Voice-Tribune September 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

PIXIES

Coming to

Louisville The NEW CEO of LOUISVILLE

ORCHESTRA

FALL FASHION

at The Bay Cigar Lounge A Kentucky Collaboration:

CHAD SLOAN

TEDDY ABRAMS & SILAS HOUSE

A CELEBRATION

OF BOURBON, STYLE, & THE SEASON

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To the Many Voices of Louisville, Is it officially fall yet? Maybe not.

But in Kentucky, we don’t necessarily wait for the calendar to tell us when a new season begins.

The bourbon starts pouring, the boots come back out, the social calendar somehow fills up overnight, and we all collectively decide that 78 degrees is absolutely sweater weather.

And honestly? I’m ready for it.

Pour a glass of your favorite drink, gin, water, tea, bourbon, or tea with bourbon—because this month, you deserve to get out of the house and have some fall fun!

September is one of my favorite times of year because Kentucky seems to come alive in a completely different way. There’s Bourbon & Beyond, Louder Than Life, fundraisers, fall events, football games, art openings, concerts, galas, and about 400 other things you swear you’re going to make it to.

Which brings me to something VERY exciting our team has been working on...

KentuckyCalendar.com!

Yes, we made you a calendar. And it’s FREE to add your event! With our new system, events are going up faster and faster.

Because apparently publishing a magazine wasn’t keeping us busy enough. (I am so grateful for every member on our team) But really, KentuckyCalendar.com grew out of something we hear all the time: “How did I not know about this?”

There is SO much happening across our Commonwealth, and sometimes the hardest part isn’t finding something to do, it’s finding it without getting lost on the internet.

We want to change that.

KentuckyCalendar.com is our new home for discovering what’s happening across Kentucky, from festivals and fundraisers to concerts, museums, sporting events, family activities, date nights, community gatherings, and everything in between.

And speaking of things Kentucky does exceptionally well...

Welcome to our Fall Fashion & Bourbon Volume!

I have always loved putting fashion and bourbon together because, strangely enough, they have a lot in common. Both are rooted in craftsmanship.

Both can be traditional or completely unexpected. Both have very passionate opinions surrounding them.

And both are undeniably Kentucky.

This Volume also comes on the heels of one of our biggest nights of the year, Best Dressed Kentucky 2026, where Kentucky fashion took over The Henry Clay in support of the Louisville Ballet.

(The recap will be in our October Volume, so stay tuned!)

Can you believe we are publishing a Volume featuring the most looks we’ve ever done during the same week as one of the biggest fashion events Kentucky has seen in five years, with 12 boutiques represented on the runway?!

There is no doubt that our team can make miracles happen.

And when I say the Louisville Ballet took over our runway, I mean it quite literally, the Artists of the Louisville Ballet were our models!

Seeing our boutiques, businesses, creatives, Artists, and community come together was exactly what Best Dressed Kentucky was meant to be: fun, expressive, a little unexpected, and completely Kentucky.

That’s really what this September Volume is about, too.

So pour something Kentucky-made (Ale-8 counts, too), pull out something fabulous for fall, flip through these pages, and start filling up that calendar.

Because apparently, we have plans.

To the Many Voices of Louisville,

Amelia Frazier Theobald Publisher & CEO, The VOICE-TRIBUNE

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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & FASHION DIRECTOR , CLEO HEINE CHIEF EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER & DIRECTOR, EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER, GRAPHIC DESIGNER, KATHRYN HARRINGTON FASHION & EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER, MATT JOHNSON FASHION & EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER, ANTONIO PANTOJA DISTRIBUTION, KELLI & RAGAN VAN HECKE, JILL & JOHN MINNIX, TANNER BATEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ALISON CARDOZA, ALISHA PROFFITT, CLEO HEINE, JACKIE ZYKAN, KELSEY KNOTT, KEVIN MURPHY WILSON, LAUREN TAYLOR CARR, RUSS BROWN CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: ASHLEY BROSSART, GIOIA PATTON, JACKIE ZYKAN, UOFL ATHLETICS, ZACH SINCLAIR / GRIZZLY MEDIA, TRAVIS SHINN

VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

5

FEATURES

30

10 Burk’s Spring Bourbon Provided By Burks Spring Bourbon Photos By Matt Johnson Sponsored

12 Ky. Bourbon Festival turns 35: From a small dinner to a world stage

18 The Bay Cigar Lounge

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos By Antonio Pantoja Sponsored

20

By Lauren Taylor Carr & Kevin Murphy Wilson Photo Credit: Travis Shinn

34

40 Fall Fashion at The Bay Cigar Lounge Styled By Cleo Heine Photos By: Antonio Pantoja, Kathryn Harrington & Matt Johnson

Monarch Artist Feature: Tyler Lance Walker Gill

62

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

By Kelsey Knott Photos By Matt Johnson

Jackie Zykan

16

24

The Bourbon Flavor Wheel: Understanding the Sweet, Spicy, Fruity and Complex Notes in Every Pour

Jude Vaclavik: Finding the Next Movement

36

By RUSS BROWN 2025 photos courtesy Zach Sinclair / Grizzly Media

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

The New Americana: Bourbon at the Center

By Lauren Taylor Carr & Kevin Murphy Wilson Photos Provided

26 The Song of Silas

By Alisha Proffitt Photos Provided 6

Here Comes Your Man: Pixies to Play Iroquois Amphitheater

SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Abigail Killmeier Brings Skweezy Jibbs Home to Louisville

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos By Matt Johnson

Maître Liquoriste + Perfumer + Herbalist

64 Fall 2026 Home Trends

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

On The Cover: Models A’Nya Winburn & Grant Goodman photographed by Antonio Pantoja at The Bay Cigar Lounge.

Featuring jewelry and styles from DapperFam, Rodes For Her, MadHatter 502, Davis Jewelers & Aesthetics in Jewelry.

Styled by Cleo Heine, Director of Fashion. Flower arrangements by Susan’s Florist. Hair and makeup by J Michaels Spa & Salon.

24 >

66 15 Ways to Make Reading Part of Your Fall

80

By VOICE-TRIBUNE

Community Engagement By: Ashley Brossart

68 NOT ABOUT AGE - IT’S ABOUT ABILITY

By Alison Cardoza Photos By Matt Johnson

72 Now or never for Brohm’s Cards? Stars are aligned for breakthrough

By RUSS BROWN Photos By Louisville Athletics

84 Louisville Calendar

85 SOCIETY

99

THANK YOU TO SPONSORS

76 Ky. Hoops Hall milestone: 2026 class raises number of members to over 200

By RUSS BROWN Photos By Louisville Athletics VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

7

You shop local.

You eat local.

You play local.

Your real estate should be local, too.

TOP 10 BROKERAGES IN LOUISVILLE. STILL LOCAL. www.whitepicketky.com

10 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Provided By Burks Spring Bourbon • Photos By Matt Johnson • Sponsored In 1805, Charles Burks began milling grain on Hardin Creek, just outside Loretto, Kentucky. He also started making whiskey, which made him one of the earliest distillers in the state. He was the first Burks to make whiskey on the site, which would continue for 114 years as his descendants carried on the business until Prohibition closed the Burks Spring Distillery in 1919.

The last Burks to make whiskey there was George Richard Burks who lived in the house on the property. That house is now part of the Visitor’s Center at Maker’s Mark Distillery, which began in 1953 when Bill Samuels, Sr., bought the abandoned distillery. Even now, more than 107 years after Prohibition, some of the distillery that George built is still being used by Marker’s Mark..

In 2016, George’s grandson and namesake, Dick Burks, decided that it was time to bring back the Burks name to the bourbon industry.

He would soon be retiring from a 54 year career as an insurance broker, and some of his friends and family encouraged him, even offering to help fund the project.

Dick had a cousin who had a full bottle of the bourbon his grandfather had made before 1919, so they took it to Pat Heist of Ferm Solutions in Danville who was able to determine the mash bill of the old bourbon, along with its proof and age. With that information, Dick traveled to distilleries across Kentucky looking for one that would make Burks Spring Bourbon to those exact specifications. They all told him it was a great idea to bring back the old bourbon, but they couldn’t interrupt their production to make it for him. When he went to Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shelbyville, they said yes, and in 2018 the first barrels were produced.

