This month has been a season of birth, renewal, and letting go.
I want to extend my best wishes to my former business partners in Today’s Voice as they begin new chapters, JP Davis in Texas as he steps into a CEO role, and Tawana Bain as she refocuses her leadership of ACRG in Nevada and Colorado. As for me, I’m focusing on what I care about most: you, our community, and celebrating your city, your story, your VOICE.
It has also been an unforgettable time personally. Just two days before Best Dressed Kentucky, I had the privilege of standing by my twin sister’s side as she welcomed her daughter, Maxine, into the world. Witnessing that moment was beyond magical, not gross, just magical, and meeting my new best friend brought me to tears.
Amidst all of this joy and change, it was an incredible honor to bring Best Dressed back this year, this time with new energy, new ideas, and even a dog fashion show, opening it up to the entire state of Kentucky. With the help of all our sponsors! And a special thanks to J. Michaels for stepping up and helping with so much more than just hair and makeup! Thank you also to all of our team members, especially Brylea Peach and Mary Zoeller, who went above and beyond to make this event happen! What a beautiful reminder that life, much like fashion, is about transformation, creativity, and celebrating what we share together.
And that spirit of transformation runs through this volume.
As Kentucky shifts into autumn, we celebrate what defines this season: the warmth of bourbon, the richness of fall fashion, and the strength of community. Bourbon, our state’s “liquid gold,” is not only poured but also woven into art, history, and identity. From Jason Cohen’s reinvention of spent barrels into stunning works of art to Peggy Noe Stevens and Bourbon Women expanding opportunity for women across the industry, to the upcoming event Art of Bourbon auction at the Speed Museum raising millions for culture, bourbon proves itself more than a drink; it’s a heritage and a connector.
Our Fall Fashion spread, Sake Dreams, Autumn Noir, styled by Cleo Heine, captures the beauty of seasonal change through earthy layers and striking hues, set against the bohemian and edgy backdrop of Sake a Gogo. In collaboration with Kevin Grangier, we showcased how fashion transforms an evening into an unforgettable night out.
We honor legacies this month, Sallie Bingham, whose literary voice and philanthropic impact shaped Kentucky and beyond, and Rahaman Ali, whose unwavering devotion to his brother Muhammad and to the Ali Center embodied love and loyalty.
Our arts and culture features remind us that Louisville’s creativity is boundless: Ellie Ruth Miller’s music that bridges classical, fiddle, and songwriting; Laura Dunn’s films capturing Wendell Berry’s vision; and fashion, music, and art that continue to set Louisville apart.
Sports carry forward that same mix of pressure and promise: Isaac Brown, UofL’s record-breaking running back, faces high expectations for his encore season, while the No. 4 ranked UofL volleyball team launches the Meske era, chasing another national title.
EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR www.LouisvilleCalendar.com
• Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown) – Tastings and heritage celebrations featuring 60+ distilleries (dates TBA).
• Art of Bourbon (Speed Art Museum) – Annual bourbon auction and fundraiser (Sept 18).
• Yew Dell’s Twilight in the Garden – Magical evening with lights, music, and community in the gardens (Sept 19) (my personal favorite).
Late September
• NuLu Fest (East Market Street) – Neighborhood block party (target date: Sept 26). Here’s to bourbon in our glass, layers in our closets, and community at the center of all we do.
Cheers to the many VOICEs of Louisville
Amelia Frazier Theobald Publisher & CEO, The VOICE-TRIBUNE
EDITOR’S NOTE
A Season for the Senses
Bourbon and autumn share a similar dialect. Both arrive with depth of character and layers. Bourbon with its smoke, oak, spice, and sweetness. Fall with the sharp air of cold foggy mornings, the scent of turning leaves, the comfort of something simmering on the stove top.
Our fall fashion feature, photographed at Sake A Gogo, abides by that same idea of layered experience (per usual, the pun is intended). Inspired by the shadows and textures of neo-noir filmography and autumn’s natural color palette, this collection pairs well with the mood bourbon sets this time of year. And while not everyone prefers to raise a glass of whiskey, the invitation is the same: savor the season, whatever your pour may be; bourbon, cider, tea, or simply toast to the season itself.
How many stories can live inside a single season or a single glass? We here at the VOICE are determined to find out.
Take care,
Alisha Proffitt Chief Director of Editorial & Editor
PRESIDENT/CEO, AMELIA FRAZIER THEOBALD
OPERATIONS MANAGER, MARY ZOELLER
CHIEF DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL & EDITOR, ALISHA PROFFITT
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER & DIRECTOR OF SALES, JULIE KOENIG
CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER, JOSH ISON
COPY EDITOR, RENAE ISON
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, BRYLEA PEACH
DISTRIBUTION, KELLI & RAGAN VAN HECKE, JILL & JOHN MINNIX
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ALISON CARDOZA, ALISHA PROFFITT, ANTONIO PANTOJA, CHRIS MORRIS, JACKIE ZYKAN, KATHRYN HARRINGTON, KEITH L. RUNYON, KELSEY KNOTT, KEVIN MURPHY WILSON, RENAE ISON, RUSS BROWN
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: BINGHAM FAMILY, BOURBON WOMEN, GIOIA PATTON, JACKIE ZYKAN, JUSTINS’ HOUSE OF BOURBON, KEVIN SIVAKUMAR, MUHAMMAD ALI CENTER, SPEED ART MUSEUM, UOFL ATHLETICS
Kelsey Knott
Vampires Were in Fashion: The Wallflowers’
Dylan talks music, film, and art
108
The Peace of Wild Things: Filmmaker Laura Dunn takes another look at Wendell Berry
By Kevin Murphy Wilson
Photos Provided 112
A Beautiful Nightmare: The power of giving to your community
A Blended Family, A Unified Home: Inside a 9,500-Square-Foot Masterpiece
Photos By Matt Johnson
By Antonio Pantoja 122
Twilight in the Garden
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos By Kathryn Harrington 116
Bring on the Energy! Powerhouse Classes at Baptist Milestone
By Alison Cardoza
Meske era starts for U of L volleyball with No. 4 Cards seeking another ring
By RUSS BROWN Photos By UofL Athletics
Photos by Matt Johnson 132
In Memory of Sallie Bingham, Acclaimed Writer and Philanthropist
By Keith L. Runyon
138 Kathryn Harringtons Society
In Memory of Rahaman Ali
By Muhammad Ali Center
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Cards’ running back Isaac Brown feeling pressure for encore after big rookie year
By RUSS BROWN
Photos By UofL Athletics
LOUISVILLE CALENDAR
THANK YOU TO SPONSORS
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos Provided
For bourbon lovers, collectors, and casual sippers alike, September 18 marks a date worth circling in bold on the calendar. That’s when the Speed Art Museum hosts its annual Art of Bourbon auction, an event that has become nothing short of iconic in the world of whiskey. Now in its eighth year, the auction combines rare bourbon, spirited bidding, and a good cause, raising more than $2 million for the Speed since 2018.
A CONVERSATION WITH JUSTINS’ HOUSE OF BOURBON
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos Provided By Justins’ House of Bourbon
Bourbon has long been synonymous with Kentucky, but in recent years, a pair of entrepreneurs has added a new twist to how the spirit is collected, shared, and experienced. In 2018, Justin Sloan and Justin Thompson opened Justins’ House of Bourbon in Lexington, followed by a second location in Louisville the next year. Blending retail with education and tastings, the stores have become destinations for both long-time collectors and first-time enthusiasts. We spoke with Sloan and Thompson about the origins of Justins’ House of Bourbon, the impact of Kentucky’s vintage spirit laws, and their vision for bourbon’s future.
VOICE-TRIBUNE: Can you share a little bit about Justins’ House of Bourbon and its history?
Justins’ House of Bourbon: We opened our flagship store in Lexington in 2018, followed by our Louisville location in 2019. From the beginning, our goal has been to showcase the rich history of bourbon while giving people access to some of the rarest and most collectible bottles in the world. Each of our locations combines the retail experience with a tasting bar, allowing guests to explore and sample what we believe to be the largest selection of bourbon in the world. At its core, Justins’ House of Bourbon is about connecting people to the stories behind the spirits, whether you’ve been collecting bourbon for years or are just starting your journey.
VT: What inspired the creation of Justins’ House of Bourbon in 2018, and how did the founders’ backgrounds influence its direction?
JHB: The House of Bourbon grew out of our shared passion for bourbon. Justin Sloan spent nearly a decade as a collector, building both knowledge and an exceptional collection of rare and vintage bottles. Justin Thompson co-founded The Bourbon Review magazine in 2008, the first publication dedicated to the Bourbon Lifestyle. The combination of distinct insights—Sloan’s focus on rarity and provenance with Thompson’s storytelling and industry insight—helped shape the House of Bourbon into a destination for curated tastings, educational experiences, and an unrivaled collection of bourbon.
VT: How did the partnership between the founders evolve from bourbon collecting to co-founding both the House of Bourbon and The Bourbon Review?
JHB: We first connected through our shared passion for collecting rare and vintage bourbon, traveling together to distilleries and events across the country. Our personal interests naturally grew into a professional collaboration. Thompson co-founded The Bourbon Review, focusing on industry news, distillery stories, and rare bottles, with Sloan later joining as a co-publisher. Working with the magazine laid the foundation for Justins’ House of Bourbon, prioritizing education, authenticity, and a carefully curated approach to both collecting and tasting.
VT: In what ways did the experience with The Bourbon Review magazine shape the vision and storytelling approach of Justins’ House of Bourbon?
JHB: The Bourbon Review gave us a platform to explore the bourbon lifestyle from every angle—history, distilling processes, the people, tasting notes, and collector insights. House of Bourbon is a realization of this perspective, where every bottle has a story and every tasting is an opportunity to educate and connect guests to bourbon’s broader narrative. The magazine taught us the importance of context and storytelling, which remains a key element in how we present both rare and contemporary bourbons.
VT: The company played a role in lobbying for Kentucky’s vintage spirit laws. How did that process unfold, and what has it meant for the industry and your business?
JHB: The 2017 passing of Kentucky’s vintage spirits legislation allows licensed retailers to buy and sell rare “dusty” bottles not available through standard distributors, ensuring transparency and integrity in bourbon transactions. This legislation opened doors to offer tastings and private purchases while helping preserve historic and collectible bottles for enthusiasts. It created a framework for responsibly sharing rare bourbon and has helped support the growth of Kentucky’s bourbon culture.
VT: How does the House of Bourbon source its rare and vintage selections, and what philosophy guides the curation of the world’s largest bourbon collection?
JHB: Here in Kentucky, our vintage liquor license allows us to purchase bottles from private collectors, helping us build and maintain our collection of rare and historic bourbons. Bottles must be fully sealed, not available through distributors, and cannot be purchased directly from distilleries. We can purchase up to 24 bottles per individual each year, and every transaction is filed with the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Commission to ensure transparency and compliance.
If someone is interested in selling, we ask that they email us a list and photos of their bottles. Our staff reviews the photos and provides an offer pending inspection, which means the offer stands if the bottles match what we see in person. When sellers bring their bottles to one of our locations, we verify the condition, confirm the seller is within the 24-bottle limit, and complete the transaction.
With the largest offering of bourbon in the world, House of Bourbon is the premier authority on this classic Kentucky-born spirit. Our philosophy is to curate a collection that balances history, rarity, and accessibility, with a range of offerings that span from collector-worthy bottles to Friday-night staples.
VT: With a tasting bar that spans bottles from every decade since the 1950s, how does the team curate experiences that appeal to both seasoned collectors and new bourbon enthusiasts?
