures around the world.

Through the support of KyCAD, the Great Meadows Foundation, and other organizations, I have been able to travel to Taiwan, Mexico, France, Japan, Canada, Scotland, and Thailand. Each of these places greatly informed the direction of my work in different ways. For instance, when I was an Artist in Residence [at the Cite’Internationale Des Arts] in Paris, France, I got to work on a medieval castle that was being built over 50+ years, using only methods and technology available during that time period, and it was a refreshing look at the patience involved in earlier eras of craftsmanship, and the value of prioritizing quality over expediency.”

VT: Your creative practice seems inextricably linked to community and education. Would you agree with that assessment?

AC: “Definitely. Community arts organizations and art education are important to me because art promotes wonder, investigation, consideration, personal reflection, and expression of human experience. Artists play a much more significant role in the world than I think most folks realize. Artists gather knowledge from every sector of our society and dissect and distill it in the context of humanity. It has been said that, ‘math and science provide the how while art provides the why, or at least the reason for existence,’ and interestingly enough, I love using math and studying science to create art. As a member of the team that has built the Kentucky College of Art + Design, I have helped collaboratively design an interdisciplinary curriculum there that allows our students to bring their individual interest and research to any media and process they choose. In this way, it directly connects back to my own creative practice.”

VT: You have accomplished quite a lot already. What comes next for you?

AC: “I currently have a lot of ideas cooking, but my next immediate project is a collaboration with a ceramic and environmental artist, TJ Edwards. We are both developing individual and collaborative works dealing with issues of time and wellbeing while using earth as our primary material.

We are planning to exhibit our ongoing work together this summer at the Upstairs Project Space at Louisville Visual Art in the Portland neighborhood. Beyond that, I am looking forward to exhibiting work and presenting research next year in Sardinia, Italy, as part of the International Society for the Study of Time Conference [held in a different location every three years]. I am also excited about what comes next for KyCAD, since we just achieved institutional accreditation [from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges] and membership in AICAD [Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design], which is a real game-changer for the students.”

For more information, visit andrewcozzens.com

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A Q&A WITH SILAS HOUSE

By Alisha Proffitt • Photos by Matt Johnson

It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Silas House, whose work has for quite some time presented a thoughtful, grounded and honest look at life in Appalachia. From his early novels to his more recent collaborations in music and film, House brings care and clarity to the stories he tells, often providing representation for people and perspectives that don’t always get the attention they ought to. In our conversation, House discusses some of the experiences that have inspired his work and the causes that continue to motivate him. As one who lives through the heart does, House continues to explore fresh territory while staying true to the values that have always guided his voice.

AP: Your early novels, like Clay’s Quilt and A Parchment of Leaves, explore Appalachian life. How have your formative years in Eastern Kentucky shaped your portrayal of the region’s culture and people, and what are some misconceptions often associated with the region?

SH: Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, among working class rural people, shaped everything about me. It certainly was formative of how I think about storytelling. But I think it instilled a deep sense of injustice in me, too, which is something that shows up in all of my work. I witnessed a lot of people who had so many unfair obstacles put before them, but kept fighting, kept trying. Witnessing that makes tremendous fuel for artists. I think the biggest misconception is that Appalachian people are lazy. The work ethic I was taught there has served me very well.

AP: You are the first openly gay Kentucky Poet Laureate, how do you see this representation opening doors for LGBTQ+ individuals in Appalachian and Southern communities?

SH: The main thing is that visibility matters. There simply are not a whole lot of openly gay people in the public eye in the South, and certainly not in Kentucky, so I’m proud to be part of that. I think the more people know someone who is LGBTQ, the more acceptance grows. The best thing about being poet laureate was all the young people who told me it was important to them to see an LGBTQ person talking about these issues and, most importantly, talking about them as multi-faceted people and not just defined by one part of themselves. We exist in many different capacities, not just one or two.

AP: Your play, This is My Heart for You, addresses the LGBTQ+ experience in Appalachia. What inspired you to bring these narratives to the stage, and what impact do you hope it has on audiences?

SH: That whole play was inspired by a series of hate crimes and other acts of discrimination that happened during the spring and summer of 2011 in rural Kentucky. In Harlan County a young man was beaten nearly to death by two men and two women shouting homophobic slurs, but he managed to escape while his attackers discussed how to dispose of his body. A church in Pike County refused to allow an interracial couple to be married in their sanctuary. A gay couple was removed from a public pool in Hazard for holding hands. At the same time, many people in these communities rallied for equality. I felt that writing about it was a way to modernize and complexify Appalachian narratives.

Too often our stories are set in the past or are too often about two main things: drugs or coal. Ironically, when the play was produced, we received death threats and protests. We had talkbacks every night to encourage a public dialogue and at those we had some amazing, constructive conversations. I think art can be transformation; it can be a vehicle for social justice. I don’t always have an agenda when I’m writing something, but I do always want to challenge people, and to make them examine what they really believe.

AP: In your collaboration on Tyler Childers’ “In Your Love,” centers around a queer love story. How does storytelling through music challenge stereotypes and create space for inclusivity in traditionally conservative spaces in regions like Appalachia and the South?

SH: For that video, we had two main challenges: to tell a complex story in three minutes without depending on any tropes or stereotypes about gay people and rural people. Tyler Childers was very generous in giving me complete creative control on the video, which means that I got to cast it. I made the “look book”, which gives major guidance on costumes and set designs. I was involved in every aspect of it. One of my main concerns was making sure that rural people were shown with dignity and complexity. No dirty clothes and falling down shacks. I took pictures of my own family during the time period (the 1950s) to show the RCA executives how rural people actually looked back then. When they weren’t at work they looked like movie stars! Dressed to the nines, always perfectly coiffed. Living in clean houses they cared for. So that’s the look in the video and I’m proud of that. You don’t see rural or Appalachian people presented like that enough in the media.

At the same time one of my main goals was to show that queer people have always lived in rural places, and that they still do, and that comes through strongly in the video. It became the first country music in history to show a gay love story and the cast and crew all went above and beyond because we all knew we were doing something special. When we were shooting the last scene, where one of the main characters dies, many of us were weeping. The costume designer leaned over to me and said “I’ll see you at the Grammys for this one.” I thought that was so far-fetched that I didn’t even watch the nomination announcements, but then the phone started ringing and woke me up. I think the reason we got that Grammy nomination is because we all gave it everything we had and because we were leading with the truth. I’m really proud of that video. And the best part for me is that my husband and I came up with the story idea together.

AP: You’ve been involved in environmental activism, particularly against mountaintop removal coal mining. Does your advocacy intertwine with your literary work?

SH: I think writing is inherently about preservation for me. I grew up around people who were always telling these epic stories, but the stories often changed or died with the tellers. Even as a child I knew that I wanted to write the stories down so they’d last longer. And the number one thing I’m thinking about with environmentalism is preservation. We have an aversion to wilderness–and wildness–in this country. It’s like the deeply troubling concept of Manifest Destiny is so ingrained in us as Americans that we constantly feel the need to tame the wild places, to destroy them, to shape them to our needs. I believe the main reason so many writers, musicians, actors, any kind of artist,is environmentally minded is because art teaches us a deeper empathy. And the natural world, if we pay attention to it, teaches us empathy, too. So yes, it’s all connected.

AP: Where would you direct readers who would also like to support these initiatives?

SH: My favorite environmental group right now is the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust. Their whole mission is to protect land by buying it and letting it grow wild. I love how simple and effective this mission is. I’m really lucky to own enough property around my home to let a lot of it grow wild–no mowing, no pruning, no taming at all–and it has been transformative for me. I feel like I live in a park now instead of just in a yard. We have more birdsong, more cricket noise, more lightning bugs, more shade, more wildflowers. People say, but don’t you also have more insects? Well, yes, but when you let the world do its own thing that takes care of itself. We are not descended upon by mosquitoes because we have plenty of bats and birds and frogs who get rid of them for us. What I’m getting at is that it’s important to be a part of groups like KNLT, or at least to donate to them, but we can also make small changes in our own lives that matter. If everybody would just turn off their lights when they leave a room, that would make a huge difference to the amount of coal that is consumed. Little things add up. So I encourage people to support environmental groups but also to be true environmentalists in their everyday life.

AP: Teaching at Berea College, the first desegregated and coeducational college in the South, how do you approach guiding students who are navigating their identities within the context of Appalachian culture?

SH: That becomes more difficult because academia itself often negates the rural and Appalachian experience. They’re taught to lose their accents so they’ll have more job opportunities. They’re taught to reject their culture because it seems “backward” or “old fashioned”. I’m an apostle for being who you are and not giving up parts of yourself to please others. Of course we need to try to better ourselves, but there is nothing wrong with having an accent. Accents make the world more beautiful and more interesting. If somebody has a judgment of me simply because they think my accent sounds like poverty or ignorance, that’s their problem. I know who I am. I know my level of intelligence. So I try to instill pride in one’s culture in all of my students, no matter if they’re from Appalachia, Ukraine, Liberia, or wherever.

AP: What stories or causes are you most passionate about exploring in your future work?

SH: I have a new book of poetry coming out in September and in it I’m revealing more about my life than I ever have before–fiction makes it easier to hide behind the work whereas poetry thrives on memoir aspects, I think. So I’m excited about it being out in the world. It’s called All These Ghosts. I have always had a deep love for murder-mysteries. One of my first favorite writers was Agatha Christie. So this October I have my first murder-mystery coming out under a slight pseudonym–S.D. House. It’s a commercial book, a page-turner, set in 1950s Appalachia, and centering on a mountain lake where a double murder has happened. The recently disgraced mayor solves the case. It was a lot of fun to write and I hope people will enjoy it. Next summer my next literary novel comes out. Right now it’s called The Tulip Poplars, and I really hope it gets to keep that title. It’s a family saga that covers almost one hundred years in the lives of two couples: one interracial and the other a gay couple. All four of the people are from rural Eastern Kentucky and are trying to be themselves in a world that doesn’t want them to be.