In 2024, after 6 years of aging, 10 barrels of Burks Spring Bourbon were bottled and Southern Glazers Distributors began sending it around the state of Kentucky. Although not designated as “Small Batch, it truly was, as only 2,000 bottles were produced. The bourbon has gotten many good reviews and has become more difficult to find as the supply is small. Last year, a very limited amount of the “Select 7 Year Reserve” was released and most of it has been sold. Next, some of the 2020 production will start coming out this fall.

Dick says the whole project was supposed to be just a hobby, but he had no idea how difficult it was going to be. He had some knowledge of bourbon and his family history, but no information on how to get a liquor license, where to get bottles and labels, shipping cartons, bar codes, and the necessary legal matters. But after 10 long years, he is very happy and proud that Burks Spring Bourbon is living up to what his grandfather put on the labels of his bottles long ago, “this bourbon’s mission in life was to heal the sick, produce mirth, laughter, and good fellowship.”

VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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12 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

FROM A SMALL DINNER TO A WORLD STAGE

By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By: Zach Sinclair / Grizzly Media Chances are that all bourbon enthusiasts in Kentucky are familiar with Bardstown’s popular Kentucky Bourbon Festival during National Bourbon Heritage Month for four days in September when the small city 40 miles southeast of Louisville becomes the bourbon center of the world.

However, probably a much smaller number know about the modest beginning of the festival, which celebrated its 35th anniversary Sept. 10-13 with its fourth consecutive sellout. Nobody could have predicted the steady growth the festival has enjoyed since its founding in 1991 when about 250 people got together for a dinner and bourbon tasting.

Early organizers -- including then director of the Bardstown Convention and Visitors Bureau Martha Burchfield, and Master Distiller Parker Beam -- envisioned more than a consumer fair, and that vision has certainly come to pass.

Now the event draws about 6,000 ticketed guests from more than a dozen countries for activities that include tastings, cooking demonstrations, competitions, workshops, historic tours, educational panel discussions, expanded food offerings, and more than 40 vendors in the Bourbon Marketplace.

Topics of the panel discussions this time included “What Created the Bourbon Bubble and Could it Still Burst?”; “Is Older Whiskey Always Better?”; “A Day in the Life of a Master Taster: It’s as Fun as You Think”; “A Celebration of Women in Bourbon”; “Upgrading Your Ideal Bourbon World”; and “Mythbusting: Dispelling Bourbon Lore”;” among others.

The festival is home to the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay, where teams compete rolling 500-pound barrels, a highlight of the weekend. Another much-anticipated event is the Master Distillers’ Auction in the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History in Spalding Hall.

Built in 1826 and listed on the National Historic Registry, it contains one of the finest collections of bourbon, whiskey and whiskey artifacts in the world.

Bardstown’s self-proclaimed title as “Bourbon Capital of the World” is a phrase that is trademarked. Bardstown was also designated as the ‘Bourbon Capital’ by Kentucky House Bill 221 (1900). The area has been the site of bourbon distilleries since 1776. More than 60 distilleries -with over 200 brands and expressions -- took part in this year’s festival, pouring samples and offering opportunities to engage with the most sought-after brands and attend sessions with industry leaders and personalities Randy Prasse, president and COO of the festival, commends numerous people and businesses for the festival’s growth and success -- particularly since it became a ticketed event five years ago -- saying it is “thanks to the dedication of all the staff, board, distilleries, sponsors, and volunteers who have worked diligently to create what is now widely considered the preeminent whiskey event in the world.”

As you might expect since the festival draws massive out-of-state crowds, it generates a sizable portion of Nelson County’s economic impact of $90.9 million per year. Many of the attendees are from outside the state, pumping millions into lodging, retail and restaurants.

The festival’s timing during the second week of September is intentional because it coincides with peak Kentucky corn harvest when grain moisture content averages 15.5%, ideal for milling and fermentation. It also avoids Kentucky Derby season and summer heat and humidity that can compromise barrel aging consistency during on-site tours.

The Festival highlights one distillery each year as its featured partner. This year the spotlight was on New Riff, based in Newport, Ky. near Cincinnati, an award-winning distillery that describes its location as the gateway to bourbon country.

“The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of our cornerstone events each year,” New Riff President Mollie Lewis told WhiskeyPulse.com.

“We love having that face-to-face time to meet fans of the distillery, and make new ones, in a setting unlike any other. We can’t wait to celebrate KFB’s milestone anniversary with everyone.”

Admission tickets, along with VIP tickets and those for certain premium events go on sale in mid-April each year and sell out quickly.

Before 2021, the festival was open to anyone, but it is now a 21-plus event. The date for the 2027 festival is Sept. 9-12. For more information go to Kentuckybourbonfestival.com/festival.info VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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16 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

UNDERSTANDING THE SWEET, SPICY, FRUITY AND COMPLEX NOTES IN EVERY POUR

By VOICE-TRIBUNE | Photo By Eva Bronzini (Pexels.com)

Bourbon may begin with a relatively simple list of ingredients (grain, water, and yeast), but the finished spirit can have an unexpectedly complex range of flavors. One pour may have subtle hints of vanilla and caramel, while another has cherry, cinnamon, toasted oak or dark chocolate.

The bourbon flavor wheel is a way to understand those differences. Rather than looking at tasting notes as tests you can pass or fail, try thinking of the flavor wheel as a vocabulary for identifying what you already experience in the glass.

Sweet Sweet flavors are among bourbon’s most recognizable characteristics. Look for vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, honey, maple, and molasses.

Many of these familiar notes develop during the aging process as bourbon interacts with its charred oak barrel. Vanilla, in particular, is a common characteristic, while caramelized and toasted notes can add richness and depth.

If you naturally gravitate toward desserts, these may be the flavors that make certain bourbons especially appealing to you.

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Fruit Bourbon can also have a distinctly fruity character. Depending on the spirit, you might notice cherry, apple, pear, orange, raisin, plum or other dried-fruit notes.

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Common notes include cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, and baking spices. Some bourbons lean heavily into these characteristics, creating a warm and lively finish.

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Too much oak can become dominant, while the right balance can add structure and complexity. That interaction between spirit and wood is one of bourbon’s defining characteristics.

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Oak & Wood Oak is central to bourbon’s identity. During years of aging, the spirit draws characteristics from the barrel, creating notes of toasted oak, char, vanilla, wood, and tannin.

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Spice If you prefer a warmer, bolder experience, look toward the spice category.

The grain recipe can influence a bourbon’s character, as can its time in the barrel. Spice can separate a soft, sweet pour from one with a more pronounced kick.

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Fruit flavors can make a bourbon feel brighter and more approachable, particularly when balanced with sweetness or spice. A cherry note, for example, can complement caramel, while orange can add a subtle citrus brightness.

Rich & Dark Some bourbons move into deeper territory, with notes of chocolate, coffee, tobacco, leather, roasted nuts, and dark caramel.

These flavors can create a more luxurious, layered profile, one that encourages slower sipping.

Grain & Earth Finally, don’t overlook the foundation: the grain itself. Notes of corn, toasted grain, nuts, and roasted flavors can occasionally emerge beneath the sweeter and richer characteristics.

Find Your Flavor The beauty of the bourbon flavor wheel is that there isn’t one correct answer. You don’t have to identify every note in a glass. Instead, use the wheel to discover what you enjoy.

Do you prefer sweet and vanilla-forward? Fruity and bright? Spicy and bold? Or dark, rich and oaky?

The more bourbon you taste, the more familiar those patterns become.

Ultimately, the flavor wheel isn’t about becoming an expert. It’s about finding your own palate and the fun of learning to appreciate just how much can be found in a single pour.

18 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Antonio Pantoja • Sponsored There is a luxury in having nowhere else to be.

At The Bay Cigar Lounge in Southern Indiana, that luxury comes in the form of a well-selected cigar, a thoughtfully poured cocktail, comfortable surroundings, and enough time to enjoy them all. Located in Clarksville, IN, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, The Bay gives cigar enthusiasts a place to settle in, meet friends, conduct business or simply spend an evening at their own pace.

