The Voice of Louisville

A rtistic K itchens by

M ichael S mith

Louisville’s Finest Cabinet Makers 12 0 5 E Wa s h i n g t o n S t r e e t / L o u i s v i l l e , Ky 4 0 2 0 6 / S h ow r o o m: 5 02 . 6 3 9 . 3 4 2 2

A-LIST Savor the signature dishes of more than 15 renowned owne ow ned d ch chef chefs efss fr from om aacross cros cr osss the country as you sip from expert wine an and d be beer er p pairings. aiiri ring ngs. ng s p.m. m.

April 30, 2015, 7–11:30 p. on Ce Cent nter e North Wing Lobby, KY Exposition Center Gain exclusive access to The Voice-Tribune i bu bune n V ne VIP IP L Lounge oung ou ngee 0 tic icke kets tss tthrough hrou hr ough ou gh h when you purchase one of the first 100 tickets ceVI ce VIP P ChurchillDowns.com/VoiceVIP

Official Event

81146_taste_of_derby_to.indd 1

3/6/15 2:36 PM

designing for the way you live

Bittners_SL_JAnFeb_Yacht_Final.indd 2

2/19/15 8:08 AM

731 East Main Street 502 584 6349 w w w. b i t t n e r s . c o m

Bittners_SL_JAnFeb_Yacht_Final.indd 3

2/19/15 8:08 AM

oldforester.com responsibility.org

p l e a s e s i p o l d f o r e s t e r r e s p o n s i b ly .

GUARANTEED. ABSOLUTELY AUTHENTIC BOURBON.™

Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-50% Alc. by Volume, Brown-Forman Distillers Company, Louisville, KY ©2015 OLD FORESTER, SIGNATURE and BIRTHDAY BOURBON are registered trademarks. Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.

manufacturer trained and certified

PRECISION COLLISION

manufacturer approved equipment when quality is expected and safety guaranteed

502.456.5334

3103 Stober Ave. - Louisville For more information and repair inquiries, please contact Norman Hall and James Sipes

For Her St. John Armani Collezioni Tory Burch Vince.

Shoshanna Lafayette 148 NY Black Halo Escada Joie Etro Yigal Azrouel

For Him Ermenegildo Zegna Isaia Canali Peter Millar Eton Scott Barber Zanella Samuelsohn Robert Talbott Agave

For Him • For Her LOUISVILLE

4938 Brownsboro Rd 502.753.7633 rodes.com

THOROUGHBREDS • SPECIAL EVENTS

hermitagefarm.com | 502.228.1426

See the Light Come to the Source!

Builders and Designers agree that good lighting in the home provides the best visual impact for the least dollar amount invested!

Brecher’s has been the source for lighting since 1866. Visit one of our showrooms for the latest in lighting. For selection, service, and style come to the source.

Celebrating 149 years in lighting!

www.brecherslighting.com

Est. 1866

Louisville: 105 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy. at Shelbyville Rd. - 502.426.1520 Mon. - Sat. 9-5 Thursday til 8 Lexington: 104 W. Tiverton Way at Nicholasville Rd. South of Fayette Mall 859.273.3124

2212c Holiday Manor center 502.425.8999 Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5

rd-herscene-derby2015.indd 1

2/4/15 3:31 PM

Listening. Leading.

Succeeeding Together.

Edmund G. Nasief Jr.

Joyce A. Meyer

Matthew Powell, CFP®

Managing Director – Wealth Management

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management

Vice President – Wealth Management

UBS Financial Services Inc. 4801 Olympia Park Plaza, Suite 4000 Louisville, KY 40241 502-420-7600 • 800-333-0502

ubs.com/team/nasiefmeyer

As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. ©UBS 2015. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. ©

Friday | May 1, 2015 HERMITAGE FARM, GOSHEN, KY

DARIUS RUCKER

NE-YO

DJ CASSIDY

Live Entertainment | Cocktails | Dinner | Dancing GOLD Circle Seating • Red Carpet Access • Private VIP Bar Service

Reserve Your Table for the

2016 HERMITAGE GRAND GALA 2016Tickets@HermitageGrandGala.com TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW 502.805.2009 | Tickets@HermitageGrandGala.com www.HermitageGrandGala.com

Photo by Josh Eskridge 16 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

D erb y 2 0 1 5

Letter from the Publisher Words can’t quite capture just how excited I am that springtime is finally upon us. Spring in Louisville never fails to be eventful and gorgeous. Let’s all say a big goodbye to the snow and ice and a warm greeting to the sunshine and flowers that will be here in no time.

The Voice-Tribune looks forward to this time of year with great anticipation, as it signals the release of our signature Derby magazine, just in time to get ready for the pinnacle of our social season – the 141st Run for the Roses. We look forward to all of the celebrations, personalities, and unforgettable experiences our city will have on offer in the coming weeks.

Though the Derby is something we Louisvillians are all used to, that doesn’t minimize our overflowing love for it one bit. With it come celebrities and parties galore, and enough media buzz to keep Louisville on the lips of every emcee and newscaster around the world, making our local phenomenon an international spectacle.

One of Louisville’s greatest treasures, and someone whom I admire dearly, is Steve Wilson, who has helped to create a national movement in the concept hotel, starting right here, with 21c Museum Hotel. Never before has significant contemporary art and the luxury boutique hotel experience been brought together in quite this way. The concept has spread to Cincinnati, Ohio; Bentonville, Arkansas; Durham, North Carolina and many more locations sure to pop up in the near future. Steve Wilson is thought of as having changed the South and we take a look at this man in these pages with all the detail he deserves. After all, he has been a farmer, an entrepreneur, a significant collector of art, a family man, an ideas man, and a community catalyzer–just to name a few. We are absolutely thrilled to take an exclusive look at this dynamic, game-changing character, with the aid of Wilson’s family, friends and colleagues.

Between horses and the oncoming spring, we couldn’t think of anything better than to take a look at the storied Hermitage Farm, a phenomenal 1835 farmhouse in Oldham County owned by Wilson and his wife Laura Lee Brown. This historical home brought together the indelible visions of Wilson and Bittners’ President and COO, Douglas Riddle, to bring a contemporary, yet classic feel to this landmark residence. Bittners helped Wilson and Brown gorgeously incorporate modern takes on historical decorative norms while also blending aspects of the pastures, barns and horses that surround it and preserving the best of the home’s original features. You will be blown away by the subtlety and striking beauty of this horse-country homestead. This year, however the home will take on a different facade as it will host the inaugural Hermitage Grand Gala on Derby Eve, hosted by Steve Wilson, his wife Laura Lee Brown, and Junior and Doris Bridgeman.

You will also meet in these pages, an artist who understands the importance of horse country as well as anyone out there - Karen Boone. As the official artist of the Kentucky Derby Festival poster, Boone is living out her childhood dream. For Boone, life as an artist was a goal she had ever since she was little, but she would have never guessed she would become the artist most strongly identified with the Kentucky Derby Festival. You may not know her name yet, but believe me you’d recognize every one of her Derby artworks.

Derby 2015

Speaking of the Kentucky Derby Festival, this organization is one of the many reasons for this amazing time of year. The Derby is what we all come to see, but the KDF is made up of people who make Derby week the jaw-dropping celebration we all know and love – a celebration that plays host to 60 events across the city.

Among the key people who makes this happen is KDF President and CEO, Mike Berry. Berry has been on staff for 29 years and is a clear example of how the Kentucky Derby Festival can inspire and change lives.

What could be a better spirit of choice for the Derby season than Brown-Forman’s Old Forester – lovingly known as “Louisville’s bourbon,” and this year it will hold bragging rights as the Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby. We speak with Master Distiller Chris Morris, who illuminates the history and importance of this Louisville-based family company, sharing with us some of the secrets of Old Forester’s success and how they’ve managed to remain relevant and thriving since 1870.

Take a look at our Kentucky tourism spread which highlights the plethora of tourist options available in our city during this special time. Your biggest worry will be how to squeeze in all the fun things you want to do. From venturing out to The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass to peruse the variety of stores, or perhaps thrill-seeking is your preference – in which case Kentucky Kingdom may be your speed - there’s no shortage of entertainment in the Bluegrass.

And just when you thought Derby time was only for the ponies, The Sixth Annual Taste of Derby presented by Stella Artois sets out to prove you wrong. This year guests will get to experience an evening of culinary masterpieces by chefs from across the country who bring unique flavors from their individual regions that culminate in one unforgettable night of decadence.

Fashion and Derby go together like nothing else out there, and we invite you to revel in our special fashion spread. Whether your atmosphere is a Kentucky horse farm, the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs, or the Hermitage Grand Gala, you’re sure to see an array of stunning jewelry, hats and signature styles that are unique for your own personal Derby experience. One of the many hidden gems of Louisville has to be our variety of local fashion boutiques and jewelers. As they continue to stay up to date on the latest trends in design, we are lucky to have them outfit our community.

I don’t know about you but I’m ready for the first Saturday in May. Pick up your copy of The Voice of Louisville magazine, enjoy these wonderful stories, place a bet on your favorite Derby hopeful and let us show you the most fantastic way to memorialize Louisville’s most spectacular celebration. Grab a Mint Julep and toast the Thoroughbreds and the great times.

Celebrate & Enjoy!

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

17

Photo by Ross Gordon Photography www.rgordonphoto.com

FEATURES 76

100

ON THE COVER Kehinde Wiley, Portrait of Bintou Fall, 2014, oil on linen Painting: 72 x 60 inches, framed: 80 7/8 x 69 1/16 x 2 13/16 inches © Kehinde Wiley

26

THE MIND BEHIND IT ALL

TOURISTRY

78 Kentucky Derby Museum 80 E van Williams Bourbon Experience 82 French Lick Resort 84 The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass 86 Louisville Water Tower Waterworks Museum 88 Fourth Street Live!

90 Huber’s Orchard and Winery 92 Kentucky Kingdom

HAUTE TO TROT

120 GREEN

ARTISTRY

132 SHARP

& SHADY

140 TWO

LEGENDS COME TOGETHER

176 PURE

DELIGHT

192 URBAN

BOURBON RENAISSANCE

208 THE 62 THE

GREATEST MONTH IN THE BLUEGRASS

18 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

SIXTH ANNUAL TASTE OF DERBY

224 MODERN

TURNS DERBY 2015

Executive Assistant to the Publisher

Lauren DePaso

VOL. 4 • NO. 1

Style Editor

Production Director

Lori Kommor

Joanna Hite Shelton

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E .C O M

TRACY A. BLUE Publisher

Chief Photographer & Designer

Chris Humphreys

Designer

Designer

Malissa Koebel

Hannah Krill

Copy Editor

Advertising Operations Director

Account Executive

Account Executive

LAUREN DePASO, Executive Assistant to the Publisher

EDITORIAL

LORI KOMMOR, Style Editor JOANNA HITE SHELTON, Production Director CHRIS HUMPHREYS, Chief Photographer & Designer MALISSA KOEBEL, Designer HANNAH KRILL, Designer IGOR GURYASHKIN, Staff Writer ADAM DAY, Copy Editor JAMIE HUBBARD, Style Assistant CARLA SUE BROECKER, Columnist JOHN HARRALSON, Contributing Photographer PAULA BURBA, Contributing Writer STEVE KAUFMAN, Contributing Writer WESLEY KERRICK, Contributing Writer SHELBY LOCKHART, Contributing Writer LILLY NEAL, Contributing Writer BREANNA PRICE, Contributing Writer KELSEY SCHNEIDER, Contributing Writer REMY SISK, Contributing Writer ASHLIE STEVENS, Contributing Writer CLAY COOK, Contributing Photographer JOSH ESKRIDGE, Contributing Photographer

Staff Writer

Igor Guryashkin

Adam Day

Sales Manager

David Harris

Bridgette Borraga

Shari Baughman

Julie Koenig

ADVERTISING

BRIDGETTE BORRAGA, Advertising Operations Director DAVID HARRIS, Sales Manager SHARI BAUGHMAN, Account Executive JULIE KOENIG, Account Executive KAREN PIERCE, Account Executive ASHLEY BECKHAM, Account Executive ROCKO JEROME, Account Executive

Account Executive

Account Executive

Karen Pierce

Account Executive

Ashley Beckham

Rocko Jerome

CIRCULATION

JOHN AURELIUS, Circulation Administrator STEPHANIE PARROTT, Receptionist CLARENCE KING, Newspaper Deliveries

Circulation Administrator

Receptionist

John Aurelius

Stephanie Parrott

Style Assistant

Jamie Hubbard

BLUE EQUITY, LLC

JONATHAN S. BLUE, Chairman & Managing Director of Blue Equity DAVID M. ROTH, Vice Chairman JUAN REFFREGER, Executive Vice President

YO U R V O I C E @ V O I C E -T R I B U N E.C O M Columnist

Carla Sue Broecker DERBY 2015

W W W. V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

Photographer

John Harralson | THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

19

ADVERTISER INDEX A Taste of Kentucky – 502.895.2777; 502.566.4554; 502.244.3355 �����202

Joseph’s Salon & Spa – 502.897.5369 ������������������������������������������������������� 138

AAA Carpet Cleaning – 502.240.6902 ������������������������������������������������������ 204

J.P. Waller Design Group – 502.639.6494 ������������������������������������������������ 223

Alliance Realty – 502.384.6239 ����������������������������������������������������������������� 240

Kentucky Cancer Program – www.horsesandhope.org ��������������������������� 128

All Women OB/GYN P.S.C. – 502.895.6559 ��������������������������������������������� 188

Kentucky Derby Festival – www.kdf.org ����������������������������������������������������� 241

Angel’s Envy – www.angelsenvy.com ���������������������������������������������������������� 127