JHB: From epicures to enthusiasts, we approach tastings as a guided journey. For new enthusiasts, our team focuses on storytelling, flavor exploration, and approachable education. For collectors, tastings highlight unique expressions, historical context, and technical nuances. Each tasting is tailored to the audience, blending historical perspective with sensory experience so everyone can leave with a deeper appreciation for bourbon.
Beyond our tasting bar, we offer bespoke, immersive experiences for guests eager to explore Kentucky’s bourbon culture on a deeper level. These curated events pair private tastings of exceptionally rare and collectible bottles with insider access to some of Kentucky’s most iconic destinations—historic distilleries, behind-the-scenes tours, and encounters with the state’s legendary thoroughbred horses. Each experience is crafted to bring bourbon’s story to life, combining education, discovery, and unparalleled access for a truly one-of-a-kind journey.
VT: Can you walk us through the process of evaluating and acquiring vintage bottles brought in by customers?
JHB: When a customer brings in a bottle, we begin with a careful review of photos and details, looking at everything from label condition and tax stamps to bottling information and provenance. Our evaluation system relies on our decades of experience in sourcing, collecting, and curating rare bourbon. Once a bottle is verified, it’s cataloged and either made available for the tasting bar or retail sale. Every step is designed to ensure transparency, integrity, and confidence for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
VT: How does your sister store, Bourbon Outfitter, and its quarterly club extend the reach of the House of Bourbon beyond Kentucky?
JHB: Bourbon Outfitter, through its quarterly membership club, offers curated selections and access to limited releases to collectors across the country where legally permitted to ship. It extends our philosophy of quality, storytelling, and education to a wider audience, providing a way for enthusiasts who may not be able to visit Kentucky, to experience rare and collectible bourbons with context and care.
VT: The founders envisioned bourbon tourism in Kentucky rivaling Napa Valley. How does the House of Bourbon contribute to making that vision a reality today?
JHB: By creating a destination that combines world-class collections, curated tastings, and bourbon education. From tastings of rare bottles, guided experiences at our locations, and collaborations with world-class distilleries and horse farms, House of Bourbon offers true immersion in Kentucky’s bourbon culture. From inception, our ethos has been connecting people to the heritage, craft, and stories that make Kentucky bourbon iconic.
Sponsored • By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Kathryn Harrington & Provided By Women’s Club of Louisville
Bourbon & Bites is back! On November 7th, The Woman’s Club of Louisville invites you to sip, savor, and support.
The charity fundraiser funds their small community grants. Ann Pavon, chair of the Bourbon & Bites event and Interest Groups Coordinator, states, “Last year, we were able to give away $45,000–all local! I feel so good about that for an organization with under 500 members.” Over the last five years, WCL has donated over $153,000, including pandemic years when holding events wasn’t permitted.
With historical ties dating back to the suffragist movement and a commitment to do whatever it takes to improve the community, The Woman’s Club of Louisville has a rich legacy of extraordinary women, dating back to its founding in 1890.
Margaret Young, Archivist, Historian, and Director of all Fundraising, relayed a wealth of knowledge about the founders, buildings, and the club’s evolution. Susan Look Avery, WCL Founder, brought together artists, writers, politicians, and quality women to take on various civic and philanthropic missions, including founding both the Louisville & Kentucky Equal Rights Associations. Two members were the impetus for what is now Norton’s Children’s Hospital after a tornado collapsed a building with indigent children inside. These women helped save Central Park from being subdivided. Sarah Short Barnes, chair of the statewide Woman’s Clubs’ Horseback Librarian program worked to establish the city’s library system alongside Patty Semple, WCL’s first president. “It was so popular and successful that when the state took over the program, they kept our member as state chair, the only woman on the City Library board for years.” Semple was also at the forefront of the nation’s kindergarten movement, founded Girl Scouts in Louisville, and helped register over 12,000 women to vote, remaining inclusive to black communities at a crucial time in history. Today, funding Central Park’s playground revitalization, running a little library, donating school uniforms, and providing high-need students with Mother’s Day gifts are just a few ways WCL gives back. Young stays inspired by Susan Avery’s words that timelessly ring true: “If we don’t help them, who will?”
In true Kentucky fashion, over 15 distilleries will be represented at Bourbon & Bites, ranging from established names like Heaven Hill to emerging brands, with a particular focus on female-owned distilleries aligning with the club’s mission. Distillers will get a moment on stage after the auction, and the best bourbon of the night is up for a prize. Furthermore, the Bourbon Pull allows guests to buy a sight-unseen, random bottle of Bourbon, a chance at a well-known brand or a well-kept-secret brand. Last year’s Bourbon Pull sold out in 30 minutes.
Alongside libations, guests can expect gourmet bites by Parkway Diner Catering as well as live and silent auctions with prizes varying from unique experiences, like a Churchill Downs Turf Club box or gourmet Chef Todd Alexander (soon to appear on HGTV) cooking a four-course meal for eight at your home, to classic items like a massive Dan Dry “Downs at Dawn” photograph depicting the sunrise over the spires in all its breathtaking glory.
Gayle Bonnarens, President of WCL, hopes to raise awareness around how hard the club works to give back: “We give back to so many needs, especially for women and children. Knowing who we are and our function within the community allows us to be more generous. We’re always looking for smaller groups to support, and we can be instrumental in helping startups get off the ground and grow.”
Tickets go on sale September 1st on the website: wclousiville.org
PEGGY NOE STEVENS FINDS LADIES EAGER TO GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY’S ‘LIQUID GOLD’
By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By Bourbon Women
Born and raised in Louisville and a graduate of the University of Kentucky, Peggy Noe Stevens’ first memories of Kentucky’s liquid gold bourbon are of her mother’s highballs. She liked the smell of the ginger ale mixed with the sweetness of the bourbon. At one point before she reached legal drinking age she had her first sip, and she has been involved with bourbon from that point on in numerous roles, perhaps most notably as the founder of the Bourbon Women Association.
“I mean it was just part of my life growing up in Kentucky,” Stevens says. “I can’t say there was ever a time that I wasn’t interested or wasn’t around it. It became a lifestyle and culture for me.”
Carrie Coe, a leader in Bourbon Women, a member of the organization’s board of directors and the Kentucky/Southern Indiana Bourbon Women Ambassador, had a similar childhood introduction to “America’s spirit.” Call it home schooling.
“I developed an interest in bourbon at home,” said Coe, a Floyds Knobs, Ind. resident. “My parents are bourbon drinkers, and I can remember as a child begging my dad for the cherry from his Manhattan. I also remember Christmases at my grandpas where my aunts and uncles drank highballs to celebrate the holiday. I have definitely followed in their footsteps.”
Coe learned about Bourbon Women from her mother, Noelle Gohmann, who she said had been “raving” about it for years. But I was busy with my children. When I finally joined eight years ago, I kicked myself for not making time sooner.”
Bourbon has always been my beverage of choice,” she added. “And I was keen to learn more about its origins, history, how it’s made, and about women in the industry. What attracted me to Bourbon Women was getting to do all of those things at once while sipping with like-minded women.
So, what is Bourbon Women? Its mission statement says the organization “creates an empowering spirits environment by masterfully blending knowledge, community, fellowship and fun.”
Stevens, Founder and Chair Emeritus, created it in 2011 following her long career in the spirits industry, including global marketing for Brown-Forman Corporation.
However, that’s just part of her impressive resume’. Here’s the short version: She is a member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame and the Whiskey Magazine Hall of Fame, the only female in the world to be inducted to both. She has been a trail blazer for women, becoming the first female Master Bourbon Taster. She was one of the originators for the conception and strategic development of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the author of three books and the recipient of numerous awards and honors.
“I worked in spirits marketing for a very long time and noticed we weren’t marketing to women,” Stevens said. “I decided I had an opportunity to start a conversation with women who I knew loved bourbon.”
After starting her current business, “Peggy Noe Stevens & Associates” 17 years ago she began gauging interest in an organization for women whiskey fans with a focus group throughout Kentucky, asking such questions as what would be attractive to them, what kind of lifestyle, education, events?
She compiled the information she gleaned and sought advice from Bill Samuels Jr., former president and now Chairman Emeritus of Makers Mark, who she said encouraged her, saying “You’ve got to do it. It’s about time we started a conversation with women.”
Thus Bourbon Women was born in 2011 and was an instant success. The first event at the Governor’s Mansion drew 75 women and Stevens was ecstatic. “I thought, ‘Wow, what a hit, this is going to be so much fun,’” she recalled.
Soon, she began hearing from people in other states wondering how they could start a chapter. There are now 16 branches with thousands of members across the U.S., including hundreds of members in this region. (Stevens said she doesn’t release specific numbers because they are constantly changing).
“The distilleries and spirit companies have been so supportive, and they see the results,” Stevens said. “They see the women in action, buying their products and touring. It’s just been a win-win, and that’s what I’m most proud of. I had no idea there was, no pun intended, so much thirst for being spoken to as a consumer among women outside of Kentucky. There is.
“And that’s what I wanted to make entirely clear -- this is a consumer organization. Do we have industry people come to our events? Absolutely. But being a consumer organization is our focus.”
Bourbon Women is coming off another highly-successful 4-day “SIPosium” last month at the Kentucky International Center that attracted nearly 500 women from 30 states. Stevens called the 10th annual event “spectacular.”
It is billed as the only consumer-based, female-focused whiskey conference in the country and is described on its BourbonWomen.org Website as “Part girls’ weekend, and part family reunion,” along with being “the best weekend any whiskey-loving woman could ask for.”
The SIPosium featured specialty VIP tours, dinners hosted by bourbon experts, excursions to distilleries, workshops and unique experiences.
Keynote speakers were Dana Huber of Starlight (Ind.) Distillery, who spoke on the community of bourbon, and Dana Vousch, who discussed her ties with whiskey as a senior architect who builds distilleries and warehouses.
Stevens sees Bourbon Women continuing to grow and add chapters nationwide.
“We absolutely see the growth continuing because it shows with our organization numbers,” she said. “We will keep expanding. Global reach is right there for us and that is a long-term plan. We also want to expand into different spirits categories, because women want knowledge in everything, and I think that will be a nice educational opportunity. I see us doing more and more sort of mini-trips too.”
September is Bourbon Heritage Month, and Spencer spoke at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, where her topic was “Noes’ Nose Knows: Pro Tips for Nosing and Tasting Spirits.” She will appear at “Bourbon on the Banks” on Oct. 3 in Frankfort, conducting a sensory journey with food pairings created by Limewater Bistro, with three single barrel offerings.
Kentucky Kingdom Joins the Festivities
By Renae Ison
A groundbreaking fusion of entertainment awaits attendees at the World’s Largest Bourbon, Food & Music Festival as Bourbon & Beyond announces an exclusive partnership with the beloved Kentucky Kingdom. This iconic amusement park is now officially part of Bourbon & Beyond, providing attendees with an exclusive thrill-seeking experience like no other. This integration not only enhances the festival’s offerings but also supports its reputation as a must-attend event for enthusiasts of bourbon, culinary delights, and live music.
Imagine a sprawling festival with the rich flavors of bourbon and an enticing array of mouth-watering food, all complemented by an exhilarating backdrop of rides and attractions. Kentucky Kingdom, known for its thrilling amusement rides and family-friendly atmosphere, is now an exclusive playground for festivalgoers, ensuring their experience is more unforgettable than ever.