Owners Julius K. Wilkerson Jr. and Sondra Wilkerson brought years of hospitality and entrepreneurship to the concept. Long before opening The Bay, the couple operated Big City Styles Barbershop and Nail Salon in downtown Louisville for 26 years. Their experience in business, entertainment, and community-building helped inform what they wanted their new venture to become.

“We are not a bar, although we have a fully stocked bar. We are not a club, although we host DJ’d events from time to time. We are a lounge, where people can come relax in comfort, have a meaningful conversation without yelling over loud music, conduct business with colleagues in an impressive space and host events of various types.”

That distinction is evident as soon as guests enter. The 5,000-square-foot space has an open floor plan, high ceilings, and seating arranged to accommodate both conversation and privacy. A retail area makes cigar purchases convenient, while the bar is close at hand. Large screens make the lounge a natural destination for watching a game, while live music and occasional DJs elevate the energy on weekends.

The Bay also puts considerable thought into the cigar-smoking environment. Four-ton heating and air units equipped with air scrubbers, strategically placed exhaust fans and large ceiling fans work together to manage the air. When weather permits, four 20-foot bay doors open to the outdoors, adding another layer of ventilation and helping give the lounge its name, The Bay. The cigar policy is equally deliberate. The Bay is dedicated to premium tobacco, with cigars as the only permitted smoking product. No cigarettes, vaping, or Black & Milds are allowed.

For Julius and Sondra, hospitality also means creating opportunities for people to connect. Membership is available but not required, and its purpose is community rather than restricted access and exclusivity. The couple sees the lounge as a place where entrepreneurs, professionals, and friends can expand their circles over a cigar.

“In the cigar culture, it is common to meet strangers who become your friends. The people are often from different backgrounds, but a conversation over a 45-minute smoke reveals many commonalities.”

For newcomers, The Bay offers an approachable introduction to the cigar world, from selecting and handling a cigar to cutting, lighting and smoking it properly. For seasoned smokers, the lounge provides an opportunity to explore premium brands while enjoying the company that makes a great cigar even better.

The Bay is ultimately about time well spent. As Julius puts it, “The joy of creating memories with friends, having a cultural experience in a comfortable and inviting space, with warm hospitality, is the luxury of time well spent, that makes patrons feel at home without the chore of cleaning and maintenance.”

That may be the best reason to visit. “Bring a friend, or come ready to meet someone new. Select a cigar from our collection, or enjoy your own for a nominal sitting fee. The Bay will provide the setting.”

VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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20 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

BOURBON AT THE CENTER By: VOICE-TRIBUNE Something interesting is happening around bourbon.

It isn’t just that more people are drinking it, collecting it, talking about it, or learning about how it is made. Bourbon has increasingly become part of a larger cultural conversation, one that includes denim, leather, vintage automobiles, workwear, music, design, craftsmanship, and an appreciation for things that seem to carry a little history with them. Call it the New Americana.

Americana has always been difficult to define because it was never really one thing. The New Americana is less interested in recreating the past than in borrowing from it. And maybe that’s what makes the current version of it interesting. It takes familiar materials, objects, traditions, and references and puts them back into circulation, giving them new context and new meaning.

Bourbon fits naturally into that world.

There is something satisfying about knowing that what eventually finds its way into a glass began with grain, water, yeast, a charred barrel, and time. Its history is tangible. You can taste the wood. You can learn the story of the distillery. You can trace a bottle back to a mash bill, a barrel, a warehouse, a place. And for those who become serious about bourbon, the vocabulary can become almost as fascinating as the drink itself: mash bills, barrel selection, aging, warehouse conditions, single barrels, barrel proof, finishes. The more you learn, the harder it becomes to think of bourbon as just another spirit on the shelf. It has a story.

That same fascination with process and craftsmanship exists elsewhere in the Americana subculture. A person can spend years searching for the right vintage denim or learning the difference between generations of a particular motorcycle. Someone else might care about the construction of a leather jacket, the restoration of a classic car, or the provenance of a piece of furniture. The common thread isn’t necessarily nostalgia; it’s appreciation.

Appreciation for materials. For craftsmanship. For things that show evidence of being made, used, repaired, aged, and lived with. And bourbon really embodies all of these draws.

Even the experience of drinking bourbon can have that sensibility. The glass, the bar, the bottle, the ritual of the pour. A bourbon bar might surround the spirit with leather, wood, brass, vintage signage, old photographs. But the best contemporary spaces don’t feel like museums.

They aren’t necessarily trying to convince you that you’ve stepped into another decade. They take pieces of the past and make them feel current.

That distinction matters because Americana, at its best, isn’t really about authenticity in the strictest sense. It is all interpretation.

A Japanese collector can be deeply invested in American denim and workwear without trying to cosplay as an American. A British enthusiast can build a life around American motorcycles, bourbon, and roots music while filtering all of it through British culture. In Australia, American Western influences can intersect with country music, boots, outdoor culture, and traditions that are distinctly their own.

The materials and references may originate in America. The meaning doesn’t have to.

And bourbon travels particularly well within that conversation. A bottle may begin in Kentucky, but the experience surrounding it changes depending on where it lands. The spirit remains recognizable, the culture around it keeps moving.

That is where Americana becomes more interesting than an aesthetic. It becomes a kind of cultural vocabulary, one that people can borrow, alter, combine, and make personal.

Bourbon is particularly well suited to that role because it already carries with it so many layers of American history. It has the old distilleries and family names, the warehouses and barrels, the rituals of pouring and sharing. But it also has a very contemporary audience interested in experimentation, design, hospitality, collecting, and the experience. The old and the new aren’t really competing. They’re sitting at the same bar.

Maybe that’s the real appeal of the New Americana. It doesn’t ask us to choose between the past and the present. It allows the past to remain useful, to be worn, listened to, driven, collected, poured, and reinterpreted.

None of these things, on their own, define Americana. The traditions remain; the culture around them keeps moving.

Bourbon can be part of that conversation in a way few other American products can. That tension, between preservation and reinvention, is where bourbon feels most at home.

VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

21

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By Lauren Taylor Carr & Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided Few people arrive at the helm of a major orchestra with deep experience in both the creative and commercial worlds of music. Yet Jude Vaclavik has spent his career doing exactly that—writing music as a composer while helping shape the careers of artists and arts organizations through high-profile gigs spanning publishing, the recording industry, and nonprofit arts administration. Now, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Louisville Orchestra, he assumes leadership of an institution enjoying remarkable artistic momentum and national recognition. We recently spoke with Vaclavik about the evolving role of the modern orchestra and music’s ability to connect a community.

Kevin Murphy Wilson: Was there a particular moment when you realized music would become your life’s work?

Jude Vaclavik: “There was a very clear moment. I grew up in Houston, and when I was in kindergarten an outreach program brought students to hear the symphony orchestra. I was usually the kid who was all over the place, but my teacher noticed that I became completely calm and focused. I still remember the concert and the program, even though I don’t remember much else from being five years old. From that moment, I was fascinated with music. And once I started composing, I never really looked back.”

Lauren Taylor Carr: How does being a composer shape the way you lead?

JV: “I’m a creator first, and I think that gives me credibility with my artistic colleagues because I’m one of them. It also teaches you that everything can change on the fly. You have to be nimble with every decision. You have to be creative in life and excited about the chaos and the possibilities. I’ve learned ‘on the job’ from great people and tried not to approach leadership with a rigid mindset.”

KMW: What lessons from music publishing apply to running an orchestra?

JV: “I worked on the publishing side of the industry, representing composers and pitching their work to orchestras. I was literally on the other side of the table. That experience taught me how to advocate for artists and how to communicate why a piece of music matters. Now that I’m inside an orchestra, my responsibility is broader. I have to protect and steward the institution, not simply build the next exciting project.”

24 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

FINDING THE NEXT MOVEMENT LTC: Why Louisville?

JV: “The Louisville Orchestra is a gem in the industry—an absolute diamond. There aren’t many organizations with its history and its commitment to living American composers. I already knew Teddy Abrams and was familiar with what was happening here. I was a fan first. I loved my job in publishing, so I would not have left it unless I believed something truly special was happening in Louisville. The orchestra has tremendous momentum, and I believe we can lead the industry creatively in ways that larger institutions sometimes cannot. We have the flexibility to move quickly, take risks, and bring great artists and ambitious projects to Louisville.”