Now Showing

A New Exhibition

You’re Invited

By Gill Holland • Headshot Photo Provided

GH: Tell us about this new film you are shooting in town in May (I loved the short film “Oddities”).

Max Neace - “Oddities” is a feature film adapted from that very same short that was on the film festival circuit in 2024. It’s on YouTube. Just search Tyler Savage “Oddities”. Our feature adaptation follows two junkies as they run from the law and then find something much more dangerous underneath a secluded antique barn. It’s a horror-romp. A really scary good time. Tyler Savage is again writing and directing. Adrienne Barbeau (“Swamp Thing”, “The Fog”) stars with Lilimar Hernandez and Lovie Simone. I am producing it alongside David Broad, Noah Lang, and Javier Gonzalez. This is Tyler’s and my second feature together. Our first, STALKER, filmed in Los Angeles and is currently on Hulu. It’s great to bring ODDITIES back to Louisville after our last production in California. Now we’ve shot in both of our hometowns together.

GH: Was “Don’t Tell A Soul” your first major feature shot here?

Max Neace - “It was! I produced that with Merry-Kay Poe and Chris Mangano. Afterwards we made “What We Do Next” together.

GH: How do you think L.A. is doing post Covid, strikes, and more recently fires?

Max Neace - “L.A. is rebounding, but in a tough place. After the fires, Los Angeles really came together as a community; it was great to see such an eclectic city rally around something so tumultuous. Production is still in a tough spot, however. Movies, commercials, TV shows—so much production is electing to shoot elsewhere. And it makes sense: it’s too expensive and there’s too much red tape to be able to shoot anything independent in LA. Even studios struggle to afford their own rent. Hopefully new incentives bring productions back, but it will be a few years before things feel “normal” again.

GH: How is it different shooting in Louisville vs. L.A.?

Max Neace - “There’s more excitement in Louisville vs. L.A. When a Louisvillian sees a camera and production crew, they stop to ask questions and even ask if they can help. If an Angeleno sees a camera and production crew, they roll their eyes and run the other way. The film community in Louisville is smaller, so when I bring a movie to town, it’s great to work with such talented and familiar faces. In L.A. you’re often working with different crews and rarely overlap on projects. There’s more depth and support in L.A. than there is in Louisville. But the community is growing here, and the support systems are growing stronger.

GH: Have you been to the Flyover Film Festival here in town? If so, was it with a film or just checking it out?

Max Neace - “I actually won Flyover’s Best Narrative Feature last year with my directorial debut, SHIFT, that comes out this summer! I have two movies in post-production that were shot in Louisville last year—GOBLIN and RED CAMELIA—that I hope to bring to Flyover in ‘26. I joined the board of The Louisville Film Society at the beginning of 2025, so I am working closely with Derek Sepe and Alex Reinnoldt to help program Flyover now, along with our other board members. We’re trying to find ways to bring more movies to the festival—big and small; local and distant—to elevate our programming. Louisville may not have gotten Sundance, but Flyover has been here for years and deserves more attention than it currently generates.

GH: What made you want to or how did you end up at NYU film school, that is so prestigious! I used to teach grad film there by the way and signed Sean Baker to my management company when he was a student there, so I was his first co-manager and produced his early work on “Greg the Bunny”.)

Max Neace - “I started off by plagiarizing “Peanuts” comic strips in grade school. A truly wonderful third grade teacher suggested I write my own comics, instead of using someone else’s work. So, I started writing creatively, while catching double features at the Regal on the weekend. Those comics were later published on our school’s news station, which led to filming YouTube videos with friends whenever we had free time. It was a gradual love of film and creating stories. I applied to NYU because everyone said the film school was great, without really knowing anything about it, and was accepted into their cinema studies department. I took actual Tisch film classes over the summer. Luckily, the dean of Tisch was my professor. When I asked the best path to transfer into the film department from the cinema studies department, he told me not to worry about it. Just to let him know when I submitted my application. I made a short film that summer, submitted my application and portfolio, and then voila, I was a film student at NYU! I guess he liked the shorts I made in Washington Square Park.

GH: How can all of us support more films in the 502?

Max Neace - “Part of the reason there’s such a boom to the 502 film community is the Kentucky tax incentives. They allow independent productions to thrive in the state. The clearest path to more movies in KY is through positive incentives legislation. Vote to keep them open and productions will continue to flourish. Offer services to film crews—like catering and access to locations, — there are so many services needed on a film production besides camera and acting. We’re always looking for ways to grow the community, so reach out and become a part of it. We’d love to have you.

Of course, the best way to support films in Kentucky is by supporting young filmmakers around you—encouraging filmmakers is the only way to guarantee that there will continue to be filmmakers.

BITTNERS

designing for the way you live

By Alisha Proffitt

Photos By Antonio Pantoja

Wholesome and humble are probably not the adjectives you would expect to be unpacked when describing someone with a brand name like King Dorian. But I assure you, Dorian Washington embodies both of those words. Dorian was born in Macon, GA, a small city on the outskirts of Atlanta. Around the age of 11 or 12, he moved to Atlanta to live with his brother in College Park, where he got his introduction to the music business. “Moving there put me closer to my dream, because everybody in my neighborhood was somehow entwined in the music business,” says Washington.

And he’s not exaggerating. Washington shared a neighborhood with some really big players in the industry. This put him in the orbit of So So Def Recordings, which has signed artists like Da Brat, Bow Wow, Kris Kross, Xscape, Dem Franchize Boyz, Anthony Hamilton, Jagged Edge, INOJ, J-Kwon, and the Ghost Town DJ’s. “I was able to help facilitate my dreams by learning from some of these people and being around some of these people,” Washington said of the time he spent in Atlanta.

Now, with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Washington has a lot of notches under his belt and has worn a lot of hats. A two-time Music Executive of the Year winner, he has worked in A&R, film production, and musical direction. He has earned three Grammys with Static Major and achieved 350 platinum plaques working with huge names like Jay-Z, Lil Baby, and Migos. He even partnered with Spike Lee on a film called Home Invaders He will be receiving the esteemed Jam Master Jay Legend Honoree Award in Los Angeles on June 27th.

“People ask me how I balance my life, how I balance all of these roles. Outside of all of those things, I’m a husband, a father, and a grandfather. So, those come first,” says Washington. “The music stuff, it’s so natural to me, that anything in the entertainment world (because I manage athletes and things like that too) that’s so easy to me. Once you’re established, it’s not as hard as people think it is.”

Washington has dabbled in pretty much every kind of major branch of entertainment you can think of, even managing athletes like Troy Hudson, who went on to become the second highest paid undrafted player in history, according to Washington. “That led me to working with other players because of my efficiency with Hudson,” he explains.

While a lot has changed in the industry since he started, Washington has had the wisdom to change his approach to stay in the game. Decades of experience has given him a unique perspective and understanding that allows him to empower and guide his clients through an industry that often exploits artists, and point them in the most beneficial and lucrative direction. It is with that knowledge and expertise that he aids his clients and new emerging talent so they too can achieve their dreams. His advice? “Don’t be afraid of change, don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t burn bridges you might have to cross again.”

Looking ahead, Washington is excited about upcoming projects like both YG Marley and Busta Rhymes news albums, as well as Flippa T, a new artist he is working with that does motivational rap.

But for him personally, he has his sights set on an Oscar. “A personal goal for me is to win an Oscar,” he shares.

Dorian doesn’t define success through a career, though. “How do I define success? Is my wife happy? Is my kids happy? Is my grandkids happy? Those are the only 3 entities that I need to make happy. Those are the only 3 entities that I care about they opinion,” Washington says. “The world will turn on you so fast, you could work 30 years and be successful, somebody says one thing about you- that might not even be true- everybody will automatically turn on you. I live a very modest lifestyle, I dont have a 20 million dollar mansion, I dont have 100 cars. So, if it ends for me tomorrow, as long as my wife and kids and grandkids is happy, I’m cool.”

Rather than get his kicks through flashy displays of excess, Dorian finds joy in more meaningful ways. Him and his wife regularly dish out random acts of kindness in the community, even going viral back during the holidays for gifting a kid with a PS5. They help kids pay for college and get the resources they need for school, feed the homeless every night when they’re in LA, they even helped a man get his final wish to meet Tech N9ne in 2017. “We really just want to help people, and any way we can help people-that’s what we want to do.”

It should come as no surprise that as of this year February 12th has been declared “Dorian Washington Day” here in Louisville. In a world where ego often overshadows integrity, Dorian Washington is proof that success and humility can coexist. With a résumé that reads like a highlight reel and a heart that beats for his family and community, he’s building more than just a career, he’s building a legacy.

King Dorian wears his crown not with arrogance, but with purpose.

By Kevin Murphy Wilson | Photo provided by Jack Spencer

When it comes to harmonica playing, Mickey Raphael is the man. His ridiculously long and eclectic list of recording credits includes U2, Norah Jones, Marcus King, Wynton Marsalis, Billy Strings, Ryan Adams, and Mötley Crüe, just to cite a few. For most of his 50+ year career, however, Raphael has also averaged more than 200 annual concert dates with Willie Nelson & Family. That is the act he’s been most closely associated with and it’s this ongoing opportunity that lands Raphael back in the area this season for two special performances as part of Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival: June 22 at Riverbend Music Center and September 18 at Ruoff Music Center.

Known as much for his humility as his badass abilities, Raphael shared that his long and winding musical journey actually began inauspiciously enough when he was a young “Deadhead” and “Dylanphile” coming of age in Texas.

“I wasn’t immersed in that scene to the point that I would follow them around, you know, but the Grateful Dead was definitely my go-to band in high school,” Raphael said. “I would lay in my bunk bed for hours just getting lost in their songs. I was sort of an outcast growing up and music was my only savior. Those guys seemed like social misfits, too, which really resonated with me. And Bob [Dylan] was another one that really influenced me in my formative years. When I decided I wanted to learn how to play the harmonica, it was Dylan I was listening to. Not really the Chicago blues guys at all. I was more into the folk scene. Bob set the standard in that style.”