Your festival pass grants you FREE access to a remarkable lineup of 18 amusement rides at Kentucky Kingdom. From the towering heights of the Giant Wheel offering breathtaking views to the adrenaline-pumping Lightning Run coaster, there’s something to satisfy all thrill-seekers. For those who dare, the Scream Extreme promises an exhilarating free-fall experience, while the Skycatcher offers a spinning adventure that will leave you dizzy in the best way possible. Fan favorites abound, ensuring there’s a ride for everyone and a shared sense of excitement that can only be found at this festival.
Additionally, attendees can indulge in select concessions and shopping opportunities, allowing them to savor not only the carnival-style treats but also the delicious food options unique to the festival. With air-conditioned indoor dining available, festivalgoers can relish an invigorating break from the outdoor festivities while enjoying a delightful meal in comfort.
The rides will be operational daily from 2 PM to 9 PM. However, if you’re not ready to stop for the day after sunset, the Giant Wheel will remain open an hour later until 10 PM, perfect for those magical late-night spins under the stars. The atmosphere will be buzzing with energy as the sounds of laughter and screams from thrill-seekers interweave with the live music echoing throughout the festival grounds.
It’s essential to note that Hurricane Bay, the water park at Kentucky Kingdom, will not be operational during the festival. While that might be a disappointment for some, the amusement rides will more than make up for it, offering an action-packed alternative for attendees looking to maximize their festival experience.
So, whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur, a foodie, a music lover, or simply looking for an adventure, the combination of Bourbon & Beyond and Kentucky Kingdom is set to deliver an unprecedented experience. This exciting partnership transforms the festival landscape, ensuring attendees can indulge in a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and thrill rides all in one place. Get ready to create unforgettable memories as you immerse yourself in the delightful world of Bourbon & Beyond while enjoying the rides at Kentucky Kingdom. Don’t miss this chance to experience a festival like no other!
By Alisha Proffitt
Photos By Matt Johnson
Art Eatables didn’t start with a business plan. It began in a family kitchen, where Kelly Ramsey was making candy with her mother for her young son’s birthday parties. Guests enjoyed the sweets, and before long, friends were asking her to make candies for other celebrations. What to her felt like a casual project gradually took on a life of its own. By 2011, Ramsey had formed an LLC. Within a year, she had gone from part-time candy maker to a chocolatier working with Kentucky distilleries.
“I didn’t know I was going to be a chocolatier, much less a bourbon chocolatier,” Ramsey says. Still, in Kentucky, candy-making often comes with one inevitable request: bourbon balls. Ramsey resisted. “I thought they were too sugary to be interesting. I also thought they didn’t do much for the bourbon, and that was a shame.”
Instead, she looked for a way to let bourbon stand out rather than get buried in sweetness. When a friend from Jim Beam handed her a bottle to experiment with, Ramsey worked on a recipe until she found the right balance. The proof came at a cookout, where one taster declared, “That’s made with Jim Beam, isn’t it?” For Ramsey, that recognition validated that she was onto something. “That isn’t something that happens with bourbon balls,” she says.
Feeling encouraged, she began developing what would later become her signature Small-batch Bourbon Truffles™. Her mother, a Maker’s Mark® loyalist, pushed her to use that bourbon for a truffle. “I have to give her credit, because we got Maker’s Mark® as a client in the spring of 2012, and things began moving quickly.” By that fall, Ramsey had quit her job and opened the first Art Eatables store in downtown Louisville.
From the beginning, her approach was unusual. Rather than slotting bourbon into existing candy recipes, she started with the spirit itself. “This is sort of working backwards – the chocolate is created around the bourbon. I figure out which chocolates to use to complement their bourbons best.” That method means each truffle or caramel begins with the whiskey and an attempt to highlight, extend, or shift its character.
“Chocolate and bourbon are very similar in that respect,” she says. “Some chocolates make the bourbon land in different parts of the palate, some reduce the finish, some extend it. It’s really a delicate balance.” The process can be unpredictable. A pairing that feels perfect one day might taste flat on another. Adjustments follow until the balance holds. And sometimes, the results surprise even the distillers themselves. “One of the coolest things is when you go for a tasting and the Master Distiller looks shocked and says, ‘That’s my bourbon!’”
Over the years, Ramsey has collaborated with distilleries across Kentucky, including Yellowstone Select, MB Roland, and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Some send her products and leave the development to her; others are involved in the process alongside her. “We’ll meet and toss ideas back and forth, figure out new twists to try, and I will pitch brand new products and pairings that can really enhance their brand and their tasting experience.”
She classifies her chocolates into two broad categories. “Showcase” pairings are designed to highlight what a bourbon already does best. “Alteration” pairings change the way the whiskey is read—making it brighter, sharper, smoother, or shifting where it lands on the palate. Both approaches give distilleries a way to see their spirits from a different perspective.
Underlying this work is a simple observation: bourbon and chocolate share more than most people assume. “Chocolate has a lot more in common with bourbon than most people think,” Ramsey explains. Both are agricultural at their core, based in craft traditions, and dependent on fermentation for much of their flavor. That shared foundation makes it possible to line up notes across both worlds— caramel, vanilla, fruit, spice, even floral tones.
Art Eatables opened its first location in downtown Louisville before “Bourbonism” had fully taken hold. “We were the first bourbon-themed attraction in downtown Louisville that wasn’t a bar or restaurant – we beat all the distillers down there, and were there to welcome them as they came.” Today, her chocolates are part of the Bourbon Trail experience, offered in tastings and sold in distillery gift shops. “It used to be common to get a bourbon ball on some of the tours, but it wasn’t a big part of the tour… Now, chocolate has become a significant part of the guest experience.”
Visitors might stumble across Small-batch Bourbon Truffles™, Chimères™, Caramel Shots™, or Chocolate-dipped Bourbon Modjeskas. Whatever the form, Ramsey says, they tend to be a strong seller. “Most of our distillery partners tell us that our candies are the second biggest seller at their shops. Right after the bourbons, of course!”
What began as candy for children’s parties has grown into a business that now plays a central role in how visitors taste and understand Kentucky bourbon. By putting bourbon at the center of the recipe, Kelly Ramsey has turned chocolate into more than a sweet ending; it has become part of the story.
By Chris Morris • Photo By Pixabay (via Pexels.com) & Headshot By Matt Johnson
Why “finish” a mature Whiskey? Whiskey “finishes” have been around for years. I give them credit for reinvigorating the Single Malt Scotch category in the United States back in the early 1990s. There are a number of reasons why a Whiskey could be “finished.” But first of all, what is “finishing”?
As we have learned in previous articles, all Whiskeys must be matured in an oak barrel of some type. In some Whiskey genres such as Scotch, Canadian and Irish a barrel will be used many times to age a Whiskey. Therefore, the final Whiskey can be very light in color and flavor. This even though it may have aged for many years. To give this light Whiskey more character a distiller may choose to take that fully mature Whiskey, fully mature in terms of age, and re-barrel it in a second barrel, which had held something else in it before. Historically, the “finishing” barrel had held a fortified wine, such as a Port, Sherry, or Madeira. Sometimes other spirit and wine barrel types have been used. The second barrel’s previous content’s influence can give additional color and flavor to the original whiskey, therefore “finishing” its flavor profile. But today there are other reasons why a whiskey could be “finished.” The US spirits industry has become so dynamic with many new distilleries and new products that barrel “finishing” has become a new way to separate these brands and distilleries from the competition. There are, however, several other reasons to “finish” a Whiskey.
So why “finish”? These are the most common reasons to “finish” a mature Whiskey…
To extend an existing brand into new expressions. For example, in its 117 Series Old Forester has been “finished” in both Rum and Scotch barrels. These were called, not surprisingly, “Rum Finish” and “Scotch Finish” – so two new expressions of Old Forester were created. Another example is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. This expression begins as fully mature Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The original Bourbon could be bottled as is but instead it is transferred (entered) into a second new barrel for a “finishing” period. This creates a completely new flavor profile that highlights the sweet aromatics of the second new barrel. This is not a traditional “finish” since the second barrel is new and therefore does not feature the characteristics of its previous contents.
To personalize purchased whiskey stocks. Some brand owners do not distill their product (these are called NDP’s) instead they acquire mature stocks from a contract supplier. Since other brand owners are also buying stocks from the same supplier,” finishing” an acquired Whiskey allows the brand owner to influence how their product tastes.
To provide consistency for a brand that contains sourced Whiskey. Some NDP’s acquire product from multiple sources, possibly over an extended period of time. This may result in an inconsistent flavor profile for their product (note: this does not imply that the flavor is not good, it just could be different from bottling to bottling). By adding a “finishing” flavor component to their product, the brand owner will have a more consistent, controllable flavor profile.
To mask an undesirable flavor note. A distiller may have barrels of Whiskey that have a low character rating or some other defect that can be remedied by “finishing.”
To emphasize or highlight existing flavors. This is the unique Woodford Reserve “finishing” concept detailed as follows.
The Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon brand was created on the concept of how flavors are presented. It needed to have a complex flavor profile that would appeal to a diverse range of consumers who enjoy a variety of fine spirits like Cognac as well as wine and beer.
To accomplish this we use a proprietary “Five Source of Flavor” production philosophy to craft a flavor profile that features 200+ flavors and aromas that are presented in balance across the “Five Areas of Bourbon Flavor” (Sweet Aromatics, Spice, Fruit and Floral, Wood, Grain). This ensures that no one area of flavor dominates the others.
Therefore, we do not need to “finish” Woodford Reserve in a second barrel to add new flavor – with over 200 flavors there is no need to add more flavor. However, to create new expressions for inclusion in the Woodford Reserve Master Collection or Distillery Series program a “finishing” barrel is selected that will highlight and enhance an existing Woodford Reserve flavor or flavors. This will create an out of balance flavor presentation by design therefore making the “finished” expression more “flavor focused.” For example, XO Cognacs exhibit many of the same flavors that can be found on the Woodford Reserve Flavor Wheel. Flavors such as numerous nuts, toffee, fruit, tea, and other herbal notes. By finishing in the XO Cognac casks no new flavors are added to the Woodford Reserve, instead it makes those same flavors more pronounced and impactful.
At Woodford Reserve our “finishing” philosophy is quite simple – you should always taste Woodford Reserve in a “finished” expression of Woodford Reserve. If you cannot taste the Woodford, then it is not “finished” –it is covered up. Cheers!
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.
Each month, a different native Kentucky plant has been highlighted. Not only does this familiarize us with what is immediately around us, but brings us into a deeper connection with this place we call home. September, however, I’ve chosen a flowering shrub that many readers will recognize. Important to note though, this species is in fact not a native. But, then again, technically neither am I. It has been growing on American soil longer than my entire family tree has called North America home, and whether you planted it yourself or not, you may have one in your own yard as we speak. Our local pollinators indulge in its broad blooms, and it has so much to offer, outside of just aesthetic appeal. This time of year can wreak havoc on our immune system, with the season changing upon us as well as stress as we transition out of summer into fall schedules. Luckily, this easy to find flower can support a tasty tonic which can be prepared with or without spirits so that everyone can enjoy what it brings to the table.