Kentucky Derby Museum – 502.637.1111 ������������������������������������������������������118

Apricot Lane Boutique – 502.708.2822 �����������������������������������������������������119

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay – 502.363.1818 ��������������������������������72

Artistic Kitchens – 502.639.3422 �������������������������������������������������������������������2

Kentucky Select Properties – 502.271.5000 ���������������������������������������������� 131

Atomic House of Hair – 502.489.4098 ������������������������������������������������������220

KET – 800.866.0366 ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������126

Barry Wooley Designs – 502.569.7101 ����������������������������������������������������������74

Louisville Cardiovascular Care PLLC – 502.425.5614 ����������������������������� 173

Berkshire Hathaway – 502.238.2432 ���������������������������������������������������������� 59

Louisville Metro Police Foundation – www.saferlouisville.com ��������������116

Bittners – 502.584.6349 �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4-5

Louisville Water Tower Park – 502.897.1481 ����������������������������������������������� 60

Blue Grass Motorsport – 502.894.3428 ��������������������������������������������242-243

Lyndia R. Willis Hair Spa – 502.893.4441 ���������������������������������������������������� 56

Boutique Serendipity – 502.423.0058 �������������������������������������������������������129

Mellwood Antiques & Interiors – 502.895.1306 ��������������������������������������� 187

Brecher’s Lighting – 502.426.1520; 859.273.3124 ������������������������������������� 12

Mercí Boutique – 502.893.4252 ������������������������������������������������������������������� 114

British Custom Tailors – 502.897.1361 �������������������������������������������������������220

Meredith–Dunn School – 502.456.5819 ���������������������������������������������������� 207

Brooks Brothers – 502.896.4045 ���������������������������������������������������������������� 23

Merkley Kendrick Jewelers – 502.895.6124 ������������������������������������������������ 21

Brown–Forman – www.brown–forman.com ����������������������������������������������� 6-7

Modern Elegance – 502.883.4721 ��������������������������������������������������������������� 139

Caden Boutique – 502.384.2155 �����������������������������������������������������������������219

Nanz & Kraft – 502.897.6551 ������������������������������������������������������������������������186

CaloSpa – 502.814.3000 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22

Nu Yale – 812.285.7400 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������73

Cassis Dermatology & Aesthetics Center – 502.326.8588 �������������������� 135

Off Broadway Shoes – www.offbroadwayshoes.com �������������������������������� 95

Christopher Welsh Designs – 502.873.6002 ��������������������������������������������� 70

Peaceful Nights Dental Center – 502.290.8233 ��������������������������������������190

Churchill Downs – www.churchilldowns.com ������������������������������������������������3

Precision Collision – 502.456.5334 ����������������������������������������������������������������8

Circe – 502.894.0095 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 96

Robin’s Nest Interiors – 502.509.4530 ������������������������������������������������������� 98

Consider Boutique – 502.409.6300 �����������������������������������������������������������206

Rodan + Fields – 502.713.9181 �����������������������������������������������������������������������221

Dare to Care – www.wecanendhunger.net �������������������������������������������������� 97

Rodeo Drive – 502.425.8999 ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13

Dee’s Crafts – 502.896.6755 ������������������������������������������������������������������������186

Rodes – 502.753.7633 ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9

Details Consulting Group – 502.639.1873 �������������������������������������������������� 170

Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment – 502.895.3711 �������������������������������������� 61

Digenis Plastic Surgery Institute – 502.589.5544 ���������������������������������� 203

Semonin Realtors – 502.396.8348; 502.435.9830; 502.648.6841;

Etcetera – 502.425.9277 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 137

502.552.5418; 502.649.6688 ����������������������������������������������������������������172, 186

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience – 502.272.2611 ���������������������������������191

Seng Jewelers – 502.585.5109 ������������������������������������������������������������ 117, 244

Favorite Things Boutique – 502.647.2111 ���������������������������������������������������201

Shaq & Coco – 502.349.7768 �����������������������������������������������������������������������202

Formé Millinery Hat Shop – 773.719.7307 �������������������������������������������������� 174

Silks in the Bluegrass – 502.777.6300 ��������������������������������������������������������� 75

Fourth Street Live – www.downtown.4thstlive.com ����������������������������������189

Skyn Lounge – 502.894.3335 ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 71

French Lick Resort – 888.936.9360 ������������������������������������������������������������ 218

Stylebone – www.stylebone.com ������������������������������������������������������������������� 57

Green Turtle Bay Resorts – 800.498.0428 ����������������������������������������������� 222

Sunny Daize – 502.244.5580 ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 25

Gross Diamond Co. – 502.895.1600 ������������������������������������������������������������� 58

Tassels – 502.245.7887 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 10

Gumer & Co. – 502.327.3330 ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 99

The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass – 502.722.5558 ���������������������������� 171

Hermitage Farm – 502.228.1426 ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 11

The Vein Treatment Center – 502.895.6600 �������������������������������������������200

Hermitage Grand Gala – 502.805.2009 ������������������������������������������������������ 15

Two Chicks & Co. – 502.254.0400 ��������������������������������������������������������������� 94

Highland Cleaners – www.highlandcleaners.com ������������������������������������ 130

UBS Financial Services – 502.420.7600 ������������������������������������������������������ 14

Hilliard Lyons – 502.897.5600; 502.426.0790; 502.420.1400 ����������������115

Unbridled Eve – 502.894.9768 �������������������������������������������������������������������� 175

HomePage Realty – 502.494.2616 ������������������������������������������������������������� 238

Unlimited Landscapes Inc. – 502.254.1201 ������������������������������������������������ 136

Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards – 812.923.9463 ��������������������������205

WillisKlein – 502.893.0441 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 239

Jefferson County Clerks Office – 502.569.3300 ������������������������������������� 172

WomanCare – 812.282.6114 ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24

20 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

OYSTER PERPETUAL L ADY-DATEJUST

rolex

oyster perpetual and datejust are trademarks.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

The Mall aT ST. MaTThewS | (502) 896 -4045

Great care, right out of the gate.

When you’re expecting, it can be a little overwhelming.

Okay…more than a little. So at WomanCare, we’re here to bring you through pregnancy and delivery with care that will put you at ease and surpass your expectations.

If you’re just getting ready to start a family, we provide preconception care, family planning and infertility evaluations. And when you know that you’re expecting, we’ll be here from first visit through delivery — with 3D/4D ultrasound that lets you see amazing images of your little one growing and developing.

Our staff includes Board-Certified Physicians with years of experience delivering babies, plus two Certified Nurse Midwives (including the most experienced in the region). That means you can have the birth experience you choose. We’re just minutes from downtown, and we deliver in the comfort of Clark Memorial’s beautifullyappointed Family Birth Place.

So when you’re expecting, expect amazing care right out of the gate. Just call (812) 282-6114 today to schedule an appointment. WomanCare…our name says it all.

301 Gordon Gutmann Boulevard, Suite 201, Jeffersonville, IN 812.282.6114 | www.woman-care.org Christopher S. Grady, MD | Ronald L. Wright, MD | Elizabeth A. Bary, RN, CNM Alison Reid, RN, CNM | Chelsae Nugent, APRN, WHNP

DRESS: SHOSHANNA FASCINATOR: ARTURO RIOS BAG: VALENTINO MODEL: KELLY MACFARLANE MAKEUP: LINDSAY HAMILTON

11809 SHELBYVILLE ROAD 502.244.5580

Photo by Clay Cook Creative by Lori Kommor 26 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

BY LOIS MATEUS

It’s difficult to write about the complexities of Steve Wilson with any economy of words but over the next twenty pages or so, friends, family and associates tighten the aperture with their stories and reminiscences, bringing some definition to his character, personality, and success.

first horse nearing Central City, was getting saddle-sores, sent a second relief horse by pick-up truck.

When this horse too grew weary as Steve approached US 31 just south of Louisville, an uncle from Campbellsburg, Indiana, drove down with another horse.

Steven is a singular geography covering ground from his growing up on a large western Kentucky farm to becoming the driving force behind the world renowned 21c Museum Hotels and being recently recognized in Southern Living, with his wife Laura Lee Brown, as “50 People Who Are Changing the South.”

Ten pounds lighter, and three horses later, the 4-H showman rode into the state fair, the trek was a symbol for the relentless determination that marks Steve to this day.

Tim Peters, Lois Mateus, Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson

not prone to restraint of any kind. One can only wonder who or what baptized Steve’s imagination to make him farm kid caviar, who coded all that venturesome, fearless curiosity into his DNA.

Life thus far for Steve has been a reality show of epic proportions. Impatient but exhilarated at each new opportunity and more tethered now than at any time in his life, he and Laura Lee have created a growing chain of art hotels, using his determination, probing vision and uncanny ability to make things happen with passion and purpose. He has by design, achieved the kind of public branding and “life above the fold” recognition (the red glasses haven’t hurt) that one associates with celebrity.

The man has always loved horses. The apogee of his childhood was an elevenday ride on horseback from the family farm in Ballard County to the 1963 Kentucky State Fair. For weeks before he had stubbornly bantered with his father who declared the skinny 15-yearold could not possibly have the stamina and courage for this 280 mile ride, but Steve was determined to prove he could.

It rained six of the days as he traveled along old US Highway 62, spending nights with 4-H families along the way.

It is impossible to put Steve in a pigeon-hole, but he can best be defined by his boundless creativity, original style, and entertaining genius. With his love of spectacle and the unconventional, shocking is a chief joy for Steve. He has a deft talent for crafting over the top experiences, like the surprise 70th birthday party for Laura Lee in Venice with 20 of her friends; and most recently a New Year’s Eve trip for 45 to Cuba, where he arranged for twelve 1950s convertibles to parade the group to the Tropicana, reminding some of a previous Cuba trip where he jumped up on stage at this world famous nightclub to join the act with the scantily-clad dancers.

Sometimes a hedonistic extrovert, at other times, an alpha introvert, Steve is

As local radio stations tracked his progress, his father, upon learning the

At 67, Steve has reinvented himself several times over. He first made a name

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

27

Steve with his maternal grandfather, father and mother on the river bottom farm near Wickliffe, Kentucky

for himself in 1971 by organizing political events for the Kentucky Democrat party where, suitably impressed, four subsequent Kentucky Governors hired him for his ability to envision and deliver unexpected and memorable experiences. Some of the most unforgettable accounts include dressing as a rooster at the annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner, to hiring Burt Bacharach, Anthony Newly, and the Cleveland Symphony for Julian Carroll’s inaugural dinner, to organizing an American-flag-carrying-march

by Kentucky’s 120 county judges to the music of “America the Beautiful” when returning prisoners of the Vietnam War were honored in Frankfort.

His taste and ability to create original venues with story and purpose caught the attention of First Lady Phyllis George in the administration of Governor John Y. Brown, where as deputy commission of the department of arts and tourism, she tapped him to serve as executive director of overseeing the massive restoration of the long-neglected Kentucky governor’s mansion.

Casting off norms, tilting at windmills is something of a theme in Steve’s life, his magic and gift implicit in his infectious, twinkling grin, his teasing and prying questions. He is a riot of strong emotions and opinions, quick-witted and full of wry humor.

Passionately interested in a myriad of 28 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

Dinwiddie Lampton, Walter Cronkite and Steve Wilson with friends

subjects, his ideas often collide. He can be full of angst, exasperated, unpredictable at times, even impatient with others and frenetic when rushed “down to the wire,” but it is then that he usually performs at his best.

At times he consumes himself with the most minute of details; you never know what he will come up with next. To work around Steve, one learns to be very quick

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

and have a high tolerance for ambiguity because he changes his mind quickly, often at the last minute. Some say working with him is like navigating rapids yet a big part of the success of 21c hotels is the productive vibe from the amazing team that is willing to work incredibly hard.

Lanky, lithe, youthful looking and nimble despite three hip replacement DERBY 2015

The two cultural powerhouses travel globally, collaborating frequently on art purchases, meeting new people and making new friends. And finally, when they are world-weary, they retreat to the verdant land, picturesque woods, and Ohio River view of their Woodland Farm in Oldham County.

Steve Wilson with Hot Rod

operations, he maintains an extraordinary energy, embracing aging seemingly determined not to waste a minute. He is frequently known to tempt fate in seeking a thrill, like walking across the Red Sea or delivering a handwritten note to Fidel Castro.

Steve melts down idioms in his own way, loving art that shocks and pushes some viewers to the edge of comprehension. Likewise, his antics can raise more than a few eyebrows. Easily labeled the life of the party, he is a fearless comet of night life, a lot of hip, a little dangerous, and a hell of a lot of fun.

His critics say that Steve can be rambunctiously sharp-tongued and provocative, overly honest and probing, willing to make people a little uneasy in order to make them think a lot more. He enjoys shaking things up, keeping subjects offkilter, sometimes camping it all up with a wink or a barbed aside. His impromptu badass questions at dinner parties are often unsettling to the more uptight, but he delights in amazing and astonishing others, often eschewing political correctness to confront and challenge.

As is often the case with creative genius, Steve is more of a thinker and private person than most would realize, himself admitting that he can become pensive and restless in the throes of self-discovery, forcing himself to acknowledge just how alone each of us are.

Ultimately, even this most indefatigable tour de force has to crash, a couple of days of fatigue is the cost of his relentless pursuits. A few days later he is DERBY 2015

rejuvenated, out there and at it again; always the flame, never the moth.

Steve found a partner in Laura Lee. Their coming together seemed natural; both love the land, gardens, animals, art, architecture, preservation; each has the vision to create. Laura Lee, herself an accomplished artist, is an independent, intelligent, and insightful woman with great inner strength; he brings ambitious hospitality, business acumen and organizational prowess. They are supportive, amused, happy, proud of each other, a perfect team, finding love and sharing adventure in the chapters of life as they move through them.

