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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!
Dear Louisville Voices & Readers,
Athletes and artists may initially seem like an unusual choice to pair together. At first glance, they appear to live in different worlds, one fueled by competition and physical precision, the other by expression and imagination. But at The VOICE-TRIBUNE, we know better. Both demand discipline. Both demand courage. And both are vital to the city of Louisville.
This May, we proudly bring you our Artists & Athletes Volume, a celebration of talented people in our community who have dedicated their lives to their craft, be it on the field or the runway. In these pages, you’ll meet athletes whose stories inspire us far beyond the scoreboard. You’ll also be introduced to over 100 artists— painters, dancers, muralists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, and creative souls—who shape the way we see and experience the world.
From the second year of the breathtaking photo collaboration between the Louisville Ballet and the Louisville Zoo, to the bold brilliance of KMAC Couture’s Lucky #13, to the soulful sound of music at The Monarch, we’ve witnessed firsthand how art and athletics can unite a city.
And we didn’t stop there. Our team hit the road and descended into the depths of Hidden River Cave in Horse Cave, Kentucky, to explore the underground wonders hidden below the surface of the lively town above. We met with locals, learned about one of America’s greatest environmental success stories, and discovered a vibrant community excited to share all that their beautiful small town has to offer. It reminded me that Kentucky’s creative heart beats not only in galleries and arenas, but also in caves, classrooms, community centers, and front porches across the state.
This issue also honors voices that have shaped our past and are guiding our future. We honor the memory and legacy of Edwin Hampton Perry, a champion of green space and civic vision. We discuss the PostGame Project, launched alongside The Kentucky Cowboy documentary, to address the mental health journey of athletes after the final whistle. We spoke with the coaches at Louisville Community Squash, which has some really exciting expansions this summer.
And yes, Best Dressed is back, and this year we’re turning heads with a paw-sitively stylish twist! We’ve teamed up with W.A.G.S. (Wonderful Animals Giving Support) for a Fashion Show like no other. On August 17th, you’ll witness a runway lit with couture and canine charm. Voting is now open, and we can’t wait to honor the masters of self-expression and style leaders of Louisville, on two legs and four. (Look for all the different topics to be nominated in!)
As Brené Brown reminds us:
“Creativity is the way I share my soul with the world.”
That’s why this volume exists. To share, to celebrate, and to remind ourselves of what’s possible when we lead with heart.
To our readers: Thank you for letting The VOICE-TRIBUNE be a part of your life every month. To our featured athletes and artists: thank you for showing us what it means to live with passion in motion.To the many VOICES of Louisville, Cheers!
Cheers to the many VOICES of Louisville!
Amelia Frazier Theobald Publisher, The VOICE-TRIBUNE
EDITOR’S NOTE
Express yourself
The arts and athletics might not always share the same space, but in this volume, that was intentional. Some people share their soul on canvas, or through music, or their words. Others share their soul through motion and pushing the body to its limits. Different mediums, same motive: expression. And though each month we have a new theme, expression is always our goal as well. I am a firm believer that the stories we tell ourselves and each other play a part in creating the world around us. What kind of story is Louisville writing for itself?
Stories shape perception. Perception shapes opportunity. And media is one of the loudest storytellers in the room. What it celebrates, what it chooses to spotlight, and what it allows to fade quietly into the background has an impact. The way a city is seen, by its own people and by the outside world, is influenced by what it chooses to elevate. That responsibility doesn’t lie with any one outlet or platform; it’s a collective one. When we amplify the full spectrum of voices, talents, and truths within our community, we help write a story that reflects not only where we are, but where we’re capable of going.
I look around and see a city full of creative and talented people with something really meaningful to share, it deserves a story that reflects that. Each month, that is exactly what our team aims to do. This month, we’re talking artists and athletes.
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
Lucky #13: KMAC Couture’s Unstoppable Spell on the Runway
By Alisha Proffitt
140
150
The Return of Best Dressed
Photos by Kathryn Harrington Editorial Feature Sponsored by Laura Rice 134
Painted From Memory: A Conversation with Artist Alyx McClain
Lights, Camera, Kentucky: Filmmakers Bring Big Screen Ambition to Kentucky with Bold New Thriller Hostage
By Alisha Proffitt
By Kevin Murphy Wilson 144
136
Embracing the Shadows: Vampire Podcast Captures Enthusiasts’ Imaginations
By Renae Ison
Photos By Matt Johnson
OF EVENTS By Kelsey Knott Photos provided by Louisville Orchestra
154 Kathryn Harringtons Society
Obituary: In Memory of Edwin Hampton Perry 156 SOCIETY 187 THANK YOU TO SPONSORS
Peyton Gray and Alex Grove Announce Their Engagement and Upcoming Wedding at Speed Art Museum
By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided
It was probably preordained in the natural order of the sports universe -- at least the Kentuckiana portion of the universe -- that Greg Fante would eventually wind up heading the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC), one of the largest and most decorated such organizations in the country.
After all, Fante is a life-long Louisvillian who grew up in the Highlands, attended Saint Raphael, St. Xavier and the University of Louisville and had forged a successful career in sports tourism before being named president and CEO of the LSC in 2022. Fante succeeded Karl Schmitt, who retired after 13 years in the position and who Fante considers a mentor.
Founded in 1999, LSC is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. On its Website, LSC describes its mission as “to attract, host and create sporting events and activities that have a positive economic impact on Louisville, enhance the area’s image as a premier sports destination and promote active lifestyles to improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.”
LSC has developed a nationwide reputation of event success, with its primary clients being national and international governing bodies and other sports events rights holders. Its staff works closely with Louisville Tourism, state and local governments, local universities, facility operators, local businesses, community impact organizations and clients. Over the past 15 years, LSC has expanded its business to a consumer portfolio of owned and operated events and implemented additional community outreach initiatives.
The LSC owns and operates six events and six sports awards, including the Paul Hornung Award and the Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award, honoring two Louisville sports icons.
LSC’s influence extends across virtually every sport, including travel sports such as baseball, football, cycling, cheer and dance, volleyball, wheelchair basketball, bowling, archery, tennis, track and field, gymnastics, swimming and diving and many others at the youth level and up through college and professional competitions. Events are held in various venues across the city, including the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.
For example, in April alone, Louisville hosted the Junior Volleyball Association World Challenge, the Roy Jones Jr. Fight Night at the Gillespie, the Grassroots Showcase (boys basketball), and Varsity Spirit U.S. Finals in cheer and dance. Besides the Derby and Oaks, May will bring competition in archery, wrestling, girls basketball and the Louisville Corporate Games.
Lisa Mills, vice president of marketing and PR, said estimates of the economic impact of the events LSC is involved with one way or another in the area is over $1 billion annually, headed naturally by the Kentucky Derby and Oaks and surrounding festivities.
Fante is a 15-year veteran of LSC and was serving as vice president of sports development when he was promoted in March, 2022. The Voice-Tribune asked Fante to reply to questions regarding various aspects of his career and the LSC. Here are his answers:
Q: What appealed to you about LSC when you initially started with the organization in 2011?
A: My career in sports tourism began in 1999 while working for the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Louisville Tourism). During my tenure with Louisville Tourism, I played an integral role in the launch of the Louisville Sports Commission that included hiring the LSC’s first executive director. Since I worked directly with the LSC from its inception, the transition to working at the LSC was a natural move for me.
Q: It’s common for administrators and others to move in order to take advantage of what they consider to be a better opportunity in another market. Why have you remained in Louisville throughout your career?
A: Although I have had several opportunities during my career to move to other cities, I knew I wouldn’t feel as passionate or driven to make a difference somewhere else as I do about my hometown. Knowing that about myself, along with the satisfaction of helping build this organization from its inception, the decision to stay in Louisville was very rewarding.
Q: What changes have you seen in the sports marketing industry during your tenure?
A: In the organization’s early years, the challenge was to show our relevance in the marketplace and the value we could bring to our community. After a few big early wins, the organization started to gain traction – especially at the national level. We developed a strong reputation among national governing bodies of sports and event rights holders, which enabled us to grow year-over-year the number and types of events we hosted. When the 2008 downturn in the economy hit, some of our funding went away. This forced us to get creative and resulted in the organization becoming entrepreneurial.
We started down the path of event creation to shore up our budget and help with name recognition in the local market (We currently own and operate six events and six sports awards.) Our latest challenge occurred during the COVID pandemic. Sports are all about social gathering, so COVID restrictions hit our industry hard. Fortunately, sports tourism was the first segment of the travel and tourism industry that rebounded, providing our local hospitality partners with the room nights and restaurant visits that they had so desperately been missing.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges for LSC going forward?
A: The LSC is a small nonprofit. Our staff is focused on three primary areas: 1) attract sporting events to our community that have a positive economic impact on Louisville and enhance the area’s image as a premier sports destination; 2) create, own and operate sporting events that promote active lifestyles for community members of all ages; and 3) break down the barriers to sports so more kids can play, thrive and grow. Securing additional funding is our biggest challenge as we want to grow each of these areas to make Louisville a more healthy and vibrant community for everyone.
For example, we know that sports can be the great equalizer. However, access to sports is not always equitable – particularly in our marginalized neighborhoods. We recognize that we have the resources to remove some of the barriers that keep kids from being active. So, in 2012 we launched Louisville Active, which currently has four initiatives that address different aspects to help provide programming and remove barriers. However, as we continue to grow the reach and impact of these programs, our need for additional funding also grows.
Q: How about your goals for the organization?
The organization’s goals are to grow in these main areas: Attract more events with a focus on large events with significant positive economic impact; create and grow local events that create a sense of community and have a positive impact on our budget; and expand the reach of our Louisville Active programs.
Q: On a more personal level, do you have a favorite sport? Did you compete in athletics in either high school or college?
A: I have been very fortunate through my professional career to be around so many great sporting events that it is difficult to name a favorite. I love college football and basketball and am a life-long Green Bay Packers fan. Sailboat racing is another love, but it’s a tough sport to spectate. The sport of cycling, in particular BMX and cyclocross, has been a huge part of my professional journey. I’ve been fortunate to have helped attract to Louisville (and attend) world championships in both sports.
My participation in sports ended after my eighth year at Saint Raphael. I was a middle-of-the-road basketball and football athlete while attending school there and knew that once I went to St. Xavier, I would not see the court or field. I decided to focus my time and energy working so I would be able to purchase my first car when I turned 16.
Q: When you’re not working, what’s your favorite way to spend free time?
A: My wife and I love spending time with our two grown children and their significant others. My in-laws live in Bardstown, and we also regularly visit them. We love to travel with family and friends, having recently traveled to Portugal and Puerto Rico. Later this spring, we have a family trip to Alaska on the calendar.
Q: You were obviously very familiar with LSC by the time you were named CEO, but did Karl Schmitt give you any advice?
A: Karl was a great leader for our organization for 13 years. He was more than my boss – he was a mentor and friend. His style was very collaborative, and he allowed everyone to excel in their areas of expertise. Working with him for all those years, I picked up many valuable lessons on how to lead a small team of professionals, each of whom have a lot on their plates.
He was the best at playing devil’s advocate and challenged each of us to look at tough problems through multiple lenses and be open to other points of view. I continue to lean into Karl when I have a problem or a tough decision to make. He always helps me feel confident in the job ahead. I will forever be grateful for the years he spent leading the team to build the LSC into the organization it is today.
THE KENTUCKY COWBOY DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE MARKS THE LAUNCH OF THE POSTGAME PROJECT
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos Provided
On May 16, 2025, The Star in Frisco, Texas, will be the stage for the national premiere of The Kentucky Cowboy, an award-winning documentary about former professional athlete Chris Thieneman. This premiere, however, is not only a film debut; it marks the official launch of The PostGame Project, a national initiative aimed at shedding light on the mental and emotional pressures faced by high performers across all walks of life.
Timed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month, the premiere sets the tone for a broader conversation about the emotional costs of high expectations. The PostGame Project seeks to address the often-unseen challenges that people in demanding roles (whether athletes, business leaders, parents, or anyone under constant pressure to succeed) face daily.
Chris Thieneman’s story is at the heart of the documentary. The film chronicles his journey from childhood through his professional football career, including his time with the Dallas Cowboys, and the continued struggles he faced long after leaving the game. The premiere at The Star is especially poignant, offering a full-circle moment as Thieneman’s personal and professional pressures, explored in the documentary, align with the very location where many of his football dreams took shape.
The evening will offer a multimedia experience blending the film, music, and mission. The focus will be on creatively highlighting the need for understanding, recognition, and support for those carrying burdens that others may never see.
The PostGame Project is a bold new initiative, founded by individuals who know firsthand the toll that high performance can take on one’s mental health. Alongside Thieneman, the project’s founders include Art Arellanes, Executive Producer; Charles Venturi, Executive Producer; Mike Kiselak, former Dallas Cowboy; Jay Jones, Creative Consultant at Squiddl; and Noah Berlow, Creative Consultant at Immortal Cinema International. Together, they aim to use creative tools, from documentaries to music and live performances, to spark a dialogue about the emotional demands placed on those who often face pressure without support or recognition.
The PostGame Project does not offer clinical solutions or therapeutic interventions. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for awareness and conversation, encouraging those under pressure to seek the understanding and support they need, even if they don’t ask for it.
The premiere of The Kentucky Cowboy and the launch of The PostGame Project present a unique opportunity to explore the emotional toll of high performance and to ignite a national dialogue about the need for greater mental health support for everyone who is expected to always “have it together.”
As the project grows, it will serve as a critical reminder that high performance often comes with an unseen price, one that deserves recognition and support.
AMY D WAGNER
• Licensed Professional Realtor
• Award Winning Designer
• Multi-Million Dollar Producers
• Over 17 Years Experience In The Industry
NEST REALTY
FOLLOWING HIS PSYCH TO FLOW STATE
By Kelsey Knott
Photos By Matt Johnson
Back when Dick’s Sporting Goods had a rock wall, a tiny, young Cat Runner climbed his way to the top, instantly ready to take on the more challenging wall.