KMW: What role should an orchestra play beyond the concert hall?

JV: “An orchestra should function as a cultural center for its city. Music is for everybody. There isn’t one correct way to hear or experience a piece of music, and you don’t need specialized knowledge for it to move you. Our job is to make sure people have access, whether that means inviting them into the concert hall or taking the orchestra into communities across Kentucky [as the LO is doing once again during the month of September]. I’m here to serve the community. We’re here to bring the best music and art to Louisville and the Commonwealth.”

LTC: At this point in your life what music still stops you in your tracks?

JV: “The opening of Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony always does. But what I love most is rediscovering music I haven’t heard in years. We can return to the same piece at different stages of life, and the experience changes because we have changed.”

KMW: Is there anything about you that might surprise people?

JV: “I’m actually fairly reserved and quiet. I enjoy being at home, thinking and puttering around. Someone once called me a ‘gregarious introvert,’ which is probably accurate.”

For more information visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org.

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26 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

By Alisha Proffitt • Photos Provided On September 13, a new Kentucky song cycle will receive its world premiere at the University of Louisville School of Music. Commissioned

by UofL Professor of Music Chad Sloan, “The Song of Silas” brings together Sloan, Grammy Award-winning composer Teddy Abrams, pianist Ahmed Alom, and former Kentucky Poet Laureate, Grammy-nominated New York Times bestselling author Silas House in a collaboration that brings together an extraordinary breadth of Kentucky artistic talent.

The collaboration began with Sloan, who had followed House’s work for years before reading “Southernmost” and attending his appearances in Louisville. In 2023, after seeing House’s work on Tyler Childers’ “In Your Love” music video, Sloan began thinking about how that kind of storytelling might translate into classical music. He reached out to House about creating a song cycle for baritone and piano. “I was honored that he quickly agreed to the idea,” Sloan shares.

House then became part of the search for a composer. Sloan had previously performed with Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra, and Abrams was eager to take part. “I’ve long been a fan of Teddy Abrams. Not just how talented he is as a musician and conductor but also how he is transforming American music. I love especially the way Teddy has brought classical music to rural areas that don’t have as much easy access to that as people in the cities do,” House says of Abrams. The three met for their first brainstorming session in January 2024, followed by a meeting at the Paul Sawyier Library in Frankfort the next month. Abrams completed the score in September 2025.

House’s poetry is heavily influenced by his Kentucky upbringing. Sloan also shares a strong love of the Bluegrass State. He was raised in Fort Mitchell, while his family has roots in Pike and Floyd counties. “I have a love and admiration for the region, something that I feel when reading Silas’s writing. I think when naming Kentucky authors, especially now, Silas’s name is always at the top of the list,” says Sloan. “He has made such an impact.”

“I’ve said before that when you’re from Kentucky you just never get over it. It’s a part of who we are. The land, the vernacular, the way of life. We’re different than other people, and that’s a good thing. I often think that my pride in being a Kentuckian is deeper because the rest of the world has always shamed me for being from here. When you’re from a place that is ridiculed and negated, you either embrace the shame or you get prouder of the place,” says House. “I think most of us choose the pride. That doesn’t mean that my work shies away from the problems of the place. The bigotry, the politics, the way we’ve been held back from opportunity so often by so-called ‘representatives.’

When you love a place you must critique it, so I hope my work shows that as well as the love.”

Abrams wrote music that moves between classical traditions and elements of folk, gospel, and other American styles without relying on a conventional Appalachian sound. House said the score surprised him when he first heard it. “It sounded epic,” he says. “Sometimes it is a quiet small town dusk and sometimes it is a roaring waterfall.”

“My music tries to recall the specific natural environment of Appalachia that Silas so evocatively describes, and I utilize elements of old-time folk styles and gospel improvisation to support the beautiful journey that unfolds in Silas’ voice. Chad and Ahmed have taken this music and made it their own - the fluency with which they perform these songs is stunning and humbling for me as a composer. This project has been a great joy and a wonderful source of inspiration, and I am incredibly proud that it is born of our Kentucky landscape and creative community,” Abrams says.

The vocal writing asks Sloan to move beyond the usual baritone range and use colors associated with blues and folk music. Alom, a Cuban-born performer and composer whose work crosses classical and jazz settings, joins Sloan and Abrams for the premiere.

For Sloan, the performance also gives space to stories that are especially personal to him as a queer artist. “I want people to walk away remembering their own stories and how this poetry and music can allow them to tap into their coming-of-age years, those difficult moments of growing up with family and communities, deep sensual love, and memories of adolescence and adventure. This piece runs that gamut.”

House sees the project as part of a larger creative life in Kentucky. “The stereotype is that all the artists live in New York City or Los Angeles,” he says. “I think it’s much more exciting to be an artist in Kentucky than it is in Brooklyn.”

“The Song of Silas” premieres September 13 at 3 p.m. at the University of Louisville School of Music, Comstock Hall.

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PIXIES TO PLAY IROQUOIS AMPHITHEATER

By Lauren Taylor Carr & Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos By: Travis Shinn Forty years after Pixies first began turning quiet verses into explosions of guitar noise, the hugely influential band is bringing that unmistakable sound back to the Bluegrass State.

Pixies will perform at Louisville’s Iroquois Amphitheater on Sept. 22 as part of a brief U.S. run, celebrating a milestone year for an enigmatic ensemble whose influence has long exceeded its record sales. Formed in Boston in 1986, Pixies helped establish a musical vocabulary that would become fundamental to alternative rock in the 1990s and beyond: jagged guitars, surreal lyrics, unexpected melodies, and perhaps most famously, the dramatic quiet-loud dynamic that countless other artists would subsequently adopt.

Importantly, Kurt Cobain acknowledged Pixies as an influence while writing Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but the band’s musical descendants stretch far beyond grunge. Radiohead, Weezer, PJ Harvey, and many more have cited or reflected the group’s influence, while younger listeners continue discovering Pixies through films, television, streaming, and the enduring appeal of the band’s late-’80s and early-’90s catalog.

That catalog includes “Surfer Rosa” (1988), “Doolittle” (1989), “Bossanova” (1990) and “Trompe le Monde” (1991), a remarkably concentrated run of albums that helped establish Pixies as one of the defining American bands of the college-rock era. “Where Is My Mind?,” a tune originally tucked away on “Surfer Rosa,” has taken on a particularly vibrant afterlife, recently surpassing one billion streams on Spotify.

But the current Pixies — with familiar faces such as Black Francis on vocals and guitar, Joey Santiago on guitar, David Lovering on drums, and (relatively new addition) Emma Richardson on bass and vocals — aren’t operating strictly as a nostalgia act.

The band released its latest studio album, “The Night the Zombies Came,” through BMG in 2024. The record continued a second chapter that began after Pixies reunited in 2004, following an 11-year breakup. Since returning to the studio with “Indie Cindy” in 2014, the group has released five albums, gradually building a post-reunion discography alongside the songs that made its reputation.

That combination should make the Louisville show something more interesting than a conventional anniversary tour. A modern Pixies set can move between newer material and beloved songs such as “Here Comes Your Man,” “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” “Wave of Mutilation,” “Debaser,” “Gouge Away” and, inevitably, “Where Is My Mind?” — music that still sounds remarkably strange considering how thoroughly its influence has seeped into mainstream rock.

Four decades after forming — and more than 20 years into a reunion that has now lasted considerably longer than the band’s original incarnation — Pixies remain in the unusual position of being both a legacy act and a working band.

For Louisville audiences, Sept. 22 offers a chance to hear the originals play a sound that generations of bands have spent the last 40 years trying to reinvent.

Pixies perform Tuesday, Sept. 22 at Iroquois Amphitheater. For more information visit PixiesMusic.com.

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VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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Saturday & Sunday, after Labor Day at Big Four® Bridge, Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky

BigFourArtsFestival.com

34 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Matt Johnson If you’re looking for a fun, unique experience anchored in Louisville’s local legends and weirdos alike, look no further than Honky Talkin’ with Tyler Lance Walker Gill.