Featured Kentucky Flora: Hibiscus Syriacus (Common Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon)
These gorgeous blooming shrubs are quite common in the state, and have been a feast for the eyes in America since the 18th century. The plant originated in Korea, then by way of Japan, then Europe, it made its way into North American colonies. To this day this “Korean Rose” is the national flower of South Korea, known for its eternal blooms. Flowers are found in a variety of colors, from blue, pink, white, purple, and various combinations of such. In Kentucky, you can find these blooms from mid-summer all the way to the first frost. Welcoming one onto your property ensures long lasting flowers to gaze upon and abundant support for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. With flowering lasting well into the shoulder season, this entirely edible and oh-so-lovely plant also offers up a massive amount of vitamin C just in time to give a boost to your immune system. Although it is a hibiscus, the tea made from the flowers has a very delicate citrus and sometimes nutty flavor as opposed to the intense berry notes we commonly associate with bright red hibiscus teas. The brew is also extremely hydrating due to the mucilaginous compounds found in hibiscus in general. For this month’s recipe, we’re going to lean into the residual heat of summer and embrace the classic preparation technique of making sun tea.
Rosa del Sol Cocktail
• 5 oz Rose of Sharon Sun Tea
• 1.5 oz Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon
• 1.5 oz Yellow Spice Syrup
Garnish options: lemon slices or peel, Rose of Sharon blossom, candied ginger
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briefly, and empty entire contents into tall glass. Garnish with as desired.
Non-Alcoholic Variation: This recipe is absolutely delicious without the added bourbon, but if you’re looking for a similar flavor sans the buzz, I recommend the Free Spirits brand products “spirit of bourbon” or “spirit of tequila” in this recipe.
Rose of Sharon Sun Tea
As always, be mindful to clearly identify what you are foraging. The best time to harvest blooms is in the morning, after the dew has dried. Avoid picking flowers during the peak of the day’s heat, as they will be stressed and not well hydrated.
• 12 blossoms from Rose of Sharon
• 1 quart water
Directions: After picking blossoms, remove the petals from the flower and place in a fine mesh strainer. Lightly rinse petals to remove any debris, and combine with water in a clear glass pitcher with lid. Set outside in a sunny location for a minimum of 4 hours. Strain promptly using a mesh strainer and a coffee filter, and immediately refrigerate. Also note, that the technique of making sun tea is a gentle extraction of plant material however does not reach a boiling point. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the tea refrigerated, and for no more than 24 hours. If you would like to store it for a longer stretch, you can boil the tea after straining to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Tea can also be frozen immediately after straining and made into ice cubes for a boost of vitamin C in any beverage.
Yellow Spice Syrup
In embracing the sun’s contribution to our cocktail preparation process, I have intentionally chosen some complimentary spices for the syrup used to sweeten the concoction. These components nourish the solar plexus energy center which regulates self-empowerment, confidence, and joy - all components which can surely use a little love during this time of year as we head back to school and adjust to the slow, steady shortening of daylight. The flavors from common hibiscus blossoms are quite subtle, so in order to maintain balance, this syrup is purposely crafted with that in mind. If you enjoy the flavor profile of the syrup in this recipe, but would like to intensify the flavors for use in bolder libations (such as a syrup to use in your old fashioned…yes please!), simply double the seasoning ingredients and replace the white sugar with raw/demerara sugar.
• 1 ½ cup water • Peels of 1 lemon (4-5 pieces)
• 1 TBSP dried ginger - or - 1 tsp fresh, grated
• 1 tsp dried turmeric pieces - or - ½ tsp ground
• 1 cinnamon stick - or - ½ tsp ground
• 1 tsp dried chamomile - or - 1 chamomile tea bag
Directions: Combine all ingredients except sugar in a small saucepan on the stove. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, then strain through a coffee filter lined mesh strainer. Add sugar, stir to dissolve. Keep refrigerated.
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.
AMY D WAGNER
Louisville Business First
Top 20 People to Know in Construction
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In Kentucky, oak trees die three times. First, when they’re felled. Second, when they are charred and bent into a bourbon barrel. And finally, when those barrels are emptied, drained of their spirit, rolled out of the rickhouse, and declared “spent.” For most, the story ends there. In the land of bourbon country, wood artisan Jason Cohen has found a way to make the state’s most famous export speak without a drop of liquor. His medium is not the amber spirit itself but the weathered barrels that once held it. To most people, a spent barrel is nothing more than scrap. To Cohen, it’s a pile of potential
In his Louisville studio, those castoffs become gorgeous works of art and furniture pieces. But Cohen’s work doesn’t emerge from privilege or predictability. In 1988, a car accident stole the use of his left hand - his dominant, most trusted one. “I was left-handed, now I’m right-handed. My brain was all over the place, I needed something to focus. For whatever reason the art teacher suggested drawing with my right hand. So I started drawing with my right hand and it just led to starting to tinker with stuff,” says Cohen. “It was antiques at first. And then I realized you didn’t need to have two hands to do things, because there were tools. So, I just started realizing that was the direction I liked and it just made me feel kind of whole again, I guess.” For many, that would have meant the end of any career in craft. But Cohen rewrote the script with his other hand, literally teaching himself to make again.
Which is why the bourbon barrel makes such sense as his current chosen partner. Like him, it was forced to change. Cohen refuses to let material or circumstance dictate worth. A barrel that once held bourbon has not outlived its purpose; it has simply evolved to another. A craftsman who loses his hand has not lost his path; he has carved a new one. Reinvention is always possible.
In his 30 year career, over the last two decades, Cohen has moved from salvaging barn wood and dumpster finds to creating high-end furniture, interiors, and installations. His work has appeared everywhere from local restaurants, homes, bars and hotels to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. In an era where mass production smooths everything into sameness, Cohen’s creations stand apart. They insist on texture and narrative, something that no machine could replicate.
Louisville has no shortage of artists inspired by bourbon, but Jason Cohen’s work is unique for both its scale and its range. “Right now, I’m just making a lot of anything. I don’t say ‘no’ to anything,” he says, and that openness has kept him constantly in motion.
Recently, he completed a two-year project for Hotel Bourré Bonne: a 60-foot-long, 12-foot-wide sculpture made entirely from barrel staves. To bring it to life, Cohen used 800 staves, drilled 3,300 holes in each stave, and welded 500 feet of metal for the frame. The finished artwork now stretches across the hotel’s lobby ceiling.
He built the new bar for Uncle Boujee’s in Paristown, where Secrets of Bluegrass Chefs is filmed. It is a custom countertop commissioned by the owner of Louisville Stoneware, who challenged him to create an end-grain-style surface out of staves. That piece required 1,500 staves, each one steamed, straightened, glued, cut, and reassembled before finally forming a ten-foot counter.
Cohen’s workshop, stacked floor to ceiling with barrels, is where this reinvention begins. His process involves carefully choosing pieces for color and patina, scraping away char, and sealing the wood. He often looks to Japanese design for inspiration, particularly the work of George Katsutoshi Nakashima. “Simple lines, that’s kind of what I go after. Japanese contemporary designs,” Cohen explains.
Now working with Pappy & Co., Cohen is preparing for Bourbon & Beyond and the busy holiday season. “It’s going to be a lot of fun these next couple months, for Pappy Co.,” he says. And with each project, Jason Cohen continues to use bourbon’s leftovers to make something unforgettable out of what was almost forgotten.
Endings can be openings. Damage can be design. Nothing is finished until we decide it is.
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodeo Drive
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
“The seasons are changing, and so are our wardrobes! Inspired by earthy browns, beige, and black with bold pops of olive, burgundy, and autumnal tones, we were thrilled to shoot our Fall Fashion at Sake a Gogo, where rock n’ roll attitude meets authentic Japanese fare. Huge thanks to Kevin Grangier for having us! Looking forward to sweater weather and cozy layers as the leaves begin to change around us.” - Cleo Heine
Photos By: Antonio Pantoja, Matt Johnson, & Kathryn Harrington
Styled By: Cleo Heine
Hair & Makeup By: J Michaels Spa & Salon
Featuring Fashions From: Glasscock| Glasscock Too Boutique, Mamili Boutique, Rodeo Drive, Rodes For Him| For Her, Sassy Fox Upscale Consignments
Featuring Jewelry From: Aesthetics in Jewelry
Production Assistants: Amelia Frazier Theobald, Brylea Peach, & Mary Zoeller
Modeled By:
Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Avril de la Llana | Heyman Talent
Cannon Cutter Richards | Heyman Talent
Grant G. | Heyman Talent
Donovan T. | Heyman Talent
Stephanie Johnson | Heyman Talent
Madalyn Johnson
Creative Vision Team: Alisha Proffitt and Cleo Heine
Model: Stephanie Johnson | Heyman Talent Shirt and Pants: Glasscock / Glasscock Too Jacket: Rodes For Her Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Outfit: Rodeo Drive
Ring: Rodeo Drive
Model: Avril de la Llana | Heyman Talent
Photographer: Matt Johnson
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Dress: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Outfit: Rodes For Her Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
:
Model: Grant G. | Heyman Talent
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Avril de la Llana | Heyman Talent
Photographer
Antonio Pantoja
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Purse: Rodes For Her Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Grant G. | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Dress: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Accessories: Rodes For Her
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Stephanie Johnson | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Earings: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Cannon Cutter Richards | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Madalyn Johnson
Outfit: Rodes For Her Sunglasses & Necklace: Rodes For Her Ring: Aesthetics in Jewelry Bag: Rodes For Her Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Dress: Rodeo Drive
Accessories: Rodeo Drive
Model: Stephanie Johnson | Heyman Talent
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Outfit: Rodeo Drive
Model: Madalyn Johnson
Photographer: Matt Johnson
Model: Madalyn Johnson
Outfit: Rodes For Her
Jewelry: Rodes For Her
Photographer: Matt Johnson
Model: Grant G. | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Model: Cannon Cutter Richards | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry
Photographer: Kathryn Harrington
Dress: Rodeo Drive
Jewelry: Rodeo Drive
:
Model: Stephanie Johnson | Heyman Talent
Photographer
Matt Johnson
Outfit
Outfit
Outfit
Photographer: Matt Johnson
Model: Donovan T. | Heyman Talent
: Rodes For Him| For Her
Model: Grant G. | Heyman Talent
: Rodes For Him
Model: Avril de la Llana | Heyman Talent
: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Sassy Fox
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Model: Donovan T. | Heyman Talent
Photographer: Matt Johnson
Outfit
Outfit
Outfit
Model: Donovan T. | Heyman Talent
: Rodes For Him
Model: Grant G. | Heyman Talent
: Rodes For Him
Model: Cannon Cutter Richards Heyman Talent
: Rodes For Him
Photographer: Matt Johnson
Sushi: Salmon Chumaki Roll Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Photographer: Kathryn Harrington
Model: Donovan T. | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Model: Grant G. | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Dress: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Accessories: Rodes For Her
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Dress: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Donovan T. | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Photographer: Kathryn Harrington
Outfit
Cocktail: Ichigo Smash Photographer: Matt Johnson
Model: Cannon Cutter Richards
Heyman Talent
: Mamili
Photographer: Kathryn Harrington
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Dress: Mamili
Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry
Sushi: Butter Lobster Roll
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model:
Stephanie Johnson
Heyman Talent
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Cocktail: Red Lantern
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Sashimi: Ora King Salmon Sashimi
:
Dress: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Outfit: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Jewelry: Glasscock / Glasscock Too
Photographer
Antonio Pantoja
Photographer: Antonio Pantoja
Model: Cannon Cutter Richards | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Rodes For Him
Model: Ally Greer | Heyman Talent
Model: Stephanie Johnson | Heyman Talent
Outfit: Mamili
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry & Sassy Fox
Purse: Rodes For Her
Outfit: Sassy Fox
Sunglasses: Rodes For Her
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Outfit: Mamili
:
Model: Madalyn Johnson
Model: Avril de la Llana
Model: Donovan T.