An active child from the start, Cat describes climbing without innate fear: “It’s very intuitive to us. As children, it’s how we engage with the world before we know how to walk. It’s a natural form of movement expression to explore and interact with our world.” Horseback riding, Taekwondo, basketball, and field hockey were also sports of his youth before Osgood-Schlatter condition halted cardio-heavy athletics. Though climbing took a backseat in his teen years, he found his way back with new motivation and access when a bouldering gym opened up seven years after his youth climbing program ended.
When climbing, Cat works to achieve a flow state: “When my body and my mind are working in tandem with one another, it’s a very peaceful state. I like being able to engage and activate flow with harder and harder climbing sequences, especially climbs infamous for short people. It’s fun to find a solution that works for you.” Rather than relying on strength, he hones in technique, crediting his consistency and eventual win on HBO’s reality competition show, The Climb, where he felt supported by his climbing family. Cat finds inspiration in greats like Brooke Raboutou, but also in the behaviors and habits of his climbing circles, community leaders who create space for access and exploration, and don’t shy away from conversations about barriers. “I have a good group of friends who work hard to bridge access to equipment, spaces, and knowledge surrounding climbing. It’s important to remember that not just the climbing community, but all of our communities, are microcosms of the human condition. Rainbow flags or a pride night doesn’t mean all barriers have been removed.”
While Cat loves a challenge, he recognizes the value of balance: “Follow the psych–wherever it takes you. If you’re not psyched on climbing right now, or frankly, it seems better to rest and chill with that time, then follow that because it’s harder to and can be more damaging to push through that once you grow a resentment. If I’m excited, I’m more likely to follow through and put the work into it and chase what makes it fun and makes me remember why I enjoy doing this hard thing in the first place.”
With the amenities of a larger city blended with local, passion-driven establishments, Louisvillians love to support what inspires them. Cat admires how Louisville rallies behind talent despite its small population: “There’s a strong sense of loyalty bred in Louisville.” He believes that the center of everything is our human experience and that continued growth in respect happens with this recognition. “I am painfully just a normal person, living my life, doing things I’m passionate about–things I’m good at at a high caliber. Some see that as inspiration. It impacts our youth knowing they have a future to exist in this world exactly as they are. People are going to love you for it. There’s space for you. You can love yourself for it.”
Besides being a rockstar athlete, Cat is a founding member of Trans Climbers Belong, which recently challenged a policy that would have prevented 90% of all trans climbers from competing in USA Climbing-sanctioned events, successfully pausing it and getting trans writers on the team for the rewrite. He also founded Queer Climbers network, a resource database of queer climbing organizations and meetups to spread the word about safe climbing spaces. Catch him at Flash Foxy Climbing Festival in May, and follow him on Instagram @catlikeacat!
BITTNERS
designing for the way you live
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Louisville is buzzing with exciting events and activities this summer, offering a wide variety of cultural, artistic, musical, and family-friendly experiences for residents and visitors alike. Here’s your guide to some of our favorite events happening around the city this summer.
For even more local events, be sure to check out LouisvilleCalendar.com to stay up-to-date on everything happening in the city this summer! Whether you’re into the arts, music, family fun, or wellness, Louisville has something exciting for everyone.
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday
Monthly on the last Wednesday (e.g., June 25, 2025)
Location: Big Four Lawn, Waterfront Park
This free monthly concert series features local and national acts, creating a lively atmosphere by the riverfront. It’s a perfect way to enjoy music with family and friends.
Dainty Fest & World Championship of Dainty
July 29–31, 2025
Location: Schnitzelburg Neighborhood
Admission: Free
Celebrate a quirky Louisville tradition with live bands, food specials, and the famous bologna sandwich eating contest. Enjoy the classic German street game, Dainty, in a fun-filled weekend.
Pride Festival
June 12–14, 2025
Location: The Belvedere
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a weekend of festivities, including a colorful parade, live music, drag performances, food trucks, and local vendors. The festival is a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion, offering a safe and welcoming space for everyone to come together and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Crescent Hill Fourth of July Festival
July 31–August 3, 2025
Location: Peterson-Dumesnil House
A family-friendly event featuring live music, an art fair, kids’ activities, food, and contests. Enjoy a spirited celebration of Independence Day in Crescent Hill.
Portland Festival
June (Dates TBA)
Location: 33rd & Northwestern Parkway
A community festival that brings local talent, food booths, games, rides, and a classic car show to the vibrant Portland neighborhood.
WorldFest
Labor Day Weekend
Location: The Belvedere
Celebrate global cultures with international food, music, dance, and a parade in downtown Louisville. This festival brings the world together in one of the city’s most scenic spots.
WonderFest USA
May 31–June 1, 2025
Location: Crowne Plaza Louisville
A weekend celebration for science fiction, fantasy, and horror fans. Meet celebrity guests, attend panels, and browse through a variety of merchandise.
Imaginarium Convention
July 18–20, 2025
Location: Louisville
A gathering for writers, artists, and filmmakers offering workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. This is the place to be for those looking to engage with creative minds.
ART EVENTS
Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
May 3–4, 2025
Over 200 artists will showcase their work in this juried fair, complete with live music and food vendors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and purchase local art.
Big Four Arts Festival
September 6–7, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
This festival features more than 150 juried artists, live music, and food trucks, offering a mix of visual art, food, and entertainment in a beautiful park setting.
First Friday Gallery Hop
September 5, 2025
Location: Downtown Louisville
Enjoy an evening of art exhibitions, live music, and local shopping. This monthly event allows you to experience the city’s thriving art scene.
Louisville Visual Art (LVA)
CFAC Centennial Family Fun Day
May 18, 2025
Celebrate 100 years of art education with student artwork and family activities. It’s an opportunity to appreciate local talent and connect with the community.
Art[squared] Exhibition & Auction
June 24–26, 2025
Local artists will present hundreds of 8x8” works of art, culminating in an online auction. It’s a great chance to support the local arts community and pick up unique pieces.
Speed Art Museum
Coming Out (of the Collection): Queer & Trans Art Tour
May 4 & June 1, 2025
Take part in these special tours that highlight queer and trans art, offering a deeper look into the diverse works within the Speed Art Museum’s collection.
MUSIC FESTIVALS & CONCERTS
Bourbon & Beyond
September 11–14, 2025
Location: Highland Festival Grounds
Enjoy a blend of bourbon, food, and music with performances from top artists like Jack White, The Lumineers, and Noah Kahan.
Louder Than Life
September 18–21, 2025
Location: Highland Festival Grounds
Experience America’s loudest rock festival with major rock and metal headliners.
The Big Stomp
July 26–27, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
A unique event combining live music with wellness activities, promoting mental health awareness in an inspiring setting.
Louisville Jazz Festival
August 1–2, 2025
Location: Iroquois Amphitheater
Enjoy performances by Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, Najee, and Brian Simpson at this celebrated jazz festival.
The Bluegrass Ball
May 1, 2025
Location: Headliners Music Hall
A lively celebration of bluegrass music, featuring performances by Amythyst Kiah, Jecorey Arthur, and Ben Sollee.
Louisville Philharmonia
June 28, 2025
Location: Iroquois Amphitheater
This free orchestral concert is a great way to enjoy classical music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS & MARKETS
Douglass Loop Farmers Market
Sundays | May–October
Location: 2200 Douglass Blvd
Shop for fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and enjoy live music in a community-centered atmosphere.
Jeffersonville Farmers Market
Thursdays | May–October
Location: 500 Missouri Ave, Jeffersonville, IN
Just across the river, enjoy fresh produce, local goods, and live entertainment at this vibrant market.
NuLu Market
Saturdays | May–October
Location: 600 E. Market St.
A pop-up market with local food, handmade products, and unique finds right in the heart of the NuLu District.
Louisville Flea Off Market
Last Weekend of Every Month
Location: 1001 E. Washington St.
A fun and eclectic mix of vintage items, handmade goods, and local food trucks. This monthly event brings together the city’s best creatives and entrepreneurs.
The Clifton Farmers Market
Saturdays | May–October
Location: 2117 Payne St
A local gem for fresh produce, art, crafts, and live music in a relaxed setting.
South End Community Market
Saturdays, 2025
Location: Iroquois Amphitheater
Shop local produce, crafts, and enjoy weekly community events in the heart of the South End.
Market on Market
Saturdays | May–October
Location: 400 E. Market St
This pop-up market features fresh goods, local vendors, and artisan foods with a focus on sustainability.
Forest Fest 2025
May 17, 2025 | 11:30 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Jefferson Memorial Forest – Horine Reservation
Celebrate bluegrass music, local food, and crafts in the largest municipally-owned forest in the U.S. Parking is $15 per car.
Touch-A-Truck
May 31, 2025
Location: Kentucky Kingdom
A family-friendly event where children can explore large vehicles and learn about the people who operate them. Early Bird ticket holders gain access to Kentucky Kingdom.
Fairy Garden Month at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
June 2025
Join the fun at Yew Dell for a whimsical Fairy Garden Month, culminating in a Fairy Day Celebration on June 1, 2025, with crafts, scavenger hunts, and a fairy parade.
Royal Rendezvous
June 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Louisville Zoo
Meet your favorite princesses from faraway lands during this magical event at the zoo.
Car-Free Cherokee
Last Sunday of Each Month
Location: Cherokee Park
Explore Cherokee Park without cars—perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying family activities.
Waterfront Independence Festival
July 4, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
Enjoy live music, food, and fireworks at this free Fourth of July celebration.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival
June–August 2025
Location: Central Park
Catch free outdoor Shakespeare performances in a scenic park setting.
SOBER LIVING & WELLNESS EVENTS
Sisterhood of Spiritual Sobriety
May 22, 2025
Location: Bend and Zen Hot Yoga
A gathering for women identifying as sober, sober-curious, or allies, focusing on spiritual connection and support.
Mind Body Wellness Series
Thursdays in May 2025 | 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: Southwest Regional Library
A series of workshops on mental health, well-being, and self-compassion.
Recovery on the River
May 31, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
A community event promoting sobriety with live music, wellness activities, and fellowship.
Winners for Wellness Festival
July 19, 2025
Location: California Community Center
A celebration of mental health with a focus on BIPOC families, including wellness activities and community-building events.
Sky Soul Festival
June 14, 2025
Location: Waterfront Park
A festival dedicated to wellness and community, offering space for reflection and connection.
Would you like to feature your event on LouisvilleCalendar.com? Contact: julie@voice-tribune.com
By VOICE-TRIBUNE •
Photos Provided By Hart County Tourism And Kathryn
Harrington
Nestled in the heart of south-central Kentucky, Hart County is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Located just off I-65, halfway between Louisville and Nashville, this small county punches above its weight when it comes to adventure, history, and hospitality.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for a fun weekend getaway, or a traveler in search of unique stays and local flavor, Hart County delivers. From the underground marvels of Hidden River Cave to quirky Airbnbs like a renovated record store, this is the kind of place that surprises you in all the best ways.
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes Hart County worth the trip, and why it might just become your new favorite Kentucky getaway.
Part One
A Destination with Something for Everyone
It would be incorrect to dismiss Hart County as a stop on the way to Mammoth Cave National Park, it’s a destination in its own right. With endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and small-town hospitality, Hart County offers a wide variety of experiences.
The county is home to attractions that suit all ages and interests. Nature lovers can explore scenic trails and caves, kayak through the Green River, or take a peaceful horseback ride through the wilderness. Thrill-seekers can glide above the trees on a zip-line at places like Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo Mammoth Cave Adventure or go underground for a cave rappel adventure.
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions. Kentucky Down Under not only lets you interact with kangaroos and exotic birds, but it also offers tours of the historic Mammoth Onyx Cave. Dinosaur World is another popular stop, with life-size dinosaur replicas and interactive exhibits that bring prehistoric times to life.
And then there’s the charm of downtown Horse Cave. With its walkable streets, colorful murals, antique shops, and local restaurants, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down and stay a while. For long-time lovers of thrift and vintage shopping, the shops in Hart County will take you back to the good ‘ol days before prices were jacked up sky high and stores were picked through by online resellers. You’ll quickly see why Hart County has been recognized as one of the best small-town destinations in Kentucky.
Part Two
Hidden River Cave & the American Cave Conservation Association
The heart of Hart County is Hidden River Cave, a once-polluted site that has become a national model for environmental restoration.
Tucked beneath downtown Horse Cave, this sprawling cave system was once closed to the public due to severe contamination. For years, untreated sewage and trash poured into the cave, turning it into one of the most polluted underground sites in America. But thanks to decades of hard work by David G. Foster, the American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA), and local community members, Hidden River Cave has undergone a dramatic transformation.
Today, Hidden River Cave is open for public tours, giving visitors a chance to walk through one of Kentucky’s largest cave entrances. Adventurers can cross the world’s longest underground swinging bridge, see the hidden river beneath the city, and witness the jaw-dropping Sunset Dome, one of the largest free-standing cave domes in the United States.
The ACCA, headquartered in Hart County, has played a major role in the cave’s restoration. Founded in 1981, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to the protection of caves and karst landscapes throughout the United States. They’ve helped clean up countless dump sites, developed educational programs, and partnered with local governments to improve wastewater systems that impact underground ecosystems.
Their work at Hidden River Cave has become a shining example of how science, community action, and long-term vision can restore even the most damaged environments.
Visitors can also explore the American Cave Museum, located just above the cave entrance. This free museum features exhibits on cave formation, conservation efforts, groundwater pollution, and more. It’s a fascinating look into the fragile and mysterious world beneath our feet, and a reminder of how important it is to protect it.
hiddenrivercave.com
Photo By Kathryn Harrington
Photos By Kathryn Harrington
Part Three
Stay in Style – Hart County’s Unique Lodging Options
Once you’ve had your fill of underground adventures and small-town charm, you’ll want a cozy place to kick back and relax. Fortunately, Hart County offers a range of accommodations to suit every type of traveler—from rustic cabins, treehouses, and teepees, to creative Airbnbs.