When Gill first released music in 2016, Nelly Pearl’s band members reached out, interested in backing him. Today, Tyler Lance Walker Gill and the Wolfmen are dedicated to facilitating good times and making Louisville’s country music scene something to talk about. While touring for road shows is still in the mix, Gill is trying on his hosting hat with his weekly variety show, “Honky Talkin’ with TLWG.” With a talk show format and artists to showcase, Gill brings fresh songs, interesting guests, and corny jokes to the Whirling Tiger every Tuesday night, reminiscent of Hee Haw or The Johnny Cash Show. In addition to musical guests playing a short set, Gill interviews locals: business owners, those promoting something, or simply his personal heroes, like recent guest Stanley Chase, creator of the Louisville Vegan Jerky Company. The show always has a theme linking the local guest to the set, and his band acts as the house band, learning new songs on their own before playing together onstage each week. The free show is recorded for social media, but continuing to build an audience to enjoy it live is the goal. “Personalized experiences have limited our communal experiences, and we suffer from that. Giant companies essentially own all of our time and attention, and we have to take it back and be intentional about connecting to what’s actually near us. A city’s culture depends on that.”

We reminisced on the unserious days of country music, with punchlines and turn-of-phrases like George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” or Brad Paisley’s “I’m Gonna Miss Her.” Gill’s debut and Glamour albums reflect that comedic vibe. “Older country music artists were almost doing stand-up between songs. Getting a laugh and then breaking your heart with the saddest song in the world. The juxtaposition took the edge off.” And staying unserious is integral to Gill’s art. “The art is really to get in front of people and make those people have a good time. It’s a craft. I’m learning how to write and tell jokes, and how to completely fail and bomb. There is something so freeing about public failure–coming out on the other side of the fear and what-ifs. Most entertainers confront that, but when I confront it weekly, it gives me this superpower that keeps me wanting to experiment constantly.”

Gill’s mission is to bring value back to local entertainment, getting people out and about to explore what’s happening in town tonight. “I want local artists to feel more empowered to focus on doing something just for us here locally. Making money entertaining for a living is good, but you can also just do stuff.”

His plea? “Don’t worry about who’s going to be on the show. Just come see us!”

With the Whirling Tiger moving spaces and Gill expecting his first baby soon, there’s only a few shows left to catch this year.

Be sure to find your way there on a Tuesday night this September, before he returns in January with more silly ideas in store.

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36 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

BRINGS SKWEEZY JIBBS HOME TO LOUISVILLE

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson LA-based Louisville native Abigail Killmeier is coming home with a movie, a very unusual leading man, and a story that has been almost 20 years in the making.

Killmeier, who performs music under the name Abigail Fierce, stars alongside internet personality Skweezy Jibbs in Skweezy Jibbs Makes a Movie, an independent feature written by and starring Tim Savage, the man behind the larger-than-life Skweezy character. The film is making its way across the country on a 60-plus-city national tour, including a stop in Louisville.

“I made an indie comedy movie with Skweezy Jibbs,” Killmeier laughed. “He’s the number one 57-year-old TikToker with 5 million followers.”

Skweezy Jibbs is the character Savage created in 2007 and has played ever since, building a following of millions by committing completely to the character. Fans may recognize him from viral videos, including his adventure in which he “accidentally ended up in India instead of Indiana” or his quest to visit multiple Wendy’s locations on a day when free nuggets were being handed out.

Now, nearly two decades after creating Skweezy, Savage has turned the character into the star of his own movie.

Skweezy Jibbs Makes a Movie follows an amateur internet personality attempting to make the movie of his dreams with no money, no experience and no idea how to actually make a movie. Shot as a mockumentary, the 85-minute comedy follows Skweezy as he tries to bring his wildly ambitious vision to life while dealing with interference from his controlling mother. Killmeier plays the film’s reluctant art director.

The movie comes from producers associated with Portlandia and Documentary Now!, but there is nothing particularly traditional about how it got made. The project was funded by its own fans, raising $82,346 from 1,579 Kickstarter backers. When Sundance rejected the film, Savage did not wait around for another studio or festival to come calling. Instead, he booked his own national tour.

That tour now spans more than 60 cities, with Savage appearing in person at every stop for a live Q&A and meet-and-greet. More than 25 shows have already sold out.

“We’ve taken a huge grassroots marketing approach to this whole project,” Killmeier said.

And Louisville has a special reason to be on the list.

Killmeier grew up here before building an acting career in Los Angeles, with credits including Love, Victor, This Is Us, American Vandal, Fantasy Football and Skill House. She is also a singer-songwriter who writes her own music and plays nearly every instrument on her recordings except drums.

She describes the new movie as “a funny movie with a lot of heart, kind of in the vein of Juno, but whackier.”

That might be the perfect description for a movie that has survived a Sundance rejection, a Kickstarter campaign and a nationwide road trip, only to arrive in Louisville with its star in tow.

For one night, at least, Hollywood is coming home. And it is bringing Skweezy with it.

Louisville audiences can view the film on Sunday, September 13, at 7:15 p.m. at AMC Stonybrook 20, 2745 S. Hurstbourne Parkway.

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Design by Amy Streeter Crowd Favorite Award Photo: Kendra Kiser Photography

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40 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

I was so excited to bring this year’s fall fashion shoot to The Bay Cigar Lounge—a setting that perfectly captures the rich and cozy spirit of the season and perfectly complements our Bourbon & Fall Fashion volume. We had so much fun getting to know the owners of The Bay and their friends, and we’re thrilled to showcase the incredible sponsors who joined us for this shoot. Even more exciting, all of the boutiques featured in this spread were participants in our Best Dressed event this year benefiting the Louisville Ballet! I hope you enjoy my take on fall fashion this year, which was a fun challenge to tie together with such an array of different boutiques. Cheers to the changing season pull up a cozy sweater and stay LIT. -Cleo Heine Credits: Location: The Bay Cigar Lounge Photographers: Antonio Pantoja, Kathryn Harrington, Matt Johnson Models: A’Nya Winburn, Braden McCampbell, Chris Poeschl, Christie Perez, Cristina Toro, Grant Goodman, Margaret Streeter, Tionna Floro, Tyler Mier, Vanessa Smith

The Bay Cigar Lounge Owners: Julius and Sandra Wilkerson

Stylist & Organizer: Cleo Heine Creative On Set Organizer: Amelia Frazier Theobald Creative Team: Alisha Proffitt, Brylea Peach, Elias Feghaly Flowers: Susan’s Florist Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry, Davis Jewelers Boutiques: Circe, Clay & Cotton, DapperFam, Glasscock | Glasscock Too, Mamili Boutique | MadHatter 502, Peppermint Palm, Rodeo Drive, Rodes For Him | For Her, Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment, Von Maur Bottle Placements: Ginkins Gin, Left Bank Distilled Spirits VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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Model: Braden McCampbell Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry/Watch: Davis Jewelers Photographer: Matt Johnson 42 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Model: Christie Perez Outfit: Glasscock/ Glasscock Too Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry Photographer: Matt Johnson

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Model: Tyler Mier Shirt: Rodes For Him Pants and Suspenders: Von Maur Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

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Model: Chris Poeschl Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

Model: Vanessa Smith Dress: Circe Purse: Circe Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502 Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: A’Nya Windburn Outfit: Glasscock/ Glasscock Too Bag: Circe Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

Model: Margaret Streeter Outfit: Sassy Fox Bag: Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Model: Grant Goodman Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Tyler Mier Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

Model: Chris Poeschl Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry/ Watch: Davis Jewelers

Model: Tionna Sanders Outfit: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Model: Braden McCampbell Outfit: Rodes For Him Hat: DapperFam Jewlery: Davis Jewelers

Photographer: Matt Johnson 46 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Model: Christie Perez Outfit: Clay & Cotton Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Tyler Meir Outfit: Rodes For Him Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Christie Perez Outfit: Clay & Cotton Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Flowers: Susan’s Florist Bottle: Left Bank Distilled Spirits Photographer: Matt Johnson