In those early days, Raphael was introduced to Willie Nelson through happenstance by [then-football coach at University of Texas] Darrell Royal at one of Royal’s notoriously rowdy post-game pickin’ parties. “During that initial jam session, I had vaguely been invited by Willie to come back and sit in any time I wanted. So, I just kept showing up and doing that until I started getting asked to actually travel with the band to gigs,” Raphael said.

Although he was hanging around out of genuine interest, Raphael was uncertain if there would ever be a paycheck attached to his efforts. In fact, Raphael wryly recalled that, “At a certain point Willie asked Paul English, our drummer, ‘How much are we paying Mickey?’ To which Paul said, ‘Nothing!’ and Willie said, ‘Well, double it then.’ Eventually my persistence paid off though.”

That is a bit of an understatement seeing as how he inadvertently ended up in one of the most impactful and longest-running supporting roles ever. It’s hard to imagine Willie Nelson & Family without Raphael. His sparse, haunting contributions adorned most of Nelson’s massive hit singles from the ’70s and ’80s including “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” and “Always on my Mind.” His harp was also an integral sonic component of Nelson’s best-loved LPs such as Stardust, Songbird, and Teatro

Not surprisingly, Raphael’s distinctive stylings have continued to earn him a steady flow of [the aforementioned] freelance studio work as well as a sweet side hustle as a part-time member of Chris Stapleton’s touring band, whenever Raphael isn’t already committed to be elsewhere for his day job. That said, Nelson’s wildly popular Outlaw Music Festival, which also features Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Sheryl Crow, Trampled by Turtles and several other noteworthy names this year, will indeed keep Raphael busy most of the summer, and that is perfectly fine by him.

Marveling at how things have come full circle — the Grateful Dead’s Bobby Weir shared the stage with Willie Nelson & Family multiple times in recent years and Raphael has even been invited more than once to sit in with Dylan during similar Outlaw outings — Raphael said that he couldn’t be happier to still be playing night after night, with his 90-something boss, bandleader, and buddy for however long that colorful collaboration continues.

For more information about the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival, visit blackbirdpresents.com.

BANKINGFOREVER

By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Matt Johnson - Shot At Derby City Market

Never fear, local music lovers–Katie Didit is here, uncovering your next new favorites all while serving up her fun swing songs.

Katie Didit fell in love with music as a high school theater student, taking singing lessons and piano labs before heading to Mountain Empire, where she studied traditional mountain music. While in Virginia, she taught with Pro-Art’s nonprofit for two years before landing in Louisville eight years ago. “I was finally able to blossom and try new things. I was doing a lot of bluegrass and traditional music back home. When I came here, I started doing jazz. I wanted to keep growing and growing, and I found that side of myself in the city.”

Didit tours with two bands, playing upright bass/vocals for Mama Said String Band and guitar/vocals for Katie D & The Bluegills. For inspiration, she taps into her belief that community fuels music: “I run eight open mics a month, and I’ve been lucky enough to surround myself with people more talented and smarter than me, so I feel like that’s where all my success is from. I’ve created a circle that pushes, drives, and inspires me.” When writing songs, Didit places honesty and authenticity at the forefront. “...even if that means you’re pretending to put yourself in a different place when you write, as long as it comes from an authentic feeling. I’ve written all kinds of throwaway songs, most of the time because I have forced it, or I’ve created something I thought someone would like or listen to, but those are never the good songs. The good songs are when I’m hurting or happy, expressing something I’m going through or what another person is going through.” She hopes people connect her songs and music to their experiences and know they’re not alone.

At the Monarch, Didit feels blessed and protective: “It’s a magical place–a godsend. Mark came to one of my open mics and said, ‘I have this vision, and I want you to see it with me.’ Then he made it come true. It’s the only listening room in the city. I’ll do anything to protect it because it’s a safe space for creatives and artists where people grow and the community comes together.”

Once a month, Didit runs a spotlight showcase at the Monarch featuring new-to-you local and regional artists. “They’re talented, but they’ve never had an opportunity to play on a real stage for people who are actually listening, right? The spotlight series gives that opportunity to good musicians who don’t have the connections or the stage yet. It shows them what it is supposed to feel like–supportive and welcoming.” Her love for uplifting new musical voices should certainly spread. “I would like to see more established musicians put their hand out to help younger musicians. Give them connections, give them space, give them advice. If we hadn’t had that from others, we wouldn’t get to be where we are. Helping our younger musicians means making sure they have access to places to play under 21 or to lessons in the city. This is how it stays alive.”

Don’t miss both Katie D & The Bluegills and Mama Said String Band at HollerGirl Music festival in August, which uplifts female voices and empowers women, especially those affected by domestic violence.

We’re excited to introduce our new Sponsor an Artist program! is initiative gives businesses and individuals the opportunity to directly support local artists by sponsoring in-depth features that highlight their work, stories, and impact on the community. ese features have always been a cornerstone of our publication, showcasing the creatives who bring color, culture, and soul to Louisville. Now, through sponsorship, you can help elevate these voices while aligning your brand with the heart of the city’s arts scene.

Each sponsored piece o ers thoughtful storytelling, beautiful visuals, and shared recognition, both in print and online. It’s a powerful way to invest in local talent and be part of something that truly matters.

Contact julie@voice-tribune.com for more details on how you can get involved!

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Kathryn Harrington

On Wednesday, April 16, the Louisville Orchestra’s annual Spring Gala delivered a memorable evening of world-class music and meaningful conversation, thanks to a powerful performance by soprano Renée Fleming.

Fleming (known not only for her Grammy-winning voice but also for her work as an actress, author, and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador) brought both artistry and insight to the stage. Her visit was a major moment for Louisville’s arts community, and the energy in the concert hall reflected that. The evening was beautifully paced, with the Orchestra in top form under the direction of Maestro Teddy Abrams. Their partnership with Fleming was seamless, and her ability to tell a story through music remains unmatched.

Renée has received praise for her most recent book, Music and Mind, published last April with Viking. In this anthology, Fleming curates a collection of essays from leading scientists, artists, creative arts therapists, educators, and healthcare providers (from Ann Patchett and Yo-yo Ma to Richard Powers and Ben Folds) about the powerful impacts of music and the arts on health and the human experience.

For the Louisville Orchestra, this gala was a high point in the season and a proud moment for the city’s arts community. Hosting Renée Fleming was no small achievement, and her performance made clear why she continues to be one of the most respected and influential voices in classical music today. In all, the Spring Gala was a success on every level. It left the audience with not just a night of great music but a reminder of why the arts matter and why they continue to be worth investing in.

LEGACY. ECHOING FOR ALL ETERNITY.

Model: Jessica Zehnder

By Antonio Pantoja • Model: Jessica Zehnder & Megan Mullins

“Who in this room remembers their great-grandfather’s name?”

A few hands went up in a room of over a hundred of the most successful and innovative business people from all over the world.

“Who remembers their great-great-grandfather’s name?”

Two hands.

Then came the gut punch:

“And do you remember what he did?”

That moment didn’t feel like a keynote at a business event. It felt like a truth bomb disguised in a question. It wasn’t about revenue or ROI. It was about something that echoes beyond us. It was about legacy.

These were the words spoken by Scott Joseph at the Business, Bourbon & Cigars event—a room full of entrepreneurs, hustlers, dreamers, and doers. But he wasn’t pitching a business model. He was holding up a mirror.

See, I never thought much about legacy. Not really. Not until Scott framed it in a way that hit me directly in my soul. Because he’s right. Just two generations removed, most of us are forgotten. No matter how big we think we are in the moment. Unless…

That unless is the important part.

Unless we live in a way that impacts others so deeply they feel it long after we’re gone. Unless we choose to matter to people more than we matter to ourselves.

Legacy isn’t a name etched into marble. It’s not a statue or a scholarship fund with your last name on it. That’s branding.

Scott said it bluntly: “legacy is bullshit”.

Because the way we typically define it—it is.

And if you’re chasing it for applause or immortality, he’s right. We act like our names are going to be whispered for centuries like emperors or saints.

Real legacy isn’t about being remembered. It’s about making a ripple that impacts other people positively. A ripple that breaks cycles just because one person believed in you.

Scott’s legacy isn’t just the businesses he’s built or the money he’s raised. It’s in the orphanages he helped build in the Philippines with Troy Duhon. It’s in the charity auctions that pulled in hundreds of thousands for people who’ll never know his name. It’s in the room he curated when he created Business, Bourbon & Cigars—not to flex, but to connect. To build community in a world that desperately needs it.

Model: Megan Mullins

Legacy isn’t built in boardrooms. It’s built when no one’s watching. It’s built in how you treat people who can do nothing for you. It’s built in choosing purpose over recognition. In choosing what’s right when no one’s watching.

I might not be remembered by name. That part’s out of my hands. But if something I do causes someone else to live differently—to love deeper, dream louder, or help someone in need—then maybe I’ve done enough.

Legacy isn’t about being remembered. It’s about being worth remembering.

And before I go, let me leave you with something that’s been stuck in my chest since the day I heard it. A quote that cuts deep— especially when things fall apart:

“Am I stranded on an island… or have I landed in paradise?”

—Barry Parnell

Perspective changes everything. So does purpose.

Every opportunity a gift, every failure a lesson. Fail forward, fail often. Don’t call it failure. Call it “trying to succeed”

Find Scott and Business Bourbon and Cigars here:

@scotttjoseph

@me_plus_ultra

Model:

Megan Mullins

Model: Jessica Zehnder

JAZZ, GIN, AND THE TAO OF HOSPITALITY

By Alisha Proffitt

Photos by Matt Johnson

I’ve often wondered just how exactly it is that Calvin Philley manages to keep up with all the concepts and projects he’s worked on and helped build in this city. Perhaps it is due to him basically being a bionic man, thanks to a soccer injury several years ago that equipped him with a titanium rod on his collarbone. Maybe it is all the red beans and rice. Whatever the reason, Calvin is a local character whose fingerprints are on a lot of what makes Louisville’s bar scene so special, whether or not you know it.