One of the most unforgettable stays in the area is the Record Store Airbnb in downtown Horse Cave. This thoughtfully restored space once operated as a local record shop, and it still keeps that cool, vintage vibe alive. With shelves lined with vinyl records and stylish, retro décor, this Airbnb is a music lover’s dream.
Guests consistently rave about the aesthetic, the cleanliness, and the central location—perfect for walking to local shops, restaurants, and with a front window view of Hidden River Cave.
If you’re traveling with a larger group or looking for more space, there are also beautiful vacation homes and lodges available through local property managers and rental sites.
What ties all these places together is the warm welcome you’ll receive. Hart County’s locals take pride in their community—and they love sharing it with visitors.
Plan Your Kentucky Getaway Today
If you’re seeking adventure beneath the surface, looking for a quiet escape, or wanting to support a community that takes pride in its natural and cultural treasures, Hart County delivers.
Explore mysterious caves. Discover one-of-a-kind attractions. Stay somewhere that tells a story. And leave with a few of your own. kygetaway.com
Photo By Kathryn Harrington
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Photo
Kathryn Harrington
Photo By Kathryn Harrington
By: Alison Cardoza • Photograhy by Matt Johnson • Sponsored
The undeniable competitiveness between Mike Carroll and Lorna Segall is one of the main reasons these two have achieved many of their personal fitness goals. As their personal trainer, I have created fun challenges that test both their endurance and strength. Their playful and competitive banter with each other has kept exercise fun and has shed a whole new light to the term, “exercise.” They truly inspire others at Milestone with their enthusiasm.
Lorna and Mike met each other at spin class at Baptist Milestone. Mike, 66, and Lorna, 47, may seem like an unlikely duo, but they share a remarkable connection, one that transcends their physical differences and 19-year age gap as they both thrive on competitive energy and mutual support. “You don’t have to spend much time around him to understand why he’s known as the Mayor of Milestone, “ says Lorna. “He knows everyone, and, more importantly, everyone genuinely enjoys being around him - and for good reason. I once asked his wife, Anne, what first made her fall in love with Mikey, and without hesitation, she said, “He made me laugh from the moment I met him, and he continues to do so to this day.” His ability to bring joy to those around him extends far beyond his family. Mike has a way of lifting the spirits of everyone he meets, and I truly believe his humor is a major part of what makes Milestone feel like home.
Mike has a fun competitive streak that has pushed me to try things I never imagined attempting. The Stairmaster challenge was a beast (120 floors in 12 minutes), but incredibly rewarding. The rowing challenge nearly broke me—until, on one of the hardest days, Mike literally stopped what he was doing just to walk over and cheer me on to the finish line. That extra encouragement made all the difference, and I won the challenge that day (3500 meters in 15:55). But more than any fitness goal, Mike introduced me to a remarkable community of friends at Milestone. Thanks to him, I’ve built connections with people who inspire and support me—not just in the gym, but in life. He even took me to my very first UL football game (courtesy of his season tickets), making sure I got the full Louisville experience. It’s not just about great workouts—it’s about great people, great friendships, and a sense of well-being that goes far beyond the scale. In the end, true wellness isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about the strength of the community and the heart behind it,” says Lorna.
Lorna was instrumental in getting Mike set up for personal training and that is how they really got to challenge each other. “It started with how fast we could do 100 floors on the Stairmaster. We then went to the rowing machine to get 3500 meters in 16 minutes,” says Mike. “We both checked in with each other with positive encouragement. We have held each other accountable. Lorna is always so positive it makes it easy to do the hard work in the gym. Just as important, our friendship in the gym has led to doing things outside of Milestone with our spouses on several occasions,” says Mike.
Both have achieved success with lowering their body fat mass, increasing their muscle mass, and increasing their water intake. Hard work and motivation get results- especially if you hold each other accountable and keep the competition fun!
Alison Cardoza - BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
KELSEY HAS UOFL ON A PATH TO EVEN MORE SUCCESS
By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By Louisville Athletics
If you’re a Louisville basketball fan who enjoyed the unexpected ride on the Cardinal Cannonball this winter, you might want to make sure you’re around for the encore because Pat Kelsey has even bigger plans for his second season as head coach.
Or as he puts it, “We’re just getting started. The best is yet to come.”
Among other highlights, getting started on his self-proclaimed ReviVILLE building project meant more victories, with a 27-8 record, than U of L had managed in the previous three seasons combined; ending a five-year NCAA Tournament drought; and its first appearance in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship game since joining the league in 2014-15.
Picked to finish ninth in the ACC, the Cards rampaged through the conference to go 18-2, just one game behind first-place Duke, and they were ranked 21st in both the final AP and USA Today Coaches polls.
If the Cards were overlooked to a degree by opponents -- at least early in the season after starting 6-5 -- there will be no such surprises in 2025-26 because Louisville returns a veteran core and has added an elite group of newcomers.
ESPN has ranked U of L No. 3 in its “way-too-early” top 25 for next season behind national runnerup Houston and Purdue. And Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, Fox Sports and others are also outing the Cards as potential national championship contenders.
Last season, Kelsey had to build a roster from scratch, handicapped by getting a late start in recruiting since he wasn’t hired until March 27. Looking ahead to next year that won’t be the case, with key pieces returning and fortified by a transfer class that is ranked in the top five nationally.
“We’re excited about what we have coming back,” Kelsey said after losing to Creighton in March Madness. “We’ll do a great job in recruiting, and in the transfer portal, and put a great team together that’s going to compete for a championship. I have all the confidence in the world that that is going to happen.”
The Cards got a major boost when 6-foot-6 forward J’Vonne Hadley decided to come back for his final year of collegiate eligibility after leading the team in rebounding at 7.3 per game while also scoring 12.2 points per outing and shooting 51.8%. The Colorado transfer, who scored 32 points to rescue a sluggish U of L offense against Clemson, announced his decision to return this way on X: “Unfinished business. Card Nation, let’s run it back.”
“J’Vonne was one of the hearts and souls of our team,” Kelsey said. “I say hearts plural, because we had a lot of guys who were winning guys, who bought into what we do. He’s such a versatile player on both sides of the floor. He can guard virtually every single position.”
Also returning will be 6-11 forward/center James Scott, who had the second most dunks in a single season in school history and is a tireless worker; 6-8 freshman guard/forward Khani Rooths; and two players who are coming off redshirt seasons due to injuries -- 6-11 BYU transfer Aly Khalifa and guard Kobe Rodgers, who started for Kelsey at College of Charleston.
And then there’s 6-10 forward Kasean Pryor, who got off to a hot start in the first six games before tearing his ACL in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis and missing the rest of the season. Pryor will get another season of eligibility, and Kelsey expects him to spend it with the Cards.
“He’s on our roster,” Kelsey said during a talk at the Kentucky Derby Festival “They’re Off!” Lunchehon. “He’s here. Kasean is one of my guys, like a son to me. I love him. It’s just that in this new world; you have to get things straightened out from a business standpoint. But I love him, I want him, and I sure as heck hope it works out. We’re hoping to have that come to some finality really, really soon here. And I’m very, very confident it will.”
Joining the returnees will be five highly regarded newcomers in McDonald’s All-American point guard Mikel Brown Jr; 21-year-old 6-11 power forward Sananda Fru; and transfer guards Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia) and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State). All three were recruited by a long list of high-major teams.
“I feel really proud that in a lot of ways, the last two years, before I arrived here, basketball-wise, we had faced some adversity,” Kelsey said. “There were some tough times, and you could feel it within this community. We’re going to miss Chucky Hepburn, Reyne Smith, Terrence Edwards. We’re going to miss those guys. But the best is yet to come. They established something again. They put us in a position to compete for national titles, and that is what Louisville basketball is meant to do.”
In gratitude for guiding U of L to one of the largest one-year turnarounds in Division I history and making the Cards relevant on the national scene again, Kelsey, 49, was rewarded with a $1 million raise from a base salary of $2.3 million to $3.3 by the U of L Athletic Association’s (ULAA) Board of Directors. He could also earn incentive bonuses for NCAA Tournament success that could amount to a salary increase of $1.4 million with a national championship.
For gaining a March Madness spot within his first three years, Kelsey received an automatic one-year contract extension through March 15, 2030, and a $50,000 bonus, plus a $25,000 bonus for being named the ACC Coach of the Year.
“I think we landed in a really good spot,” UofL athletic director Josh Heird said. “This is not a knee-jerk reaction, like ‘oh, this is a one-hit wonder.’ Pat has won almost every year anywhere he’s been if you look at his success at Winthrop and College of Charleston. We expect him to continue to win -- and win in big ways here.”
As he has done in the past, Kelsey expressed his appreciation to Heird and other UofL administrators for their belief in him.
“I was just kind of Joe Bag of Doughnuts, a mid-major guy, and Josh took a chance on me,” Kelsey said. “The fear of letting your guys down and just working your butt off every day to make Josh look good, that motivates me every single day. I’m incredibly grateful to President (Gerry) Bradley, Josh, the Board of Trustees and the ULAA Board for their support and belief in what we’re building. The last year has been amazing, and we’re just getting started. We will continue to strive to make Card Nation proud, tirelessly working in our pursuit of bringing a championship back to this amazing university and city.”
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By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos By Matt Johnson
Louisville Community Squash is on a mission to grow the sport of squash in the city while keeping it accessible to everyone. As the first facility of its kind in the country, it serves as a training ground for competitive players, a welcoming space for beginners, and a hub for community-focused programs.
In this Q&A, we talk with the team behind Louisville Community Squash about their approach to coaching, the programs available, and what’s coming up next at this dynamic and inclusive facility.
VT: How would you describe the mission of Louisville Community Squash, and what sets it apart from other athletic programs in the area?
LCS: Louisville Community Squash is passionate about developing squash in Louisville while making it accessible to everyone in the community. The center is the first of its kind in the country, and provides access to local schools that come into practice and to play school matches. Louisville Collegiate School’s very own varsity boys team competed in the High School National Squash championships in Philadelphia this past February and finished in 32nd place in the whole of the country! This is remarkable when you look at the number of schools in the northeast that have had long-established squash programs and with access to way more courts and competition. Louisville Collegiate School also sent the very first ever middle school girls’ team in Kentucky to the middle school national championships this past January.
We offer the opportunity for anyone to pay as you go, for just $15 per person per hour, you do not need to be a member to play here. We do offer very competitive memberships for those who want to become a member and enjoy a great number of benefits. We offer memberships to students, individuals, and families. We are also the home of Louisville Squash +, which is a 501C3 which is starting the very first ever urban squash program in Louisville. We hope to transform the lives of 8-10 kids in year 1 by introducing squash to them twice a week and we will also help them with their education. We also have Zenith Squash Academy based out of our center. The academy is aimed at players who want to take their game to the next level, compete in national tournaments, and gain a national ranking. This is run by our very own Director of Squash, Lee Scott.
VT: What’s your coaching philosophy, and how do you inspire players of all ages and skill levels to reach their potential?
LCS: Our coaching beliefs are to make every session fun and exciting for the kids and the adults. Whilst at the same time for the more serious players, pushing them to be the best they can. We have children playing from as young as 5 years old and adults up to 80 years old. We want to see everyone improve and fall in love with this fantastic sport. The passion and energy we give in every session helps inspire everyone to improve, seeing everyone with a big smile on their face is what we love to see.
VT: What kind of squash programs do you offer for beginners or those completely new to the sport?
LCS: We run weekly after-school programs for students in grades 1-4. We are also the home of the Zenith Academy, which has weekly sessions with four different levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Elite. We hold weekly boys, girls, ladies, and men’s drop-in sessions too. All of these sessions are available to beginners, intermediates, and advanced players. We offer ladies adult night every Tuesday from 7:00-8.30 p.m. and men’s adult night every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 p.m., again this is open to all standards and a great way to play with different players. We have community open squash every Sunday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 p.m., and this is open to anyone who would like to join in. These are fun sessions with a variety of levels.
VT: How do you balance competitive training with maintaining a fun and inclusive environment for families and casual players?
LCS: We ensure that everyone is working to the best of their ability, and of course we have players at different levels, so this varies. Once someone gets to a certain level, we group them with players of a similar standard so they can enjoy some competitive competition.
We are consistently having students recruited to play squash at fantastic colleges and this is really helping everyone to work hard to achieve their goals!
VT: How does the virtual golf lab enhance the overall experience for members? Do athletes use it as a cross-training tool?
LCS: Our members love the golf simulators as they provide consistent practice, detailed swing analysis, and the ability to experience various courses and conditions. Our putting green has its own rough area to practice chipping onto the greens. We also have school teams utilizing it to improve their games and it is perfect for any day of the year.
VT: What are some of the most exciting developments or upcoming events at Louisville Community Squash?
LCS: Louisville Community Squash is hosting“OutSQUASHCancer” on May 13. This event will benefit Hope Scarves, and we will be offering free instruction and gameplay while supporting all types of cancer warriors with each step and swing. We invite people to come and try squash, all skill levels are welcome, and equipment is provided. If you’re just curious, come down and watch and enjoy some light bites, drinks and camaraderie. For more information please visit: tinyurl.com/4j5mx8v9
On May 22nd, we have a national squash league match between our very own Louisville Colts and the Atlanta Tornados at 7:00 p.m. The Louisville Colts team will consist of Leonel Cardenas (Mexico) world #17, Matius Knudsen (Colombia) world #77, and Ben Smith (England) world #80.
The Atlanta Tornados team has Miguel Rodriguez (Colombia) world #22, David Baillargeon (Canada) world #75, and Mohamed Sharat (Egypt) world #112.
For anyone wishing to purchase a ticket, please email: lscott@loucol.com
VT: If someone is curious about joining but unsure where to start, what would you say to encourage them to come check it out?
LCS: For anyone wanting to try Squash, please feel free to drop by our facility anytime. We also recommend going to: Louisville Community Squash online where you will find more information about memberships, lessons, clinics, and more!