Model: Vanessa Smith Outfit: Clay & Cotton Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Jewelry: Davis Jewelers VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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48 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: A’Nya Winburn Wearing: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Bag: Von Maur Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Christie Perez Outfit: Rodeo Drive Purse: Circe Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: A’Nya Winburn Outfit: Glasscock/ Glasscock Too Jewelry: Davis Jewelers Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: Vanessa Smith Outfit: Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: Vanessa Smith Outfit: Clay & Cotton Bag/ Scarf: Clay & Cotton Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

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Model: Vanessa Smith Outfit: Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Chris Poeschl Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Flowers: Susan’s Florist Bottles: Ginkins Gin Photographer: Antonio Pantoja 50 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Watch: Davis Jewelers

Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Jewelry: Davis Jewelers VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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Bottle: Ginkins Gin Flowers: Susan’s Florist Photographer: Antonio Pantoja 52 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Model: Grant Goodman Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: A’Nya Windburn Dress: Rodes For Her Fascinator: MadHatter 502 Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Model: Grant Goodman Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry & Watch: Davis Jewelers Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: A’Nya Windburn Dress: Rodes For Her Fascinator: MadHatter 502 Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry Photographer: Antonio Pantoja Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

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Model: Christie Perez Outfit: Circe Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: A’Nya Outfit: Circe Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

54 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Photographer: Matt Johnson

Model: Cristina Floro Outfit: Rodeo Drive Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Davis Jewelers Photographer: Matt Johnson Flowers: Susan’s Florist Bottles: Left Bank Distilled Spirits

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Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

CO-Owner: Sandra Wilkerson

Model: Cristina Floro Outfit: Rodes For Her Jewelry: Davis Jewelers Model: Margaret Streeter Dress: Circe Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Model: Margaret Streeter Dress: Circe Bag: Circe Hat: DapperFam

Photographer: Antonio Pantoja 56 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Model: Vanessa Smith Outfit: Peppermint Palm Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: Chris Poeschl Outfit: Von Maur Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

CO-Owner: Sandra Wilkerson

Model: Tyler Mier Outfit: Von Maur

Model: Margaret Streeter Outfit: Von Maur Hat: DapperFam Bag: Rodes For Her Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Bottle: Left Bank Distilled Spirits

Model: Braden McCampbell Outfit: Peppermint Palm Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Tionna Sanders Outfit: Peppermint Palm Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Photographer: Antonio Pantoja Model: Christie Perez Outfit: Von Maur Bag: Von Maur Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Christie Perez Outfit: Von Maur Jewelry: Davis Jewelers

Model: Tionna Sanders Outfit: Rodeo Drive Bag: Rodeo Drive Hat: Von Maur Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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Model: Cristina Floro Outfit: Clay & Cotton Hat: DapperFam Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry

Photographer: Antonio Pantoja Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: Tionna Sanders Jacket: Clay & Cotton Dress: Mamili Boutique Purse: Rodes For Her Hat: DapperFam Jewlery: Aesthetics in Jewelry 58 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

Model: A’Nya Winburn Outfit: Von Maur Hat: DapperFam Jewlery: Aesthetics in Jewelry Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: Cristina Floro Outfit: Mamili Boutique Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry Bottle: Ginkins Gin

Model: Margaret Streeter Dress: Mamili Boutique Purse & Scarf: Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment Jewelry: Aesthetic in Jewelry

Bottle: Left Bank Distilled Spirits Photographer: Kathryn Harrington

Bottle: Left Bank Distilled Spirits Flowers: Susan’s Florist Photographer: Antonio Pantoja

Model: Braden McCampbell Outfit: DapperFam Jewelry & Watch: Davis Jewelers

Model: Margaret Streeter Outfit: Von Maur Hats: DapperFam Jewelry: Aesthetics in Jewelry VOICE-TRIBUNE SEP 2026

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62 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

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 change 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 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.

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WARMER, LAYERED AND MORE PERSONAL By: VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photo By: Nataliya Vaitkevich (Pexels.com) Fall decorating is taking a more sophisticated turn in 2026. Across current conversations among interior designers and design publications, one message is becoming clear: seasonal decorating is moving away from predictable themes and toward homes that feel warmer, layered and genuinely personal.

Instead of filling every corner with pumpkins and traditional autumn motifs, designers are focusing on color, texture, natural materials and pieces that tell a story.

A WARMER APPROACH TO COLOR Color is playing a major role in the fall transition, but this season’s palette is more nuanced than traditional orange and brown. Chocolate brown, burgundy, plum, terracotta, bottle green, smoky violet and warm neutrals are appearing throughout interiors. Reports are that designers are embracing deeper, more complex shades that can work beyond the fall season.

Chocolate brown is having a moment. Rather than being used only as an accent, it is showing up on furniture, walls, accessories and textiles.

At the same time, designers are experimenting with unexpected colors, including lilac, and experimenting with fall interiors in ways that do not have to follow a traditional seasonal palette.

TEXTURE TAKES THE LEAD Another defining theme that keeps popping up is texture. Velvet, wool, linen, leather and woven fabrics are being layered together to create rooms that feel comfortable without appearing cluttered.

Recent design movements are embracing layers in a way that sits somewhere between minimalism and maximalism. The concept combines different fabrics, materials, lighting, and furnishings to create interiors that feel collected, comfortable, and lived-in.

This approach also offers an easy way to refresh a home without making major changes. A velvet pillow, wool throw, textured rug or woven shade can introduce the feeling of fall without relying on seasonal decorations.

BOTANICAL DETAILS AND NATURAL ELEMENTS Nature continues to influence interiors, but designers are interpreting it in more refined ways. Botanical patterns featuring leaves, trees and roses are appearing in upholstery, artwork and textiles, while dried flowers, grasses and branches add organic texture.

The emphasis is on bringing nature indoors rather than creating an overtly themed display.

COLLECTED, NOT COORDINATED Perhaps the biggest shift is toward individuality. Designers are encouraging homeowners to mix vintage and contemporary pieces, combine complementary wood tones and incorporate objects with personal meaning.

The result is a home that looks collected over time rather than purchased as a matching set. That same movement is reflected in the broader 2026 design landscape, where warmth, individuality and layered materials are replacing stark minimalism.

LESS THEME, MORE ATMOSPHERE Interestingly, some of the strongest fall trends are actually about what designers want homeowners to leave behind. Current professional commentary is pushing back against excessive faux pumpkins, cliché seasonal signs, artificial décor and overly sweet fall fragrances. Instead, designers are recommending fewer, more intentional pieces and natural materials.

The takeaway for Fall 2026 is that the most current homes don’t necessarily look decorated for fall. They feel like fall: warmer, richer, more tactile and more inviting.

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66 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

By VOICE-TRIBUNE | Photos By: Vlada Karpovich (Pexels.com) Fall encourages us to slow down and enjoy the season. The leaves begin to change, and sweaty summer days give way to cooler evenings. It is the perfect season to indulge in the simple pleasure of reading, not as another item on a to-do list, but as a way to relax, reflect and make the most of the season.

Here are 15 simple ways to make reading part of your fall.

1. Create a Cozy Reading Corner

9. Try Reading at Sunrise

Find your most comfortable happy place, add a soft blanket and make sure you have good lighting. Even a small corner can become your favorite place to unwind.

Start your morning slow with a cup of coffee and a few pages before the day gets busy.

2. Take Your Reading to the Great Outdoors Grab your book and head to the porch, patio, or park. Crisp Fall temperatures and colorful leaves can make an ordinary reading session feel special.

3. Make a Warm Drink Part of the Ritual Coffee, tea, cider, or hot chocolate can turn reading into a comforting fall ritual. Add a dash of bourbon if you’re feeling spicy.

4. Have a Rainy-Day Reading Session The next time rain keeps you indoors, embrace it. Put on something comfortable, settle in and let the sound of the rain become your background track.

5. Put Your Dang Phone Away Give yourself 30 minutes (or an hour plus) without notifications, scrolling, or distractions. You’re allowed, and a little uninterrupted time can make reading much more enjoyable.

6. Visit Your Local Library What a true gift our libraries are. You don’t need a specific book in mind. Wander the shelves, browse a new section and enjoy the atmosphere of your local library.

7. Spend an Afternoon at a Local Bookstore Make browsing an experience. Take your time, explore unfamiliar sections, the smell of books, and enjoy discovering something unexpected.