The couple embrace their individuality in a complex way, each standing up for what they believe in and finding power in their partnership. They bring love and light into each other’s lives both with vision and perfectionist instincts and through their passion for art.

Their 21c Museum Hotels have been a deep dive into sharing contemporary art with the public, a fascinating and forward-looking venue for building extraordinary boutique hotels, often saving and preserving historic buildings, while educating people of all ages about the power of art and imagination.

“Laura Lee and I find collecting art is something that connects culture across geography and disciplines, that inspires us when we look at it, fills us with appreciation for the non-conformity of the artistic temperament, and visually projects words we can’t even think of how to express,” Steve says.

There are other boutique art hotels.

Why has 21c broken through to such a wide and lucrative extent? There’s the support of Laura Lee and Craig Greenberg’s financial skill, but it’s largely because Steve has a very clear edge: 21c hotels have become his pulpit. He wants the best and he’s looking at it from all angles, challenges and opportunities.

Unashamedly success-focused, he has become sharp on strategy and wise about risk. An intensely motivated self-starter, he is able to access every angle of a design rapidly.

So what’s next for this lion in winter?

Steve loves the challenge of doing something hard, like seizing every opportunity to create even more ambitious 21c Museum Hotel projects and developing Hermitage Farm into a world class equestrian center.

There is also a lot to be said about his latest fearless obsession for learning to control a team of horses in highly competitive driving and dressage events. His award-winning success at this difficult and extremely dangerous skill proves his disciplinal and strategic ability to concentrate on incremental steps, the breaking down and building up of parts, using voice and a deft touch to master the twist and turns of controlling tons of animal flesh and equipment under extreme conditions and pressure.

Steve gives no sign of slowing down, saying “I yam what I yam. No more; no less. Everyone knows we only have a limited time on this earth. My motto is mine it to the limit. We get older every day but youth is a state of mind. Real power and success is living the life you want to live, enjoying the thrill of doing as much as you can. You can take it easy when you’re dead. As my old friend Dinwiddie Lampton always said, ‘we will have eternity to rest in.’”

Even with all these pages of photos and commentary about Steve: this man’s mojo remains in his mystique.

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

29

The Student 31

The Husband 33

The Granddad 34

The Collector 37

The Subject 38

The Visionary 40

The Business Man 42

The Idealist 43

The Farmer 44

The Optimist 46

The Athlete 48

The Pioneer 50

The Rainmaker 51

The Cuban Connection 52

The Mentor 53

STEVE WILSON:

The Student SHIRLEY WILLIAMSON

Teachers are not supposed to have pets, but Steve Wilson was one of mine in grade school and high school. He was never like boys his age who were into rough and tumble games and sports.

He was always a creative artist in many areas. He thought outside any shape of parallelogram. Though highly intelligent, he was an indifferent student. Lessons bored him. I told him there were some things people had to do, so he would do them fast and get them finished so he could do his dreaming.

His father, Jim, was a farmer, actually a large land owner and his mother, Martha, was a musician. All Steve cared about on the farm was grooming and riding his horses. They were very devout people who couldn’t understand their creative boy. To add to Steve’s frustration, his sister Melanie was a perfectly behaved child who made all A’s.

His father once said sarcastically to me, “Whatever Steve turns out to be, it will be your fault.” I took it as a great compliment because I knew he would be successful at whatever he chose. He did work well with others if they left him alone.

When he was in grade school, he painted a big picture for me as a gift and put it in an antique frame...it was a blend of Picasso and Dali. Then he broke the glass in the middle and the cracks ran to the frame edge. Pure Steve Wilson.

When he was in high school, I hired

DERBY 2015

him to decorate my living room and dining room for Christmas. Gorgeous! Pure Steve Wilson.

The world needs more Steve Wilsons to show us beauty and imagination if they can survive a boyhood surrounded by mere mortals.

—SHIRLEY WILLIAMSON

6TH GRADE TEACHER, WICKLIFFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STEVE WILSON IN HIGH SCHOOL

The world needs more Steve Wilsons to show us beauty and imagination if they can survive a boyhood surrounded by mere mortals.

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

31

Photo by Clay Cook 32 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

STEVE WILSON:

The Husband Photo by Clay Cook | Creative by Lori Kommor

When I met Steve Wilson, I was single...again. I had already been married once and vowed I’d never do that again.

Everything about our relationship was unconventional from the very beginning, but it has held together with the love that we have for each other.

Like many of our generation who have already been married once, we lived together before we got married. I wanted to keep it that way, but when he rode up to me on a camel and handed me an engagement ring tied into his handkerchief, I gave up!

Living with Steve is living with a constant collection of short stories. Some are brief and shocking; others, more like a complex novel. They all involve a stream of rich, colorful characters.

The plots can be heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, often with surprise endings.

His childhood stories are some of the best I have ever heard. He was raised in a hardworking farm family in the river bottoms. His first five years were in a house on stilts with no running water or electricity.

In his early professional life, he was immersed in politics and government where he learned to raise money, write speeches and organize events, like no other.

He kindly allows the public into his life on Facebook, through pictures taken DERBY 2015

around the world. He tackles tough public issues. He senses what is good for his community and defends it. He takes on a new sport and challenges himself with its insane demands. He threads his Lipizzaners and carriages through too narrow spaces in competition. Uninvited, he will join in the dancing at an Indian wedding to the delight of the hosts! And, he is fiercely devoted to his grandchildren, taking them with him on many of his travels.

decision to give up on it after millions of dollars invested, and to accept failure, was heart wrenching. Yet, envisioning 21c was motivated by the same missions with the additional idea of sharing our art collection. Let’s find a dead corner in downtown and build a hotel and a superb restaurant that doubles as an art museum. Could we duplicate this successful venture in other cities, like Cincinnati? Naysayers only gave Steve momentum! And, on go the stories….

After going to college at Murray State University, he vowed he would never go back to farming again, but, when we toured Woodland Farm with a realtor who described it as “the next best golfing subdivision,” he immediately became its greatest champion. Now, in a conservation easement with the state PACE Program, our farm and its sustainable mission is a showcase for Future Farmers of America and supplies much of the food for our restaurants.

I often say, at my demise I hope to come back as Steve’s grandchild...but I’m hoping for a long ride as his wife.

—LAURA LEE BROWN

Living with Steve is living with a constant collection of short stories.

Two overriding missions have been adventures for us: Keep Kentucky farmlands undeveloped and reinvigorate our downtowns so people can enjoy life without wanting to build homes in the country.

The Museum Plaza groundbreaking ceremony was one of the most euphoric moments of our lives together...The

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

33

STEVE WILSON:

The Granddad Photo by Pics for You

My Granddad and I have been all over the world together. But we also had adventures all over our farm when I was younger. I have countless memories walking in the woods together. I would find a stick and say, “This will be my walking stick forever!” then find another one five minutes later.

I started traveling with him when I was very young. One of the most memorable trips was when we went to Vancouver, Canada when I was seven. It was a beautiful city, and we walked all around the city shopping. We rented bikes and rode completely around an island that had an old growth forest that was breathtakingly beautiful. But that night I was climbing on a jungle gym and I fell backwards and broke my left arm. It was a long hard night in the Canadian hospital. Even though I had a broken arm it was still the favorite trip of my childhood.

I think traveling is one of the best ways to learn. If you can experience different countries or places you can learn much more than reading about them. I have learned so much traveling with my Granddad and I have become more selfreliant at a younger age than most. I love experiencing new places and I thank my Granddad for all of my traveling experiences. They have all been extremely memorable.

Granddad has only been driving for six years and now he is the American Reserve Champion for Pair Driving. He had been driving horses for about a year when I decided I would like to give it a try. I drove a small white mini horse that was absolutely crazy. I named him Snap Jacket. “Snappy” and I competed with him for about a year before getting a better pony. Now I drive a bigger, Haflinger pony named Spike and he’s much better than Snappy. Now that we are both competing, we talk at the shows about how we did and what we could do better. It is a very difficult sport because it takes a huge amount of mental concentration over three days. You can get super nervous and if you mess up it is very embarrassing. We talk together about small things and some big things and how they will impact our lives if we stay with the sport.

All and all, my Granddad and I have been best friends my entire life and we love to do anything together. He has made the life I have possible and helps with school and other big parts of my life. He is a great man and it is incredible how he has the time to fit everyone into his busy, interesting and beautiful life.

My Granddad and I both compete in Horse carriage driving now. They call it CDE (Combined Driving Event). My 34 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

–AVERY WILSON

Photo by Andy Hyslop DERBY 2015

I have learned so much traveling with my Granddad and I have become more self-reliant at a younger age than most.

STEVE WILSON WITH GRANDSON AVERY WILSON

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

35

s.�

Photo by Clay Cook Creative by Lori Kommor Set design by Monica Mahoney 36 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

STEVE WILSON:

The Collector ARTIST ANNE PEABODY SCULPTING “WHEEL OF FORTUNE” IN HER LOUISVILLE STUDIO

Steve Wilson believed in my abilities as an artist before I believed in them myself.

Long before Brooklyn was a hip, or even a safe place to visit, Steve came out to see my work in a group show that was being informally held in a deserted warehouse in Bed-Stuy. He bought a sculpture; a life-sized tree made of burned wooden matchsticks, and asked if I had more work to show him in my studio.

I had been making wood carvings based on my experience of the April 1974 tornado that devastated much of Louisville for four years prior to Steve’s visit. My ultimate goal was to incorporate them into a funnel cloud that would stand as tall as my ceilings would allow (10 feet) and my loft was pretty much filled with tiny carvings of rocks, cigarette butts, Barbie Dolls and other refuse I remembered from the storm.

Steve bit, but in true ‘SW’ fashion, he told me he would buy the piece if I made it bigger, LOTS bigger. He showed me pictures of the 21c atrium in Louisville with its monumental cavity. “I’d like it to fit in here,” he calmly told me, “and I don’t think it’ll be allowed to touch the ground. We are going to hold events in that space.” My eyes widened. All of those woodcarvings were heavy already and I would need hundreds, maybe thousands more to fill out the funnel cloud in Steve’s imagination.

DERBY 2015

I accepted the commission without a clue as to how I was going to make it happen. Steve’s calm confidence and determination assured me that it was achievable. My first installment check arrived only a few weeks after that conversation in my loft and a date, nine months away, was set for the opening!

Frankfort. He had driven all those miles, completely unaware of the destruction in his wake. This sums Steve up perfectly to me. Oblivious to challenges, he was probably thinking up the next big thing.

—ANNE PEABODY ARTIST

Steve Wilson does not micro manage.

Over the next nine months I set up a large workshop in Louisville. I commissioned Sentry Steel, who built the structure of the 21c atrium, to construct a collapsible framework that would support the weight of the carvings and not bring down the roof. I also commissioned another woodcarver from New York State and the Louisville Area Woodturners to help me carve and turn another few thousand objects. My husband and I silver-leafed at night. I think I only saw Steve once during those months and he wasn’t checking on my progress. He invited me for dinner and a swim at his farm.

Of course, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ turned out fine. The outcome was bigger and better than anything I could have imagined from my small studio in Brooklyn.

I always think of Steve when I remind myself to set my goals higher, to think bigger, to have confidence and relax.

Years later, Steve told me that the 1974 tornado had followed his car as he drove all the way from Louisville to

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

37

STEVE WILSON:

The Subject

In September 2014, Steve Wilson was invited by Klein Sun Gallery to participate in the making of Chinese artist Lui Bolin’s newest series of artworks in which figures are painted to blend in with the subjects of his large-scale photographs.

Beginning with his 2005 series, Hiding in the City, Bolin has been creating photographic scenes using his own body as a canvas. Bolin recently began using models, costuming, painting, and posing them to disappear into the elaborate backgrounds of works that examine our relationship to our surroundings. As Steve and Laura Lee had recently acquired Bolin’s TED (Hiding in the City), the artist was honored to feature Steve in one of his works-inprogress at the Klein Sun Gallery in New York City.

—ALICE GRAY STITES

VP, MUSEUM DIRECTOR, 21c MUSEUM HOTEL

38 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

WHERE’S STEVE? Find him in the artwork...

COURTESY OF KLEIN SUN GALLERY, NY. © LIU BOLIN LIU BOLIN’S TARGET SERIES CHINESE PANORAMA (DETAIL)

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

39

STEVE WILSON:

The Visionary EZRA ELLA, STEVE WILSON AND JOSHUA PRINCE-RAMUS AT THE GROUNDBREAKING OF MUSEUM PLAZA

Ten years ago, I was asked as a favor by a talented employee if I could meet with his fiancé’s brother’s wife’s uncle and aunt in Louisville, Kentucky.

Apparently, the couple were looking to develop a difficult piece of property, were in the midst of a world-wide search for an architect, and needed some guidance in the meantime. As I was already traveling from New York to Dallas on the day the couple were hoping to meet— and the Louisville Airport is on the way— I agreed to stop over for a few hours.

When I met the couple, their attorney, and their developer-colleague, at the top of the Muhammad Ali Center’s parking garage to survey the site in question, it was a sweltering 108 degrees and inconceivably humid. Drenched immediately in sweat, I was desperate to say my piece and get the hell out of there.

The group asked several smart, terse questions about the parcel—a tortured plot of land bounded by the Ohio River’s floodwall and Interstate 64, and bisected by 7th Street and LG&E’s subterraneous utility right-of-way. I endeavored to give a few equally smart, terse responses.