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Kathryn Harrington, Matt Johnson, and Antonio Pantoja
What do ballerinas and zoo animals have in common? More than you might think. In this unique editorial, we brought together dancers from the Louisville Ballet and the incredible animals of the Louisville Zoo to capture a playful intersection of strength, beauty, and curiosity. Set against the zoo’s natural backdrops, the shoot highlights the unexpected harmony between two very different kinds of performers, one trained in choreography, the other simply being themselves.
Ballet dancers are often seen as delicate, but don’t let the tutus fool you, they’re serious athletes! It takes years of training, discipline, and physical endurance to move with that kind of control and grace. They’re performance artists and premier athletes rolled into one. Placing them in this wild setting helped emphasize both their power and poise in a new way, standing strong alongside the zoo’s most impressive residents.
We’re grateful to the Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Ballet for saying yes to this creative idea and helping bring it to life. And a special thanks to J Michael’s Spa & Salon for the hair and makeup that kept our dancers looking polished throughout the shoot.
Go Behind the Scenes—Meet the Animals
WE’RE ALSO INVITING YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE ZOO LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
Join the Zoo for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Learn about the importance of the Zoo’s conservation work, how our dedicated keeper staff care for the Zoo’s animals and get VIP access to areas not available to the public.
Each Backstage Pass Experience is approximately 45 minutes and includes a guided cart tour with an experienced Zoo staff member, a visit to the Zoo’s Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center*, a behind-the-scenes visit to one of the Zoo’s animal areas, and an up-close experience with Zoo animals and their care team. This program is for ages 6 and up, and all children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult with a separate ticket.
*Visit to Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center is not included in Sloth Experience.
Featured Animal Friends:
Two-Toed Sloth • Rhino • Penguin • Seals & Sea Lions • Red Panda
Come celebrate beauty, strength, and the wild—right here in Louisville.
Scan the QR Code below to learn more about backstage passes.
Photo By Kathryn Harrington
ALEKSANDR Q. SCHROEDER
Aleksandr Q. Schroeder started his ballet training at the age of 3 at Anderson Young Ballet Theater. In 2014 he was asked to be a part of the Anderson University dance program, which he was with until he graduated high school in 2016, during which he had the opportunity to perform at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. After that, he joined Nashville Ballet’s Second Company where he trained and performed for two years before being promoted to Company Apprentice. In 2019 he joined Louisville Ballet. In his time at Louisville Ballet, he has performed the roles of The Nutcracker Prince in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Gurn in La Sylphide, Peasant Pas De Deux in Giselle, and The Bluebird in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty. He has also gotten his degree in Business Administration with the hopes of continuing to work more with arts nonprofit organizations after he retires from dancing.
WALLABIES FROM THE WALLAROO WALKABOUT
The Wallaroo Walkabout at the Louisville Zoo is a free, interactive exhibit where visitors can walk a designated path and interact with wallaroos, wallabies, and other Australian animals. You’ll see a mob of wallaroos and red-necked wallabies up close.
ALEXANDER KINGMA
Alexander began his ballet training when he was 17 at the Lafayette Ballet School in Lafayette, Indiana, under the direction of Sandra Peticolas and Lisa Douglas. From there, he pursued a B.A. in Dance Performance at Ball State University, studying under Vladimir Stadnik (ballet), Audra Sokol and Susan Koper (modern), as well as Christie Zimmerman and Michael Worcel (jazz). Additionally, he participated in Ball State Dance Theatre, the performing company, for all four years of study.
Alexander then moved to Louisville for the first time, where he completed the then two-year trainee program under the artistic direction of Robert Curran. Upon completion of the program, he danced professionally with Ballet Quad Cities (Artistic Director Courtney Lyon) for two years, where he danced roles such as Billy in Billy the Kid and the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland. He then moved on to Central Illinois Ballet (Artistic Director Rebekah von Rathonyi) in Peoria, where he was principal dancer for four years. During his time at CIB, he danced roles such as Prince Charming (as well as a stepsister!) in Cinderella, the titular role in Dracula, Antoni in Sweeney Todd, and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.
Having returned to Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023, he is thrilled to begin the 2025-2026 Season!
Photo By Matt Johnson
Photo By Matt Johnson
Photo
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Kathryn Harrington
ANNA FORD
Anna Ford is originally from Lilburn, Georgia. She began her training at the Northeast Atlanta Ballet. After graduating, Anna moved from her hometown to Louisville to join the Studio Company in 2020. While training in the Studio Company for three years, Anna enjoyed performing roles alongside the Company in their productions. Some of these include Cygnet in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake, Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Autumn Fairy in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, Robert Curran’s Coppélia, Alun Jones’ Violin Concerto, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, and George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony. Anna was honored to join Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023.
ASHLEY THURSBY
Ashley grew up in Richmond, Missouri and received her formal training at age nine from the Kansas City Ballet School on full scholarship. After spending her senior year as an Apprentice with KCB she went on to study Ballet and Journalism through Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. There she had the privilege of being coached by Violette Verdy, Cynthia Gregory, Helen Starr, Michael Vernon, and Deborah Wingert, and was awarded the Friends of Music Scholarship and the National Society of Arts and Letters award.
In 2008 Ashley joined Louisville Ballet and enjoys dancing in the classics as well as new works by Ma Cong, Tim Harbour, Adam Hougland, Andrea Schermoly, Amy Seiwert, and Ching Ching Wong. So far, her favorite experiences on the KPA stage have been the role of Ballerina in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, Soloist in George Balanchine’s Rubies, and as The Sugar Plum Fairy in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.
Ashley is a passionate advocate for the power performance art gives to a community, and has collaborated with Filson Historical Society, Kentucky Foundation for Women, Louisville Free Public Library, 21c Museum Hotel, and Kentucky Refugee Ministries. After a day of dancing, Ashley enjoys spending time with her daughter Astrid as well as encouraging lifelong learning through managing and teaching within Louisville Ballet School’s mind. body. balance. Adult Division.
Photo By Matt Johnson
BRIENNE WILTSIE
Brienne Wiltsie grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and danced professionally with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s company for two seasons after training in both their high school and graduate training programs. Favorite memories of performing in her hometown include Swan Lake and Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. Her love of being on stage then brought Brienne to Louisville, where she enjoyed performing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons (2009- 2011).
This year marks the beginning of Brienne’s 15th year teaching in The Louisville Ballet School (2011-present). She feels incredibly fortunate to work with the Pre-Professional students and the Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble. Brienne also became a certified Pilates instructor since moving to Kentucky, and whether teaching or practicing, she loves being involved in Louisville’s Pilates community.
Brienne returned as a Company Dancer during the 2018-2019 Season under the artistic direction of Robert Curran. She has treasured every minute of being able to perform in both classical and new works, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to take on the role of Odette in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake, Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and the principal lady in Jerome Robbins’ In G Major.
Photo By Matt Johnson
CAITLIN KOWALSKI
Caitlin started dancing in Radcliff, Kentucky. She was inspired by her teachers who were Louisville Ballet alumni and attended The Louisville Ballet School summer intensive in 2014. She attended the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts in 2016 as a dance major, and then joined De La Dance Center in Cincinnati as a trainee. In 2017 she returned to Kentucky as part of Louisville Ballet’s trainee program, now known as Studio Company, and was invited to join the Company in 2021.
Since coming to Louisville, she has had the privilege to perform roles such as a demi soloist in Balanchine’s Serenade; Pas De Trois in Balanchine’s Emeralds; The Sylph in La Sylphide; Marie, Rose, and divertissement in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker; Ching Ching Wong’s Grass is Green; and Adam Hougland’s Cold Virtues.
When not at ballet, she enjoys spending time outdoors, and cuddling with her two cats, Milo and Stanley, and her dog Leroy!
DROMEDARY CAMEL
Known as the ships of the desert, the Louisville Zoo offers a camel ride experience for guests from March to October.
Scan our QR code to Learn About Camel rides:
Photo By Matt Johnson
DANIEL SCOFIELD
Daniel Scofield joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022. His stage appearances have included: Romeo in Alun Jones’ Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, an Ugly Stepsister in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, Hilarion in Giselle, and a featured dancer in original works by Andrea Schermoly, Ching Ching Wong, and Adam Hougland.
A Louisville native, Daniel began his performing arts training at the Oldham County School’s Arts Center. He attended Butler University where he graduated Cum Laude in 2021, receiving a B.S. in Dance/Arts Administration and a Minor in Business. While at Butler, Daniel appeared in The Firebird, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty as well as in works by Paul Taylor, Gerald Arpino, and Patrick de Bana.
Daniel teaches multiple styles of dance in the Louisville area and choreographs for local musical theatre productions. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and kayaking, and he loves playing with his dog and cat.
MANED WOLF
Sadie the Maned Wolf passed earlier this year. Sadie’s life was a testament to resilience and innovation. In 2016, her zookeepers partnered with experts, including AZA Maned Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) nutritionist Dr. Cheryl Morris and canine diet specialist Karla Haas of Rudy Green’s Doggy Cuisine, to create “Sadie’s Stew,” a specialized diet tailored to her needs. This groundbreaking formula not only improved Sadie’s health but also became a model for maned wolf care in several AZA-accredited zoos across North America.
“She leaves a lasting legacy through her contributions to science, her offspring, and in the hearts of all who cared for her. We encourage Zoo fans to follow our social media channels and website for the latest announcements about the future of maned wolves at the Louisville Zoo.” - Louisville Zoo
Photo By Matt Johnson
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ELEANOR PRINCE
Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Eleanor (Ellie) Prince trained in the Louisville Ballet School from the earliest childhood programs all the way through the Pre-Professional Division, then performed as a Trainee with the company. She continued her training at Stanford University under Alex Ketley and Anton Pankevich and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, graduate studies in Robotics, and recognition for leadership in the arts and ballet. She is also a 2024 alumna of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, where she performed in world premieres by choreographers Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Silas Farley.
She joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023, where her repertoire has included the Sugar Plum Fairy and Arabian Divertissement in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Third Shade in La Bayadère, Giselle, Raymonda, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Napoli, Balanchine’s Rubies, and Adam Hougland’s Cold Virtues, as well as works by Stephen Mills, Andrea Schermoly, Lucas Jervies, and Ching Ching Wong. LEMURS
Lemurs are one of the first animals that Louisville Zoo guests encounter when entering, located across from the Conservation Carousel.
Photo
Kathryn Harrington
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SNAKE-NECKED TURTLE
This exclusive encounter features a snake-necked turtle named Sammy, which can be seen in the Louisville Zoo’s Herp Aquarium.
ELIZABETH ABBICK
Originally from Overland Park, KS, Elizabeth (Ellie) Abbick began her dance training at Legacy School of the Arts. She continued her education at Butler University on the Presidential Scholarship, performing soloist roles in works such as Gerald Arpino’s Viva Vivaldi, Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera, and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, as well as Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker.
She graduated magna cum laude in 2018 with a BFA in Dance Performance with highest honors and a minor in Mathematics. She completed the University Honors Program, writing a thesis discussing the importance of K-12 arts funding. Ellie danced as a trainee and in the Studio Company of Louisville Ballet for three seasons before joining Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022. Her favorite performances at Louisville Ballet include dancing The Survivor in Stephen Mills’ Light / The Holocaust and Humanity Project, Scots Lady in George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, Effie in La Sylphide, Dawn in Robert Curran’s Coppélia, Alun Jones’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Liebestraume, and Cinderella, Ching Ching Wong’s Grass is Green and 502, Andrea Schermoly’s Rite of Spring, Adam Hougland’s Romeo + Juliet, and The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Ellie is looking forward to her fourth season as a Company Artist!
Photo
Matt Johnson
JORDAN NOBLETT
A proud native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Jordan Noblett began dancing at Gaston Dance Theatre and Open Door Studios. In 2018, she continued her training at Kansas City Ballet School for two years, where she had the opportunity to perform Neapolitan in Devon Carney’s Swan Lake and original, award-winning works by Duncan Cooper and Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye at the Youth American Grand Prix. In 2020, Jordan joined Cincinnati Ballet as a Trainee, where she enjoyed performing and being featured in works by Amy Seiwert, Adam Hougland, and Victoria Morgan.
After dancing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons in the Studio Company, Jordan was promoted to Company Artist in 2023. While she has been with Louisville Ballet, she has had the privilege to perform the Pas de Trois in George Balanchine’s Emeralds, the Autumn Fairy in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, Nikiya in La Bayadere, among other works. Jordan is thrilled to continue sharing art with and for the Louisville community.
SNOW LEOPARD
Located near Tiger Taiga, the new snow leopard habitat will be sure to wow you! This new space offers our male snow leopards, Kimti and Meru, and female snow leopard, NeeCee, an engaging environment.
Photo By Matt Johnson
Photo By Matt Johnson
KHALIL JACKSON
LORIKEET LANDING
Enjoy a real nose-to-beak experience as you stroll through this beautiful aviary, surrounded by brilliantly colored, friendly birds that will eat nectar right out of your hand! Nectar may be purchased at the exhibit for $2 per cup.
Khalil Jackson is from Georgia and joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023. He has performed in works by Adam Hougland, Ching Ching Wong, Mikelle Bruzina, Alun Jones, and others, and performed roles such as the Cavalier in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.
CHILEAN FLAMINGOS
The Louisville Zoo has 89 Chilean Flamingos, which makes it one of the largest flocks or “Flamboyance” of Flamingos in North America.
LEIGH ANNE ALBRECHTA
A proud native of Fremont, Ohio, Leigh Anne Albrechta started her ballet training at The Fremont Ballet School, Ballet Theatre of Toledo, and later studied at The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Upon graduating, she danced with Charlotte Ballet for two years as a trainee and apprentice, earning the opportunity to work with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride, Mark Diamond, and Dwight Rhoden.
In 2009 Leigh Anne joined Louisville Ballet as a trainee and was hired into the company the following season. In her time with Louisville Ballet, she has enjoyed performing a range of classical and contemporary roles. Highlight performances include Juliet in Adam Hougland’s Romeo + Juliet, Aurora in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, Valencienne in Ronald Hynd‘s The Merry Widow, Sugar Plum Fairy, Rose, and Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, and Andrea Schermoly’s Limbic and Rite of Spring. She has also performed principal roles in Balanchine’s Serenade, Emeralds, and Kammermusik No.2.