Born and raised in Louisville, aside from time on the road as a touring musician and some college at Western Kentucky University, he is part of the team behind some of the city’s most unique bar concepts. Naturally, the man who has described seeing Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds at the Palace in 2014 as “transformative” wasn’t going to end up in a cubicle. His hospitality career started with dish duty and ended up under the shiny front-of-house neon lights.

“I started washing dishes at the original Feast BBQ location in New Albany because they paid better than the barista job I had been working since high school. It was really my first interaction with an independent restaurant. I was in a punk band that was touring regularly so it was a good gig because I could pick up shifts on the weekends I was in town and support my food and beer budget,” Philley reflects, “I enjoyed the tribal environment of a small kitchen like that. And I enjoyed the feeling that the product of that specific tiny kitchen was relatively cutting-edge and quite successful. Even if my contribution was washing the dishes, or, at most, pulling smoked pork to catch up with demand. I think a huge part of my DNA in this business starts in the kitchen, scraping out a smoker next to a person with a culinary school degree. I eventually started working regularly as a line cook and I had mild aspirations of a cheffy future when they fired me after I kept sleeping through lunch shifts because I was 21 and drinking too much. Naturally, I found a barback gig shortly thereafter and never returned to the kitchen.”

That pivot led Calvin down a path of spirits and gave him a respect for the mechanics of good hospitality. “Marie Zahn deserves most of the credit for anything good that I do in a bar setting. She hired me on against her better judgment as a late addition to the Butchertown Grocery bar staff and brought me into the next level of cocktails,” he explains.

One of Calvin’s most recognizable projects is Jimmy Can’t Dance. Its resurrection inside Hotel Genevieve was unexpected even to him. “Covid held Jimmy Can’t Dance by the ankles and shook the change out of its pockets, along with pretty much every live music venue on earth. We tried to give it a shot as restrictions were lifted and people were allowed to be indoors together, but it didn’t work. The last event at the 7th Street location was a Karaoke party after my little sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner.” And while Covid ran not just Jimmy Can’t Dance but the entire industry through the ringer, it didn’t put out the fire that the much-loved venue had started in their hearts.

“I think Brian and Dennie- as the founding fathers of JCD- had held a flame for the possibility of bringing it back, but it was always going to be a longshot for the right conditions to come together that would foster a healthy environment where the musicians get paid and the bar stays in business,” Philley explains. “I am not really sure who approached who when it came to getting started, but it began with a Christmas Jazz pop-up at Hotel Genevieve as a sort of trial period. We booked music and put together a cocktail list for them so their speakeasy-style bar could function as Jimmy’s for a week.”

“The results were encouraging but I didn’t really see the concept moving forward. I can be guilty of projecting my own rag-tag glue huffing punk rock image onto our bar partners, and I definitely didn’t see that fitting in with the pretty well put together kind of corporate structure of the boutique hotel world. But we met somewhere in the middle there and the agreement for us to take over the space came together somehow. There have been growing pains as I think would be the case in any transitional, collaborative effort of this size, and like I said we’re kind of in a different world here, but that’s all behind the scenes and I think the guest-facing product that we’ve been able to put out is pretty incredible.”

When asked if guests can expect the same experience at the new location, Calvin’s answer is that nostalgia is often a double-edged sword. “I think it’s driven a lot of interest for our new space here in the beginning, but getting hung up on it is a dangerous path. Jimmy’s in Hotel Genevieve is definitely a different experience, more intimate and maybe a bit more polished. Times have certainly changed, and I also think that with the change in venue from downtown to Nulu also brings a bit of a different approach to service and guest expectations,” he says.

But that’s not without love and appreciation for the past. “I have a romantic memory in my head of the old Jimmys. I can smell it when I think about it,” Philley recalls. “I described it to someone the other day as the Sesame Street ideal of a Jazz Club beneath a Sandwich Shop, as if Big Bird is slapping Russian dressing on a Reuben upstairs. That all feels to me like an organic thing that I just happened to walk into and start making cocktails and opening Miller Lite bottles. This could never be that, but I didn’t just wander in out of the blue on this one and I know better than to try to waste effort to bring back the past when the here and now is so bright and shiny.”

This isn’t to say the group has lost its passion. “I think one of the guiding principles that feels intrinsically built into our ethos as a bar group is a strong sense of place. We’re all Louisville guys. It’s important to us to add value to our home. I think people in Louisville get on board with that attitude naturally,” Philley says of his team. “I think even when I’m traveling, when I go to a bar or restaurant, it takes no time at all for me to be able to clock whether I’m in a local spot or a usurper trying to pull off a cheap imitation. It was important to us to carry over that feeling. People sense that at a personal level and I think no matter where they’re coming from, it provides a level of comfort to know real people who know this place are taking care of you.”

Reminiscers can still look forward to the same great music filling the new space. “We had great relationships with the musicians who had previously played at the old spot, and they seemed pretty stoked on working with us again,” he says. “There are cocktail places and a few restaurants in town that will have jazz nights, but to my knowledge there isn’t a dedicated venue just for jazz, so it checks out that our concept would once again be attractive to jazz players.”

Being a more intimate space, JCD doesn’t fuss around with a fancy sound system and opts for a more personal take when it comes to performances. This lends to a more casual, organic, plug-in-and-play kind of entertainment experience. “Our approach so far has been to give the power of creativity to the musicians, and I think that has suited us well so far.”

Then there’s Darling’s, the Art Nouveau cocktail bar on Bardstown Road. Calvin’s not claiming credit for its visual panache. “God forbid I’m tasked with the interior design of my own living space,” he jokes, but he’s proud of the spirit behind it. “I think Darling’s was dreamed up on trips that James and Marie had taken to Spain and Portugal. Gin & tonics and vermouth bars have been huge there for a while. There’s a bar in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona called L’Ascensor that James was always sending me stuff from their Instagram and it does have this brooding, super vintage Art Nouveau motif throughout, while the bartenders crank out classic cocktails and G&T’s and the place stays busy and has this unpretentious but intelligent atmosphere. What a dream.”

“I went to L’Ascensor last September, and after having operated Darling’s for the past few years, it felt like flying across the world just to walk into the Catalan version of our little bar. We didn’t set out to like jack their whole concept- and it was a relief to go in there and see the respect we paid them in Darling’s, but I felt like I was talking the alternate universe version of myself when I was ordering my wife a Last Word in bad American Spanish.”

Darling’s has definitely brought with it a new kind of cocktail experience in the city of Louisville, a place where Bourbon more often than not steals the spotlight on cocktail menus. “Bourbon is King here in so many ways and I have no misconception about what Bourbon does for the food and beverage industry in this town and am therefore greatly appreciative, but with that said, it can get a little old to both bartender and consumer. Everything is magic until it becomes routine. So changing lanes into a more European-centric bar concept, heavy on gin and vermouth, making our own draft tonic was exciting. It suits a diverse cocktail list, as gin is such a diverse category,” Philley explains.

The vibe at Darlings manages to feel both upscale and laid back at the same time, and I was curious how their team was able to achieve this. So, I asked. “Going to cocktail bars or upscale restaurants even can be such a to-do that it sucks the fun out of something that should be low-stress and carefree by definition. I take away a lot from my time working with Ryan Rogers, who gave me a glimpse of philosophy in restaurants and bars, sort of the Tao of hospitality,” says Philley. “People come to our places to remove themselves from the stresses of everyday life. They want to be transported; they want us to suspend their disbelief and let their imaginations take them to a happy place where there are no dishes in the sink. I love that. I can put myself in the shoes of every bar patron that darkens the door because I have been them and I have had incredible experiences that altered my state of consciousness and I have also been rudely brought back down to earth in harshly lit rooms while Pandora commercials play over the speakers and cold food comes out while a disinterested server doesn’t notice my empty water glass.”

It’s important to Calvin and his partners that their businesses are accessible for people to come as they are. They achieve this by appreciating that everyone interacts with their environment according to their own point of view and allowing the opportunity for guests to choose their own adventure as to what the significance of that interaction will be. “If I can offer someone an elevated experience without the pretense and weird judgement by uppity servers or stress of securing a reservation at a price point that doesn’t raise their blood pressure, that’s the goal. I want people that come here to want to and feel like they could easily return at any time. Here’s another piece of restaurant and bar philosophy- once you are a place people only go on special occasions, you’ve lost them for every other night of their lives,” Philley says of this approach.

It is that kind of thought and consideration for the guest experience that sets these places apart from the rest. The atmosphere also stands out in a big way. The team seems to be on a whole other level when it comes to interior design, and the spaces are so well curated that they almost feel like movie sets. Ever full of questions, I inquired about this, and it seems I was onto something.

“The movie set deal is all James. He’s actually an art department guy for film productions and that kind of skill absolutely carries over into this business. It’s definitely a unique situation that our bars benefit from big-time. Even just that he pretty much has a warehouse of props and decorations that get used once, have their fifteen seconds of fame, and then find a new life in our bars is such a weird and wonderful advantage for us. I think the attention to detail on the space is important. It’s often overlooked, though, and none of it means anything if it’s not maintained on a day-to-day level in a holistic way.”

Despite all the fancy cocktails and moody lighting, there’s a sense of realism running through Calvin Philley’s work and aspirations for the service industry here in Louisville. Calvin doesn’t just want to build pretty bars, he wants to build a healthier, more equitable industry. “In Louisville it makes me happy to see some of the people I came up alongside in this business getting their shot as serious owners and operators, both chefs and bartenders. Of course, I would love to see more of that. I was lucky to be given an opportunity by a group of people that I had to really trust, and that was after being burned in relationships with other bar and restaurant owners who didn’t have my best interest in mind, which is sadly par for the course,” he shares.