Minutes into the conversation, the uncle asked with a Cheshire Cat grin I would learn to love and fear, “Are you ready to present?” Caught completely off guard, I feigned understanding, replied affirmatively, and followed them to a large conference room at the very top 40 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

of 400 West Market…where I was introduced to the Mayor.

Clicking into survival autopilot, I presented my firm’s performance-based approach to design, revealing the thinking behind several key projects, recently completed and in progress. As I finished, the uncle asked in a deadpan manner if I would be interested in designing their building, one that began with a vision to construct a contemporary art institute and concluded with a business pro forma that supported this commitment.

Their concept (and subsequently our design) put the conventional attitude towards property development metaphorically (and our proposal, literally) on its head, placing culture physically and spiritually at the project’s center. Not really knowing with whom I was dealing, I politely asked if I could consider the offer for a day.

my years-long collaboration with Steve Wilson, an architectural odyssey involving camels, red plastic penguins, presentations in tuxedo and silver sandals, train trips between Graz and Vienna, taxincrement financing, 60-foot inflatable white monkeys, bourbon, black-painted toenails, bison, bison burgers, bison steaks, Dita Von Teese, silver construction helmets, a photograph on the Times Square Jumbotron, unrelenting commitment, and the best damn building sadly never to be built. (Of course, I’m a bit biased on that last point.)

—JOSHUA PRINCE-RAMUS

PRINCIPAL OF REX, AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FIRM

On my drive back to SDF, I Googled the couple and felt an immediate, immense, immobilizing pang of idiocy.

On my drive back to SDF, I Googled the couple and felt an immediate, immense, immobilizing pang of idiocy. Trying to play it cool, I dialed the uncle on my mobile and attempted a casual, “Okay.” He quipped, “Then you best turn your butt around before we change our mind.”

And so began Museum Plaza and

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Steve Wilson: dear friend, wonderful client, urban visionary, man of style ILLUSTRATION BY DEBORAH BERKE

Right after I met Steve Wilson 14 years ago, I laughed when he told me about an idea he was going to make happen. I truly thought he was kidding. But, I quickly realized that Steve has the unique ability to not only dream big and to think of things that never were and couldn’t be, but to actually make them happen. He is comfortable with risk. He has confidence that others are seeking new experiences before they even know it themselves. Others’ skepticism only fuels his fire. And, for a guy who can barely see, he has a keen eye for talent. Together with Laura Lee, this is the story of how 21c Museum Hotels was born.

Steve is not a man with a long attention span. But, with only 14 years, 5 months, 6 days, and 47 minutes left to live, he still has a lot to accomplish on this earth. So, Steve DERBY 2015

has assembled world-class teams to help him rapidly improve the world through art, food, hotels, horses, and preserved land. Oh … how do I know exactly how long Steve has left to live? Hanging above his office door, Steve displays Werner Reiterer’s My Predicted Lifetime piece which, in essence, is a personalized digital “death countdown clock.”

In the 14 years that I’ve known, worked and traveled with Steve Wilson, I’ve expanded my horizons more than I knew horizons could expand. Steve has inspired me – and many others – to push ourselves, our businesses and our communities to not be constrained by the way things are and to make things happen today.

—CRAIG GREENBERG

STEVE WILSON AND CRAIG GREENBERG

PRESIDENT, 21c MUSEUM HOTEL

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

41

Photo by Clay Cook

STEVE WILSON:

The Business Man

I’ve always felt that creativity in business is essential. Show me a successful business person and I’ll show you a creative and imaginative mind. Someone with spirit, enthusiasm, imagination, and an extraordinary attention to details.

MAYORS JIM GRAY (LEXINGTON) AND GREG FISCHER (LOUISVILLE)

WITH STEVE WILSON Steve Wilson represents this business profile to an exceptional degree. And 21c represents the outcome of Steve’s business strengths, discipline, and commitment to detail.

What other business model has incorporated art and hospitality in such a remarkable way? 21c is a unique business model, borne of creative genius and Steve’s disciplined commitment to operational excellence.

What 21c means to a city today is economic and cultural change, often transformation. It’s a game-changer for sure, for it often brings world-class contemporary art to places where it didn’t exist before. And what follows is a quality of place improvement at an inflection level.

If ideas are the DNA of everything that’s important—and I believe they are—then Steve Wilson is incredibly important. No one has better and more refined ideas, nor more in abundance!

—MAYOR JIM GRAY MAYOR OF LEXINGTON

42 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

STEVE WILSON:

The Idealist Steve is a man of many surprises.

A few years ago I went to the Istanbul airport to greet Steve from his transAtlantic flight and when he came out I couldn’t help but thinking that his carryon bag had an extraordinary shape. We had more traveling to do and spent the day driving to this town in the middle of Turkey to see the double size David sculpture I had built and meet the mayor of the town, who helped me build it.

At the tiny hotel room, to my astonishment, Steve produced three Louisville Slugger bats from his bag, one after the other. The first one was neatly inscribed with the name of the mayor. So we proceeded to present him with his gift from far away lands. After holding the object in his hands like a baby, and a brief moment of panic in his eyes, the politician recovered swiftly and said in broken English, “I believe it’s time make baseball

field here.”

The second bat was sent to our collector friend in Istanbul and he replied with discreet appreciation, “It’s the thought that counts.”

Well, as for the third and last baseball bat we didn’t dare hand it to the most powerful art player in Turkey — a classy lady who owns a prominent museum.

Afraid of her reaction and a possible unpleasant episode, we decided to keep it.

Although as an experienced reader I’m sure you know that these tools never stand still or just lay there, especially in small hotel rooms.

where we would not imagine in our wildest dreams. It had a nice life and never seized to fulfill its duty even though it’s out of its element.

In the end we brought the largest David statue to Louisville and put it up on Main Street in front of 21c Museum Hotel, a couple blocks away from the largest Slugger bat and who knows what those larger than life public sculptures do when nobody is looking.

—SERKAN ÖZKAYA TURKISH ARTIST

The bat started its own life circle with its name tag (an 18-letter hard-tospell inscription) and has been to places

Photo by Clay Cook DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

43

Steve and Laura Lee bought Woodland Farm in 1995 to rescue it from development, as they did with Hermitage Farm later on. They not only wanted to preserve the land and historic house, but also to restore the age-old legacy of bison in Kentucky. With their trademark vision, they sought out expert advice and built up a stellar buffalo herd using the best of both American and Canadian bloodlines; they then bought an existing slaughter facility that enabled them to service a local food movement, “farm to table,” as meat had theretofore been primarily a nationwide commodity that didn’t serve a regional area.

STEVE WILSON:

The Farmer

Steve joined the National Bison Association in 1996. With his serious and scholarly appearance, he wasn’t exactly your typical bison rancher; when he ran for a position on the Board of Directors, one crusty old curmudgeon railed that “we shouldn’t just let some guy off the street come in here telling us what to do.”

He was elected nonetheless, and by the time he had risen through the ranks and become President in 2004, the spark and vision he brought to the fore were wholeheartedly embraced by an industry that had all but collapsed. Prices were in the tank and large-scale marketing of a specialized product non-existent; it was Steve who first set the groundwork for the raising and distribution of local grass-fed meat which gave rise to similar efforts across the country. His clever ad campaigns were emulated far and wide, and the artistic flair he brought to this previously stodgy area of agriculture did much to restore public awareness of both the taste and value of bison meat, not only in Kentucky but nationwide.

His diplomacy brought together a wide array of personalities that had previously operated as stand-alone entities; in doing so he provided a world of opportunities for people who would never have had them otherwise.

Steve obviously feels comfortable holding four big white Lippizaners, but we’re still waiting to see him ride a buffalo bareback down the hall of the Radisson in Denver. That failing, his contributions to the bison industry are immeasurable.

—HILDA THOMAS

WYOMING RANCHER

44 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Photo by Clay Cook Creative by Lori Kommor DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

45

STEVE WILSON:

The Optimist NATIONAL BISON ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVE CARTER, U.S. SEN. MICHAEL ENZI (R-WY), STEVE WILSON, HARVEY WALLBANGER, TRAINER T.C. THORSTENSON, AND U.S. SEN. BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL (R-CO)

Bison ranching had grown leaps and bounds in the 1990s, as enthusiastic ranchers seemed to spare no expense in buying breeding animals, building fence and expanding production. By 1999, herds of bison were roaming across North America.

Only one thing was missing: customer demand for bison meat. Without that demand, the market crashed. And it crashed hard.

That’s when Steve Wilson came along as the newly-elected vice president of the National Bison Association. Two years later, as President, Steve marshaled the remaining financial resources of the association to conduct market research, and then led the effort to establish the organization’s first viable national sales campaign.

It didn’t matter that most food distributors didn’t have bison in their system.

Steve worked with the ranchers and processors to deliver the meat via FedEx and UPS. He also led that association’s first major lobbying forays to Washington; and he did this with his own inventiveness and singular style.

When Senators Mike Enzi of Wyoming and Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado proposed legislation to introduce an updated Buffalo Nickel in commemoration of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, Steve brought a trained bison to Capitol Hill to stand alongside the senators at a 46 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

news conference as they announced the introduction of the bill. Two years later he brought a trained buffalo back to Capitol Hill as Sens. Enzi and Campbell celebrated the minting of that first Buffalo Nickel.

Steve provided a good dose of optimism that bison ranchers desperately needed.

At one association conference, someone dressed in a buffalo costume wandered into the general session, circulating around the room interacting in mime with attendees. That someone turned out to be Steve. A genius at creative spectacle, at another conference, he hired the owner of the trained bison to ride the animal into the midst of the formal banquet.

At one association conference, someone dressed in a buffalo costume wandered into the general session, circulating around the room interacting in mime with attendees.

Today, the bison business continues to grow by leaps and bounds with customers who have discovered that naturally-raised bison meat is “deliciously healthy,” a phrase Steve coined. At a time when the bison business was at risk, bison producers and lovers of bison meat benefit today because Steve Wilson, one of the ultimate risk-takers came along.

—DAVE CARTER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL BISON ASSOCIATION

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

STEVE WILSON:

The Public Servant

SW:

GOVERNOR STEVE BESHEAR

The folks who are lucky enough to have known Steve Wilson for decades – and I’m one of them – know that Steve is a man with a lot of energy and ideas.

While he has dozens of interests, from sustainable farming to art to urban development, the common thread that connects each is a deep-seated devotion to public service. In every task, Steve’s ultimate goal is to contribute to the betterment of our communities, our state and our world.

Steve took an early interest in politics and public service at an early age. His father was Mayor of Wickliffe, Kentucky for 18 years. Steve served in the administrations of Governors Carroll, Brown and Wilkinson in varying capacities, and found himself at home among the politics and policy development in Frankfort.

Even after he left state government to pursue new business interests, he remained devoted to projects that enhanced our communities. He helped establish the Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft, and 30 years later, served as Chairman of its board. He has also served on the Boards of the Speed Museum, Olmsted Parks, the Governor’s School of Arts and the Kentucky State Fair Board.

on both of those boards, and I’m proud that he has continued to serve our state in this way.

Kentucky is a better place because Steve Wilson is determined to make it a better place.

—GOVERNOR STEVE BESHEAR

While he has dozens of interests, from sustainable farming to art to urban development, the common thread that connects each is a deep-seated devotion to public service.

Because of his vast experience and interests, I appointed him to serve on the University of Louisville Board of Trustees and the Kentucky Horse Park Commission. He’s been a valuable voice DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

47

STEVE WILSON:

The Athlete

Photos by Ross Gordon Photography www.rgordonphoto.com and Pics of You Photography www.picsofyou.com

STEVE WILSON:

The Pioneer Photo by Clay Cook KRISTOPHER KELLEY

My alarm goes off and it’s still dark outside; I’ve got a meeting in ten minutes. Still mostly asleep, I quickly put on some clothes and grab my robe. There are many things I love about Woodland Farm and working for my Uncle Steve, towards the top of that list are hot tub business meetings at dawn. No matter how intense the subject, a meeting in a hot tub really can’t go that poorly.

During the past five years, Steve and I have had a lot of these early morning meetings, and many more over delicious dinners, some while driving, and a few actually in an office. We’ve had a lot to talk about. Steve approaches the farm just like everything else in his life; he wants to challenge conventional practices and forge new paths. As importantly, he understands the inherent risks in being the avant garde, and he provides enough autonomy for those around him to be successful.

After graduating college in 2008, I started a biodiesel company, Kelley Green Biofuel, in St. Louis. I began collecting waste cooking oil from restaurants, but did not yet have a facility to process the oil into biodiesel. Around the same time, Steve had begun using waste cooking oil from Proof to fuel a diesel utility vehicle at Woodland. He wanted to greatly expand this project, and start running all of the farm’s diesel trucks and tractors on biodiesel. In his incredibly generous and convincing 50 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

way, Steve suggested I build my biodiesel production facility at Woodland, so we could accomplish both of our goals.

Over the next couple of years, I spent unending hours at Woodland Farm working on the biodiesel facility, and eventually producing biodiesel. I began to fully realize the significance of Steve’s vision for the farm. I was producing the fuel that powered the farm equipment.

That farm equipment was being used to plant grass and bale hay in order to raise bison. A good deal of the bison meat was being served at Proof in the form of a burger served with a side of french fries. The oil from the fryer was brought back to the farm, and the process started over again. This was a local food system I could understand, and one that I wanted to help develop.

I began managing the farm, and helping implement an extensive diversification of the farm. After 15 years of raising only bison, Steve wanted to branch out. His idea was to take cues from the diverse family farms of the past, while incorporating contemporary technology and sustainable management practices.

In this pursuit, we have added pasture raised heritage breed hogs that forage on food plots and finish in the woods.