While at Louisville Ballet, she has been featured in works by Lucas Jervies, Andrea Schermoly, Tim Harbour, and previous Artistic Directors Robert Curran, Bruce Simpson, and Alun Jones. Leigh Anne was selected to dance with the Moving Arts Company in Kansas City and Cincinnati in the summer of 2022. She is extremely grateful for the continued support and generosity of the Louisville community.
Photo By Matt Johnson
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Kathryn Harrington
LEXA DANIELS
Originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, Lexa began her dance training at the Northeast School of Ballet under the direction of Denise Cecere. She continued her education at the University of Utah, graduating magna cum laude with a BFA in ballet performance and minor in nutrition. Lexa began her professional career with Portland Ballet in Maine before joining Louisville Ballet as a trainee in 2014, and later as a Company Artist in 2016. A few of her favorite performances include Myrtha in Giselle, Rose and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, the Wife in Andrea Schermoly’s Appalachian Spring, the Lilac Fairy in Adam Hougland’s The Sleeping Beauty, and Nikiya in the Kingdom of the Shades in La Bayadère.
In 2025 she was honored to perform as the Survivor in Stephen Mills’ production of Light: The Holocaust and Humanity Project. Lexa has also enjoyed her time dancing in ballets such as Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Square Dance, Concerto Barocco, Western Symphony, Scotch Symphony and Theme and Variations and Alun Jones’ Liebestraume. Lexa has also been seen as Hope in Coppélia, and the Queen and Guardian Swan in Swan Lake. Lexa is also a faculty member at The Louisville Ballet School, teaching in the Pre-Professional Program.
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MARK A. KRIEGER JR.
Mark, a Virginia native, studied dance under Jefferson Baum at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. In 2004, Mark joined Ballet Tucson, where he danced for two seasons before joining Columbia City Ballet. He spent five years with the Columbia City Ballet as a Principal Dancer. Mark has been a member of Louisville Ballet since 2012.
QANNIK POLAR BEAR
Fourteen-year-old Qannik is one of the Louisville Zoo’s most famous animals. She is a wild-born rescue and came to Louisville when she was found alone on the North Slope in Alaska, having been separated from her mother at a vulnerable age. Qannik’s “selfie station” is a popular spot at the Zoo’s award-winning Glacier Run exhibit.
Photo
Matt Johnson
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TURKEY VULTURE
Turkey Vultures are found in various habitats, including deciduous forests and woodlands, and can live up to 20 years in captivity. They primarily eat carrion, but in captivity, they might be fed a bird of prey diet, mice, or chicks. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up animal carcasses and preventing the spread of disease.
SARAH BRADLEY
Sarah Bradley grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she began her training with Cincinnati Ballet. After training in their academy, she joined the company as a Junior Trainee and was promoted to Trainee. She was later invited to join Cincinnati Ballet II, where she had the opportunity to work with Val Caniparoli, Septime Webre, and Jennifer Archibald. Sarah then joined City Ballet of San Diego as an Apprentice in 2018. In 2020, she joined Louisville Ballet as a Studio Company Dancer and she enjoyed roles such as Guardian Swan in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake and Rose in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Sarah joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022.
Photo
Kathryn Harrington
CALEB EMORY
Caleb Emory comes from Corpus Christi, TX where he began his training with Corpus Christi Ballet under Cristina Munro (2009). He then moved to Houston to further his training with Houston Repertoire Ballet (2020). Caleb joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company after the 2022 Summer Intensive and is now a proud member of the Company. In his free time, he loves to play guitar and drums. He also loves to play different video games. His favorite ballets are Giselle, Don Quixote, and Cold Virtues.
GRIZZLY BEAR
Grizzly Bear “Otis” can be seen at the Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Glacier Run. Fourteen-year-old Otis is a wild-born and rescued bear from Montana.
Photo By Matt Johnson
FLETCHER BARR
Fletcher is from Owensboro, Kentucky and began dancing at age five. He decided to focus on ballet at nine years old, training and performing with Evansville Ballet, Ballet Indiana, and Owensboro Dance Theatre. In addition to attending summer intensives at Louisville Ballet and Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Fletcher has also trained at the Harid Conservatory, the Bolshoi Ballet summer intensive in New York, and toured in China with the Long Beach Ballet Summer Intensive. He graduated in 2024 from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ballet Performance. Here he performed roles in works by George Balanchine, Justin Peck, Dwight Rhoden, and Michael Vernon. Fletcher joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2024.
Koala Dharuk, Who has journeyed all the way from San Diego to join our Zoo family! It’s been a while since we last had the pleasure of hosting koalas, with our last sighting dating back to 2000. But fear not, because we’re thrilled to announce that this adorable marsupial is here to stay!
KOALA
Photo By Matt Johnson
GRAY SEAL
Meet Boone, a male Gray Seal at the Louisville Zoo. Born in 2004, from Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, came to Louisville in May of 2018, and is the Father of Findbay! Louisville Zoo is currently offering a backstage pass to meet the Seals & Sea Lions
Click the QR code below.
JOEL MORIN-KENSICKI
Joel Morin-Kensicki is from Chapel Hill, NC, and was excited to join the Louisville Ballet family as a Company Artist in 2024. His favorite ballets are Giselle, Manon, and Études.
Photo By Matt Johnson
By Kathryn Harrington
NICHOLAS BRADLEY GRAY
Nicholas Bradley Gray is thrilled to have accomplished so much in his first season as a Company Artist with Louisville Ballet. He has been honored to perform such roles as The Nutcracker Prince in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker and The Prince’s Friend in Cinderella. Nicholas hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he began his performing arts training at Milwaukee Ballet School and at First Stage Children’s Theater. Following his graduation from The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, Nicholas attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Ballet with a minor in Theatre and Drama. Throughout his training Nicholas attended Summer Intensives at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Chautauqua Institution, among others. In 2018, Nicholas moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was employed professionally as faculty at Grand Rapids Ballet School and at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts, as a freelance Director/Choreographer for Collegiate and Community Theatres, and as a frequent Guest Artist with Grand Rapids Ballet. When not dancing, Nicholas and his husband Justin (Louisville Ballet’s new Music Manager) enjoy hosting elegant dinner parties in their Shelby Park home and planning their travels to Europe! They are looking forward to long and prosperous careers together at Louisville Ballet!
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NICHOLAS BENTZ
Nicholas Bentz was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued his education at Butler University, receiving a BS in Dance Pedagogy. After school, he danced for two years in the Louisville Ballet Studio Company. Following his time in Louisville, he danced for two seasons with Indianapolis Ballet before returning to Louisville as a Company Artist in 2024.
Photo
Matt Johnson
ORANGUTAN
Bella is one of the Louisville Zoo’s female orangutans and can be seen in rotation with the other animals at the Zoo’s award-winning Island exhibits. She is almost 40 years old.
BANKINGFOREVER
JOIN THE CUBAN DANCE EXPERIENCE
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Marty King
Looking for a unique and enriching activity for your child that blends culture, movement, and fun? SY Academy in Louisville is offering Traditional Cuban Dance classes specifically for children ages 4 to 10. Held every Saturday from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, these classes provide a supportive and welcoming environment where kids can explore rhythm, coordination, and the joy of dance through the lens of Cuban tradition. It’s a cultural experience that celebrates music, history, and expression.
The classes are led by professional dancers Selen Wilson and Yosvany Pascual, a husband-and-wife duo originally from Cuba. Yosvany is a graduate of the prestigious Cuban National School of Ballet, and Selen is trained in Afro-Cuban and Traditional Dances. With more than 18 years of dance experience, they bring authenticity, skill, and passion to every session. Since arriving in Louisville in 2015, they’ve been dedicated to sharing their culture through dance education for both adults and children.
In 2022, they launched a kids cultural project called QSIGALATRADICION, designed to connect children with their heritage through Latin traditional dance, ballet, and, most recently, percussion classes. The program welcomes children ages 2 to 15 and has already grown to include around 51 young dancers. Their mission is not only to teach dance but to bring culture to life by providing children the opportunity to perform all over the city at events like WorldFest (2023–2024), Master of Bluegrass Dance Convention 2024, Carnavales de Sweet Havana, JCPS WorldFest, and more. These performances offer cultural exchange, build confidence, and encourage family participation.
The instructors at SY Academy are passionate about preserving and sharing this art form, making each session both educational and incredibly fun. Plus, the group setting helps young dancers make new friends and feel part of something special.
Dance provides the perfect balance of discipline and creativity. In each class, children develop focus and body awareness, all while expressing themselves freely through music. It also improves flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health, keeping your child active and engaged.
In celebration of their three-year anniversary, QSIGALATRADICION recently hosted a multicultural event featuring performances from Ballet Folklorico Arte Mex, Natya Dance Academy, The Ville Casineras, Salsa Rush, Tabares Ahinama, and more, turning the milestone into a broader celebration of global cultures and traditions.
Now moving into a new studio space, the program is expanding its class offerings to include gymnastics, Afro-Cuban, and Jumping Dance Fitness, with weekday options to accommodate more families. Everything they do is rooted in a single goal: to make children smile while they dance, because every little step counts and helps keep the tradición alive.
SY Academy, in partnership with Fleur De Lis Afro-Cuban, is helping bring vibrant, authentic Afro-Cuban culture to the heart of Louisville. By enrolling your child in these classes, you’re not only giving them a new skill but also exposing them to the richness of heritage and tradition that will stay with them for life.
If you’ve been looking for something meaningful and exciting for your child to be part of, this is it. Spots may be limited, so now is the perfect time to sign up. Let your child discover the joy of Cuban dance, connect with culture, and move to the rhythms that have inspired generations.
Visit SY Academy’s Facebook page or reach out directly for more information, and give your child a chance to shine on the dance floor!
By Alisha Proffitt • Photo By Suzy Hazelwood (Pexels.com)
Imagine a Louisville without museums or libraries. The absence would be more than empty buildings; it would be a cultural and educational void. A city missing vital parts of its soul.
Without libraries, access to free knowledge and information would become significantly more limited. For many Louisvillians, especially those in underserved neighborhoods, the public library is the only place to access books, the internet, tutoring, job resources, and safe, quiet places to study or reflect. Without libraries, students would struggle to find the resources they need for school projects, adults without home internet access would lose a lifeline to job searches and online learning, and children might never be introduced to the joy of reading. The Louisville Free Public Library’s programs (ranging from GED prep and ESL classes to resume help and children’s story time) simply wouldn’t exist. That means the pathway for upward mobility would be blocked for many.
The Western Branch Library, in particular, tells a powerful story. As the first public library in the U.S. staffed entirely by Black Americans for Black Americans, it became a place of empowerment during segregation. Librarians like Rachel Davis Harris didn’t simply organize books, they organized hope. Without her legacy and without that space, how many dreams would have faded in silence?
Now, consider a Louisville without museums. No Speed Art Museum. No Frazier History Museum. No Muhammad Ali Center. Without these institutions, Louisville would lose its connection to its own story. Museums house not just artifacts, but memory. Without them, history fades, culture erodes, and our identity disappears.
The loss would hit hardest in schools and among young people. Field trips to museums often mark a child’s first encounter with art, science, or history in a tangible, memorable way. Without that exposure, many kids might never find the spark that leads to a passion for history, art, or science. It’s not always what’s on the walls or behind the glass, it’s how those exhibits inspire questions, conversations, and imagination.
Art, and the access to art, saves lives every single day. I’m reminded of an interview I once saw with actor Bill Murray, where he shared an experience that illustrates this truth. At one of the lowest points in his life, Murray found himself on the verge of suicide. In a moment of despair, he wandered into the Art Institute of Chicago. There, he stood in front of a painting, The Song of the Lark by Jules Breton. The image depicts a young woman working in a field, with the first light of morning rising behind her. She doesn’t appear to have much, yet the sun still rises for her. Murray described seeing that painting and thinking, “Well, there’s a girl who doesn’t have a whole lot of prospects, but the sun’s coming up anyway, and she’s got another chance at it.” That painting convinced him to keep going. It gave him hope. It saved his life. This is the power of art. It speaks when nothing else can.
The economic and social toll would be pretty significant, too. Museums and libraries provide jobs, not only for curators and librarians but for support staff, educators, security, and maintenance workers. They also drive tourism, bringing visitors from all around to experience Kentucky’s unique stories. Without these institutions, Louisville’s tourism appeal would shrink, local businesses would lose traffic, and an entire ecosystem of arts and culture would begin to crumble.
In short, a Louisville without libraries and museums would be a less curious, less connected, less compassionate place. These institutions don’t just educate, they humanize. They remind us of where we’ve been and point us toward where we could go. Without them, we’d still be a city, but we’d be a city with far less heart. And so, I would like to encourage our readers to support and keep these most precious cornerstones of our community in mind, especially as we approach a time in our history when they are being increasingly disregarded and even deemed “unnecessary.”
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
- Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Matt Johnson
“I don’t think of what people would get out of listening to me–I think more about what they get out of being in the space and experiencing music together with people they didn’t know to build something of their own.” With building community at the forefront, JonAnthony Floyed-Jackson connects jazz and music lovers all over Louisville.
In the fifth grade, JonAnthony was drawn to the cool, curvy saxophone when students experimented with the various instruments available. Although too many others in the class had claimed the sax before JonAnthony could, he evaded his teacher’s plans when his father took him shopping and asked him to buy the saxophone for class.
And the rest is history. Playing with different bands and practice groups from Washington, DC to California, JonAnthony found his place in the Louisville jazz scene. “I didn’t connect with it as much until I moved to Louisville. Here, I feel connected to the people I practice with as well as other musicians and the community.” The JonAnthony jazz quintet can be found performing all over town, and they also host the Community Jazz Jam & Potluck at The Monarch each month. “I don’t know if it’s just Kentucky, but the people I’ve met here are mostly welcoming and friendly. When I first moved, I was less talkative and kind of shy. I didn’t know how to meet people, so I started going to music events and realized I can talk about music with people.”