Cocktails: (Left) Azora75 (Space) (Right) Go Go Espresso Martini
On August 16, Amelia Frazier Theobald and the Voice-Tribune team had the pleasure of bringing back Best Dressed Kentucky, an evening that took us back to why this tradition held such a special place in Louisville from its beginnings. With Angie Fenton as our dynamic host, the night was every bit as stylish, spirited, and purposeful as we envisioned: fashion at its finest, paired with purpose.
Our guests truly rose to the occasion. The challenge of “Dress Your Best!” was not missed; the room itself felt like a runway. The Va Va Vixens, Louisville’s own variety troupe, set the tone with towering stilt walkers in the pre-show and later gifted us with a performance down the runway that was nothing short of electric.
This year also featured a playful twist. A Westminster Dog Show winner and celebrity pup Ethan Almighty made appearances, a lighthearted nod to our beneficiary, WAGS Pet Therapy of Kentucky. While the canine cameos delighted the crowd, they were a special surprise for this year’s return, not a permanent addition to the event.
Runway show judges Shannon Burton, Mike Tomes, Frankie Lewis, Dorian Washington, and Amanda Dare were joined by guest judge Antonio Pantoja, stepping in for Lexi Love. Together, they had the enviable challenge of selecting this year’s stylist winner. And with stunning looks from Louisville’s premier boutiques, this was no small feat.
Most importantly, the evening supported WAGS Pet Therapy of Kentucky. Thanks to our guests and sponsors, the organization can expand its training of therapy teams and bring their comfort to more facilities across the region. It was a reminder that fashion is at its finest when it serves the community.
Best Dressed Kentucky 2025 was not only a return, it was a renewal. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests, to our generous sponsors, Barry Wooley, Va Va Vixens, J Michaels Spa & Salon, and all of the talented stylists, models, and boutiques that participated. A special thank you goes to the dedicated team who made it all possible: Brylea Peach, Mary Zoeller, Julie Koenig, Cleo Heine, Alisha Proffitt and Josh Ison. Your talent, vision, and hard work are truly appreciated.
1. Pam Hendrickson & Nala
Glasscock/Glasscock Too (Jeff)
2. Sandy Roland & Patches
Sassy Fox (Roxanne Hood)
3. Donovan Tate & Ruby Rodes for Him (Jason)
4. Darlene Allgeier & Benee Rodeo Dr (Michelle)
5. Tyiana Thompson & JB Rodes for Her (HOC)
6. Cannon Richards & Comet Rodes for Him (Samantha Jean Moore)
7. Carmen Evans & Suzie Q
Glasscock/Glasscock Too (Pascale)
8. Kat Reeves & Julien
Sassy Fox (Roxanne Hood)
9. Wendy Hall & Ripple Rodes for Her (HOC)
10. Stephanie Richie & Nala Rodeo Dr (Michelle)
11. Grant Goodman & Ariel Rodes for Him (HOC)
12. Sarah Darrington & Toby Sassy Fox (Arieanna Washington)
13. Kris Stein & Stella Rodes for Him (Jason)
14. Sandy Roland & Maggie Glasscock/Glasscock Too (Jeff)
15. KeNiesha Watkins & Luna Sassy Fox (Arienna Washington)
16. Laura Thorton & Moose Rodeo Dr (Michelle)
17. Pam Hendrickson & Patches Rodes for Her (Samantha Jean Moore)
18. Stephanie Richie & Pocki
Glasscock/Glasscock Too (Pascale)
19. Sarah Darrington & Comet Rodes for Her (HOC)
20. Darlene Allgeier & Hayden Rodeo Dr (Michelle)
Winning the title of Best Stylist in Kentucky is more than a recognition of fashion sense; is is a celebration of vision, adaptability, and influence. This honor represents the ability to transform clothing into storytelling, to bring out confidence in clients, and to set the tone for Kentucky’s evolving style culture. It acknowledges a stylist’s creativity under pressure, their skill in blending tradition with innovation, and their power to shape how people see themselves and their community. To win is to be recognized not only as a trendsetter, but as a leader who elevates fashion in Kentucky to a stage of artistry, inclusivity, and inspiration.
The voting was conducted live during the event. Each judge evaluated every model and canine partner across five designated categories, with the results verified and recorded in the presence of eight official witnesses.
WINNING STYLIST WINNING BOUTIQUE
BEST DRESSED OVER 50
BEST DRESSED ARTIST OR CREATIVE
BEST DRESSED COUPLE
BEST DRESSED MAN-MODERN EDGY
BEST DRESSED MAN - CLASSIC GENT
BEST DRESSED 30 - 40
MIKE LAFOUNTAIN
SAMANTHA JEAN MOORE
JEFF HUNTER ISRAEL MCCULLOUGH
JEFF HUNTER & MIKE LAFOUNTAIN
DORIAN WASHINGTON
WINNERS THAT WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE EVENT:
BEST DRESSED PROFESSIONAL
SEAN MAGUIRE
BEST DRESSED ENTREPRENEUR
MELISSA P. GAY
BEST DRESSED WOMAN - CLASSIC ELEGANCE
BEST DRESSED IN THE ARTS
BEST DRESSED OVER 60
ANGIE SCHULTZ
BEST DRESSED WOMAN - BOLD TRENDSETTER
BEST DRESSED FAMILY
BEST DRESSED WITH A K9 CARRIE KING
BEST DRESSED UNDER 30
BEST DRESSED 30 - 40
TYIANA THOMPSON
JULIA COMER
LILLIAN LEHIHAN
ADRIENNE COLE
DANIELLE MULLINS
DORIAN & MAEMAE
SARAH HART ASHLEY BEDINGFIELD Highland Fish Market
THE WALLFLOWERS’ JAKOB DYLAN TALKS MUSIC, FILM, AND ART
By Kevin Murphy Wilsont • Photos Provided
This month, Jakob Dylan brings his Grammy Award-winning band The Wallflowers, best known for massive radio hits like “6th Avenue Heartache” and “One Headlight,” back to town for an intimate performance at the Mercury Ballroom on Sept. 9. In preparation for that concert, we caught up with the enigmatic son of Sara and Bob Dylan by phone to discuss his growth as a songwriter, the cryptic advice he received from his elder peers in the business, and his own lengthy career in music.
VOICE-TRIBUNE: My 17-year-old son was recently asking me about his name. It’s Levi Jakob—with a “k.” I told him I had always been into biblical names, but that in the years before he was born, I was also listening to an American musician who spelled it that way. And then I sent him your playlist. All that is to say, you’re sort of my boy’s namesake.
Jakob Dylan: “Oh, well, I think that’s pretty cool. Huh.
Yeah, with the ‘k,’ too. As I understand it, I think that’s German. You know, I think it was kind of arbitrary why I was given that ‘k,’ but that’s as far as I know.”
VT: One of my longest-running roles has been in the President’s Office at Kentucky College of Art + Design here in Old Louisville, so I can’t help but be curious about your brief stint at Parsons School of Design [part of The New School located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City]. What drew you to art college in the first place, and is visual art something you continue to dabble with alongside your music? And what is the overlap between those two creative spaces?
JD: “I think they’re very similar. And I do still do that [create visual art]. You know, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with that time around [the age of] 18.
Both music and art appealed to me, like, I think to most people. But, you know, it took me going to Parsons for a short stint to realize that— more than I enjoyed that—I was missing playing guitar and being in a band. So, I had to kind of execute it. I had to eliminate that from, I guess, my future as far as being professional. I enjoyed it. But it took that experience for me to realize that I needed to be in a band.”
VT: There are plenty of clues as to your influences in the Wallflowers’ choice of covers and the tribute albums you’ve been a part of on your own over the years. But I wanted to specifically ask you about the “Echo in the Canyon” film and recording project [that explores a magical moment in music history—the Laurel Canyon scene of the mid-1960s]. What was it that you were looking for while making that documentary?
JD: “It started out as a duets record, really. We were just going to explore those songs, some of the less obvious ones. Then it evolved into a movie, I wouldn’t say accidentally, but it just kind of went there. And, for whatever reason, they [Dylan’s interview subjects such as David Crosby, Michelle Phillips, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, etc.] were all willing to be a part of it,
I think, for me because I wasn’t a journalist. No offense to yourself, of course. But I think that part of the appeal for some of the older generation was that I’m also a songwriter and my curiosity was genuine, and I had no agenda other than giving them a chance to maybe say some things about those days that they hadn’t had a chance to say. Maybe someone hadn’t asked certain things before because maybe they weren’t artists themselves. And I think as you get further down the road, I think maybe it appeals to you, maybe, to be a little more honest. It took quite a while to gather it all together, but I’m very grateful that there wasn’t anybody who I reached out to that wasn’t willing to come and sit with us.”
VT: The Breach record turns 25 this year, which is crazy to me. I’d bought the first two Wallflowers LPs on compact disc [1992’s self-titled debut and 1996’s Bringing Down the Horse], and I definitely liked the sound. But it wasn’t until Breach dropped that I started paying attention to your songwriting, and it was abundantly clear by that time that you weren’t fucking around. Was there a point at which you yourself realized that you had really turned the corner as a craftsman?
JD: “Well, I’m still trying to turn the corner. Before I called you just now, I was working on new songs. It continues to unfold. I mean, you’re always surprised by what comes out of it. The most recent song you wrote, you inevitably think is the last song you’re ever gonna [sic] get. I agree that there is a big difference between Bringing Down the Horse and Breach. But I can’t tell you what changed.”
VT: A few years have already passed since the Exit Wounds album arrived, but I am still floored by the sentiment, “I’ll let you down, but I will not give up on you.” Can you unpack that a little?
JD: “Oh, I think you actually meant, ‘I’ll let you down, but I will not give you up,’ but what you said is pretty good, too. Whenever you ask songwriters what their songs are about, they’re usually lying. Because if they’re being honest, they’ll just tell you they write them and then they reflect on it later. You know, a lot of songs you write you don’t know why.”
VT: What was the best piece of advice you ever got from older peers, like, say, Elvis Costello, Levon Helm, Tom Petty or, I don’t know, fill in the blank?
JD: “I got so much. But a lot of those older cats were always speaking in code. So, you’ll suddenly remember something they might have said eight years ago, and you’ll think…ohhh, I get it now. Most advice I got was really on how to keep going.”
The Wallflowers play the Mercury Ballroom in Louisville on Tuesday, Sept. 9. For more information, mercuryballroom.com.
By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Matt Johnson
Take a dreamy, unrushed journey with Ellie Ruth Miller in her latest music video, “Take My Time,” as she enchants us with seemingly ordinary Louisville spaces and animates her beloved home in the most magically moving way.
A Smithfield girl with roots in classical music, Ellie Ruth started on the viola at age five and was part of the Louisville Youth Orchestra growing up before attending UofL for classical viola performance. Simultaneously, fiddle music found her in her teens, and she learned to improvise at local Bluegrass jams with her dad. “I’m inspired by the people I’m playing with. I felt burnt out when I finished college and wasn’t even feeling like I wanted to be a musician, but I had made good friends. We clicked as people but also in how we approached music, and it felt fun and freeing to play and have no other expectation but to have fun together with it.” Whether traveling to other cities or trekking back home, she stays inspired by people and places around her.
As a songwriter, musical accompaniments find her prior to lyrics. A sought-after session musician and fiddle player for local bands like Hot Brown Smackdown, she’s a melody master who keeps honesty at the forefront of her songwriting. “Great songwriting is going to be impactful if you’re as honest as you can be. Once I write about something that feels hard and I let it into the world, I can get to even more vulnerable places eventually… I worry about seeming selfish, or like it’s about me, but it really is about connection. If you tell your story, then you’re inviting other people to tell theirs and connect with you.”