We integrated free range laying hens that follow the bison herd in their pasture rotation via movable coops. The chickens reduce the pest population

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

and get free, natural food in the process. Woodland also moved beyond livestock. The farm began working directly with Proof, growing a wide variety of produce delivered as few as 45 minutes after being harvested at the farm.

In developing these new operations on the farm, and even in changing how we raise the bison, we have made many mistakes. Some have been the result of my own inexperience, others have been good ideas complicated by unforeseen circumstances. Regardless of the situation, Steve seems to never lose sight of the big picture. He understands that failure is part of the process when you are trying to accomplish something worthwhile.

Many times, I have been consumed with stress over something on the farm not working the way I had hoped. Then, after talking the issue out with Steve, I’m able to understand the situation from a new perspective. Sometimes he sees a totally new path forward, other times he gives me the courage to just move on. Invariably, I feel better afterwards. Steve has an energy that is contagious and an outlook on the world that is inspiring. I will forever be grateful for his influence on my life.

—KRISTOPHER KELLEY

MANAGER, WOODLAND FARM

DERBY 2015

STEVE WILSON:

The Rainmaker LAURA LEE, STEVE WILSON AND HERVÉ LOEVENBRUCK

I met Steve Wilson almost ten years ago in Basel, Switzerland, during the art week.

and the U.S. to reach Kentucky. Who was the man behind the truck? Steve Wilson.

Steve was dressed as usual, like no other. He was there with Laura Lee, looking for works that made his eyes shine. He loves what others would find too strong. He loves to find works with heavy content. The more it will make people think, the more Steve likes the artist and their work. Every year, I was surprised to learn that in the different art fairs I was showing in, he bought the strongest works. I remember him in New York during the Volta Fair, buying a strong political work, once again, a full booth looking like a small Guantanamo made by Jota Castro, a Cuban artist.

A single room hotel done by the Swiss duo Lang and Baumann on the roof of Palais de Tokyo (contemporary museum in Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower) belongs to a private U.S. collector—Steve Wilson.

Steve loves clothes, Paul Smith and others. Once, we were almost dressed the same. The two of us, both with flowers on our costumes were looking like Eva and Adele, the Swiss duo of artist always looking like twins! I remember sending him silver jeans because he was crazy to see me wearing them. The day he received them, I received a picture of him, his boots on his desk wearing the silver pants on his way to a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert!

Steve is also the man who can help great artists when they have a crazy project. A huge replica of David after Michelangelo, in gold, 50 feet high (or more) created by a great known Turkish artist, Serkan Özkaya, crossed Manhattan DERBY 2015

A contest of drawings in Paris in a Museum during FIAC Paris Art Fair, with naked models, the best alive artists in the room to compete, and a very known jury of directors of museums, is won by … Steve Wilson!

magic tricks.

Some people may think he is having fun, but it’s not only about fun. He is working hard every day to build the most interesting collection of works that will change the way of thinking of all the people who have been in contact with these works.

This is not only about fun, not only tricks, this is about sharing, it is called LOVE! Steve Wilson, in France, we will say that you are “une belle personne”.

—HERVÉ LOEVENBRUCK

PARIS ART GALLERY OWNER

The model in his arms for the final picture is one of my best souvenirs with him…especially when the French Police arrived and were desperately trying to understand what was going on.

Steve is a friend.

I once had a bad time in my life.

Who called me to change my mind and gave me the opportunity to discover Kentucky and its famous Derby (and the Mint Juleps)? Steve.

But Steve is also the guy who can ride camel in the Moroccan desert for your wedding! As a friend, he’s often surprised me.

Steve is a magician. He knows that he can change the life of a lot of people by sharing his passions. Installing works in the public area might be one of his best W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

51

STEVE WILSON:

The Cuban Connection Photo by Lisette Poole ALBERTO MAGNAN AND STEVE WILSON IN CUBA

It was between 2006-2007 that I first met Steve Wilson. I was standing outside my booth and he calmly strolled in with Laura Lee and sat at my table. I was intrigued: should I ask them to leave or get to know them better? Fortunately, I chose the latter. They told me they were opening a museum hotel in Louisville, Kentucky and wanted to purchase art for their space and personal collection.

To my delight, I quickly learned that their taste strayed from status quo and they were eager to explore new forms of emerging art.

The first piece he bought from me was

by El Soca and Fabian. It was composed of crushed fly wings. Due to the nature of the work they were generally a tough sell with the majority of my clients, but his openness allowed him to distinguish the beauty and ephemerality from the piece. Soon after he purchased a sculpture by Alejandro Almanza Pereda, a concrete block resting on a bed of light bulbs. Again, a tough piece to sell. It is from these first acquisitions that I knew Steve and Laura Lee were serious collectors. This became the foundation of a relationship committed to acquiring the right pieces for their collections.

It has been a great adventure getting to know Steve and I am happy that we have been able to travel together and develop a personal friendship. Our first trip was to Cuba with 25 of Steve’s friends from Louisville. One night while at an

Oceanside restaurant, Steve (always one to get the crowd going), dared various people to walk across a tiny median that divided a small reflecting pool and the wild ocean waves. At another dinner, Steve upped the ante and orchestrated a goldfish eating contest and good times were had by all.

However, nothing compares to his deep passion for the arts. During these trips Steve expanded his knowledge of Cuban art and support for the artists.

He has amassed a very impressive collection and has exhibited them at 21c Museum Hotel to share his unique vision with the local community and visitors from around the world.

Steve upped the ante and orchestrated a goldfish eating contest and good times were had by all.

Today my relationship with Steve is still going strong. We recently spent the 2015 New Year together—once again in Havana—this time with 45 of his closest friends! Who knows how many people will join the next group on a Steve journey. But ultimately Steve and I grew closer together.

—ALBERTO MAGNAN

MAGNAN METZ GALLERY

Photo by Clay Cook

52 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

STEVE WILSON:

The Mentor CHESTER AND MY ELIZABETH WEBER WITH STEVE WILSON

Steve Wilson is his own guy and a thoughtful, studious horseman. Horses really feel his kind, soft energy.

Whatever he tries to do, he does well.

He’s a unique and interesting person and a good driver, who has won national titles (including the 2014 Kentucky Classic CDE reserve championship and FEI Pair Horse reserve at the 2014 Live Oak International) and has competed internationally. He’s also hosted U.S. Equestrian Federation clinics at his farm, and recently joined the USEF Foundation Advisory Committee. He’s as involved as he is competitive, and is bringing Avery, his grandson along, driving a single pony, as the family’s next generation of horsemen.

We met through the sport, probably for the first time in 2008, when a lot of people were training at his place for the next year’s World Equestrian Games. He runs a wonderful facility in Kentucky, outside of Louisville, and invited me to his show, the Hermitage Classic, which fit in well with my training schedule.

As a graduate in Hotel Management from Cornell University in upstate New York, and with Steve being cofounder of 21c Museum Hotels, we discovered that we had much in common, and much to learn from one another.

Steve always has this nice ‘panache’ about him at the shows. For the last three years he’s been driving a pair of DERBY 2015

Hungarian Lipizzaners and really stands out. The horses — near-white and named Napoly and Favory Franky — have very nice, modern lines to them.

I credit Steve with broadening my wife, My Elizabeth, and I’s artistic horizons.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know him in his ‘wheelhouse,’ which is the art world. He introduced us to Art Basel, and the roles of mentor definitely switched. Steve’s interest is modern, thought-provoking art.

I can see that comparison in his driving, in his attention to the smallest detail to deliver the biggest impact.

host had landed, by a green helicopter with Jolly Rogers painted on its sides, in the center of Live Oak’s grand prix stadium adjacent to the party’s white tents.

I stepped out, in a white tuxedo jacket, adjusted my black bow tie, and the party began.

As a horseman and a friend, Steve Wilson has an eye for the exceptional.

—CHESTER WEBER

AWARD-WINNING DRIVER

Steve’s interest is modern, thought-provoking art. I can see that comparison in his driving...

We’ve also gone to the Kentucky Derby with him and it’s been just as fun. He always sees things well beyond their two- or threedimension potential.

I’ve let that multi-dimensional imagination run unfettered when the Weber family’s 5,000 acre equestrian estate hosts its annual March show, the Live Oak International: For the last several seasons, Steve has been mastermind to the themes of its Saturday Night Exhibitors & VIP Galas. In 2014, Steve truly outdid himself.

He had ‘the helicopter idea, referring to a James Bond 007 theme to the evening and an official start only after its W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

53

Photo by Ross Gordon Photography www.rgordonphoto.com 54 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

55

the art

CREATING OF HAIR

502.893.4441 OPEN TUES-SAT 9AM-7PM 2850 Frankfort Ave. Louisville, KY 40206

MICHAEL WILLIS

A real estate company is like a home.

The great ones have a strong foundation.

Our agents come with a network of experience and are backed by the most admired name in the business.

502-238-2432

to have one Call Susan Ulrich at of our expert agents market your home or if you are interested in a career in real estate.

Residential Services Commercial Services

Relocation Services Property Management

2254 Fogel Road $1,325,000

1204 Falls Creek Landing

$459,900

6221 Perrin Drive $429,900

Karen Foster • 502-238-2490

Karen Foster • 502-238-2490

Jennifer Austin • 502-238-2453

Homearama 2015 Presale

1710 Howser Road $549,900

8216 Spring Glade Place Leo Thieneman & Sons Builders, $775,000

Great Price, Near Oxmoor

Karen Foster • 502-238-2490

Judie Parks • 502-238-1906

Dave Parks • 502-238-1905

1303 Crosstimbers Drive $365,900

2631 Seminary Drive $479,500

629 Upland Road $425,000

Margie Cox • 502-238-1899

Sherry Spanyer • 502-238-2429

Anne Elizabeth Delahanty • 502-238-1869

303 Hidden Oak Way

Still locally owned for over 60 years.

www.BHHSParksWeisberg.com Parks & Weisberg, Realtors

®

©2014 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH affiliates, LLC. Berkshire HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of American, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Form & Function:

Louisville Water Tower Park Louisville WaterWorks Museum: History & Innovation

s 2)6%2 2$ ,/5)36),,% +9 s ,/5)36),,%7!4%24/7%2 #/-

From down the runway to down the stretch.

Hours Mon–Sat 10–5 pm Thurs 10–8 pm

sassy_fox_VOICE_Feb15.indd 1

502.895.3711 150 Chenoweth Lane

2/27/15 7:36:25 AM

THE KENTUCKY D E R B Y F E S T I VA L T H E I N

G R E AT E S T M O N T H T H E B L U E G R A S S

Written by Remy Sisk Photos courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Festival 62 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

63

P

Put out the welcome mat for 1.5 million people Plan 60 or 70 events all over town; hold the most elaborate of those outside, in the fickle Kentucky springtime. Keep that party going for a few weeks in an orderly fashion. Include an airshow, fireworks, marathon, biking, concerts, golf, royal court and ball, poker, hot air balloons, bed racing, spelling, basketball, steamboats, fashion, fests for beer and wine, celebrities and a parade.

In short, be responsible for the gargantuan good time known as the Kentucky Derby Festival.

We asked some senior KDF staffers, essentially, “Why do this to yourself?”

Their responses were all, by and large, “I grew up here, and who could not love this gig?”

Throw Cliff Clavin from the Train “Basically, your goal is to have fun together.

That’s a pretty good job,” according to Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO – his title for 18 of his 29 years on staff.

The Great Steamboat Race in 1969 is the first KDF event he remembers attending, and he’s ridden a steamboat every race since then – even the unusual ones, as in 1971 when he rode the Delta Queen and the river was too high for it to get under a bridge. All passengers disembarked to the Belle of Louisville with Ed Asner aboard.“I got to meet him and get his autograph,” Berry

said. “Pretty cool for a 10-year-old kid!”

Berry was such a steamboat enthusiast that when it was his turn to pick the family’s vacation destination, he chose to visit all of America’s surviving steamboats. “I was very happy about that. I don’t think my sisters were,” he said. “I was a nerdy kid.”

There’s still no shame in his nerd game, “They call me Cliff Clavin,” he said, for those who know the “Cheers” sitcom reference. His mastery of KDF trivia serves a higher purpose.

“The history of the festival mirrors the history of Louisville,” he said. “If you look at certain points of the Festival, you can see what was going on in the city.” For example, for 1967 the archives list a Grand Marshal for the Pegasus Parade: Dale Robertson. But the parade was canceled because open housing demonstrations at the time raised concerns about public safety.

Cultural changes are reflected, too.

“Sometimes events kind of get past their usefulness, and you have to revitalize them or they go away,” Berry said. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, the festival had a bike event. Participation dwindled, and it was dropped. Biking is back in fashion now, and the community pushed for a biking event. So the first Tour De Lou bike ride premiered in last year’s KDF. It sold out and is back this year.

Other classic events aren’t so poised for revival, but live on in folklore. There used to be a Derby Festival Express, Berry said. It was a chartered train ride from the former Kentucky Railway Museum off Dorsey Lane to the Steamboat Race. One year he got stuck on board, and in a pickle he had to jump from the train. He rolled down a hill, and walked away without so much as a stain on his official festival jacket, which in those days was made of “100 percent double-knit polyester,” he said, with no sentimentality, but respect for the durability.

Let the music play and don’t sit on the keys In 1981, Stacey Robinson played 64 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

clarinet, marching in the Western High School Marching Band in the Pegasus Parade. That was a hot and memorable day for a teen in a wool uniform with a tall, heavy hat and the insistent command to stay in formation, “even if it meant stepping into the previous path of a horse,” she said, before the pooper-scoopers reached it.

She’s been on the KDF staff 30 years. Now Senior Vice President of Operations, she still gets up close to unpleasantries on occasion.