When it comes to inspiration, JonAnthony believes in the power of practice: “It’s therapy. It’s fun and relaxing. That keeps me interested in wanting to learn more and play more.” In addition to his quintet, JonAnthony has secured two other bands: Subtle Changes, a fusion jazz group, and Afrophysicist, an Afrobeats band. “When I first moved here, I started weirdly collecting people. I met a piano player I found on Craigslist. She’s amazing–my favorite piano player in the city. Her husband put a post on Craigslist for her, and she didn’t know about it. Then I got a bass player, drummer, and guitar player, and I ended up with a full quintet. They were like, ‘When are we gonna get gigs?’ And I just thought I was practicing. They keep me in a steady rhythm.” While he mostly plays jazz standards, JonAnthony feeds off his bandmates’ energy. “We’ll have our own creative journey, which’ll totally change the song. We’ll say, ‘Okay, this is a well-known jazz song, but how are we going to change it?’ A couple of guys in my group write songs, and we try to sprinkle those into our sets sometimes.”
JonAnthony started jazz jam sessions in his backyard when outdoor barbecues were one of the few approved COVID activities, an event that has evolved at the Monarch as a donation-based potluck every second and fourth Sunday from 3 pm-6 pm. “I see it a lot–new people come to the jam sessions and exchange numbers. I love to see people connect and get to know each other, and eventually, see them playing together outside of here. I appreciate Mark for allowing us to do the jam sessions here.” Like most events at the Monarch, it’s free listening open to all ages with emphasis on tips to support artists, or just bring food to share at the potluck!
Though JonAnthony is doing his part, he recognizes the work still to be done in supporting jazz. “More jazz events are happening now in Louisville, beyond just NuLu, and musicians are trying to figure out how to get people to come support. Jazz musicians love performing, and we hope that people show up for us. There were a few places that did a lot of jazz that shut down to open up something else where they tried to do jazz, but then they were shut down too. It’s not supporting the venues as much as they should.”
Catch JonAnthony’s quintet during a Foko brunch, at Noble Funk Brewing Company, or perhaps at the airport on Derby!
JOE WOLEK’S LONG JOURNEY HOME
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided
Joe Wolek has fabulously functioned as an artist, photographer and location scout all over the world. Along the way he has worked with the Smithsonian Institute, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, and has exhibited his craft internationally. These days, however, Wolek is primarily concerned with lifting up the combined legacy of fellow free spirits Harlan and Anna Hubbard through the nonprofit organization Payne Hollow on the Ohio.
According to Wolek, who was the only member of his family to be born here in Kentucky, his adventures began in earnest at age 12 when his parents split and his mom “got itching to head west for the California dream.” By his late teens Wolek was sufficiently tuned in to the rambling state of mind and in search of a creative path that would enable this sort of lifestyle for the long haul. In a roundabout way, following a lackluster first year in college and a period of “vagabonding” around Mexico with a camera and a bunch of black & white film, Wolek ended up back in Kentucky taking art classes at the University of Louisville, discovering that’s the area he wanted to pursue most.
More related studies ensued in California, at the state university in San Francisco, after which Wolek ventured down to Los Angeles to earn a graduate degree at CalArts. There, Wolek said, he got way into doing conceptual artwork—primarily photo-based—but also creating video projections, installations, and “other sorts of odds and ends that could pass for art back then.”
Still, Wolek knew he had to also be practical when it came to making ends meet. “For the bread and butter, I got involved in commercial photography as an assistant, and through that discovered that a lotta [sic] work was done out of the studio on location and there were these people that were hired to find these locations, i.e. Location Scouts. That sounded like one hell of a cool thing to do, wandering around discovering and photographing places and getting paid for it.”
For about a dozen years one of Wolek’s go-to clients was Harley-Davidson. “A few times a year they would give a call and say, ‘go to this area of the country for a few weeks and find cool shit.’ They were glorious paid road trips. It was a great way to make a living that allowed me to also do my own photography while I was on the road for them.”
Being a freelancer also allowed for personal passion projects in between commercial gigs. One in particular would forever change Wolek’s life, for the better.
“I received a grant to travel to the Mongolian and Tibetan areas of China, specifically the grassland regions. A couple years before I had done an artist in residency in Omaha, Nebraska at the Bemis Foundation and I got really enthralled with the Great Plains culture, history and nature and did a project via documentary and installation on that. I had discovered a lot of the similarities to the regions in Mongolian and Tibetan steppes. So, I applied for what was called an ‘Adventures in China’ grant and spent nine months photographing and experiencing the hinterlands. It was a life-changing event that solidified my quest to experience and immerse myself in places of difference as much as possible. Additionally—and very serendipitously—I met my Siberian wife in a small border town where Siberia, China and Mongolia all meet.”
After meandering far and wide with his new bride for many, many seasons, Wolek permanently landed back in the Commonwealth not too long ago. This homecoming was prompted, at least in part, by a harrowing escapade while in the midst of a photography endeavor in Argentina. “Shooting alone in the early morning in the picturesque yet rough part of Buenos Aires called La Boca, I was attacked by two kids for my gear,” Wolek explained. “It was pretty extreme and very, very close to the edge. After a long stint of recovery, given the opportunity, I knew I had to look towards a new phase in life.”
That new direction led Wolek back to his Bluegrass beginnings and ultimately to discovering the world of Payne Hollow, the historic Trimble County homestead of Harlan and Anna Hubbard situated on the banks of the Ohio River.
“He [Harlan] was an artist and writer, she [Anna] was a musician, librarian and homemaker extraordinaire, both living off the land around them. I’ve always liked outsider sort of people that just go with their own direction of the wind so it [the Hubbards’ intriguing backstory] grabbed my attention to say the least,” Wolek said.
When a friend of his got the idea of forming a nonprofit to raise funds to purchase, restore, protect and promote the legacy of the place and the Hubbards, Wolek eagerly went along for the ride.
“I’m a founding Board member of Payne Hollow on the Ohio,” Wolek said. “We are an all-volunteer organization with a working Board so we do everything that has to be done around establishing and maintaining a nonprofit and coordinating the work that goes into the place. I’ve been focusing on the restoration efforts in the building. I also liaison with an AmeriCorps NCCC team on site, coordinating and supervising all the projects they perform. Additionally, I handle most of the photo, video, website, and social media needs.”
Wolek, who now owns an adjacent property of his own dubbed “Hollowpayno” couldn’t be happier with his current life and the light he gets to regularly shine on the Hubbards.
“True folks are really hard to come by, especially ones that go to such extremes to live the way they wanna live, focus on what they wanna focus on, and dedicate true effort to what they wanna enjoy. In the age of screens and AI it is not simply a welcome relief from that but indeed a guide for a possible alternative.”
For more information, visit paynehollowontheohio.org
By Chris Morris • Photos provided by Woodford Reserve
Now that Kentucky Derby season is upon us, let us take a break from answering technical questions about Bourbon and focus on a question that I am asked quite often. “Why are Bourbon and horseracing so identified with Kentucky?”
When Woodford Reserve was named the first (and only) Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby in 1999 I was unprepared for some of the questions that this endorsement generated. Questions such as “Why is there an official Bourbon?” among others. To answer questions like this required some research and as I looked through various historical sources the following realization came to light. Once again, the answer proved to be based on time and place.
As the settlement of Kentucky began in the 1770’s, the early pioneers brought two things with them through the Cumberland Gap, small copper stills and horses. Both were needed to survive on the frontier. Both were symbolic of the culture and ancestry (English, Scotch-Irish, Irish, and Welsh) of the settlers flowing into Kentucky.
Thoroughbred horses were introduced to North America by British settlers in the late 17th century. Through its settlement Kentucky became a prime location for their breeding and racing. Kentucky’s limestone-rich soil and climate proved ideal for breeding thoroughbreds, providing the nutrients needed to build strong bones and muscles. The limestone water was rich in calcium and other minerals as well as being iron free. Therefore, it was also the perfect water for crafting great Bourbon.
The early Kentucky settlers often found themselves isolated from their neighbors due to the wide expanse of Kentucky, and the low population density at that time. Therefore, their farms had to be self-sufficient. They not only raised their own food crops but also raised cattle, pigs and of course horses. What most people do not realize is that many of these farms also had a still for making whiskey. So often farmers were both horse breeders and distillers. From the earliest days of Kentucky’s founding Bourbon and thoroughbreds were being developed side by side.
Occasionally social events were held, and these laid the groundwork for our current county fair tradition. As farm families came to their county seat to get news, trade and barter they also brought their horses to race, and of course, their Bourbon to taste. So, from the very beginning horse racing and Bourbon were linked. The first written account of a mint julep cup being presented as a trophy at a horse race was recorded in 1816. This is proof positive that Bourbon, mint juleps, and horse racing have been connected for over 200 years in Kentucky. Those early races were run point-to-point over open country. They were not conducted on oval racetracks; those would be developed later. In Louisville, where horse racing was becoming a popular pastime, it was a common sight to see horses running down Market Street in a race to the finish. Finally, after angry downtown merchants protested this practice, a track was developed. This was when the ties binding horse racing and Bourbon became even stronger. The course that was established circled the Hope Distillery which was located just west of Louisville. Think of that, a racecourse with a Bourbon distillery in the middle!
By the early 1800s horse racing was well established as THE spectator sport throughout Kentucky. Organized competitive horse racing was relatively young when Woodlawn Racecourse was opened in 1859 on the east side of Louisville.
After many years of racing at tracks, like the one at Hope Distillery and Woodlawn, the iconic Churchill Downs opened in 1875 and began to host the Kentucky Derby. James E. Pepper, owner of the distillery that today crafts Woodford Reserve, had two horses in a Kentucky Derby, both finished in fifth place. Seventeen years after the opening of Churchill Downs, his horse “Miss Dixie” won the Kentucky Oaks.
Another whiskey distiller, W.E. Applegate, was a principal shareholder in Churchill Downs. His son, H.C., owned a distillery that produced a bourbon named Old Rosebud. Old Rosebud was also the name of his 1914 Kentucky Derby winner.
Other distillers sold brands named “Kentucky Derby,” “Kentucky Oaks,” “Kentucky Sire,” “Kentucky Stallion,” and others that have proudly trumpeted Kentucky Bourbon’s association with horseracing.
Brown-Forman’s W.L. Lyons Brown, Sr., owned a horse named Fathom who competed in the 1970 Derby. Mr. Brown’s jockey was Diane Crump, the first female jockey to compete in the Derby. In the 1980s Brown-Forman began to supply Churchill Downs with a pre-made mint julep.
Today Brown-Forman’s Derby tradition continues with Woodford Reserve, the “Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby,” and Old Forester’s Mint Julep, the “Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby.” As crown jewels in Kentucky’s illustrious history, the Kentucky Derby and the beloved Bourbon Whiskey of the Bluegrass continue to mature side-by-side and draw international attention to the Commonwealth on the first Saturday in May.
UNBEATABLE PRICES ON BEER, SPIRITS, & WINE!
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.
The most notorious cocktail of May in Kentucky is without argument the mint julep. However, this cocktail is far from limited to an accessory on race day. The julep truly proves to be one of the most refreshing and delightful remedies across all warm weather seasons. Known historically as being a cooling concoction of the American south, the julep has a history dating back long before souvenir glasses made their claim. Juleps, like most cocktails, have been used across cultures as palatable medicinal tonics featuring a combination of various herbs dependent on the ailment being addressed. This month I am delighted to not only share with you the quintessential do’s and don’t’s of this classic, but to introduce a native mint species to make your julep as purely Kentuckian as possible. I have found there to be a sort of polarity when it comes to the level of enthusiasm for this icon. The culprit in division seems to be a matter of execution, which is of no surprise for a drink composed of so few ingredients. There is nowhere for poor technique to hide, and the quality of ingredients is of the utmost importance. As one who has made literally thousands over the years, it makes my mint-loving heart so happy to be able to share best practices based on experience in hopes that you will consider, or reconsider, the julep as a go to for cooling down during our upcoming months well beyond Derby day.
Featured Kentucky Flora: Pycnanthemum muticum (Short Toothed Mountain Mint)
One of the many species of mountain mints native to our state, this variety is easy to find both in the wild as well as garden centers. A must add to your native perennial garden, mountain mint is a gorgeous treat for pollinators as well as your kitchen. Unlike other mints which can be aggressive and take over unless contained, mountain mint will only spread about as wide as it grows tall. Native mints are incredibly low maintenance and hardy, returning every year and respecting the boundaries in which you place them. The flavor and aromatic profile are a bit different than the more familiar varieties of spearmint and peppermint. Mountain mint tends to be less abrasive and intense, offering a smooth, floral, subtly soft mint which works perfectly in a mint julep prepared with a lower proof bourbon.
Featured Kentucky Product: Any Kentucky Bourbon, 80-90 proof
It’s an understatement to note the selection of bourbon brands on the market has exploded in recent years. Even I find the whiskey aisle to be overwhelming nowadays. For this classic cocktail, I would prefer everyone stick to their comfort zone, but with one simple rule: keep the proof at minimum and resist the temptation to pour barrel strength or high ABV spirit into this recipe.
Reason being that this cocktail has gained a reputation of packing quite a punch which has led to aversion. If we are ever to bring back the love for the julep as a warm weather tipple we must do so responsibly, and with only sugar, mint, and water to co-pilot the base spirit, it doesn’t have much in the way of flavor competition. If you have a love affair with a tried and true brand, then that’s the best choice to use. Many of us host out of town folks during this season and introducing them to a bottle which has your household’s loyalty is not only helpful for them to find upon return to their own neighborhoods, but gives a unique experience of your own individual hospitality. Within this article I typically like to highlight pours which are from smaller producers, but they can be hard to find out of state. Don’t shy away from something you already know and love, there is something to be treasured about the consistency and availability of some of the larger scale distillers. Keep in mind, the current state of the world has put some pressure on the export of our native spirit. We can do a great service by also supporting the larger brands at this moment right here at home. Of course if you’ve fallen for a craft expression, that’s wonderful and I fully support it! Just keep the choice for this drink between 80 and 90 proof, as the proportion of spirit in this particular build is generous.