Ellie Ruth compares mastering the violin to the human voice: “It’s very vocal-like, the way you can control it. What makes it hard is that every tiny motion affects it, so once you’re able to control that, you can control so many aspects and sounds of the instrument and create so much texture and emotion.” We spoke about the sometimes overlooked gift of living in Kentucky, a major Bluegrass space: “Kentucky’s history of Bluegrass, country, and old time music is really special. When I go to other places and meet people who love it too, I realize that.”
While her creative work of writing and performing stays central, Ellie Ruth found an unexpected joy along the way: teaching. “I actually have become a better musician, like exponentially, when I started teaching. It brought back this excitement about music that I lost.” Whether her students dream of being violinists or provide her the challenge of winning them over, lessons with the littles keep her inspired and fuel her own creativity.
On October 4th, The Monarch will host Ellie Ruth’s release show, where you’ll see her alongside local musicians like Chris Rodahaffer, Fiona Palensky, Chris Cupp, Isaac May, and Jailynn Noel. Listen to “Take My Time” now, follow her @ellieruth_music, and get hype for her debut album!
FILMMAKER LAURA DUNN TAKES ANOTHER LOOK AT WENDELL BERRY
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided
Laura Dunn is an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for weaving compelling narratives that are insightful, persuasive, and resonate deeply with audiences. Her many honors include a Student Academy Award, Rockefeller Media Arts Fellowship, Yale’s Trumbull Fine Arts Prize, International Documentary Association Pare Lorenz Grant and an Independent Spirit Truer Than Fiction Award. We recently caught up with the Austin-based director/writer/editor/professor/activist via phone to discuss Look & See Further, a captivating “afterword” of sorts to the beloved Wendell Berry film, Look & See, that Dunn originally co-directed with her husband and frequent collaborator Jef Sewell. The new project will be released in October 2025 via the couple’s Two Birds Film company as ten standalone short films that are “of a piece.”
VOICE-TRIBUNE: What initially led you to Wendell Berry as a subject?
Laura Dunn: “When I ended up working on what became my first feature film [The Unforeseen] with Terrence Malick and Robert Redford [serving as Executive Producers], it was about politics, pollution, development, and the quest to save a beautiful spring here in Austin, Texas. It’s sort of like Chinatown [which was said to be inspired by the early 20th century water wars in California], you know, but in documentary form. And that film actually led me to Wendell Berry.”
VT: How familiar were you with Berry’s catalog up to that point, and in what way did that literary acquaintance influence The Unforeseen project?
LD: “Well, I had read a number of his books when I was in high school [in Durham, NC]. I really loved his poetry. And since my mom is a maize geneticist, I also grew up with a lot of schooling about sustainable agriculture, which included [Berry’s monumental nonfiction tome] ‘The Unsettling of America.’ When I was making The Unforeseen it was sort of like, if you do the math about all the environmental pollution and the numbers, we’re doomed. So, it was very depressing, and I was looking for something hopeful, some other kind of element that I could put in there. That’s when I found inspiration in one of his poems called ‘Santa Clara Valley.’ And I just fell in love with it because it describes a pretty bleak [man-made] situation but then at the end, he [the narrator] comes across this little pool of water and in it there’s all this life springing forth. Incredibly there’s this sort of hope in the unforeseen. I wrote to him and asked him if I could record him reading the poem for the film. And he wrote me back and invited me to come visit him. So, I did.”
VT: When would that have been?
LD: “It was February of 2004, I think. My boyfriend, now my husband [Jef Sewell], and I drove to Kentucky and met Wendell and he allowed us to capture just a voice recording of that poem. And that began kind of my connection with him.”
VT: Were viewers intrigued by that component of the film? Did it have the intended effect?
LD: “Absolutely. When we finished that film, it played at Sundance [Film Festival], it won a Spirit Award, it played at other festivals all over the world. His presence weaves throughout the film. It’s sort of this, you know, otherworldly voice that brings a lovely poetic element to the film. And people would always ask me, who is that voice? And I would say, ‘Well, that’s Wendell Berry,’ thinking, of course they would go, ‘Oh, yeah!’ That didn’t usually happen though. I was so struck. Certain people knew Wendell and Wendell was so important to them, but a lot of people didn’t know about Wendell Berry at all. So when we finished that film, Robert Redford asked me what I wanted to do next, and indicated that he wanted to help me. I suggested we should do something about Wendell Berry. My thought was, you know, a film version of the ‘Unsettling of America.’ And Bob [Redford] really loved that book when it came out in the 70s. So we immediately connected on that and Terry [Malick] also really loved Wendell Berry’s work. So we kind of got the team back together and said, well, let’s make a film. But it took a while because Wendell didn’t want to actually be filmed and, you know, there was a lot of back and forth letter writing. At times it sounded like a yes, and then it was a no.”
VT: How did you come to terms with the fact that he refused to appear on camera for you?
LD: “His reasons were pretty specific. I mean, he thinks that film, television, and the screen contributes to the decline of literacy. That it, you know, is a negative force in the world. I think that’s generally his perspective. I mean, that’s what he would say to me, but, you know, at the same time he has friends like [Kentucky author] James Baker Hall, who take lots of photographs and even make short films. And I know he worked on that beautiful ‘Wilderness’ book with [Lexington-based photographer] Ralph Eugene Meatyard. So he has a real respect for image-makers, photography in particular. But I think the moving image is really a different thing, and I think he’s watched it become so dominant in our culture and he thinks it deadens the imagination. He does. So he’s against the screen as a medium, number one. Number two, he often would say things to me, and I’m paraphrasing him, because I can only tell you the gist of what he says so perfectly, but basically that he didn’t want to be made an idol of, that, you know, he would say he’s not anything but for the people around him and for his place, that ‘I am my place.’ He didn’t want the story to fixate on him. And he also just hates being on camera. He’s very awkward. He’ll tell you that he hates it. So there were a number of reasons, and I was thinking, okay, well, we probably don’t need to do this. But [Berry’s wife] Tanya invited me to come. And she wanted me to come. And I was like, okay, well, you don’t want us to film you, but then what can we do? And I just accepted that constraint and thought, well, this constraint actually tells me a lot about him. So I always tell my students that, you know, constraint is a gift. Constraint is where all the opportunity is.”
VT: Looking back, are you satisfied with the visual stories you were able to tell in Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry and the new collection of vignettes compiled from your original sessions, Look & See Further?
LD: “Like I said, I didn’t look at it [Berry’s refusal to be filmed] as a negative thing. I looked at it as an opportunity, fortunately one that was enhanced by the photographs of Jim Hall. How difficult was it to find the workaround? I mean, what I decided was to just film Wendell’s place [in Henry County]. He would let me come and record conversations with him, audio only. And we did that several times. I think there’s like nine hours altogether [Look & See Further was built around the abundance of outtakes]. But I still wondered, how do you visualize his story? And when we really dug into the Jim Hall archive, that’s when I realized, okay, you know, we can make the portrait a sense of him, even if we don’t film him. And in a way, I think you see him more clearly. My kind of understanding is that you see his mind’s eye. You know, you don’t see his face but you see what he thinks and you see what he sees both in the original film and in the 10 new shorts that are getting released this October [2025].”
For more information, visit twobirdsfilm.com.
The power of giving to your community
By Antonio Pantoja
I’ve been doing photography and video now for about 16 years. I have met many great business mentors along the way. The two that I quote the most are Lee Kiper and Dorian Washington. Both of them share the same philosophy. If you’ve ever seen any level of success, it is your duty to send the elevator back down to bring someone else back up.
And, the only time you should be looking down upon someone is if you are trying to help them up.
These aren’t just words to me. They are gospel. And I’ve lived my life by them. It’s been my compass.
Art is very subjective.
When an artist shares their art, it’s like pulling the curtain back and letting everyone take a peek into their soul. The level of vulnerability you feel is like standing in front of a crowd naked and letting them judge your body.
Art is very selfish when you are creating it, but once you release it into the world, it does not belong to you anymore.
Let me explain.
When Adele writes music about a breakup, she is writing it for herself about her own experience. But when it hits the radio, millions of people are singing the lyrics because it’s their story too. It belongs to them now.
Once you release art into the world, it no longer belongs to you anymore.
Furthermore, someone should not be judged so harshly for where they are in their journey. I don’t think in terms of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ artists. We’re all at different points on the same road. We all have different experiences, and we are all at different stages of our journey.
So, I think as an artist, if you see another artist walking down the side of the metaphorical road on their journey, it’s your duty to pick them up and bring them along with you to carry them a little further. Making those small deposits with other people.
Imagine if more of us focused on making deposits instead of withdrawals, how much stronger the community would be.
I think that sharing your art with the world does serve the community to a degree. But do you know what helps it even more? Sharing your knowledge.
Too many people in the arts community gatekeep techniques, resources, and opportunities. But what if, instead, we treated knowledge the way we treat art? What if we shared it freely, without fear of losing something, but with the hope of lifting someone else?
There are people like Lisa Frye, Jessica Mathis (Divinity Rose to some of you), and Soozie Eastman, whose entire purpose has been to bring artists together and help grow the community while still making incredible work of their own. You don’t have to be them; you have your own story, your own journey.
But you don’t have to hold your knowledge so close to your chest either. Remember how freely you release your art into the world? You can release your knowledge the same way.
And because I believe this with everything in me, I’m practicing what I preach. On September 21st at 5 pm, I’ll be at Tyler Park giving away free headshots for artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing their dream. It costs nothing. All I ask is that you pay it forward.
And if the weather is too bad. Lisa Frye was kind enough to donate Art Sanctuary as a backup location. Save Art Sanctuary!
I’m doing my part.
Will you do yours?
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Kathryn Harrington
A fine garden cannot flourish on admiration alone. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens may charm the eye and soothe the spirit, but its true strength lies in the work beneath the surface: the lessons taught to children, the research that shapes horticulture, and the careful preservation of landscapes that link history to the present. All of this is made possible, in no small part, by Twilight in the Garden, the annual fundraiser that sustains Yew Dell’s mission.
The evening begins in the newly renovated $5.1 million Castle Garden, where guests will have the opportunity to browse live and silent auction items featuring unique experiences and local treasures. The night will continue in the Mary F. Rounsavall Pavilion with a four-course meal curated by Chef Josh Moore of Volare Italian Ristorante.
To dwell on dinner or décor is to miss the heart of Twilight. The real purpose is to secure the work that continues long after the last guest departs. Proceeds ensure that children have the chance to learn, hands-on, how pollinators shape the world around them. They provide resources for workshops that equip gardeners, whether novice or expert, with new skills. They sustain research into plants both rare and familiar, preserving knowledge for generations to come.
In short, Twilight in the Garden is a gathering that reminds guests how small acts of participation can yield lasting impact. A ticket purchased, a bid placed, or a donation given is a contribution to the future of Yew Dell, ensuring that the gardens continue to educate, inspire, and provide a sanctuary for the community.
The beauty of Twilight lies not only in its purpose, but in the way it unites people. Longtime supporters and first-time visitors mingle in a setting that is welcoming without pretension. The atmosphere encourages conversation, reflection, and connection to the gardens’ mission. Attendees leave with the satisfaction of having enjoyed a memorable evening, but also with the knowledge that their participation will support the gardens.