“I am also encouraged by the amount of awareness and initiatives around mental health and substance abuse support that seems to be growing in our industry. It’s pretty common knowledge that bartenders, chefs, servers, cooks, dishwashers, shit- bar and restaurant ownerswork in stressful environments that can be surrounded by drugs and alcohol. Groups like Ben’s Friends, which I think helps remove the stigma of reaching out for help and support for service industry workers- and the new Lee Initiative & APRON’s Bluegrass Bartender’s Fund which focuses on supporting bartenders healthcare (including mental health) are great resources that have come up in the last few years. I surely would not be anywhere near this point in my professional career or let alone remotely as healthy in my personal life if there were not resources for me to reach out to when I was struggling to cope with my own mental health and substance abuse issues.”

By Jackie Zykan

With over 20 years of experience in beverage alcohol, and a love affair with the natural world, I am delighted to share some of Kentucky’s finest pours alongside fresh, local, and seasonal botanicals.

Over the course of the past twelve months, I have been full of gratitude for the opportunity to write this featured article full of insights, recipes, and intimate memories of various flora through the seasons. My focus has been locally foraged ingredients for use in cocktails, as well as showcasing some of Kentucky’s wonderful spirits brands. As my interests, knowledge, and career grow and evolve, I am delighted to bring you along to partake in my ever-expanding mission to share the significance of botanicals. This June marks the one year anniversary of my contributions to the Voice Tribune, so it feels the perfect time to start a new chapter which dives deeper into the plants themselves. In lieu of a birthday cake candle, grab a dandelion. Make a wish. Endure the glare from your neighbor as you scatter the seeds of this “weed” into their yard. Did you wish for a cocktail? If so, you’re in luck. Maybe bring your neighbor one as a peace offering now that you’ve established yourself as the destroyer of pristine lawns.

This month we’re going to explore the world of dandelions in all their glory and reclaim their incredible purpose in spite of some seeing them as a landscaping blemish. Put away the weed killer, these little yellow blessings have been waiting to work with you to optimize health and happiness. Let’s trade in the negative lens of nuisance and take this moment to remember that once upon a summer, enveloped in the sweet sounds of cicadas, perhaps you came across a puffy globe and were filled with hope as you imagined that which you desire and blew the fruits of the dandelion into the breeze.

Featured Kentucky Flora: Taraxacum officinale (Common Dandelion)

Besides having a stacked list of cross-cultural medicinal and culinary applications, the dandelion offers the gift of cheer, uplifted spirits, and a moment of inner child simplicity. Our recipe utilizes both the flower and the root of this entirely edible plant, but if you really want to take it to the next level, pair the cocktail with a salad made of fresh dandelion greens. The leaves are the namesake of this charming species, “dent de lion” meaning “lion’s tooth”. These bitter salad greens are full of vitamins C and A, iron, and so much potassium they function as a diuretic. So much so that the French name for dandelion is “pissenlit” literally translating to “wet the bed”. If you are looking for a nutritious green for your juice blends or smoothies, dandelion is a wonderful addition. Greens are least bitter when gathered before flowering in the spring or in the fall. Dandelion root is a notorious support for digestion, liver, and inflammation, and is best harvested in the fall when the plant has focused its energy stores downward for winter. For this reason, we will be using a readily available product to include roots in the drink.

Suggested Kentucky Product: Town Branch Kentucky Single Malt 7 Yr Old Whiskey; 87 proof

There are many times when ingredients in a recipe are chosen to not camouflage any of their individual flavors. However, this recipe calls for something malty and roasty to seamlessly mingle with the root based coffee alternative being used. The goal is to avoid overpowering the delicate honeyed notes of the sweetener, and therefore we are embracing Kentucky made single malt whiskey as a base spirit.

Dandy Indeed Cocktail

4 oz Water

1 tsp Dandy Blend Coffee Alternative

1 oz May Honey *

1 oz Town Branch Kentucky Single Malt 7 Yr Old Whiskey

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin filled with ice. Shake thoroughly and pour directly into preferred glass.

Non-Alcoholic Variation: simply omit the whiskey in the recipe above.

May Honey Recipe

Technically not a true “honey”, this old world honey substitute makes a comeback for June’s featured recipe. Fresh, bright, and delicious, this syrup can be used as a vegan honey alternative wherever you crave a bit of sweetness.

1 cup Dandelion Flower Blooms

2 cups Water

1 TBSP Lemon Juice

1 cup Granulated Sugar

Directions: Gather fresh dandelion blooms (mid day is the best time for the fullest blossoms) and rinse well in a colander. Remove fluffy petals and set aside. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan and remove from heat. Add dandelion blooms and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Strain using a coffee filter to ensure all solids are removed. In a saucepan, combine liquid with lemon juice and sugar, bring to a boil for about 10 minutes until the consistency is slightly thinner than honey. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in the refrigerator.

Fancy a stem?

The primary recipe yields what could be best described as an iced coffee, sans caffeine and acidity. However, it seems a lost opportunity to not mention the versatility of this coffee alternative in cocktails. Playing with the ratio of water is seamless with this product in order to adjust the taste to your preference. Crank up the amount of coffee alternative and you will get an espresso substitute for a caffeine free espresso martini that’s easy on your tummy as well as respectful of your bedtime.

When foraging wild plants always be completely certain of identification and follow the rule of “when in doubt, don’t”. Only take what is needed, leaving plenty for our native pollinators and fauna. Avoid harvesting from areas which are exposed to pesticides or other chemical applications. The statements in this article are for entertainment purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, treat, or medically advise. Please drink responsibly, you are loved by many.

By Chris Morris • Photos provided By Woodford Reserve & Headshot By Matt Johnson

Now that the Kentucky Derby has come and gone, we can sit back and take a breath – and enjoy a relaxing drink. Speaking of drinks, nothing is more traditional than sipping a mint julep while watching the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Served in an ice-cold sterling silver cup with the aromatic smell of mint and bourbon, the mint julep is the quintessential Kentucky drink. But did you know that the julep has its roots, surprisingly, in the Middle East? How and why did it cross two continents and an ocean to end up in Kentucky?

Centuries ago, there was a Middle Eastern drink called a “julab,” it was made with water and rose petals. The beverage had a delicate and refreshing scent that people thought enhanced the quality of their lives. When the julab was introduced to Europe by returning Crusaders (the Crusades were conducted in the Middle East between 1095 and 1291) the local population replaced the rose petals with mint, a plant indigenous to the area. Spirits, usually an unaged brandy, soon replaced the julab’s water component as the drink took on medicinal qualities. The mint julep, as it was now called, grew in popularity throughout Europe.

When North America was settled by Europeans in the early and late 17th century they brought the julep with them. It was adapted over generations to reflect the availability of local ingredients. In the southern coastal English colonies, it was made with rum or brandy and became known as the “Virginia Dram.”

As Virginia settled its western Kentucky District the julep made its final evolution. The biggest change for the julep was the addition of Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey to the recipe. The flavorful Bourbon perfectly complemented the flavors found in a mint julep. The julep was quickly transformed into a mixture of water, sugar, mint leaves, and good Bourbon Whiskey.

The drink’s popularity came to rest in the agricultural regions of the east and southeast, where farmers awakened at dawn. Believe it or not the julep was often used as a morning drink. It was the spirited equivalent of coffee in today’s society. In this role it was known as a” bracer.” Just the drink needed to get the morning started and make you forget your aches and pains.

Like farmers, horse trainers were up early and would prepare a julep first thing in the morning. Through the years, the drink started showing up at regional horse races, where the mint julep made the transition from a morning drink to a “sipping” cocktail. In the early 18th century Kentucky silver Julep cups were awarded as racing trophies. In 1938 the mint julep was designated the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. However, over the years the julep saw its reputation and use decline. It became the drink to have at Churchill Downs only on Derby day. Things began to change for the julep in 1999, the year that Woodford Reserve became the first “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby”.

This honor meant that I would be interviewed on local and national television stations. Television likes action and having me simply talk about Woodford Reserve wasn’t visually exciting, so I decided to start making mint juleps on air. These were not the pre-mixed bottled juleps but handcrafted traditional juleps. Making these live on the Today Show, the Weather Channel, the Food Network and others slowly reintroduced the mint julep to a national audience. In 2006 the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep charity program was launched. This program was mentioned on SNL and when I crafted one live on national television for Bob Costas right before the Derby was run it signified that the julep’s days of glory had returned. Today the mint julep can be enjoyed in many new permutations around the world. It is no longer the obligatory drink consumed on one day a year; it is a global ambassador for Kentucky Bourbon.

Chris Morris’ Traditional Mint Julep Recipe

2 mint leaves

1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar

2 ½ oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Crushed Ice

1 mint sprig

Muddler (or use the end of a wooden spoon) Julep Cup

Muddle (stir/crush) mint leaves, 3 drops of Woodford Reserve and powdered sugar in the bottom of a julep cup. This will create a sugary mint paste. Spread the paste evenly over the bottom of the cup with the muddler. Add the sipping straw and fill the cup 2/3rd full with crushed ice. Tap the ice down with the muddler. Add Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Top off the julep glass with loose crushed ice. Garnish with a mint spring next to the sipping straw. Enjoy!

ONLINE COACHING, PERSONAL TRAINING AND GLUTE-FOCUSED WORKOUTS WITH HYPE MAN FITNESS

By Richie Goff • Photos by Matt Johnson - Shot At Butchertown Crossfit

Sometimes, you have the drive to work out but don’t really know what to do in the gym once you get there, or perhaps you struggle with the motivation needed to stick to a routine. That’s where Hype Man Fitness comes in!

Remy Sisk launched Hype Man Fitness in January 2024 out of a desire to help empower people in fitness and work with them personally to achieve their goals. He’s been in the fitness industry for years, but Hype Man allows him to connect more individually with clients and design programs specifically tailored toward the results they’re looking for.

How it all works is clients express what they’re looking for in a fitness routine, the goals they have in mind, and what sort of equipment they have access to. From there, Remy creates an individualized workout program based entirely around that information that the client then either does on their own via online coaching or in-person with Remy in personal training sessions.

Remy’s slogan as a trainer is, “Making you a badass with a nice ass,” and he is a walking advertisement for his personal, glute-focused training. Since the glutes are the foundation of our movements and the biggest muscles in our bodies, developing them gives you increased mobility and power, plus the nice juicy peach most of us are looking to attain!