8. Start a Reading Journal

10. Read After Dark Dim the lights, get comfortable and give yourself permission to slow down for the evening.

11. Revisit an Old Favorite Sometimes the perfect fall read is one you already know and love.

Returning to a familiar story can be comforting and nostalgic.

12. Join a Book Club Reading can be a social experience too. A book club gives you an opportunity to share ideas, meet new people and discover different perspectives.

13. Have a No-Screen Evening Turn off the television, put away the tablet and step away from social media. Enjoy the silence.

14. Read Somewhere Unexpected Try a café, park bench, porch swing or another place you don’t normally read. A change of scenery can make the experience feel fresh and bring about delightfully wonderful synchronicities.

15. Set a Fall Reading Goal Keep it realistic and fun. Whether you read one book or several, the goal is simply to create more time for something you enjoy.

This fall, don’t worry about how quickly you read or how many books you finish. Make reading about the experience: the quiet morning, the warm drink, the changing leaves and the few uninterrupted moments you give yourself. Sometimes, turning a page is all it takes to slow down and enjoy the season.

Keep track of what you’re reading, jot down thoughts or record your favorite moments.

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68 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

By: Alison Cardoza • Photos By: Matt Johnson • Sponsored The bond between a personal trainer and client is built on trust, consistency, shared challenges, and celebrating progress together.

“Lawana, my personal trainer, has been an incredible source of guidance, encouragement, and motivation on my journey to better health. She designed a workout program that was realistic and achievable for me while always knowing when to challenge me to take the next step,” says Milestone member Lynda.

“She always emphasizes that age is much less important than persistence and that mindset has helped me accomplish things I once thought were beyond my reach. With her help, I’ve become stronger and more confident. When I was ready to increase my strength training, Lawana taught me how to deadlift. Thanks to her patient instruction and confidence in me, I can now deadlift 100 pounds— something I never imagined I would be able to do. Lawana’s enthusiasm for fitness and training is contagious. She inspires me to keep showing up, working hard, and believing in what I’m capable of, regardless of my age. Because of her support, I’m not only stronger physically but also more confident in myself. I am truly grateful for the positive impact she has had on my life,” says Lynda.

As a former high school teacher and assistant principal with JCPS for more than 30 years, Lawana learned many valuable lessons while working with faculty, students, and staff. Today, she is a certified personal trainer and TRX instructor at Baptist Health Milestone, where she continues to motivate others.

“As a personal trainer, I have been able to apply those life lessons to help my clients achieve their personal fitness goals. I once had a teacher tell me, ‘Your attitude affects your altitude.’ Maintaining a positive outlook with my clients has helped many of them achieve more than they ever thought they could physically accomplish,” says Lawana.

“Lynda has been training with me for several years. Before we started working together, she had never been exposed to powerlifting techniques. Using the principles of progressive overload, Lynda gradually increased her deadlift from 45 pounds to her current 102.5 pounds. She is now able to lift her luggage off the airport conveyor belt with ease when she travels and is looking forward to her upcoming African safari. She is also more confident during her travels because she has increased her muscle mass and improved her bone density, as measured by her Tanita scale results,” says Lawana.

“As a TRX instructor, I consistently remind my classes that it truly is not about your age—it’s about your ability to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself. Goals are attainable if you believe in yourself, have a strong work ethic, and possess the mental fortitude to persevere despite the roadblocks and challenges that may arise during your fitness journey,” says Lawana.

“As you age, it is vitally important to step outside your comfort zone and do things you normally would not do,” says Lawana.

Lawana leads by example, serving as a role model for her clients by remaining active herself.

“I never knew how to perform a proper back squat until I had to do one for the personal trainers’ competition held at Baptist Health Milestone in the fall of 2023. My teammates and I were the oldest group, and many of the younger participants underestimated our abilities—but we won! Training harder and longer has always been my strategy whenever I am in competition mode,” says Lawana.

Lawana recently competed in the USAPL 2026 Powerlifting Competition, held in Winchester, Kentucky on January 31, 2026, where she earned first place finishing with a total raw score of 484.99 pounds, including a back squat of 154.32 pounds, a bench press of 82.67 pounds, and a deadlift of 248 pounds!

“I want to inspire, encourage, and empower others to step outside their comfort zones, try something they’ve never done before, add it to their bucket list, and continue challenging themselves throughout life,” says Lawana.

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

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72 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

STARS ARE ALIGNED FOR BREAKTHROUGH

By RUSS BROWN • Photo by Taris Smith, University of Louisville Athletics.

Jeff Brohm has had a successful, if not spectacular, run in his first three seasons as head football coach at the University of Louisville, winning at least nine games each year. Highlights along the way have been upsets over Notre Dame in 2023, Miami last season, and the school’s first appearance in the ACC championship game in 2023. But there’s also always been a jaw-dropping bad loss or two that have prevented the Cardinals from reaching a truly special season.

Maybe that’s about to change. Will this be the breakthrough year when Brohm guides U of L to a pair of historic firsts -- an ACC title and a spot in the College Football Playoffs (CFP)? If not, it’s fair to question whether those milestones will ever happen because everything is lining up for the Cards this season.

Brohm has more depth and quality players to work with than ever, having added 34 transfers in a portal class that is rated one of the best in the nation and retained key players from last season’s 9-4 club.

There are plenty of offensive weapons to cause opposing defensive coordinators sleepless nights -- playmakers like All-American running back Isaac Brown and his backup, Keyjuan Brown; wide receivers Tre Richardson, a Vanderbilt transfer, and Lawayne McCoy, from Florida State; and former Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, a mobile dual threat passer and runner who brings a dimension Brohm hasn’t had at Louisville. Kienholz has drawn praise from Brohm and his brother, offensive coordinator Brian Brohm, during spring practice and fall camp, both for his physical skills and his ability to quickly grasp the offense. “It’s been a long three years sitting on the bench,” Kienholz said of his time with the Buckeyes. “Not getting a lot of playing time when I feel like I should have. And I feel like now’s my time.”

Brohm also believes he has the best defense in his U of L tenure, led by preseason All-American edge rusher Clev Lubin, who led the team with 8 1/2 sacks in 2025; veteran linebacker Stanquan Clark; and defensive back Koen Entringer, a transfer from Iowa.

The Cards were ranked No. 24 in the Associated Press preseason poll in August, their first appearance in the Top-25 since 2017, when they were No. 16. Hopefully, 2026 will turn out better for them because in ‘17 they fizzled out and failed to reach expectations, finishing 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the ACC. They opened this campaign just outside the coaches’ poll, five points behind No. 25 Missouri.

“We do have potential,” Jeff said. “I like our team. I think we have good players. And now we just got to put it all together and go about getting that done.”

Another major factor in Louisville’s favor is a strength of schedule rated 58th by ESPN that sets up perfectly in the underwhelming ACC. If you didn’t know better, you’d think Brohm himself constructed it. The Cards play only one of the three ranked ACC teams, No. 20 SMU (at home), while ducking big dogs No. 7 Miami, which is heavily favored to win the title, and No. 23 Clemson.

Furthermore, UofL’s nine-game ACC slate includes five of the bottom seven teams in the league’s preseason poll. Last year, those five (Syracuse, North Carolina, Florida State, Wake Forest and Stanford) had a 12-28 ACC record and were outscored by a combined 298 points. In addition to Clemson and the 2025 national runner-up Hurricanes, who received 165 of a possible 188 first-place votes in the ACC poll, Louisville also avoids 2025 league champion Duke and runner-up Virginia.

We’ll find out very early whether the Cards are a serious CFP contender. They open against No. 9 Ole Miss in Nashville on Sept. 6 and will face a crucial ACC showdown against SMU on Sept. 19 in L&N Stadium. Sandwiched in between is cupcake Villanova at home.

“You don’t get to ease into the season,” Brohm said. “You’ve got to come ready to play against a top-notch opponent with a ton of experience coming back, and you’ll see exactly where you stand. Of course, the best-case scenario is finding a way to win and build a lot of momentum.

And if you don’t, you’ve got to pick up the pieces and move on and learn from your mistakes.”

Said veteran offensive lineman Lance Robinson: “I like going up against an opponent that’s more on the same level as us, rather than playing the lower FCS schools. Because you have to hit the ground running, start fast, and a win would definitely be a momentum tone-setter for the whole season.”