“Whether it’s picking up trash or spraying down the finish line of the marathon,” she said, where racers sometimes toss their cookies, so to speak, everyone on staff gets their hands a little dirty during the festival.

She was a part-time college student working for her mother’s limousine service in 1985 when she answered a blind ad that got her foot in the door at KDF. Then-chairman Dan Mangeot hired her as receptionist/clerical assistant. Unbeknownst to either of them at the time, her mother, Barbara Price Cordery, already had loose ties to the festival: striking a hard bargain as the only place in town with a limo available for Mangeot during the festival.

They both built on that discerning businesswoman attitude. Her mom was named chair-elect of the festival before she died in 2002 and was a posthumous recipient of the KDF Distinguished Service Award. Robinson climbed the ranks as Events Manager, Marketing Manager, Director of Volunteers and Special Projects, and Vice President of Administration to her current role.

She oversees finances and budgets, human resources, works with the events staff and diversity committee and coordinates VIPs and celebrities.“I get to dabble in a little bit of everything, and I think that’s what makes my job so exciting,” she said.

To date, her legacy includes the “sitting on the key” radio etiquette tip for new staff and interns. To her credit, she had her KDF staff two-way radio on her when she once went for a quick afternoon manicure. But after she’d been “chatting away about who knows what at the time,” she said, she looked down to see she’d been sitting on the radio’s mic button, broadcasting her entire conversation and tying up the channel so no one else could transmit all that time. “Once I realized what had happened, I panicked,” she said, particularly when Mangeot radioed her to call him immediately. She did, and he yelled, but not without laughing.

She’s come a long way from that gaffe to staffing the radio-intense Thunder Over Louisville command center.

DERBY 2015

IVAL

BY FEST

CKY DER

E KENTU

SY OF TH S COURTE

“I get to dabble in a little bit of everything, and I think that’s what makes my job so exciting.”

PHOTO

DERBY 2015

John Wayne wa s Grand Marshal of the Pegasus Pa rade in 1976.

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

65

The Pegasus Parade still makes her nervous, too, only now she’s trying to get VIPs down the route without incident, like actor Dominic Chianese (“Uncle Junior” on “The Sopranos”), who invited her group, who’d taken him to dinner at Jack Fry’s after the parade, to hang out at the Galt House with him, where he played his guitar for an impromptu sing-along.

The music lover in her has enjoyed many official KDF concerts, too, like M.C. Hammer with Boyz II Men, En Vogue, Keith Sweat, and that one where she was “coerced onto the stage by one of the band members,” as she tells it, to dance with Morris Day & The Time.

That time John Wayne was a sweetheart One of the first festival events Bridget Sherrill, the longest-serving staff member, attended was the old Philip Morris Festival of Stars. The tobacco company, once a major Louisville presence, sponsored free country concerts at Freedom Hall. “I remember getting to meet Glen Campbell and Lee Greenwood,” Sherrill said, before that event ended in 2001.

She’s met her share of celebrities, including the Duke. “John Wayne came to the Festival and actually visited our office,” she said. “I happened to be on the phone with my children at the time, and he said hello to them. That was awesome, and my children still remember and talk about it to their children.”

“The Pegasus Parade still makes her nervous, too...”

That was 1976. The KDF office was on Main Street and Sherrill had only been on staff a few years. She started part-time in 1972, so she was there when the Pegasus Pin was introduced in 1973. Around the office, she said, she’s introduced with, “Bridget started the Festival.” (For the record, she didn’t. The festival as we now know it began in 1956.)

She’s Vice President of Merchandising now, which includes the significantly expanded Pegasus Pin program, accounting for about 20 percent of the festival’s $7 million annual budget.

“I’ve been the bookkeeper, handled ticket sales, was an event manager, sold corporate sponsorships,” Sherrill said. She witnessed and nurtured the evolution of the old White Cadillac drawing into the current pin campaign with eight weekly Grand Prize drawings and a Gold Pin Winner Grand Prize, now a Honda CRV. “No year is ever the same, which is part of what makes my job fun and rewarding,” she 66 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

said. For instance, this year there are 99 different pins, including ones customized for many events. Occasionally, too, there are interesting footnotes, like the year the glue didn’t keep the pin envelopes closed, and then the following year when the glue was so strong the envelopes wouldn’t open, or the mysterious Year of the Pins Whose Backs Broke Off For No Reason.

“As with any situation in the event indus-

try,” said Sherrill, an award-winning leader in the industry, “you make the best of it at the time and try to improve things the next time.”

DERBY 2015

Pioneer staycationing, ballooning over breakfast The only child of a Louisville small business owner, Trish Osborn, this year’s KDF Chairman, remembers her dad not taking many vacations, but taking Derby Week off every year so the family could have a stay-cation before that was even a thing. “We always had a blast,” she said.

“I was a local band kid, so I’ve marched in the parade,” said Osborn, Senior Vice President of American Founders Bank. When

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

67

her father died unexpectedly in April 1983, leaving her and her mother devastated, they migrated to the volunteer side of the festival. A friend introduced her to Bridget Sherrill, and soon the motherdaughter team was selling Pegasus Pins by the white Cadillac display at malls, sharing their festival-goer tips. It helped them through their grief and got them hooked on the behind-the-scenes side of things.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends,” Osborn said, and she loves the reunion atmosphere and camaraderie of volunteers 68 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

returning every year.

She joined the Derby Festival Board in 2007. She and her mother rode in the Pegasus Parade together a couple of times before her mom died in 2011. “She loved it, waving to the crowd,” Osborn said. She loved dragonflies, too, so there will be a silver dragonfly pin alongside the Pegasus Pin on the Chairman’s jacket in the parade this year.

She’s had some new adventures, too, like joining the crew of a hot air balloon in the Great Balloon Festival. “It’s just so quiet,” she said, in that small basket,

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

feeling like you’re riding up in an elevator, only slower and so serene. “We landed in a field behind a subdivision, pretty far East,” she said, where a mother and her children had been watching them go by at breakfast time. “They brought us pancakes and sausage,” she said, loaded on a wagon, and thanked them for what the mom told her was “just the best morning.” She still remembers the kids’ faces and still regrets that she forgot to get the woman’s name.

She likes being on the ground for DERBY 2015

Thunder, her favorite event. She’s seen it from the command center and river-side suites, but, “There’s nothing better than feeling that big boom,” she said, from solid ground. It’s also the best spot, she thinks, to catch that child-like, “this is so awesome!” look on grown-up faces.

“I kind of get teared up when I watch it every year,” the chairman said. “It’s the kickoff of a great celebration for our city.”

DERBY 2015

“I kind of get teared up when I watch it every year.

It’s the kickoff of a great celebration for our city.”

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

69

CWD

CH R I S T O P H E R W E L S H D E S I G N S

INTERIORS

•

R E N O VAT I O N S

Classic designs, for modern life.

CHRISTOPHERWELSHDESIGNS . COM

502.873.6002

L O U I S V I L L E

Body Scrubs CARITA Paris Chemical Peels Clarisonic Cosmetics Bar Dermafile Dermaplane Eye Brow / Lash Tinting Face and Body Waxing LED Light Therapy Make-up Application Massage Therapy OBAGI SkinCeuticals PCA Skin Penhaligon’s Fragrance SkinMedica TRUFFLE Therapeutic Facials ZenSKYN Color Collection

Louisville’s Premiere Boutique Spa 227 Chenoweth Lane 502.894.3335 skynlounge.com | zenskyn.com

Derby

Leave the clean up to us!

ARE YOU READY FOR

Nu-Yale Cleaners hopes you enjoyed the Derby and all the festivities that surrounded the event. We want you to know that when it comes to Nu-Yale Cleaners help you removing the will evidence of juststay how much enjoyed yourself, prepped andyou ready to enjoy all of we’ll be here to clean it up.

SEASON?

your pre-Derby festivities.

Visit one of our 12 convenient locations!

WE PROVIDE: Couture Care Service for your high-end fashion FREE pick up and delivery to your door 12 convenient locations Nu-Yale offers the only truly green, environmentally friendly dry cleaning process in the region!

CLEANER CLOTHES • ODOR FREE • NO SET STAINS • NO HEAT BETTER LOOKING, LONGER LASTING GARMENTS

Family owned and operated since 1956!

812-285-7400 • www.nuyale.com

See See SeeWhat’s What’s What’sNew New Newat at at barrywooley.com barrywooley.com barrywooley.com

502.569.7101 502.569.7101 502.569.7101| | |835 835 835 E.E.Main E.Main Main St.St.St.| | | Louisville, Louisville, Louisville, KY KY KY 40206 40206 40206

Get ready for

Silks!

Louisville’s best Derby night party.

Featuring entertainment from one of America’s premier dance bands JUKEBOXX. They’ve played with Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake and more! And, they’re coming from Washington, DC to rock the house.

ORDER TICKETS ONLINE!

OPARMS.ORG

$150 PER PERSON / $1,500 PER TABLE Includes Cocktails, Food & Entertainment

Or Call: 502-777-6300

7th Annual

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship rate: $250 per person / $2,500 per table of 10.

Includes our Sponsor Dinner and Silks.

For additional information call: 502-777-6300

t. t Derby nigh

ticke Your winning

Crowne Plaza Louisville

Derby Evening, May 2, 2015 Proceeds benefit Operation Open Arms, Inc.

DOORS OPEN 7:30PM

76 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

TOURISTRY Courtesy photos

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

77

TOURISM

Kentucky Derby Museum

By Kelsey Schneider

F

rom the moment you walk into the Kentucky Derby Museum you’re greeted by friendly, familiar faces, and the thrill of the Kentucky Derby.

When you enter the museum you start out through the gates, seeing 20 thoroughbreds racing towards you and hearing the sound of their hooves hitting the dirt. In this moment, you know that you are involved in something magical and unlike any other experience.

Everything you have ever wanted to know about the Derby is located on the first floor of the museum. You will be able to celebrate the winner of the Kentucky Derby in the Winner’s Circle, watch past horse races, and capture the moment in 78 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

time. On display are past Kentucky Derby hats, fashions, trophies, and the traditions that bring guests coming back to visit.

In the center of the museum, there is a 360-degree high-definition film called, “The Greatest Race.” The film tells the story of the life of the horse and takes you through Derby day. “Everybody has got to see the show,” says Lynn Ashton, the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Executive Director. “There is no doubt that it is the next best thing to being there on Derby day. It puts you in the middle of the infield.” There are numerous interactive and educational activities involving math, science, history and economics for guests of all ages.

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

On the second floor of the museum you can learn about the birth of the horse, how it is raised on the farm, and its life all the way to retirement. Here you will experience everything about the horse, including the owners and jockeys exhibits. Hear the owner’s experiences, the jockey’s stories, and see the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, an exhibit dedicated to successful horseshoers. The current exhibit, “The Prince of Jockeys: The Life of Isaac Burns Murphy” in collaboration with Black History Month, is also located on the second floor. This is a traveling exhibit dedicated to threetime Kentucky Derby winner, Isaac Burns Murphy. This exhibit will be open until DERBY 2015

the end of May this year.

Although the museum is a self-guided tour, there are several guided tours of historic Churchill Downs. A few of them are The Historic Walking Tour of Churchill Downs, where guests are able to walk through the front-side of the track, visit the paddock, and go out to the grandstand. A tour for horse lovers is the Barn and Backside Tour, where guests can see the horses training and possibly catch them taking a bath. The Inside the Gates Walking Tour is a tour that not everyone gets to see. It is a behind-the-scenes tour of Millionaire’s Row, the Horseman’s Lounge and other areas of the clubhouse.

There are also Derby Week Tours, Twilight DERBY 2015

Tours and Horses & Haunts Tours available throughout the year.

The Kentucky Derby Museum is a nonprofit organization and since opening in 1985 has welcomed over 2,000,000 visitors internationally. You can spot different visitors from around the world on a globe located in the front lobby covered with red sticker-tacks. One thing that Lynn really wants visitors of the museum to know is to, “Come in, enjoy it and learn all that you can. If there’s any question you don’t have answered, go to our front desk, and if they don’t know the answer they will get the answer for you. So don’t be afraid to ask a question, that’s what we are here for.”

Kentucky Derby Museum 704 Central Avenue Louisville, Kentucky 40208 We bsi t e

www.derbymuseum.org

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

Pho n e

502.637.1111

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

79

TOURISM

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

By Remy Sisk

W

hen visiting Louisville from out of town, one of the preeminent activities on most visitors’ agenda is to hit the road and check out the nearby distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. While the aweinspiring industrial tours of distilleries such as Four Roses or Woodford Reserve are certainly not to be missed, it escapes the mind of many that Louisville hosts a full bourbon tour experience in the heart of downtown.

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience opened on Main Street in November 2013 and boasts a bourbon adventure unlike any other.

According to Jeff Crowe, general manager, The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was, “Built as a visitor’s center to bring brand awareness and brand loyalty to the Evan Williams product. But the interior of the building is an interactive, 80 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

immersive, media-driven historical tour.”

Teeming with bright colors and engaging historical facts, the experience tends to focus on the history of the brand more than other distilleries usually do. “With being a part of the Kentucky bourbon trail, we wanted to show a different side of bourbon,” Crowe reasons. “So we’ve tried to show the historical significance of how bourbon got started, the role that Louisville played in that, the role the Ohio River played in that, and the role Evan Williams played in bringing bourbon into the huge industry that it is today.”