Of course, you’ll not only be developing a great butt with the help of Hype Man Fitness, but you can count on a comprehensive, balanced workout program. Remy creates a customized plan for each client wholly designed around their fitness goals, so no more guesswork on what to do at the gym. With Hype Man Fitness, you can follow your own personal workout in Remy’s easy-to-use app complete with demo videos, instructions, and of course, the ability to message the Hype Man himself for motivation along the way. Every day Remy reviews his clients’ workouts and hypes them up for their achievements!

Working out on your own can sometimes lead you into a slump where you don’t push yourself (I certainly face this problem regularly on my own), but having accountability, not to mention a great plan designed just for you, ensures that you won’t plateau but instead build strength as well as confidence as you form a positive and sustainable relationship with fitness.

Client Ashley D. says, “As someone who already enjoyed working out and did so consistently, having Remy guide me and hold me accountable allowed me to see more results in my three months working with Hype Man than the last two years of me weight training alone, simply because I wasn’t pushing myself in the ways I needed!”

Remy doesn’t just push but he gets you hyped up with motivation so you’re always ready to tackle something new at the gym. On top of that, it’s all programmed specifically for you – it’s not some rinse-and-repeat program; your Hype Man workouts are catered toward your goals so you can get the most out of your training.

Remy welcomes anyone who’s looking to start their fitness journey, but he particularly loves working with members of the LGBTQ community. Remy remarks that, “Fitness can be such an intimidating or exclusionary space, especially for queer people, and I love breaking that down and helping everyone find a place in fitness!”

To get started with Hype Man Fitness, visit hypemanfitness.com for a quick 30-second no-commitment form to start the conversation or connect on Instagram @hypemanremy

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson

Turning a former landfill into a botanical garden isn’t exactly a typical landscaping project, but that’s exactly what the team at Waterfront Botanical Gardens set out to do. Now, five growing seasons in, the space has blossomed into something truly special, filled with thriving plants, curious visitors, and plenty of community spirit. In this Q&A, we caught up with Andrew Hagerty, the Gardens’ Director of Horticulture and Facilities, to talk about the unexpected hurdles, exciting progress, and what’s next for this one-of-a-kind green space.

VT: What were some of the most unexpected challenges you faced when transforming a former landfill into a thriving botanical garden, and how did your team overcome them?

AH: One of the biggest surprises was how lifeless the soil was when we first got started. As we were finishing up construction of the Greaser Family Education Center in 2019 and beginning to plant those first thousand plants, we quickly realized the clay soil on top of the landfill’s cap was so compacted that roots couldn’t grow properly and even worms and insects couldn’t get in. I’d never seen anything quite like it, and that’s when it hit me that we had a lot of challenges ahead.

Little by little, we started turning things around. By adding organic matter and using techniques that improved airflow and nutrient movement, we slowly began to bring the soil back to life. It’s been amazing to watch how that effort has paid off. Many different species of plants are now thriving, and the space has transformed into a place of beauty.

VT: Now in the fifth growing season, how have you seen the landscape physically mature, and what signs of ecological resilience are most exciting to you?

AH: The Gardens have been transformed in the last 5 years. What started as buildings surrounded by beds of mostly mulch has become vibrant spaces filled with shades of green and layers of brightly colored blooms. The trees planted 5 years ago were barely more than 4 feet tall, and they are now surpassing 15 feet or more, providing wonderful shade along the paths. Seeing the plants in the Gardens flourish has been incredibly rewarding.

Equally exciting is seeing species of insects that are threatened with extinction finding a home here at the Gardens. We also see migratory birds stopping here for food. These are some of the most exciting signs of ecological resistance. It has taken a lot of effort to repair this land that was damaged by decades of human activity, but in our 5 years of work, I get to see nature’s gratitude as it rebounds and renews right in front of us.

VT: How has the community’s relationship with the Gardens evolved over the past five years, and in what ways are you measuring that growing impact?

AH: The Gardens have really started to weave their way into the fabric of our community. Every year, I see us becoming more and more entwined in Louisville’s arts, culture, and environmental network. We have more visitors, not just from our immediate community, but from around the country, coming to the Gardens for special events or simply to see the garden being built on top of a landfill. Last year we had over 61,000 visitors. At our 2024 Bonsai Weekend, we had guests travel from 18 different states to experience the bonsai exhibit. The number of students increases year after year, with over 3,000 students in 2024, including school kids taking a field trip, all the way up to adults attending arts or horticulture workshops.

VT: Looking ahead, what are some long-term dreams or untapped potentials you see for the Gardens as the site continues to evolve?

AH: I believe the Gardens is a project filled with untapped potential. The restoration work being done on the site will only gain more attention as we continue to show success and develop partnerships with the ability to take the science even further to refine and discover the best ways to restore the environment on abused land. As we continue to grow, so will the Gardens’ ability to host larger events and conferences, bringing more people to enjoy and connect with nature and our city. I also dream of finding solutions to the problems we face on site that will benefit more than the surrounding environment but will also be shared with others to benefit the health of people, plants, and animals around the world.

VT: Your bonsai program is gaining momentum. What inspired its creation, and how has it become a bridge for community education and engagement?

AH: The idea for the bonsai training program began when I was searching for a feasible way to develop and maintain a world class bonsai collection, which will eventually be on display in the future Graeser Family Bonsai Garden. There is a solid foundation of bonsai enthusiasts in our community and people want to learn more, thanks in large part to the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. The bonsai training program is a great way for individuals to learn directly from knowledgeable practitioners in our region and to work with unique bonsai that they may not otherwise have the chance to.

VY: Can you share what visitors can expect from the future Bonsai Garden and how this dedicated space will elevate the art form within the Louisville community?

AH: Visitors can expect to experience bonsai in a way that will be unique to Waterfront Botanical Gardens. The Graeser Family Bonsai Garden and the adjoining Joe and Debbie Graviss Bonsai House will showcase and care for a collection of approximately 120 trees. One advantage of being a new botanical garden is that we can reimagine how visitors interact with the space. The Bonsai Garden includes five outdoor “rooms” designed with a thematic interpretation of the five great elements according to Japanese philosophy - earth, water, wind, fire, and void, or aether. Our goal is to create an experience built upon the tried and true traditions of long established botanical gardens, while providing a singularly unique experience for our guests.

VT: Bonsai Weekend has become a staple for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. How has the festival helped shift perceptions or generate excitement around this intricate horticultural practice?

AH: Bonsai is an art form and horticultural practice that has been around for thousands of years. It has withstood the test of time, which speaks to how people connect with, view, and interact with the trees. Bonsai Weekend is a chance for anyone, whether they have bonsai trees of their own or just want to come and appreciate their beauty, to come and tap into that longstanding connection that has inspired people for millennia.

VT: How do programs like the Bonsai Training Program reflect the Gardens’ larger mission of hands-on education and environmental stewardship?

AH: The bonsai training program is a great demonstration of one way the Gardens plans to achieve its larger mission of education and environmental stewardship. It takes the approach to not only educate participants with lectures and demonstrations, but empowers the students with hands-on training and resources to further explore the topic on their own. This approach also presents them with the opportunity to have their work appreciated by visitors and envelop them within the Gardens’ mission.

VT: What role does volunteerism or local collaboration play in maintaining and growing the space, especially given its unique history and terrain?

AH: The Gardens would not have achieved nearly as much success as it has in the last five years without our volunteers and local collaborators. It is a complicated site and still in its early phases of development. We depend on the talents and experience to help navigate the challenges we face and ensure we continue to reach our goals. We have a dedicated cohort of over 200 volunteers who share their time and talent with us, allowing our staff team to focus energy on strategy and operations. We also work closely with community partners to multiply our impact. Collaboration is incredibly important to our success.

VT: As Director of Horticulture and Facilities, what has been the most personally rewarding part of watching this once-overlooked site become a vibrant, living classroom and sanctuary?

AH: It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of this project. I not only have a role in transforming a landfill into a living landmark for my hometown, but I get to spend my day seeing people from all walks of life enjoying the place I am helping to build. This is only the beginning of Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ journey, and having an opportunity to be a part of the community that helps it along its way is an experience I am grateful for.

A PARTNERSHIP THANKING CAREGIVERS

By RUSS BROWN • Photo By Matt Johnson

For 12 years the MARC LEHMANN SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD FOUNDATION has recognized over 50 Louisville area physicians, nurses and medical support staff for their long standing service to patients and their families in the area of oncology, hematology and other serious medical afflictions.

Recipients have earned a clear reputation for proficiency, along with a record of dedication, empathy and understanding for those afflicted. The Foundation was established in 2013 by George Lehmann, Marc’s father, along with Paul Resch after Marc’s passing from a long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Its purpose is to encourage compassionate, sensitive administration of patient care in order to enhance the healing journey for both the suffering and the caregiver.

With the guidance and encouragement of the Foundation’s committee members, George says he “strives to shine the brightest lights on those individuals and practitioners who provide hope, understanding and warmth in challenging medical situations. They invite written award nominations from area health systems, support groups, and especially affected patients and their families.”

Throughout the history of this initiative, an annual ceremony and banquet have been hosted by Vincenzo and Patty Gabrielle and his namesake establishment, Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant at 5th and Market Streets in downtown Louisville.

“With a history as one of Kentuckiana’s premier restaurateurs and philanthropists, it is our Foundation’s great pleasure and honor to join with Mr. Gabrielle in recognizing these deserving humanitarian caregivers,” George said.

This year’s event to publicly recognize the current nominees was held on March 14. The physical award art glass pieces were again custom designed, created and presented by the noted Flame Run Gallery on Market St.

The banquet featured guest speaker Dr. Jeffrey Bumpous, M.D., Dean of the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of Health Affairs, whose impassioned address focused on teaching medical school students the benefits and rewards of treating the patient as well as the disease and doing so with humanity and compassion.