In a sense, the heat is on Brohm to get over the hump. In April the U of L Board of Trustees approved a multiyear extension through 2033 for a total value of $64.8 million, with average annual compensation of $8.1 million, not counting retention and success bonuses that could amount to as much as $12 million in a single year.

To his credit, he isn’t trying to downplay the high expectations surrounding his team. In fact, if anything he’s adding to the optimism of Louisville’s fan base. For instance, at the annual Tipoff Luncheon last month in front of a packed ballroom at the Galt House, Brohm had this to say: “The time is now. So while you always prepare for the future, the time is now. Our players need to understand that it’s not going to be easy. That hunger has to be there every single day, back to back to back. Let’s go and get this thing done.”

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76 SEP 2026 VOICE-TRIBUNE

2026 CLASS RAISES NUMBER OF MEMBERS TO OVER 200

By RUSS BROWN • Photos By Louisville Athletics

“King” Kelly Coleman, Ralph Carlisle, Roy Bowling, Richie Farmer, Darrell Griffith, Cliff Hagan, Jim McDaniels, Wes Unseld, Clem Haskins, Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones.

Since that inaugural 2012 class of 16 former Kentucky high school basketball players and coaches that included those Bluegrass legends of the sport, the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame has continued to induct a dozen or more each year. So the Hall now includes more than 200.

That milestone was reached in August when the 12-member 2026 class was inducted during ceremonies at the Opera House in Lexington, with the 200th coming from that group and bringing the total to 203.

The Hall, located in Elizabethtown, had its origin from an idea by a few members of the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches (KABC) in 2009 with the purpose of recognizing and protecting the heritage of Kentucky high school basketball.

Ron Bevars, the veteran North Hardin boys’ basketball coach, took the idea to Ken Trivette, who was then the Executive Director of the KABC and is now the Hall of Fame’s board chairman. Trivette said at the time that the concept was partially the result of frustration that so many notable hoops figures in the state had yet to be honored by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) Hall of Fame.

“We wanted something to focus on basketball,” Trivette told Lexington Herald-Leader columnist Mark Story. “It was decided to build the Hall in E’town due primarily to the city’s interest in the project. We had seven, eight communities contact us and three or four were serious. But E’Town was the most interested. It was almost like they were wooing us, and that’s really what we were looking for.”

According to the Vision statement on its Website, the Hall is “dedicated to promoting and educating the public about the culture, tradition, and rich heritage of Kentucky high school basketball, providing a fitting tribute to former players and coaches while preserving historical information and memorabilia associated with the game.”

Here are the 2026 inductees, with a brief bio on each, representing what the Hall calls strong family ties, great scoring acuity, championship bloodlines and post-high school careers that are impressive: COACHES ALLEN FELDHAUS, SR., Mason County High School Royals, 1963-1991--Graduated from Boone County High School, where he was an All-State pick, then played for Adolph Rupp at the University of Kentucky. He began his coaching career at Russell County before turning Mason County into a regional powerhouse, compiling a 512-210 record in 27 years with 10 District titles, four Regional championships, and the State runnerup in 1981 as the first Mason County team to make the State Tournament. He was named Kentucky Coach of the Year three times. He died in 2017 at the age of 77.

ALLEN FELDHAUS, JR., Madison Central High School Indians, 1986-2026--Played under his father at Mason County and was part of the ‘81 State Tournament team. He finished his prep career with 1,234 points and went on to play at Eastern Kentucky. He coached at Clinton County and Green County high schools before becoming one of the state’s most successful coaches at Madison Central High, leading the Indians to four 11th Region titles and winning over 750 games in three decades. His daughter Ashton, 31, is in her second year as the Morehead State women’s hoops coach and is the youngest Division I coach in the nation, male or female.

CHRYSTI NOBLE, Rockcastle County High School Rockets, 1985-2026--She is entering her 36th season at Rockcastle and ranks 7th on the all-time girls’ basketball wins list with 675, only the 3rd female coach in the state to top 600. Under Noble, the Lady Rockets have won 17 District crowns, 7 Region titles, and a state championship in 2022. She has earned numerous awards, and the court at The Rock Arena in Mount Vernon is named in her honor.

PAT DOYLE, North Marshall High School Jets, 1959--Known for his intensity and competitive spirit, the 6-foot-1 forward was a driving force in the Jets’ 35-1 record and State Championship in 1959. He was named Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball and played for 4 years at UK under Rupp.

ANTHONY EPPS, Marion County High School Knights, 1993--A four-year starter, Epps led the Knights to a 66-5 record in his final two seasons, including back-to-back District championships and the school’s first-ever pair of Region titles. In 1993 Mason County became the first 5th Regional team to win a KHSAA State title. Epps compiled incredible career totals of 2,044 points, 637 rebounds, 728 assists, 358 made free throws, and 260 made 3-pointers. He carried that success over to college, playing on UK’s 1996 national championship team.

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MAKAYLA EPPS, Marion County High Lady Knights, 2013--Played under her father, who was her team’s assistant coach. She was especially dominant as a senior, when she earned recognition as Kentucky Miss Basketball and Gatorade Kentucky Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Makayla helped the Lady Knights win consecutive 5th Regional titles and make three appearances in the Sweet 16 Final Four. She played at UK and in the WNBA with the Chicago Sky. TONY KIMBRO, Seneca High Redskins, 1985--Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball in 1985 when he was considered one of the top 5 players in the country. As a senior he was a member of McDonald’s All-American team and was selected to several other prestigious All-American squads. Kimbro made the All-State team 3 consecutive years and his Seneca jersey was retired in 2019. In 1986, he was the 6th man on U of L’s national championship team.

NOEL “TICK” ROGERS, Hart County High School Raiders, 1992 -- A two-time All-State player, he is the all-time Hart County scoring leader with 2,648 points, along with holding the records for assists, steals, rebounds, and games played. He was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball as a senior and signed with U of L, playing for the Cardinals from 1993-96. He then played pro basketball in Europe for 13 years.

HERBIE STAMPER, Hindman High School Yellow Jackets/Knott County High Patriots, 1974--Attended Hindman for three years and Knott County for one year, scoring over 2,100 points for the two teams combined. He led the Patriots to their first Sweet 16 as a senior while averaging 27 points per game. Stamper played for Morehead State from 1975-79, where he became a member of the elite 2,000-point club and earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors 3 times. After graduating he coached the Knott County Central girls team.

BOB TALLENT, Maytown High Wildcats, 1964--Bob is one of four Tallent brothers who put Maytown High on the Kentucky basketball map. Bill, Bob, Mike, and Pat were All-State performers. Bob scored over 2,223 career points and averaged 40 points per game his senior season when he was named a Parade All-American. He was the sixth man on UK’s 1966 Rupp’s Runts squad that finished runnerup in the NCAA Tournament. He transferred to George Washington University for his junior year and was the third-leading scorer in the nation the following season.

FRED TISDALE, Logan County High School Cougars, 1984--Led his team to the 1984 State Championship, averaging 25.7 points in the tournament to be named the event’s Most Valuable Player. He was runnerup to Henry Clay’s Steve Miller for Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball, but was later honored as one of the 50 greatest players in State Tournament history. Tisdale went on to play for fellow Hall of Famer Clem Haskins at Western Kentucky.

REBECCA GREENWELL WATHEN, Owensboro Catholic High, 2013--A member of the Academic All-State team and holder of numerous school records. During her senior season she hit 17 three-pointers in a game, setting a national high school girls’ single-game record. She also had stints on the USA 16 and USA 17 national teams, earning two gold medals. She played at Duke, where she was named to the All-ACC second team. She was taken in the 2018 WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics and is currently working with the NBA Atlanta Hawks in basketball development.

Left To Right: Pat Doyle, Anthony Epps, Makayla Epps, Fred Tisdale

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By: Ashley Brossart Ashley Brossart is a local artist based in Louisville. “I am Inspired by the creative capacity of the people, the ever changing landscape, and rich culture, that I have been inspired for decades to call Louisville my creative home!

More of Ashley’s work can be viewed on on her website, thecircleandsquare.com.

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