A man who apparently had a natural talent for distilling, Evan Williams became Kentucky’s first commercial distiller in 1783 when he set up his distillery on the Ohio River, just blocks away from where The Evan Williams Bourbon

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

Experience was created 230 years later. Over that time, Evan Williams has grown into the second best-selling bourbon in the world, and Crowe is proud to have an experience that commemorates Williams’ historical significance: “We want to celebrate the fact that he brought distilling to the forefront, and we also want to celebrate that he brought distilling to his community.”

In addition to the historical side of the experience, Evan Williams also offers an extremely intimate look at the bourbon-making process. The building is indeed a fully operational distillery, producing one barrel a day. While the bulk of Evan Williams product is not made at this location, visitors are treated to an experience unlike any other as everything onsite is done by hand.

It is a far more personal look at the exciting process of distillation than is common.

DERBY 2015

No bourbon tour would be complete, however, without tasting. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience includes two exceptionally unique tasting rooms where visitors may try three of the brand’s bourbons. Additionally, on weekends, the site offers an enthralling speakeasy experience apart from the tour. Patrons descend into a 1920s style bar, complete with safe door and required password. “For 30 minutes you learn about prohibition, the impact it had on the citizens of Louisville, and the impact it had on the bourbon industry as a whole,” Crowe touts.

Only offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the speakeasy experience also features a tasting of three bourbons.

Walk-ins are encouraged to all parts of Evan Williams, though there is an online reservation system for the weekends. Crowe is excited about DERBY 2015

all the building has to offer, not just its easily accessible distillery tour, but also for its historical education, immersive aesthetic and option of venue rentals for special events. He looks forward to the site’s future for locals and outof-towners alike, and is grateful for all the support it’s already received. “We’re so appreciative of the acceptance the people of Louisville have shown us,” he exudes. “They’ve treated us like we’ve been here our entire lives.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience 528 W. Main St. Louisville, Kentucky H o u rs

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–6p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

A dmi ssio n

Adults: $12 Ages 10–20: $9 Kids under 10: free W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

81

TOURISM

French Lick Resort

By Shelby Lockhart

“

S

ummer! Summer! Summer!” The High School Musical chant, the East High Wildcats expressed as they awaited Summer Break. You and your children will be chanting too, because summer is just around the corner. This means that summer break activities and vacation spots will be discussed soon, as well. You will want to choose a destination that will please the entire family.

Doing so can be a difficult task because you want to be sure that everyone will have a good time. Lucky for you, the French Lick Resort, located in French Lick, Indiana, has fabulous activities and great 82 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

fun this summer. This is a place where your family, four-legged friends included, can create memories and build traditions that will last a lifetime!

pet to be involved at French Lick, as well.

Let your four-legged pet showcase their best outfit in the Pet Parade and Ice Cream Social.

The entire family will be energized while participating in the Watermelon & Summer Relays, getting competitive while playing Capture the Flag, or let creative juices flow by creating a skit expressing your family’s talent in French Lick’s Guest Talent Show. On a hot summer day one way to cool down is by hitting the pool.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Play, “Name that Tune,” as the DJ spins a popular song.

Summer days at French Lick Resort aren’t the only time the family will have fun. The family can enjoy a movie night at Dive in Movie, wind down with Hikes & S’mores or explore the night’s beauty by Star Gazing.

The Pet Friendly Policy allows for your

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

Children may want a break from parents and parents may want a break from the kids. The Resort offers amenities that would be enjoyable to the family while being away from each other. The Spa is a DERBY 2015

great place for parents to relax and enjoy quietude during the day.

While parents are relaxing, children can experience KidsFest, which has exciting and educational activities they will love.

Held at the KidsFest Lodge, for ages 6-12 years old, activities include: taking hayrides at The Stables, cooking healthy snacks at the KidsFest Lodge, or conducting cool experiments with KidScience. Don’t worry, parents, because your children will be in the care of trained counselors whose job it is to ensure that your children have a safe and fun time.

popular vacation place for families to enjoy time together away from home, whether it’s a late night movie or peaceful night hikes along the trail. The experience French Lick Resort provides will be a great one. Tradition starts with family, so why not start your tradition at French Lick Resort?

French Lick Resort West Baden & French Lick, Indiana We bsi t e

www.frenchlick.com Pho n e

888.936.9360

French Lick Resort has long been a DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

83

TOURISM

The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass

By Stephanie Parrott

T

his year will be the first year that Kentucky residents, as well as out of town visitors, will have the pleasure of being able to patronize The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass in order to find fashions and accessories for the events surrounding the 2015 Kentucky Derby, as well as the races themselves.

Boasting over 100 stores and a beautiful outdoor layout, the outlet offers a variety of options for Derby goers to outfit themselves and their families from head to toe. We caught up with Lucy George, Marketing Director of The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass to see just what they have to offer around Derby time.

“We have more than 100 stores,” says

84 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

George. “Prior to our opening, to shop at a Gucci store, you had to drive to Chicago or Detroit. But now you just have to drive to The Outlet Shoppes because the region’s only Gucci store is now open.” The Outlet Shoppes is actually only one of seven shopping centers in the nation to have a Gucci store. The Saks outlet is the largest store — 22,000 square feet anchoring the mall’s east side — adjacent to other luxury retailers like Coach and Michael Kors.

For an event like the Kentucky Derby, the center truly offers one stop shopping, even for the world famous tradition of finding the perfect Kentucky Derby hat.

“We do have stores that can outfit the entire family for Derby. Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Brooks Brothers, and Gucci all

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

carry hats that would complete any Derby outfit.”

In addition to having a variety of stores to choose from, The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass has a VIP Club that, once joined, allows its members to be the first to know about events and promotions happening and for joining the club, shoppers receive a free coupon book worth over $250 in savings.

The Outlet Shoppes opened its doors last summer, July 31, 2014 so this year also marks the first time customers will be able to enjoy the beautiful outdoor layout throughout the spring and summer. The center is well equipped with wonderful outdoor amenities. There are fountains, DERBY 2015

a children’s play area, outdoor food court seating and one of the most unique things about the center is that a little slice of Louisville history is worked into the design.

There are statues of baseball plates and bats along one of the walkways. These statues are similar to the ones that are placed outside the Louisville Slugger Museum. The design makes for a pleasant outdoor shopping experience, even if you’re just window shopping. It has the feel of a gorgeous, Southern California outdoor mall, offering shoppers an escape from the usual enclosure of an indoor shopping arena. There is also an area set up for disabled patrons to retrieve wheelchairs, free of charge.

weekend. While it is an outdoor center there’s a lot of protection. With covering over much of the entire shopping center, shoppers can still be in uncomfortable weather. You can walk almost the entire shopping center and still not get wet.

For more information on stores to get your Derby time shopping fix, you can visit The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass website at www.theoutletshoppesofthebluegrass.com.

Also, be sure to like their Facebook page and/or follow them on Twitter to keep up with the latest promotions and events.

T he Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass 1155 Buck Creek Road Simpsonville, Kentucky H o u rs

Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

And don’t let the possibility of rain get in the way of visiting the center during Derby DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

85

TOURISM

Louisville Water Tower Waterworks Museum

By Wesley Kerrick

L

ouisville’s Derby guests might think Mint Juleps, bourbon and beer are the only beverages keeping the city hydrated.

But Louisville is pretty proud of its water, too.

Louisville Water Co. was Kentucky’s first public water provider, and it’s continuing to set the national standard for good water.

So if you really want to know what Louisville runs on, there’s a spot on the northeast side of town where history, science and natural beauty converge.

At the Louisville Water Tower Park, 3005 River Rd., you’ll find the water company’s original water tower and pumping station.

You’ll also find the Waterworks Museum, which opened in March 2014. “The museum is 86 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

not just for water geeks,” said Allison Delande, marketing and event coordinator for the park and museum. “There’s something for everyone.”

With a 55-foot ceiling and intricate architectural details, the original pumping station is situated on a vast lawn along the Ohio River.

Along with education and entertainment, the park offers a rental venue for events of all sizes.

“We are very distinguished with the grand nature of our space,” she said.

“There is a wealth of history at the site,” Delande said. “It has been part of our skyline and our landscape since 1860, and it’s very recognizable.”

The water tower and pumping station were built in Neoclassic Greek Revival architecture, and operated until 1912.

In 1971, they were designated National Historic Landmarks.

“We would be a great venue for out-of-town guests to bring their party to our facility,” Delande said.

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

The park is “very serene and very scenic,” she said. It’s ideal for events with anywhere from 20 to 10,000 guests.

When you rent space for your event at the water tower, all your guests get access to the Waterworks Museum and a free walking tour of the grounds.

“Your guests, whether local or out-of-town, learn something about this city by having an event at our location and going through the museum,” Delande said. “So it’s a nice blend of entertainment and education.”

Anyone can visit the museum for a small DERBY 2015

entry fee. The walking tour is included.

several men to operate.”

“There is just a wealth of information on our guided tour that supplements your museum experience,” Delande said.

On the tour, you get to go into the rotund area of the water tower. “It’s got a great echo,” Delande said.

You’ll see a piece of an original, wooden water main. You’ll see a piece of cast-iron water main pipe that was in the ground when Abraham Lincoln was President.

Louisville Water still operates a pumping facility near the original one at the park.

Today, the company provides water for more than 850,000 people. Its “Pure Tap” water was named “best tasting tap water in America” in both 2008 and 2013 by the American Water Works Association.

“You really see the size and the scale that was used back in the original day of the water company to pump water,” Delande said.

As you tour the facility, you’ll encounter a massive 1919 Allis Chalmers steam engine that was used to pump water in a bygone era. The flywheel alone weighs 50,000 pounds.

“We also have video clips playing in the museum of that steam engine in operation, which is a tremendous feat,” Delande said. “It took DERBY 2015

“We’re very proud of our water as a brand, as a lifeline,” Delande said.

For more information, visit www.louisviellwatertower.com or call 502.897.1481.

To inquire about rentals, contact Delande at 502.897.1481 or email her at adelande@lwcky. com.

Louisville Water Tower Waterworks Museum 3005 River Road Louisville, Kentucky H o u rs

Wednesday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

A dmi ssio n

Adults: $5 • Seniors (60+): $4 Ages 6–17: $3 • Children under 5: free Families: $12

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

87

TOURISM

Fourth Street Live!

By Shelby Lockhart

F

ourth Street Live! is Louisville’s premier dining and entertainment destination. Located in the city’s historic downtown, the district boasts nearly 20 different venues varying in style, food, and price. Hosting a range of events yearround, Fourth Street Live! knows how to throw a Derby party.

Concerts hosted at Fourth Street Live! during the Kentucky Derby weekend should be on your list of Derby-must events. On Derby Eve 2014, the Grammy nominated band, Fall Out Boy performed to 10,000 people in attendance.

There will be four concerts at Fourth Street Live! during Derby week. The first concert will be held on Thursday, April 88 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

30 at 7 p.m. The headliner is American Country Music singer and 2014 CMA recipient for New Artist of the Year, Brett Eldredge. You can see him at a great price, too. The cover charge to enter Fourth Street Live! on April 30 is only $5.

On May 1 another Grammy nominated band will perform Derby Eve. Capital Cities, known for their chart-topping hit “Safe and Sound” will take the stage Friday night. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with a cover charge of $10.

Derby night will feature a grand stage for DJ entertainment and no cover charge for the street.

May 3 will wrap up Derby weekend this

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

year, with the Official Kentucky Derby Festival Cinco de Mayo event at Fourth Street Live! This family-friendly event will feature Hispanic/Latino community organizations, music, food, and dancing with a special performance from an unreleased Latin entertainment star.

You may need to quench your thirst and feed your hunger before or after the concert. Don’t worry, because Fourth Street Live! has something for everyone: Brazeiros Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse, Goose Island Beer Bridge, Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant, Hard Rock Café, Howl at the Moon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, PBR Louisville, Sully’s Restaurant and DERBY 2015

Saloon, T.G.I. Friday’s, Tavern Hall, Tavern on Fourth, Tengo Sed Cantina, The Fudgery, The Kill Devil Club, The Marquee Bar, and The Sports and Social Club.

Celebrities in town for the races love being involved in the Derby parties.

From Guy Fieri taking over the kitchen to Michael Jordan stopping by to check out the scene, celebrities are often spotted at Fourth Street Live! Other notables include: Aaron Rodgers, Serena Williams, Dwayne Wade, Adrian Grenier, Nick Lachey, Vanessa Lachey, Paris Hilton, Kid Rock and Boys II Men.

Tiffany Wakeley have both worked hard to make these events unforgettable. Wakeley, being a Louisville native, expresses excitement for the Derby events at Fourth Street Live! “We are excited each year for the opportunity to enhance our existing events, while developing new and exciting concepts to make the Derby experience an even more memorable one.”

Fourth Street Live!

400 S. 4th Street Louisville, Kentucky We bsi t e

www.4thstreetlive.com Pho n e

502.584.7170

Fourth Street Live!’s General Manager, Brad Pernaw and Marketing Director, DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

89

TOURISM

Huber’s Orchard & Winery

By Ashlie Stevens

E

ven though it is a distinctly Kentucky libation, Huber’s Orchard and Winery – right across the bridge in Southern Indiana – makes a mean Mint Julep.

“People that are in town for the Derby would be more than pleased with the traditional Mint Julep that we serve around this time of year. Made with our Starlight Distillery brandy, it’s a drink that many enjoy. Huber’s is a short drive from Louisville and would give people a chance to get out of the city and see what Southern Indiana has to offer,” said Dana Huber, the farm’s vice president of marketing and public relations. Dana is married to Ted Huber, who co-owns

90 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

the farm with his cousin, Greg. The pair took ownership in the late 1980s, after the winery was established and Huber’s began operating as an agritourism farm.

on-site. The expansion of the Starlight Distillery in late 2014, added a whole new dynamic that adds yet another element for visitors.”