Mountain Mint Julep
• 2.5 oz 80-90 proof Kentucky Bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup (1 part water : 1 part sugar)
• 8-10 mint leaves, removed from the stem
• 2-3 sprigs of mint, for garnish
Directions: Combine first three ingredients in a mixing glass. Using a flat bottomed muddler, gently press down on the mint leaves and twist. Once you see the leaves have endured some bruising (you will notice dark patches where the leaves have been crushed) resist the temptation to keep pulverizing and stop. Depending on your aim, this could be 5-6 presses. Strain the mixture into a cup of firmly packed crushed ice. Using a bar spoon, swizzle the handle between the palms of your hands as though you were trying to start a fire with sticks, pulling the spoon up and down through the ice as you go. Swizzle until the ice melts down to meet the level of liquid. Top with additional crushed ice to fill the glass or julep cup. Garnish with additional mint sprigs.
Technique is everything
Here’s where the making of a julep can go awry. I cannot emphasize these tried and true methods enough as they are what will make or break your homemade julep result. Over muddling the mint or using a toothed/rough bottomed muddler can yield a bitter flavor. Those particular types are best suited for muddling fruits. The goal is to bruise, not puree.
With regard to the mint, the care of this focus ingredient is key. Keep fresh mint in the refrigerator, loosely wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel, in a bag or container. Do not let your mint come in contact with ice packs or ice cubes in storage as you will burn the leaves and they will turn purple and wilt. Wilted and flaccid mint is not our friend in this recipe. Not to mention a perky and vibrant garnish is the penultimate welcome to each sip. A frequently overlooked step in the preparation is the release of the aromatic oils in the leaves of the garnish sprigs. To release these, gently slap the sprigs on the back of your hand before placing them in the glass. This ensures a waft of crisp, cool mint aroma everytime the imbiber visits the straw.
Shaking and stirring are more familiar methods when it comes to crafting a cocktail, however with this build the aeration and excessive dilution are not necessary. Not to mention you may overwork the leaves if shaken with ice. Following the steps to construct the drink in its serving vessel with crushed ice will yield the exact temperature and dilution necessary for balance. There are many sources of crushed/ pellet ice in bulk, but you can easily crush your own using your muddler. Simply wrap whole ice cubes in a lint free towel and smash liberally.
Straining the mixture helps lock in the gentle mint oil and avoids any particulate that may end up in your teeth. Keeping the mint leaves in the drink leads to over bruising as well as straw clogging.
Would you like a straw? Actually… yes.
The over use of plastic straws has reached a point of no return, and where we can avoid them we should of course, but for this recipe rest easy knowing it’s a crucial part of the experience. Insert the straw into the cocktail next to the mint garnish to capture the aromatics as you sip. If there was ever a drink that can shamelessly maintain its inclusion of a straw, it’s the julep. Crushed ice cocktails function best with this method, and the drinking straw as we know it today was actually born out of use in this exact drink.
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 Alisha Proffitt • Photos by Kathryn Harrington • Editorial Feature Sponsored by Laura Rice Lenihan Sotheby’s Realtors
KMAC Couture 2025 went full throttle this year, pulling in nearly 100 artists who didn’t blink at the idea of bad luck. The theme: Lucky #13. Held April 19 under a stretch of white tents on Main Street, the runway carved right through downtown Louisville and drew in the city’s most style-savvy, art-hungry crowd.
KMAC Couture: Art Walks the Runway is a wearable art runway show and the signature fundraiser for KMAC Contemporary Art Museum. 2025 was the 13th edition of the much-anticipated event and celebrated with a curatorial theme asking artists to use “Lucky #13” as the inspiration for their looks. 99 artists (including 20 high school students) participated, creating 82 looks that walked the runway and 8 designs in the cocktail tent. The artists didn’t hold back.
Somewhere between the exploding mirrors, the dragon-scaled bodysuits, and the glowing maneki-neko headpiece that looked like it could summon wealth from another dimension, it hit us: KMAC Couture 2025 was a fashion-fueled explosion of creativity, and we were lucky (pun intended) to be in the blast radius. Louisville’s most electrifying art runway show didn’t tiptoe around superstition. All of the artists brought their A-game, some local legends, others fresh chaos agents ready to make their mark. The theme opened the floodgates for designs drenched in folklore, ritual, and unapologetic weirdness.
Looks were inspired by symbols of luck from every corner of the globe. Roman goddesses, Chinese dragons, Egyptian ankhs, four-leaf clovers, rabbit’s feet. It was a fever dream filtered through tulle, vinyl, and raw artistic genius.
The crowd? Draped in white, neutral tones, trying not to steal the spotlight from the runway, but failing, gloriously. Louisville’s finest showed out. The energy under the tent was electric, shoulderto-shoulder with creators, collectors, museum patrons, and the locals who’ve been holding Louisville’s art scene together for decades.
And when the final model let out a scream and vanished behind the curtain, the party didn’t end. The museum became a playground. Artists toasted with patrons, and everyone basked in the afterglow of an absolutely phenomenal show.
The show certainly cast a spell on us at the VOICE-TRIBUNE, and so we asked, “How can fans of KMAC support its mission?”
“WE NEED YOUR HELP!
If you believe in and enjoy celebrating creativity, please consider partnering with us by investing in the work of the Museum. Arts and cultural institutions are important to our community. Any amount you are able to give helps us continue to provide artistic experiences like this everyday!
If KMAC Couture is your starting point with us, we invite you to take part in the dynamic exhibitions and programming that the Museum offers. Again, thank you for your support and we hope to see you again soon.”
The VOICE-TRIBUNE is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Best Dressed! In an inspired partnership, VOICE-TRIBUNE is aligning this iconic event with WAGS Pet Therapy of Kentucky, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the healing power of pet therapy.
In the past, Best Dressed has been a staple in the Louisville fashion and social scene, attracting the city’s most stylish and influential personalities to celebrate the art of fashion while supporting meaningful causes. This year’s event will not only showcase local fashion and entertainment, but will also shine a spotlight on WAGS Pet Therapy a nonprofit that has spent over 25 years bringing comfort, companionship, and therapeutic benefits to those in need through specially trained pet therapy teams.
Founded in 1998 by Linda Laun and Sharon Gretsinger, WAGS (Wonderful Animals Giving Support) began with a simple yet powerful mission: to harness the innate ability of animals to bring joy and healing to those experiencing physical, emotional, or mental hardships. Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach, now serving 31 JCPS schools, the JCPS Crisis Response Team, 10 hospitals throughout Kentuckiana, 27 senior care facilities, 107 special community events, and even an airport. WAGS regularly provides its services to 115 different facilities in Kentuckiana, some as often as once a week, and averages well over 200 visits each month in our community.
WAGS operates with an all-volunteer team, boasting over 300 members and 90 active pet therapy teams. These dedicated teams have logged over 5,600 visiting hours in the past year alone, providing comfort and companionship to thousands across the Kentuckiana region. The organization ensures that every therapy pet and handler undergoes rigorous training, bonding, and evaluation processes to maintain the highest safety and effectiveness standards.
Photos By Leigh Photography
The return of Best Dressed is currently in the works, with proceeds directly supporting WAGS’ expansion efforts. The evening will feature a runway showcase of cutting-edge local fashion, while also paying tribute to WAGS’ four-legged ambassadors.
“Best Dressed has always been about more than just fashion,” says event organizers. “It’s about making a real impact in our community. This year, we’re honored to support WAGS and their incredible work in bringing comfort and companionship to those who need it most.”
With 17 additional facilities on the waitlist for pet therapy visits, the funds raised at Best Dressed will help WAGS train and register more pet therapy teams, and expand outreach even more ensuring that more people benefit from these invaluable interactions. From children in schools to patients in hospitals, the presence of a therapy pet can provide immeasurable joy and relief.
Stay tuned for ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and additional details on how you can be part of this extraordinary evening.
For more information on WAGS and how you can support their mission, visit kywags.org
A CONVERSATION WITH ARTIST ALYX MCCLAIN
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided
Alyx McClain is a painter, sculptor, and graffiti artist living and working in Louisville, KY. He is an alumnus of the Kentucky College of Art + Design who has always appreciated lettering, skateboarding, and album art, among other things. His distinctive work is featured on the sides of buildings, as well as in prominent private art collections, all across town. We recently caught up with the enigmatic practicioner for a quick look backwards and forwards.
VOICE-TRIBUNE: What put you on the creative path in the first place?
Alyx McClain: “Probably learning cursive in 3rd grade. I’ve always thought that creative people were so interesting. There are so many different ways to get to the end result. I love the endless possibilities. I’ve never really been a ‘Rules’ kind of guy.”
VT: Are there any specific artists that inspired you or that you wanted to emulate or, alternatively, were there any that you knew you didn’t want to be like?
AM: “Artists like James Turrell are a huge inspiration to me. Using the environment to your advantage is such an attractive concept to me. It’s always something I am thinking about whether it’s a commercial painting, a graffiti piece, or a sculpture. I always am thinking just as much about how it will interact with its surroundings as the work itself.”
VT: These questions are interrelated. How would you describe your visual art in general? Is there a medium/genre/area of research that excites you?
AM: “I think 95% of my work right now comes from either fabrication or a commercial painting skillset. The tools used in both these fields have so many different applications that I can’t help but play with them in the studio. Airless sprayers and aerial equipment are the coolest to me. It’s like a giant brush or spraycan! I’ve operated a hand painted sign and mural business named Slugger City Signs in Louisville for nearly 10 years. I love this work, but my passion has really been in the woodshop recently. In that realm, I’ve made some tables for local breweries and distilleries [including Rabbit Hole and Trellis] and I have painted murals on their properties as part of the deal.”
VT: When and why did you get into graffiti? Can you tell us about your involvement in the 2Buck Invitational?
AM: “I’ve been painting for 15 or 16 years now. It’s crazy to think it’s been that long. Graffiti showed me community, passion, and drive like I had never seen. And working with it has taught me so much about the world, and pushed me to see as much as I could. Now, some friends and I all help organize an event for artists to repaint walls throughout the city. We renamed it the 2Buck Invitational in honor of a friend that was very special to us and the graffiti world, who was a Louisville native. We just became a nonprofit organization recently and we are very excited to expand our projects this year. If anyone wanst to know how to help us brighten up the city, check out www.2buckinvitational.com and leave a message.”
VT: You’ve accomplished quite a lot already. What are your hopes for the future?
AM: I hope to begin an MFA program in the next year or so. Other than that, it’s travel, travel, travel for me. Seeing the world is probably the most important thing to me besides working in the studio or on a particular project.
VT: Last question. In this day and age, and at this point in your career, how do you measure success as an artist?
AM: “That’s a good question. I would say as long as you’re doing something that you love, something that’s very special to you, you’re winning. Past that, if you can make a living off of whatever you do, I would call that success.”
Lovers of moonlight and still streets may have a new stop in the everlasting quest for more content. A podcast was launched, with a focus on media of the undead variety. Vampire podcasts are sinking their teeth into the podcasting world. Titled “Vamp Chat,” the show has recently wrapped its second season and has quickly become a favorite among both casual listeners and die-hard fans of the vampire genre.
Hosts Dan Klefstad and Eva Vertrice, authors and aficionados, met at an October 2023 joint book signing. “Within five minutes we were saying to each other we have to co-host a show,” Dan states of their first introduction. “The crazy thing is we jumped in this.” Eva recounted the experience of beginning the podcast. It premiered a year later in October 2024, and was originally intended to go to Halloween. By popular demand, a second season was produced.
Listeners of Vamp Chat are treated to a diverse array of topics. Each episode is thoughtfully curated to provide a balance between education and entertainment, ensuring that listeners come away with both newfound knowledge and a sense of delight. Segments range from explorations of ancient vampire legends, starting with interviews with experts such as Ve Neill, Dacre Stoker and P.C. Cast, and discussions on how these mythical beings have influenced literature and pop culture. They often analyze popular vampire themes in history, offering critiques and reflections on how these themes shape our beliefs about vampires in a segment named “Fanged Folklore”. For followers, this intersection is fascinating and highlights our ever-evolving relationship with the supernatural. Typically topping off with movie and television reviews, with a drop of blood rating from 1 to 20. The dynamic duo’s ability to blend humor with horror and their knack for uncovering hidden gems in vampire lore make every episode a thrilling adventure into the unknown.
Beyond the captivating content, the podcast’s success is also attributed to the chemistry between its hosts. Listeners feel a connection not only to the material but also to the vibrant personalities behind the mic. Dan and Eva infuse each episode with a sense of authenticity that is hard to replicate. Their passion for the genre is palpable, and they often share personal anecdotes and insights that deepen the connection with their audience. Their engaging discussions and thoughtful insights, combined with the sometimes unintended but often hilarious moments, make Vamp Chat a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the allure of the night.
Whether unraveling the mysteries of vampiric lore or dissecting the latest vampire-centric media, Dan and Eva ensure that their audience stays spellbound. With every new episode, Vamp Chat continues to elevate the experience of exploring the shadowy realms of the undead, solidifying its place as a beacon for vampire mavens everywhere.
Stay tuned for Season 3, available on many platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Podbean, YouTube, and vampchatwithdanandeva.com
Catch Dan and Eva at Louisville Horror Con June 7-8, 2025, and The Imaginarium July 18-20, 2025. Pick up Dan’s book, Fiona’s Guardians, and Eva’s book, A Fury, both available on Amazon. Keep an eye out for Eva’s upcoming book, A Hellish Fury, later this year.