Other notable participants included cocktail hour entertainment by the Ballard High School Jazz Ensemble under Director Carl Kling, opening and closing prayers from Archdiocesan priests Reverend G. Nicolas Rice and Reverend Michael L. Schultz, S.T.L., plus a surprise video address and congratulatory message from Governor Andy Beshear.

The following individuals were honored for their skillful and caring patient support at this year’s ceremony:

DR. GEETHA JOSEPH, M.D.

Dr. Joseph is a career oncologist with Baptist Health Systems, a volunteer with numerous patient-centric initiatives, including, among others, Gilda’s Club of Kentuckiana and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She is a founding member and advisor to the Spirit of Service Award Foundation, and the only honoree to be recognized TWICE for this award. Her reputation for benevolent kindness and understanding in her practice of medicine is unquestioned.

DR.

RENATO LAROCCA, M.D.

Dr. LaRocca is also a career oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute and Director of Kentuckiana Cancer Research. Nominated by multiple physicians, nurses and patient advocates, Dr. LaRocca is a lifelong cancer physician held in the highest regard for his innovative and charitable approach to addressing both his patients and their families’ medical, mental and emotional challenges during the treatment process.

JACLYN V. MOORE, M.S., R.D., CSO

Jaclyn Moore is a highly skilled nutrition specialist & dietitian at Norton Health Care. Dr. Joseph Flynn, the physician-in-chief at Norton Cancer Institute, describes Jaclyn as the most dedicated and patient-focused practitioner in her field that he has known during his 30 years in medicine. Dealing with complicated digestive issues affecting patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy has been described as an “art form” that takes expertise, experience, and compassion, skills Jaclyn has developed and honed with exuberant passion.

REBECCA NASH

While not directly involved in the medical field, Rebecca Nash is an often unseen, but nevertheless indispensable part of the machinery that allows this foundation to function with exceptional efficiency and obvious dedication. She has served as the Administrative Vice President to the Marc Lehmann Spirit of Service Award Foundation since its inception.

Besides advancing its mission, Rebecca also serves as Director of Children’s Faith Formation at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church and volunteers regularly for any number of worthy initiatives that require energy and personal charity.

DENISE WILLIAMS

Denise Williams is a Baptist Health Systems pharmacy technician with some 15 years of dedicated service to cancer patients, young and old, rich and poor. She is said to “move heaven and earth” to secure the medicines her cancer patients need to defeat their disease. Her nomination was championed by BHS oncology physicians who depend on her tireless efforts to enable remissions and cures. Denise emphasizes that she loves both her chosen profession and her cancer patients.

“We are pleased and proud to recognize these and other selfless caregivers who go to work daily to help patients and their families face daunting and difficult futures,” George Lehmann said. “Along with Mr. Gabriele, I hope to continue this grateful, partnering mission of thanks for years to come.”

By: Alison Cardoza • Photograhy by Matt Johnson • Sponsored

We celebrate Father’s Day during the month of June. Adam Loewy has been a member at Baptist Health Milestone for five years. “Swimming has become a morning routine and a ritual, where I can leave my phone in my locker, forget about work and the world, and reset before the day,” says Adam.

Adam’s daughter, Maren joins him for workouts before she heads to school in the mornings. Their quality bonding time brings them closer and motivates both of them to stay healthy and active, together. “I enjoy and often go to Milestone in the morning before school with my dad to workout in the gym, as I find it a positive and feel-good way to start the day, as well as a fortunate opportunity for me to gain a healthy relationship with my body while strengthening my relationship with dad. On top of that, I work at Milestone as a locker room attendant, where I wash, dry, and fold towels and check to ensure that things are kept well-supplied and clean. This allows me to improve my work ethic and better my responsibility skills while still in high school, providing me with quality experience that will prepare me for the future. I am lucky to have such an amazing father with whom I have support and opportunities to grow,” says Maren.

“Working out early in the morning with Maren has been fun for me. We are both morning people and get to spend time together and she’s always very encouraging,” Adam exclaims.

It all started with Shary, Adam’s mom, Maren’s grandmother, who has been a member at Baptist Milestone for ten years. She shared a “Stocking Stuffer” pass with Adam (5 visits to Milestone during the month of January), which prompted him to join after his 5 visits.

Shary, Adam, and Maren share a unique connection and commitment to staying active and healthy. Milestone is fortunate to have these three generations at Baptist Health Milestone.

Shary loves Pilates with Rebecca, has trained with Robb in the past, loves massages from Anne, and getting her nails done by Helen In our Oasis Spa. She enjoys the Cafe and their wonderful smoothies and take-home dinners. “It is great for me to know that we are all doing our best to stay healthy and fit,” Shary states.

“Milestone is the ideal place to “workout” for me because I never feel pressure or judged and everyone there has been very kind,” says Adam. Keeping a family active together and encouraging positive health choices is so important mentally and physically. We encourage YOU to keep your family mentally and physically active by joining Milestone today!

Alison Cardoza- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.

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FOR

By Voice Tribune • Photos By Antonio Pantoja

There’s a strength in every heartbeat, and at the Go Red for Women Luncheon, we come together as a community to honor that strength and help protect it. It lives in the quiet moments, through long nights in hospital rooms, in the steady support of family, and in the simple decision to keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain. The Go Red for Women Luncheon is a time to recognize those moments and to honor the people who have faced life-changing diagnoses with courage, care, and love.

The stories behind this day are not always loud, but they are powerful. They are filled with real people (parents, partners, children) who’ve adjusted to a new way of living, who’ve found hope in hard times, and who’ve leaned on one another when it mattered most. These are the everyday victories, a step taken, a meal shared, a laugh after a long stretch of worry.

This event acknowledges the heart in every sense of the word. When you attend the luncheon, you’re not just taking a seat, you’re taking a stand. You’re helping fund life-saving research, education, and support for women and families navigating the unthinkable. You’re saying that every story matters, and every heart deserves to be heard, protected, and cared for. Please join us in making a difference and creating a future where fewer families have to face these challenges alone. Your presence means more than you know.

RC COFFMAN

BOUTIQUE: MAMILI

At 43, I experienced a sudden aortic dissection that led to emergency open-heart surgery and a mechanical valve replacement. I’d spent 15 years as a firefighter and EMT, and none of my symptoms matched anything I’d seen before. It was surreal—especially since my brother-in-law had passed from the same thing just weeks earlier.

The recovery took more out of me than I expected. I was in top shape before it happened, and I lost a lot of muscle during my hospital stay. Building that back has been a slow climb. I tire more easily now and had to adjust to a new routine, from medications to modifying my more adventurous habits—mountaineering, snowboarding, and long backpacking trips are on pause, for now.

What’s kept me going is love. My friends showed up in ways I’ll never forget. They raised funds, decorated my house for Christmas, and even made sure my daughter had gifts under the tree. I came home to warmth, care, and community.

MEADOW BOES

(PICTURED WITH HER MOTHER SARAH BOES)

BOUTIQUE: BUTTONS BOWS & BRITCHES

When we found out at 36 weeks pregnant that Meadow would be born with four complex congenital heart defects, we were overwhelmed and heartbroken. We had to let go of all the expectations we had for our first child’s birth and prepare instead for open-heart surgery, months in the hospital, and a future full of unknowns.

Her first surgery went well, but her second had complications we weren’t ready for. What was supposed to be a two-week stay turned into nearly two months. We spent her first Christmas in the cardiac ICU, grieving the “firsts” we didn’t get.

But Meadow’s resilience is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she’s a bright, curious toddler. We still live with uncertainty—each cardiology appointment could mean another surgery—but we’ve learned to live with more intention and gratitude.

My husband has been my constant. Together, we advocate for Meadow every day. Advocacy work has helped me turn grief into purpose, fighting for awareness and change in the CHD community.

If you’re walking a similar road, trust yourself. Grieve the story you expected—and celebrate the beauty of the one you’re living.

LINNEA KESSANS

BOUTIQUE: TRUNK & HUTCH

I was 34 when I had a SCAD heart attack—something I’d never heard of until it happened to me. It was terrifying. I felt confused, angry, and like I couldn’t trust my body anymore. But over time, my perspective shifted. I now consider that moment a gift—my second chance at life.

That heart attack forced me to slow down, to heal, and to live more intentionally. I’ve always been a risk taker, but now I move through life with a deeper sense of purpose and passion. I exercise, meditate, eat well, and check in with myself often. Physically, I’m 100% recovered. Emotionally, I’ve done the work too—I’m currently in therapy for PTSD and learning how to care for every part of myself.

Ten years later, I feel strong, grounded, and more connected to who I truly am. SCAD didn’t just change my life—it gave me the clarity to live it fully.

If you’re going through something scary and unknown, trust your intuition. Your body is speaking to you. And even when things feel broken, there’s still so much beauty ahead.

LAUREN WEBER

BOUTIQUE: CUTE LITTLE SHOP

I was 10 when I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect— bicuspid aortic valve with a dilated ascending aorta. I remember feeling scared and heartbroken, convinced there would be so much in life I wouldn’t be able to do. And in some ways, that’s been true. My condition has affected every decision I’ve made and every part of my future.

But with time—and a lot of determination—I’ve learned to live fully. Two years after surgery, everything changed. I’m now healthier, happier, and more confident than I’ve ever been. I exercise regularly, eat well, haven’t had alcohol in years, and I’ve found peace in my own skin.

A strong support system has been crucial, and my husband has been by my side through every challenge. When I was told I had one year to try for a baby before my heart could no longer handle it, he asked me to marry him. His love and support have helped me keep going.

To anyone going through something similar: trust your body, accept help, and remember that you’re not alone. A good support system can make all the difference.

MARGARET SPEED CHANDLER

BOUTIQUE: GLASSCOCK TOO

When I was first diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse in July 2024, I was scared to death. I felt completely alone, isolated, and unsure of what was ahead. I thought recovery would be simple—just follow the instructions and heal. But that wasn’t my reality.