In the end, generosity, like a well-tended garden, yields results far beyond what is immediately seen. To attend is to enjoy an evening of charm, yes, but more importantly, it is to help ensure that Yew Dell continues to educate, preserve, and grow for years to come.
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson
When a blended family of six set out to build their forever home, they envisioned a place that would not only accommodate their daily lives but also reflect their love for entertaining, design, and togetherness. With the couple bringing four children, this new beginning required a space that could bring everyone together, while still giving each member room to flourish. The result is a breathtaking 9,500-square-foot residence designed in part by Barry Wooley Designs, where function meets artistry at every turn.
Light, Space, and Flow.
One of the defining features of the home is the abundance of natural light. Expansive windows frame unobstructed views of twin ponds and dancing fountains, creating a serene backdrop that flows into the home’s open interior. Whether in the kitchen, great room, or the master suite, daylight floods the spaces, reinforcing a sense of warmth and connection to the outdoors. The thoughtful layout includes six bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths, along with multiple gathering areas across each level—both inside and out. From intimate family movie nights to large-scale celebrations, the design ensures every moment finds the right setting.
Entertaining Elevated
With a large, blended family and an active social life, entertaining was central to the design vision. The home boasts a sprawling rear entertainment area anchored by a pool, perfect for summer afternoons. Inside, guests are welcomed into numerous gathering spaces, including a stunning lower-level pub inspired by Ireland, paying homage to the homeowner’s heritage. With dark wood finishes, textured metallic accents, and rich lighting, it transports visitors across the Atlantic while still being firmly rooted in Kentucky hospitality.
Upstairs, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Custom cabinetry, oversized islands, and striking light fixtures strike a balance between modern elegance and timeless craftsmanship. The oversized four-car garage, complete with a tool room and storage for sports equipment, ensures the practical side of family life is equally considered.
Everyday Luxury
The private spaces of the home are no less extraordinary. The master suite is designed with a spa-like sensibility, offering the feel of a five-star retreat. A particularly innovative feature is found in the master closet: one wall of windows faces out, while the opposite side is dedicated to custom closet storage. With the touch of a button, the windows shift to instant privacy glass, ensuring both luxury and functionality without compromise. Bathrooms throughout the home showcase exquisite tilework and fixtures, blending comfort with modern sophistication.
A Home of Harmony
More than just a home, this project is a symbol of unity for a blended family creating a future together. Every room tells the story of intentional design; spaces for togetherness, areas for privacy, and environments that foster joy, connection, and celebration. As Barry Wooley explains, “It’s not just about building walls and rooms—it’s about creating a backdrop for a family’s story. This home is the perfect canvas for that.”
The home built by Pantheon Builders Landscaping was completed by Action Landscaping. Special thanks to Stayce Love. With appreciation, Barry Wooley Trusted Advisor for Homes and all
By: Alison Cardoza • Photograhy by Matt Johnson • Sponsored
When you think of Baptist Milestone, most members of this club feel a sense of belonging and unity with each other. Group exercise classes are a substantial part of why many exercise enthusiasts join a gym. There is no doubt that Milestone offers amazing classes for Louisville. Josh and Dean are two of Milestone’s most beloved instructors that keep the energy high in their classes. They both have one common goal in mind- make a positive difference in the health of others. “Over the years, I’ve taught numerous students at various locations. However, one thing has remained consistent- my goal in each of my classes is to help build community,” says instructor Josh. “I strive to support networks for people to leverage as they work to achieve their fitness goals. It makes me so proud when I hear how many people have built friendships or other relationships because they came to one of my classes,” says Josh. A personal connection is felt when his students attend his classes and he makes an effort to get to know each and every one of them. “For some, it is trying to fit into a wedding dress, build a balance of strength and flexibility, or it is just part of their daily release from the stress of life.” Josh teaches cycling, Total Tone+Core, Yoga, Total Tone, and PiYo throughout the week at Milestone. “I’m making a difference in someone’s life through fitness. As mentioned earlier, it could be a short-term goal, a life-style change, or a mental release. It’s honestly the most rewarding job I’ve had in my life,” says Josh.
Dean, our amazing cyclist Instructor at Baptist, has been teaching spin classes for over 27 years. He estimates that he has taught over 25,000 classes! “I enjoy riding bikes on the road,” says Dean. Some of the rides Dean has done are Natchez MS to Louisville over 7 days, 162 miles in 1 day ride across Indiana 6 times, and Mont Ventoux in France, which is considered one of the 10 hardest rides in France. Dean uses his outdoor cycling experiences and brings it indoors to Milestone. He uses positive motivation and humor to keep his participants engaged in class. “I’ve taken Spin classes with Dean for over six years, and in that time, I’ve come to realize that what makes him extraordinary isn’t just his athleticism or his programming—it’s his intuitive understanding of human motivation,” says member Lorna. “Dean has this rare ability to meet people exactly where they are, physically and mentally, and draw out a version of themselves they may not have even known was there. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve walked into class feeling exhausted or preoccupied, only to leave feeling completely recharged—body, mind, and spirit,” exclaims Lorna.
There is no doubt that these instructors at Milestone bring out the best in their clients. Bring out the best in YOU and take a class at Milestone today!
Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
CARDS’ RUNNING BACK ISAAC BROWN FEELING PRESSURE FOR ENCORE AFTER BIG ROOKIE YEAR
By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By UofL Athletics
Sports psychologists say pressure on athletes to perform can cause numerous negative effects, such as increased anxiety and stress that can result in muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, and other physiological symptoms that impair performance. There is also a risk for loss of enjoyment, leading to diminished motivation and engagement. Athletes may also feel overwhelmed by expectations from coaches, teammates, family or fans.
Whew! Welcome to Isaac Brown’s world.
Brown is the sensational running back for Louisville’s football team who set himself up for increased expectations for 2025 with his dynamic true freshman season that earned him multiple awards and honors. Inevitably, that was followed by a slew of preseason kudos this year.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound all-purpose back rushed for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns on 165 carries last season and also caught 30 passes for 152 yards and a TD while appearing in all 13 games with nine starts, including the final eight. He broke Lamar Jackson’s freshman rushing record, tied Jackson’s mark with five 100-yard games and became the first true freshman in Louisville history to top 1,000 yards. He was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year and was also named a
The accolades continued to pile up this summer. Brown, from Homestead, Fla., has earned six different preseason All-American honors and was voted to the 2025 Preseason All-ACC Team. He has also been named to preseason watchlists for four prestigious awards -- Paul Hornung, Doak Walker, Maxwell, and Walter Camp Player of the Year. As you can tell, it’s not just Cardinal fans or Louisville media that are touting him as one of the best running backs in all of college football.
U of L does have other good offensive weapons such as quarterback Monroe Mills and wide receiver Chris Bell, but Brown is considered the most talented and therefore the most dangerous. The level of the Cards’ success could rise and fall depending on the level of his encore performance, and he doesn’t try to downplay the difficulty of dealing with the weight of those expectations.
“It’s hard because I got a lot of pressure; they want me to perform how I performed last year,” Brown said. “I got a lot on my shoulders. I’m just trying to pray, hope I play better this year than last year, but I think I put in the work.”
“I tell him, ‘don’t worry about that,’” running backs coach Chris Barclay said. “We try to focus on this year; we don’t focus on what happened last year. He talks about that, but we’ve had many conversations that there is no pressure. This is a new year and we’ve got to prove ourselves all over again. It’s almost like this is starting over from scratch. So let’s be great today, that’s all that matters. He’s a young guy, and there’s people in his ear and things like that. We just stay on him and communicate
Brown said that last year he relied mostly on his instincts while trying to learn the playbook and adjusting to the physicality and speed of the college game compared to high school.
“I was just out there running,” he says. “Now I feel like the game has slowed down for me, and I can have more explosive plays than I had last year. I got better on and off the field.”
Maybe that’s why he has changed his jersey number from 25 to No. 1. Maybe that signifies he has confidence that his experience and improved strength and conditioning, which complements his natural athleticism and speed, will enable him to overcome any pressure
Brown is fortunate to have a mentor who has been through a similar situation. As a true freshman at Wake Forest in 2002, Barclay also came out of nowhere to gain 703 yards with nine touchdowns. He followed that with three straight 100-yard seasons and was named the
Barclay has warned Brown that, due to his success last season, he will be the target of opposing defenses. Initially, at least, teams are
“I spoke to him about that all summer,” Barclay said. “I remember coming into my sophomore year, the amount of pressure I felt. The way defenses adjusted to playing me, seeing heavier boxes. I told him, ‘Hey man, it might be a little crowded in there early on, and that’s out of respect for you and what all you have done. But we don’t need to go looking for the home run every time you touch the football.
“‘As we continue to evolve offensively and the quarterback’s doing a great job distributing the football, it’ll loosen up some of those boxes and then we’ll be able to do our thing. So we don’t need to press. We need to make sure we play team football and then we can take advantage of the run opportunities.’”
It should be noted that Brown isn’t Louisville’s only talented running back. Sophomore Duke Watson is also on the Doak Walker watchlist and redshirt sophomore Keyjuan “Bama” Brown has shown he’s capable of having a big game, giving U of L one of the deepest running backs contingent in the nation. Barclay jokingly calls them “The Three Stooges.” The Cards have dubbed their running back room “Zone 6”, because every time they touch the ball the goal is 6 points.
“It’s almost like the game is happening in slow motion for these kids at times,” Barclay said. “Diagnosing reads earlier than they used to. Very dialed-in on pass protection. Seeing safety rotation for pre-snap reads. It’s been very exciting to see their growth.”
And for Brown, there is some good news that comes along with the expectations. In contrast to the negative aspects at the top of this story, there is also the possibility of positive effects, according to psychologists. Those include increased focus and motivation, sharper concentration and higher effort levels. The right amount of pressure can also lead to optimal arousal, enhancing speed, strength and alertness, as well as mental toughness.
Before the Voice-Tribune publishes again, we’ll have a good idea about how well Brown has adjusted and been able to cope with the pressure he said he was feeling even before taking the first handoff of the year.
Louisville opened the season with the first of three consecutive home games on Aug. 30 against Eastern Kentucky. The Cards will host James Madison in L&N Stadium on Sept. 5 and Bowling Green on Sept. 20 before opening their ACC season at Pittsburgh on Sept. 27. They’ll return to face Virginia on Oct. 4.
Chris Barclay, U of L running backs coach
Cara Cresee, shown during a match last season, is a returning starter from Louisville’s 2024 Final Four team. A redshirt senior, she led the club in blocks (177) and was named an All-American Honorable Mention.
By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By UofL Athletics
If Dan Meske needed a reminder of the expectations he had inherited entering his first season as Louisville’s head volleyball coach, which of course he doesn’t, he got one before the first attack or kill of the regular season.
Following a 3-1 exhibition win over their Alumni All-Stars in L&N Credit Union Arena, his players were able to flash their gaudy Final Four rings distributed during a post-game ceremony.
Meske got one too, having earned his third while helping Dani Busboom Kelly lead the Cardinals to unprecedented heights as associate head coach, with three Final Four appearances in the last four seasons, including national runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2024.
Now he will try to add another ring from the top of the program, but he noted that the pressure he feels isn’t necessarily due to the high bar that has been set for the program.
“The pressure for me is to provide an experience where people continue to grow their love for the game,” said Meske. “That is what I feel immense pressure to do. When people come into this program, if they start losing their love for the game, that’s when I got to start having a long look in the mirror. And I thought that as an assistant coach and as a head coach. I also use that as a guide.