FILMMAKERS BRING BIG SCREEN AMBITION TO KENTUCKY WITH BOLD NEW THRILLER HOSTAGE
By Alisha Proffitt • Photos Provided
Kentucky native and filmmaker Drew Ingram has wrapped production on Hostage, a feature film born from a long-time creative partnership with Italian director Luca Elmi and brought to life here in Kentucky. The two met on the film festival circuit over 12 years ago and stayed in touch, producing two short films together, Roman Citizen and Hyena. Originally based on an Italian script, Hostage is a political thriller, centering around a rising politician entangled in a complex hostage situation. Ingram rewrote the screenplay to reflect an American context that naturally found its home here in Kentucky. Louisville and Frankfort provided the perfect visual and narrative backdrop, and the team utilized iconic locations like the old, decommissioned Courier-Journal building and Scottish Rite Theater.
“When we first started discussing the film, Luca was adamant that it be small in scale: few locations, minimal cast, tight and contained. Unfortunately for him, I didn’t quite listen. I expanded the world, the cast, and the thematic scope, something he still gives me grief about,” Ingram quipped. “But in the process, the story became distinctly American, both in tone and in context. That shift actually played to Luca’s strengths; he’s incredibly well-versed in American cinema and has a deep affection for it, so the final version still resonated strongly with him.”
Hostage reverberates the growing momentum of Kentucky’s film industry. Over the past 10–15 years, the state has evolved from a region with a passionate but inexperienced crew base into a serious player with professional-grade talent. Today, Kentucky crews are seasoned, reliable, and capable of delivering high-quality work that rivals productions in more traditional hubs like Atlanta or Los Angeles. However, the physical infrastructure (including soundstages, equipment rental houses, and postproduction facilities) is still catching up. Independent productions like Hostage often rely on creative workarounds, but the need for permanent infrastructure is becoming more urgent as production volume increases.
“The majority of Hostage was shot in the old Courier-Journal building in downtown Louisville. While there are ongoing plans from several groups to develop soundstages in Kentucky, the reality is that, outside of LEX Studios in Lexington, there are currently no true soundstage facilities in the state. So, like many independent productions, we got creative,” Ingram shared. “The Courier-Journal building, which is now owned by an out-of-state investment firm, proved to be an ideal solution. It offers over 300,000 square feet of industrial space, multi-use areas, and several floors of decommissioned office environments. Gus Van Sant’s Deadman’s Wire had recently shot there, and when we scouted it, we saw the same potential. We essentially treated the building as a soundstage, building multiple sets inside, taking advantage of the acoustically isolated spaces, and housing our production offices there for the duration of the shoot. It became our de facto basecamp and creative headquarters.”
Stagmoor Studios, the company behind Hostage, aims to be a major player in Kentucky’s next chapter in film. Led by Drew Ingram, an entrepreneur with both creative passion and business expertise, the studio is committed to sustainable, locally rooted filmmaking. Their upcoming series Blackstone, which explores the Coal Wars, demonstrates their mission: to tell authentic Kentucky stories with Kentucky crews and talent. Inspired by Peter Jackson’s transformation of New Zealand into a filmmaking hub, the team hopes to do the same for their home state.
“One of my filmmaking heroes has always been Peter Jackson. There are many reasons for that, but two in particular resonate deeply with me. First, he turned New Zealand into a character in his films. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit weren’t just stories set in Middle-earth; they were love letters to his homeland. And second, he used those films to help build a sustainable film industry in New Zealand, both creatively and economically. I see Kentucky through a similar lens. This is a state with enormous narrative potential, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty,” shared Ingram. “We have towering mountain ranges, vast lakes, bustling cities, rolling farmland, and some of the deepest cave systems in the world. There’s so much texture here. And beyond the visuals, we have stories of national consequence. Stories that shaped labor, politics, and identity in this country; like the Coal Wars, which we’re exploring in Blackstone.”
“Too often, Kentucky is used as a cinematic stand-in for someplace else; Louisville doubling for Chicago, or our rural areas pretending to be parts of the Ozarks. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but it’s not my mission,” Ingram expanded.
“I’m a proud Kentuckian. My family roots in this state go back to the pre–Civil War era, and I feel a responsibility to tell stories that are authentically rooted in this place. With Stagmoor Studios, our long-term vision is to produce a body of work that is proudly Kentuckian, stories born from this land, told by its people, and captured by local crews and talent whenever possible. We want to show the world what this state really looks like, and what it’s capable of.”
The film industry in Kentucky is still young, but it’s full of promise. With each production, the ecosystem strengthens, creating jobs, developing talent, and drawing national attention. If Hostage can help prove that compelling, commercially viable films can be made because they’re shot in Kentucky, not in spite of it, then it will have played a meaningful role in the state’s cinematic rise.
As for the future of film in Kentucky? Ingram leaves us with this- “It might be cliché, but I believe it, a rising tide lifts all boats. I’m rooting for every single film that chooses to shoot in Kentucky. Every production company, every post house, every grip and electric team, every independent soundstage trying to get off the ground. I want to see them all succeed. I’m rooting for the lawmakers and state officials who are working to fine-tune the Kentucky film incentive so that it remains competitive, supports local crew, and ultimately delivers a meaningful return for the state. And I’m cheering for the universities and small colleges that are investing in film programs and helping grow the next generation of Kentucky filmmakers. Because the truth is, there’s no silver bullet for building a thriving film industry. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes a collective, consistent effort, one that happens project by project, job by job, year over year. My preacher used to say, ‘Do for one what you wish you could do for many.’ That’s something I hold onto.”
Photo By Brianna Garofalo
ANNOUNCE
AND UPCOMING WEDDING AT SPEED ART MUSEUM
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Briana Young Photography, Brianna Garofalo & Madison Marie Films
Love stories often begin in the most unexpected ways, and for Peyton and Alex, it all started on the campus of Centre College. What began as a friendship during Peyton’s first week of college (Alex was her orientation leader) quickly grew into something deeper. Five years later, on a Fourth of July afternoon, Alex got down on one knee on the golf course of Hurstbourne Country Club and asked Peyton to marry him. The proposal was full of surprises, including a celebration afterward with their closest family and friends. Peyton said it was more than she could have dreamed.
Now, the happy couple is thrilled to share the news of their engagement and their upcoming wedding, which will take place on September 20, 2025, at the Speed Art Museum—a date made even more meaningful by the fact that it also marks Peyton’s grandparents’ 64th wedding anniversary.
Both born and raised in Louisville, Peyton and Alex are proud members of the community. Peyton, a Sacred Heart Academy alum, went on to graduate cum laude from Centre College in 2022 before enrolling at the University of Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law. She’ll earn her Juris Doctor on May 11, 2025, and will be joining her father at Gray Law, PLLC, where she’ll represent plaintiffs in medical malpractice and personal injury cases.
Alex attended Louisville Collegiate before graduating summa cum laude from Centre in 2020. After starting his career in finance at GE Appliances, he moved into commercial real estate, where he now works as a broker with CBRE. When he’s not closing deals, you might find him telling jokes on stage at Louisville Comedy Club or The Comedy Caravan, he’s been performing stand-up for three years.
The couple shares a love for food, laughter, and family. They’re self-declared foodies with a fondness for local favorites like Enso, Nami, and Paseo. Peyton, a former competitive dancer, is excited to hit the dance floor with Alex and all their loved ones at the reception, where the band Burning Las Vegas will keep the celebration alive well into the night.
The wedding planning process hasn’t been without its challenges, especially when it comes to narrowing down the guest list. “We have so many people we love,” Peyton says, “and it’s hard not to be able to invite everyone.” Still, the couple is pouring their hearts into the details, designing a bright and elegant wedding filled with joyful florals in hues of orange, yellow, pink, and purple—a palette inspired by Peyton’s vibrant spirit and the happiness she feels marrying her best friend.
As they continue to celebrate their engagement with intentional date nights and everyday moments, Peyton and Alex are soaking in this once-in-a-lifetime chapter. “We say it all the time,” Peyton shares, “This is the only Valentine’s Day, the only birthday, the only Christmas we’ll ever celebrate as fiancés.”
Photo By Brianna Garofalo
Photo By Briana Young Photography
Photos
In Memory of Edwin Hampton Perry
March 9, 2025
Edwin Hampton Perry, 94, died peacefully at The Enclave of East Louisville, on March 9, 2025.
Ed was born and raised in Louisville, having graduated from Male High School, the University of Louisville, and what is now UofL’s Brandeis School of Law, working his way through UofL in the claims department of Yellow Cab (and no, he never drove a cab). After receiving his Master’s in Tax Law from New York University, he returned to Louisville and joined the firm where he would practice law nearly all of his career.
Ed was a lawyer with Greenebaum, Doll and McDonald (now Denton’s Bingham Greenebaum), where he practiced tax and employee benefits, corporate, and mergers and acquisitions law. He joined the firm in 1964 working with founding partner Samuel Greenebaum and A. Robert Doll to grow the firm from a then six partner law firm to one of the largest and most prominent tax and corporate law firms in Kentucky.
Ed was tasked in the mid 1970’s with chairing and building the firm’s corporate and mergers and acquisitions practice. In that role, he recruited and mentored many of the firm’s top corporate lawyers, who teamed with Ed and admired his deal-making skills, along with his acumen on the golf course. Under Ed’s leadership, Ed and his protégés crisscrossed the country doing high level legal transactions, building the firm’s M&A practice to national prominence, and attracting and representing many US and international clients.
Ed loved the law and demanded excellence of himself and from the lawyers around him. His admonition to those representing the firm’s clients in M&A transactions was straightforward: “Negotiate well, and do the deal. That’s what clients want and expect of their lawyers.” Ed was regarded by clients and lawyers alike as an illustrious member of the legal profession and a superb negotiator. His name has appeared in the ‘Big Deals’ column of the American Lawyer magazine and he was selected to Best Lawyers in America for over 25 years.
Community service was an integral part of Ed’s professional and retirement life. After the 1974 tornado, he with two friends created Trees, Inc., which planted thousands of trees in Louisville to help restore the tree canopy after the devastation of the tornado. In the 1980s, he was the first president of Scenic Kentucky, Inc., raising awareness of the inundation of billboards across Kentucky, and sat on its board for many years. He was one of the founders of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, developing a public/private partnership to restore and rejuvenate Frederick Law Olmsted’s historic park designs across the city. He served as its second President and board member for many years. He was a long-time Trustee of River Fields, Inc., and an active promoter of its mission.
Ed would count among his personal high marks a motorcycle trip to LA on Route 66. He and his wife K. traveled extensively over their nearly fifty-year marriage. There were annual trips to the farm in France, many trips to Europe (including cooking school in Italy), Russia, China, Turkey, Egypt (in time for a revolution), Peru and Thailand.
Ed was fortunate enough to travel on many golf outings to Ireland and Scotland. In Louisville, he spent time on the golf course at Harmony Landing and Valhalla, having won the Harmony Landing Club Championship three times (and birdied #16 at Cypress Point).
After his retirement in 2000, Ed began volunteering with an Urban League program at Shawnee Golf Course that introduced golf to youth in underserved communities. He worked diligently to raise the funds to merge that program with The First Tee, a national organization that taught golf as a way of introducing Life Skills and Core Values through the game. In 2005, Louisville became the 200th First Tee chapter. Ed remained as President for 13 years. Today, First Tee continues to make an impact on underserved youth.
He was preceded in death by his father Edwin Perry, his mother Katherine Hampton Perry Harrison, his brother John Gray Perry, and his grandson, Samuel R. Pardue.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Shaver; daughters Anita Brooke Perry Pardue (Tom), Elizabeth Perry Spalding (Jon); brother James Harrison; grandchildren Elizabeth Harris (Cameron), Matthew Pardue (Helena), and Skye Spalding; and two great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Elaine Harris.
Funeral Service was held on Monday, March 24,2025 at Pearson’s 149 Breckenridge Lane.
It was Ed’s request that expressions of sympathy or memorial gifts be made to The First Tee of Louisville or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
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Starting off this column strong, I am currently sitting in a hospital bed taking a breathing treatment for a super fun spur-ofthe-moment asthma attack. Honestly, what better time to write a society column? As soon as I felt the wheezes coming on, I thought to myself, “This is the absolute most inconvenient and frustrating time for this to happen.” To give you context, my lungs like to give me a run for my money for at least several days after an attack. I am in the THICK of my favorite Derby season shenanigans. So, hopefully, by the time y’all read this, I’ll have been able to get back on the horse (you know I love puns) and cover those Derby events we all know and love. Also, to see the best of our Derby coverage, make sure to be on the lookout for our Derby Wrap-Up Issue that will be out mid-May!
Speaking of May, I hope you all are ready for some wonderful springtime events. Things tend to quiet down just a smidge while everyone catches their breath after the whirlwind that is Derby, but there are still plenty of great things to do and see in our wonderful city throughout May! And of course, I have a few recommendations for those of you interested.
If you’re looking to have some fun in the sun, I’ve got several great events for you. First up is the International Food Truck Festival on May 10th at the Big Four Bridge, where you can diversify your palate with foods from cultures all over the world. There is also the bonus that it’s free to enter the event! Next up, we’ve got the Old Louisville Spring Fest on May 17 at the Toonerville Trolley Park. Spring Fest is Old Louisville’s biggest springtime festival and neighborhood market, and is always FREE and open to the public! If you’re looking to do some shopping for great art and vintage items, check out Fleur de Flea Outdoor Market on May 24 on the Great Lawn. With over 200 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vinyls, and more, you’re sure to find that perfect something, or many somethings, to take home with you.
If music is what you’re after, I’ve got you covered there too. And with the weather being cooperative, it’s finally festival time! Starting off strong, we’ve got Abbey Road on the River right over in Jeffersonville from May 22-26. Beatles fans have flocked to this festival since 2002, and it’s always such a fun time with great music, food, and vendors. On this side of the river, we’ve got the Roots Revue Festival in the Paristown Arts District that’ll feature some absolutely phenomenal bluegrass acts, including The Seldom Scene, Sam Bush Band, Mama Said String Band, and more!
With so many options to choose from, I know y’all are bound to have a fun month. Don’t forget to check out our online calendar for even more!
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