After being discharged, I lost my memory and was readmitted to the hospital, where they found I’d suffered a brain bleed and mini-strokes. Recovery since then hasn’t been easy. I’ve struggled with low blood pressure, dizziness, and falling. There are still days I’m short of breath and tired. Adjusting medications and rebuilding strength has taken time.

What’s kept me going is my team of doctors. They’ve stood by me and helped me through every setback. Living alone, I’ve had to rely on inner strength and stay focused on healing.

When I was first diagnosed, I felt dizzy, exhausted, and completely overwhelmed. Now, nearly a year later, I’m still healing—but learning to trust and listen to my body, one day at a time.

IFUNANYA (IFY) WHITFILL

BOUTIQUE: RODEO DRIVE

When I had an ischemic stroke at 33, I felt completely alone. I never imagined something like this could happen to me—let alone at such a young age. My recovery was quiet, even lonely. I didn’t focus much on it—I just did the best I could.

Over time, I realized how important mindset is. I began focusing on my mental health and making changes that genuinely benefit me. I exercise regularly, eat healthy, and try to live intentionally. It’s created a deep awareness, not just for my own health, but for others with traumatic brain injuries or silent conditions.

My biggest advice? Take care of yourself. Give yourself grace. It’s okay to be high functioning and still need help. It’s okay to not carry survivor’s guilt. You can be someone’s hope and inspiration— just by being yourself.

Ten years later, I feel confident, supported, and truly happy. I’ve found resources, made meaningful changes, and most of all, I keep choosing to heal.

QUIN HEUKE

(PICTURED WITH HIS MOTHER MADELINE “MADDIE” HEUKE)

BOUTIQUE: BUTTONS BOWS & BRITCHES

When Quin was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta at just one day old, we were in complete shock. I remember feeling overwhelmed—he was so tiny, and everything was so uncertain. But from the beginning, we knew we were in good hands, and that gave us hope. His recovery has been better than we could have imagined. Now, at three years old, he only needs to see a cardiologist every two years.

This journey taught our family not to take anything for granted. It changed the way we live— we focus on joy, movement, and living as stress-free as we can. Staying educated helped us stay grounded through it all.

My biggest advice to others is simple: be grateful. Life is too short not to be. Watching Quin thrive today reminds me every day how strong he is—and how lucky we are. My husband and I have been his biggest cheerleaders, and we always will be.

KATIE BROOKS

BOUTIQUE: HAIR LA FLAIR

I was 35 when I had my stroke. At that moment, I felt afraid— unsure of what life would look like moving forward. But what surprised me most was discovering a strength I didn’t know I had.

Throughout this journey, my children have been my motivation. My son, Kevon, became the head of the household at just 17, stepping in as my caregiver with so much love and responsibility. My daughters, Kiss and Kasey, have been my light and inspiration every single day. We’ve come a long way, and the marathon continues.

This experience brought our family closer than ever. We support each other more deeply, and I’ve learned to be intentional— about my health, my choices, and my mindset. I eat better, stay active, and focus on mental wellness every day.

To anyone walking a similar path: you never know how strong you are until you have no choice. Lean on your faith in God and yourself—you’re more powerful than you think.

Thank you to my family and friends for all of their love and support. We’ve come so far, and I’m stronger and more confident than ever.

But two losses are at least temporary setbacks

By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By UofL Athletics

I wrote in last month’s issue about how bright the future looked for Louisville’s men’s basketball team, which seemed positioned for a successful encore to Pat Kelsey’s surprising accomplishments in his first season as the Cardinals’ head coach this past winter.

With a solid core of returning players, a transfer portal haul that is considered among the best in the nation and a highly-regarded freshman, U of L was being mentioned as (gasp) a potential Final Four prospect and even a possible contender for the national championship.

ESPN ranks the Cardinals No. 3 in its “Way-Too-Early Top 25,” behind only Houston and Purdue.

However, things can change quickly in the world of college basketball these days, so it’s already time for a slight re-evaluation of Louisville’s 2025-26 prospects due to a couple of unexpected developments recently. They don’t necessarily have to be fatal, but the Cards certainly can’t be looked at quite as attractively as they once were.

First, returning 6-foot-11 center James Scott, a rising junior, entered the transfer portal at the last minute and wound up signing with Ole Miss. Scott, who played for Kelsey at College of Charleston as a freshman, was one of four Cards who appeared in all 35 games (31 starts) of the 2024-25 season, despite suffering a facial fracture in February that required him to wear a mask for the remainder of the campaign.

His team-high 79 dunks were the fourth most across Division I, the third most during a season in program history and earned him the nickname, “Silence of the Slams.” Scott also led the team in blocks with 30, averaged 7.1 points per game and was the second-leading rebounder with 6.1.

“He’s one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached,” Kelsey said during the season. “I’ve never met a more devoted, committed basketball player. I mean, I’ve coached hundreds of players; and I’ve never seen anybody who you absolutely, positively have to drag out of the gym.”

While he and Kelsey were considered very close, the coach said he had no hard feelings about Scott’s sudden exit.

“In today’s day and age, nothing surprises you,” Kelsey said. “Love that young man. I’ll support him. I’ll be there for him the rest of his life. You don’t take things like that personal. He’s going to do great, wherever he goes.”

As if Scott’s departure wasn’t damaging enough, U of L suffered another blow a few weeks later when his projected replacement, 6-11 Aly Khalifa, was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for his final season. In a statement, U of L said the transfer from BYU, who sat out this past season with the Cards while rehabbing a knee injury, will appeal the decision, adding that the Alexandria, Egypt native has a strong case for reversal.

Kelsey had said several times that he expected Khalifa to be a major force for U of L next season and called him “the best passing big man in the country.” Khalifa, who started his career at Charlotte, averaged 5.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 2023-24 at BYU and has career averages of 8.5, 4.8 and 3.4 in 94 games.

Kelsey moved quickly to help fill the void in the frontcourt due to the losses of Scott and Khalifa (at least temporarily) by getting a commitment from Mouhamed Camara, a 6-7 forward and native of Dakar, Senegal who has been with the NBA Academy Africa program since 2023.

He is the sixth newcomer on the roster for Kelsey’s second season as the head coach at U of L.

The Cards also added 6-3 Mikel Brown Jr., rated No. 8 in ESPN’s Top 100 and the No. 1 point guard, out of the high school ranks as well as 6-11 German Sanada Fru, plus a top-10 portal class consisting of Xavier transfer Ryan Conwell, Virginia’s Isaac McKneely and Kennesaw State’s Adrian Wooley.

Brown has been selected to compete for a spot in one of the most prestigious youth teams in the world this summer. He will participate in the USA Basketball Men’s U19 National Team training camp, starting June 14 at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where 33 players will vie for a spot on the 12-man roster. Brown, a McDonald’s All-American, helped lead the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 assists while starting every game.

And don’t rule out another addition or two this spring or summer, so the Cards could still be one of the best teams in the nation.

“You are always looking for ways to improve things,” Kelsey says. “Everything is still on the table.”

Even without more help, Kelsey is bullish on the prospects for his team next season. J’Vonne Hadley, who averaged 12.2 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds a game, returns. So do 6-10 Kasean Pryor, who was injured early in the season and missed the rest of the year, rising sophomore forward Khani Rooths and redshirt guard Kobe Rodgers.

“We love, love, love our roster,” Kelsey said. “I think we did a phenomenal job in the portal. We’re so excited about the incoming freshmen as well, and you mix them together with some grizzled veterans who know our system like the back of their hand, and I think it’s a phenomenal mix. We’re so excited how it all came together, and we think we have a chance to be special next year. We’re chomping at the bit to get them all on campus (this month) and get going. “

AMY D WAGNER

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• Multi-Million Dollar Producers

• Over 17 Years Experience In The Industry

AMY WAGNER’S RECENT DESIGN PROJECT

By VOICE-TRIBUNE• Photos by Matt Johnson

Designer Amy Wagner has been transforming houses into personal sanctuaries for nearly two decades. As the founder of Reflections of You, by Amy, she has built a reputation for creating interiors that are not only stylish but also intimately tailored to reflect the lives and personalities of her clients. With a portfolio spanning from modern farmhouse renovations to elegant show homes, Wagner’s work consistently blends comfort, function, and beauty.

Wagner’s design philosophy centers on collaboration and authenticity. She and her team take the time to understand each client’s vision, ensuring that the final design is a true reflection of their lifestyle and aspirations. This commitment to personalized service, combined with her extensive experience and a network of trusted vendors and contractors, has made Reflections of You, by Amy a go-to firm for homeowners seeking spaces that are as unique as they are livable. Here is a peek into one of her latest projects.

June in Louisville isn’t just the start of summer—it’s a full-blown extravaganza that turns the city into a vibrant mosaic of sounds, colors, and soul!

First up, Pride in the Ville — more than just rainbow flags fluttering in the breeze, it’s a jubilant declaration that love, acceptance, and glitter are always in season. The city’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies come together, showcasing everything from fabulous drag shows to, in my opinion, the best parade of the year: the Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade! It’s a time when Louisville shines brightest—literally and figuratively—as the streets become a runway of pride and unity. If you’re looking to celebrate Pride and have a blast, there a plenty of events to check out including Pride in Bloom: An LGBTQIA+ Adult Prom on June 6, Southern Indiana Pride Festival on June 7, Louisville Pride 5K on June 15 and the Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade on June 21.

But wait, there’s more! Juneteenth takes center stage as the city pays homage to resilience and freedom. The air hums with stories, songs, and dance—an energetic reminder that Louisville’s roots run deep and we celebrate every step toward progress. There are several Juneteenth celebrations happening in town, including Republic Bank’s Annual Juneteenth celebration on June 7, the Annual Juneteenth Solidarity Bike Ride on June 14, the Juneteenth Ancestor’s Dream Festival on June 19 and the Juneteenth Celebration at the Muhammad Ali Center on June 19.

With almost too many festivals to count, art shows, and craft markets, there’s absolutely something for everyone. So if you find yourself in Louisville this June, get ready to embrace the colorful tapestry that makes this city not just a place to visit, but a place to belong!

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