“So when you talk about pressure of where our team is at, for me the pulse of the team is where the program is at from a love of the game and love of each other’s standpoint. And if that’s being done at a high level, everything else like that tends to take care of itself. So yeah, I feel an immense amount of pressure and responsibility with this role to keep the culture and to keep the joy and the love that we have for this team and for this game.”
Meske, a native of the Chicago area, has head coaching experience with two years at Augustana College after starting as an assistant for eight seasons at Nebraska. The transition from Busboom Kelly -- who departed after last season to become head coach at Nebraska, her alma matter -- appears to have been seamless, with Meske keeping the rest of the staff intact.
U of L was ranked No. 4 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) preseason poll, an indication that close followers of the sport believe Meske can maintain the program’s elite level as a national powerhouse. The only three programs voted ahead of Louisville were No. 1 Nebraska, No. 2 Penn State and ACC rival Pittsburgh. The Cards were picked to finish second to Pitt in the league.
Louisville returns a solid core, including three starters, from last year’s 30-6 club that fell to Penn State in the NCAA championship match in the KFC Yum! Center.
Sophomore setter Nayelis Cabello, sophomore outside hitter Chloe Chicoine and redshirt senior middle blocker Cara Cresse were all named to the preseason All-ACC team. Cabello was the ACC Freshman of the year in 2024, while Cresse was named an honorable mention All-American. She and Chicoine were chosen on the Women’s U23 team for the Pan American Cup competition in August. The U.S. finished 3-0 to win the gold medal and Chicoine tied for the second-leading scorer with 10 points (9 kills, 1 block).
The other returnees are Ava Utterback, Kamden Schrand, Jessica Drapp, Hannah Sherman, Molly Urban, Alanna Bankston, Payton Petersen and Reese Robins. The Cards signed senior transfer Molly Wilson, Washington’s two-year starting setter, along with four freshmen -- outside hitter Chloe Meester (Mt. Vernon, Iowa), middle blocker Addison Makun (Silver Creek High, Sellersburg, Ind.), setter Hannah Kenny (Villa Park, Ill.) and middle blocker Kalyssa Blackshear (Lomita, Calif).
U of L opened the season on Aug. 29-31, hosting Auburn, Morehead State and St. John’s in the Cardinal Classic at L&N Arena. The Cards will be tested early, with a neutral site match against No. 5 Texas in Ft. Worth on Sept. 10, a road match vs. No. 12 Creighton on Sept. 12, and No. 7 Kentucky in the KFC Yum! Center on Sept. 18. U of L will face two other preseason Top 10 teams in No. 3 Pitt (Oct. 19, H; Nov. 26, A) and No. 6 Stanford (Nov. 29, H).
Acclaimed Writer and Philanthropist
January 22, 1937 – August 6, 2025
Sallie Bingham
By Keith L. Runyon
Sallie Bingham, a nationally recognized author, playwright, feminist, and former Courier-Journal book editor, died August 6 at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was 88 and was surrounded by her two sons, her sister, and her grandchildren.
Born Sarah Montague Bingham on January 22, 1937, she was the elder daughter of Barry Bingham, Sr., publisher of The Courier-Journal and The Louisville Times, and his wife, Mary Caperton Bingham. The Binghams were among Louisville’s most prominent families, known for their leadership in journalism, civic affairs, and philanthropy.
Raised in Louisville, Ms. Bingham attended the Louisville Collegiate School before enrolling at Radcliffe College, where her literary talents began to flourish. Her first novel, After Such Knowledge, was published in 1961, marking the beginning of a prolific writing career that would span more than six decades. Over the years, she authored novels, short stories, plays, and memoirs that were widely praised for their insight into themes of gender, identity, and family.
Her fiction and nonfiction appeared in respected publications such as The Atlantic Monthly, The New Yorker, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Redbook, and her short stories were selected for The O. Henry Prize Stories. Known for her elegant prose and unflinching voice, she became an important literary figure in American letters.
Ms. Bingham returned to Louisville in the 1970s and served as book editor at The Courier-Journal, a position her mother had once held. There, she championed Southern and Appalachian authors including Wendell Berry, Peter Taylor, Barbara Kingsolver, and Bobbie Ann Mason. Under her leadership, the newspaper’s book section was widely regarded as one of the nation’s finest outside New York and Washington.
In addition to her literary work, Ms. Bingham made enduring contributions to feminist advocacy and philanthropy. In 1985, she established the Kentucky Foundation for Women, a Louisville-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing the work of women artists and writers. One of the organization’s early efforts was The American Voice, a literary journal edited by the late poet and professor Frederick Smock. This and other philanthropic gifts were funded by proceeds from the sale of Bingham properties in 1986.
She was also a major benefactor of Duke University, where she endowed the Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture, housed within the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. The center remains a national leader in documenting and preserving the history of women’s lives and activism.
Ms. Bingham’s published works include the short story collection Transgressions (2002), her memoirs Passion and Prejudice (1989), The Blue Box: Three Lives in Letters (2014), Little Brother (2022), and most recently, the historical novel Taken by the Shawnee (2024). A new story collection, How Daddy Lost His Ear, is scheduled for release this fall.
Throughout her life, she received numerous honors and fellowships from organizations including Yaddo, the MacDowell Colony, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. In 2023, she won the Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize for her story “What I Learned from Fat Annie.”
Ms. Bingham was also a lifelong advocate for land preservation. In 1989, she donated a conservation easement protecting more than 400 acres of her historic Wolf Pen Farm in Oldham County. The land, adjacent to her home known as Hopscotch House, is held in trust by River Fields, Inc., a nonprofit founded in part by her mother, Mary Bingham, in 1959. River Fields’ former executive director Meme Sweets Griffith said it led to “a cascade of conservation,” noting that thousands of acres have been protected following Ms. Bingham’s example. Ms. Bingham later gave similar easements for land she acquired near Santa Fe.
Despite living much of her later life in New Mexico, Ms. Bingham remained connected to her Kentucky roots. Her works often referenced or were set in the Commonwealth, and her philanthropy touched many corners of the state’s cultural and environmental life.
She was married and divorced three times — to A. Whitney Ellsworth, founding editor of The New York Review of Books; attorney Michael Iovenko; and Louisville contractor Timothy Peters. All three preceded her in death.
She is survived by two sons, Barry Bingham Ellsworth of New York City and Santa Fe, and Christopher Iovenko (Jessica Carter Iovenko) of Los Angeles; Barry Ellsworth’s former wife, Camilla Motta Ellsworth, of Santa Fe; a sister, Eleanor Bingham Miller of Harrods Creek Farm, Goshen; and five grandchildren, Adriane Ellsworth (Aggrey) and Iona Ellsworth (Wenyu), both of Chicago; Ezra Iovenko of Los Angeles, and Sadie Iovenko and Michael Iovenko, both of Louisville. A third son, William Iovenko, died in 2018. Also surviving are nieces Clara Bingham (Joseph Gregory Finnerty III) of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Emily Bingham (Stephen Reily) of Louisville; Molly Bingham of Girona, Spain, and Eleanor Hannah Miller of Louisville; and nephews Rowland A.D. Miller of New York City and Benjamin Worth Miller (Tracy Lear) of Goshen. In addition to her son, she was preceded in death by her three brothers: Worth, Barry Jr., and Jonathan Bingham, and her nephew, Robert Worth Bingham IV.
A woman of letters and action, Sallie Bingham’s life was distinguished by her commitment to the arts, women’s rights, and environmental stewardship. She wrote with passion, clarity, and purpose—qualities that earned her admiration far beyond her hometown.
A memorial service was to be held at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Santa Fe, where she was a devoted parishioner. Her remains were cremated. Rivera Family Funeral Home in Santa Fe has been entrusted with arrangements.
Keith L. Runyon is the retired editorial and book pages editor of The Courier-Journal, where he was on the staff between 1969 and 2012.
In Memory of Rahaman Ali
July 18, 1943 – August 1, 2025
Source Photos “Courtesy of Muhammad Ali Center Digital Museum”
The Muhammad Ali Center mourns the death of Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of Muhammad Ali, who passed on August 1, 2025 at the age of 82.
Rahaman was born on July 18, 1943 as Rudolph Arnett Clay to Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay. Rahaman followed in his brother’s boxing footsteps with a professional boxing career from 1964 to 1972.
After his professional career, Rahaman would often travel with Muhammad and train with him. Rahaman was his brother’s biggest supporter, writing a book in 2014 titled “That’s Muhammad Ali’s Brother! My Life on the Undercard” co-authored by boxing writer and columnist H. Ron Brashear, and a second book titled “My Brother, Muhammad Ali – The Definitive Biography” in 2019.
Rahaman was a fervent supporter of the Muhammad Ali Center, often showing up at the Center’s events to welcome and greet fans.
“You can’t tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman,” said DeVone Holt, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “He was one of the most constant sources of support for Muhammad during this career and their relationship was a true example of what it means to be ‘my brother’s keeper.’”
By Kathryn Harrington
As summer waves goodbye and the weather turns slightly cooler (yet still stubbornly warm), Louisville steps into September with the swagger of a city that knows how to party in plaid. It’s the month where the events are as diverse as our beloved state’s legendary bourbon, and just as spirited.
If you know me at all, you know how much I love our city’s music festivals (RIP Forecastle but someone PLEASE bring it back, I will never stop talking about it!) September is the month that quite literally shakes the shutters on houses. First up, we’ve got Bourbon and Beyond for those who enjoy a more laid-back vibe while tasting some mighty fine bourbon. This isn’t just a festival; it’s an indulgent exploration of Kentucky’s native nectar. With culinary programming and live music all swirling together into a bourbon-infused dreamscape, I guarantee you’ll have one heck of a time.
For those who gravitate more towards music of a heavier persuasion, Louder Than Life is hands down the place to be. Hard rock, heavy metal, alternative, sometimes rap and more blast through speakers that rattle your bones, and crowds scream louder than the bands. It’s a celebration of all things loud, rebellious, and adrenaline-fueled. The lineup for this year is phenomenal, especially with Slayer returning after the heartbreak from their set getting rained out last year. Ya’ll can be sure to find me in a mosh pit or two. That’s where I get my favorite photos!
If you’re looking to get a little more dressed up, check out the Yew Dell Botanical Garden’s annual Twilight in the Garden gala! Twilight is Yew Dell’s signature event and largest fundraiser of the year. Treat yourself to an evening of cocktails and gourmet food against the magical backdrop of the gardens while knowing you’re supporting the preservation of the grounds along with educational programs and community activities.
One event that is particularly close to my heart is the TKO Parkinson’s Festival, which is celebrating its 10th year! This family-friendly charitable event includes a kids’ area with bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, a silent auction, live music, and my favorite part, a live TKO Parkinson’s Boxing Demo. TKO Parkinson’s is a wonderful Louisville-based non-profit that provides a 100% free boxing program for those fighting against the progression of Parkinson’s, and all proceeds from the event go to this program!
Skipping ahead a little bit to the first week of October, I can’t possibly leave out the St. James Court Art Fair. This art fair is the harbinger of fall, where the streets are adorned with stunning craftsmanship, and the air buzzes with creativity. It’s a stroll through a living gallery with booths showcasing everything from painting to pottery, jewelry to whimsical sculptures. Take your time, marvel at the talent, and maybe pick up a piece or two. I know I will!
Whew, a lot sure does go on during September. It’s my favorite month out of the year for events, and there is no shortage of activities to enjoy. Also, make sure to check out our online calendar. There are so many amazing events going on that would make a great date night, family outing, friends’ excursion, or solo adventure!
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