The Huber property is located about 30 minutes north of Louisville, in the town known as Starlight, Indiana.

The orchard is now producing vodka, whiskey and gin; they also provide distillery tours that showcase their new Vendome Copper Still and allow guests to sample the products in the same setting where they are produced. Yet Thomas stresses that though the business has grown exponentially over the past ten years, “a family friendly atmosphere is maintained, and there is something for everyone of any age to enjoy.”

“When visitors arrive at the 600 acre farm they are able to drive past the orchards and vineyards that produce the fruits that go into making our awardwinning wines,” explains Ellie Thomas, Graphic Designer at Huber’s. “It’s unique to be able to see all aspects ranging from fruits being grown and harvested, wines then being produced, and ultimately being bottled and sold all here

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

“Family owned and farmed since 1843,” Huber’s Orchard and Winery DERBY 2015

began farming back since the Hubers’ ancestors settled in Starlight from BadenBaden, Germany. Growing primarily fruit, the farm began to diversify in 1978 when they opened the doors of the winery.

“Today, we have over 550 acres of farmland on which we grow many fruits, vegetables, Christmas trees, pumpkins, and grapes. Guests are able to pick their own produce here at Indiana’s largest farm. There is something here that anyone, of any age, will enjoy. The Winery and Distillery offer daily tours and tastings as well as a Starlight Café that is open for lunch.”

visit, The Farm Market includes a bakery, a fudge shop, a cheese shop and an ice cream shop that often features ice creams made with fruits grown on the farm.

In the spring, summer and fall, live music can be heard from the large patio as guests enjoy a bottle of wine – or their Derby-time Mint Julep – a cheese tray and sprawling views of the orchards and vineyards.

Huber’s Orchard & Winery 19816 Huber Road Borden, Indiana We bsi t e

www.huberwinery.com Pho n e

812.923.9813

And if you needed any other reason to DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

91

TOURISM

Kentucky Kingdom

By Ashlie Stevens

I

t’s May in Louisville. The trees, flowers and shrubs are in full bloom. Verdant, vibrant – and streaming by at shocking speeds from the tracks of Lightning Run. Welcome to springtime at Kentucky Kingdom, an ideal location for family fun this Derby season.

Kentucky Kingdom is a wonderful success story that demonstrates both perseverance and vision. From an inauspicious beginning as a small kiddie park that had to file for bankruptcy before the end of its first season to its eventual rise to international prominence Kentucky Kingdom has been the little park that could.

The park was initially opened (and closed) in 1987 by a Texas-based 92 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

company, but in 1990, local developer Ed Hart began to transform the park into a full family-fun experience, with something for children and thrill-seekers alike.

Within the first eight years of operation, Hart’s team had transformed the original 10-acre park into a 60-acre combination theme park and water park, earning industry recognition as the “fastest growing theme park in North America.”

According to John Mulcahy, Kentucky Kingdom’s Director of Marketing and Communication, “The park’s success led to an eventual sale. Going into the 1998 season, the park became Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and was no longer owned and operated locally. Over the next ten years,

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

Six Flags, began facing major financial challenges.” It was during this period, that Six Flags began to curtail its investment in new rides and attractions, even closing some of Kentucky Kingdom’s signature rides.The 2009 season would prove to be the last for the park.

“After that, the property was abandoned

by Six Flags. Not only did the community lose a much loved summertime institution, but the region’s hospitality industry lost one of its most prominent economic engines,” Mulcahy said. The park remained closed for four years – its future uncertain. For much of this time, Ed Hart was working to build a team and a plan to resurrect Kentucky Kingdom and DERBY 2015

carrying on discussions with state and local government officials to develop the public/private partnership needed to accomplish this. Ultimately, Hart, along with three other local business and civic leaders (Ed Glasscock, Bruce Lunsford, and Mary Moseley, representing the Al J. Schneider Company), stepped forward with a resolute commitment, shared vision, and (to date) an investment of approximately $45 million to reopen Kentucky Kingdom.

The park’s grand reopening last May was noted by the LA Times as one of the top ten most anticipated amusement industry stories of 2014.

that features more than 60 thrilling rides and attractions, among them four roller coasters. The Hurricane Bay water park has two large wave pools, a lazy river and an adventure river, over a dozen water slides, and special areas for families with younger children. It’s really two parks in one – all for one great price.

A notable aspect of the upcoming 2015 season is the unprecedented addition of eight new rides and attractions, demonstrating this team’s commitment to restoring Kentucky Kingdom to regional prominence.

Kentucky Kingdom 937 Phillips Lane Louisville, Kentucky 40209 We bsi t e

www.kentuckykingdom.com Pho n e

502.813.8200

Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay is a full-feature theme park and water park DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

93

It ’s Derby Time

l

IN THE CITY

502.254.0400

12121 Shelbyville Rd. Louisville, KY 40243 twochicksandcompany.com

hats available at circe

3642 Brownsboro Rd. | LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 | 502.894.0095 circelouisville | swaglouisville | www.circeswag.com

TIBI | ALC | REBECCA TAYLOR | ALEXIS | DVF | IRO | RACHEL ALEX BARBOUR | SOUTHERN TIDE | SOUTHERN PROPER | VINEYARD VINES | BIRD DOG BAY

end hunger together.

More than 200,000 people in our community each day are at risk. Together, we can end hunger in Louisville. Join the movement. www.wecanendhunger.net

INTERIORS Accessories • Artwork • Lighting Accent Furnishings • Interior Design Services Located in Landis Lakes TowneCenter near Wild Eggs 129 S. English Station Road • 502.509.4530 • www.robinsnestky.com

www.GumerJewelry.com 225 S. Hurstbourne Parkway 502.327.3330

100 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

HAUTE TO

TROT Abby is wearing a Annie Griffin silk wave print taylor tank with black twill caden shorts also made by Annie Griffin. Available at Merci Boutique.

Angelina is wearing Armani scooped neck knit top with a St. John electric pink skirt with silver lurex thread and braided seaming. Handbag is a studded snake with fringe from GaBaG. Available at Rodes. Statement necklace from Stylebone, available exclusively at Rodes.

Derby accessories provided by Wagner’s Pharmacy.

Style Editor and Creative, Lori Kommor Style Assistant, Jamie Hubbard Photography by Clay Cook Makeup by Isidro Valencia, Casey Ritchie Hair by Matthew Tyldesley and Ashley Flora Shoes provided by Off Broadway Shoes Models Abby Hendershot and Angelina Ellis with Heyman Talent; Abby Garrett, Talia Blue

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

101

Talia is wearing a silk Mac & Jac multi-colored skirt with a Jennifer Reale jacket and a yellow leather Diane Von Furstenbery handbag.

Available at Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment Boutique.

102 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Abby is wearing a Elizabeth & James peach laser-cut dress with BCBG cage clutch and statement jewelry.

Available at Rodeo Drive.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

103

Abby is wearing a multicolored playsuit by Alexis and a Made in the Deep South multi-strand pendant necklace. Available at Circe.

104 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Abby is wearing a For Love and Lemons mustard yellow lace dress and vegan suede. Available at Caden Boutique.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

105

Abby is wearing a orange and pick Joseph Ribkoff dress with scoop neckline. The necklace is a vintage gold tone chain with wire-wrapped turquoise medallion by Leenabell. Available at Sunny Daize.

106 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Talia is wearing printed pants from Macbeth with cream cap sleeve crop top with floral statement necklace. Available at Apricot Lane Boutique.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

107

Angelina is wearing a English Factory white shift dress with fringe detail. Available at Favorite Things Boutique.

108 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Talia is wearing an Andree navy and white houndstooth romper with Neon pink blazer by Buddy Love. Available at Modern Elegance. Statement necklace from Stylebone, available exclusively at Rodes.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

109

Angelina is wearing a Ralph Lauren printed wrap dress. Available at Saks Off Fifth at The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Statement jewelry from Stylebone, available exclusively at Rodes.

110 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Abby is wearing a Desigual floral strapless jumpsuit with nakamol blue stone necklace. Available at Boutique Serendipity. Authentic jockey silks jacket provided by Wagner’s Pharmacy.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

111

Abby is wearing a raspberry colored suit with printed silk scarf top from Gucci. Available at The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Statement jewelry from Stylebone, available exclusively at Rodes.

112 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Abby is wearing Gucci gown with horse bit belt. Available at The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. Statement jewelry from Stylebone, available exclusively at Rodes.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

113

Race Over For All Your

Derby Fashion!

3911 CHENOWETH SQUARE • LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 • 502.893.4252

Financial Planning Investment Management Lending Trust Services Investment Banking Insurance Services

We’ve been around for 160 years.

So. What.

Sure, it’s good to have more than a century and a half of experience, especially in a world of fickle financial markets. But what you really need to know about Hilliard Lyons is that we are always looking forward. That we are always adapting. We are focused on giving you the financial advice that will bring success over the next 160 years.

Because the past is, well, past.

Brownsboro Road 502-897-5600 | Hurstbourne 502-426-0790 | Olympia Park 502-420-1400 Securities are offered through J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, LLC

| Member NYSE, FINRA, & SIPC

Every day, the men and women of the Louisville Metro Police Department serve and protect our community to help keep Louisville safe and enjoyable. Throughout the Derby Festival®, the Kentucky Derby® and year-round, officers of the LMPD serve as ambassadors of our community and its people. When you see an LMPD officer, be sure to say “thanks” – not all the great Derby riders are on the track. Our officers’ tireless efforts help make Louisville a safer place to live, work and visit.

You can do your part by visiting SaferLouisville.com to get involved, volunteer your time or make an online donation to support the Louisville Metro Police Foundation. The LMPF exists to enhance the effectiveness of the LMPD by using private donations to assist officers and their families and provide much-needed equipment and programs. Thanks in advance for your support!

Together for a Safer Louisville

SaferLouisville.com Facebook.com/SaferLouisville

Kentucky Derby is a registered trademark of Churchill Downs Incorporated. Derby Festival is a registered trademark of Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc. ©2015 Louisville Metro Police Foundation, Inc.

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE PUT YOUR TALENT ON DISPLAY IN THE KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM Calling all Derby fashionistas!

The Kentucky Derby Museum invites both professionals and amateurs to enter their hats for inclusion in the 2015 “It’s My Derby” fashion exhibit. The hat contest is a main component of the "It’s My Derby" exhibit. The exhibit initiative strives to capture personal experiences with the landmark sport and cultural event that is the Kentucky Derby.

All hat entries will be judged by an expert panel and 20-25 hats will be selected for display in the museum exhibit for one year.

There will also be a Judges’ Choice Award for best overall entry and Most Representative of Derby Award, presented to the hat that best

*For questions, deliveries and shipments contact: Chris Goodlett, Curator of Collections, 704 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208; 502-637-1111, ext. 259, cgoodlett@ derbymuseum.org. No international entries will be accepted.

captures the spirit of the Kentucky Derby.

RULES:

HAT CONTEST AND EXHIBIT SPONSORED BY

“ It’s My Derby! ”

Entries will be accepted beginning May 3, 2015 All entries must be postmarked by June 1, 2015 Hats must be delivered or shipped in a box which completely covers and protects it

704 CENTRAL AVENUE | LOUISVILLE, KY 40208 | (502) 637-1111 www.derbymuseum.org

502.708.2822 1301 Herr Lane Louisville, KY 40222 In The Westport Village Shopping Center Beth Beck and Sophia Meinhart from Heyman Talent.

Written by Breanna Price Photography by Clay Cook 120 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

GRE E N ART IST RY DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

121

Written By Breanna Price Photography By Clay cook 122 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Karen Boone

N

ot every child knows what they want to be when they grow up, but for the lucky few there aren’t any questions. No trying-to-find-myself teen years, there isn’t even a brief period in college where they switch majors three times — they just know. And for Karen Boone, confident in what she wanted to do as early as the age of nine, knew that what she wanted lay in the arts.

All grown up and working as an awardwinning graphic designer and painter, Boone works primarily from her home studio in Audubon Park. Some of her most recent artwork includes this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival poster, which debuted to the public on Feb. 26. Boone also made a graphic translation of the painting to create a second, very modern, linear version, which KDF used for its limited edition.

“The limited edition looks like the other piece. When you see them side by side, you’ll get it, but it’s actually two very different hats and styles,” Boone said of the two interpretations. “One, I would say the painting is very traditional, whereas the DERBY 2015

limited edition is very modern. Kind of like ‘Picasso does a horse.’ So it’s very, very modern looking.”

The Kentucky Derby Festival, in choosing this year’s artist, sought someone who was in line with their desire for ‘greening up’ the Festival.

“I think it’s important that the Derby Festival wanted to do that,” said Boone.

“We put the posters on FSC approved papers and printed the posters in a smaller format to waste less paper in order to keep with KDF’s ‘Go Green! Initiative.’”

But before the poster even made it to the final printing process, Boone painted the KDF piece using all organic oil paint.

“I did the KDF poster with the black walnut oil because I wanted to get the richness that you get from oil paint, but I just didn’t like the toxins,” Boone explained. “I don’t like the heavy metals that you find in a lot of paints. The vapors are horrible, you’re ingesting them all day long, and you pour them down the water supply, and something about it just wasn’t working for

me. So for an oil painting, for example, I’m sourcing the ground pigments, and I mix them with the black walnut oil, then to get the consistency I want I have to grind it up on a glass palate, mix it into the paste that I want, and then I can add oil as needed. I know it sounds weird, but it makes me feel a lot closer to the paint.”

Though she’s most often recognized in Louisville for her work as a KDF poster designer (she also created the 1996 and 1999 posters) her day-to-day business is comprised of working as a graphic designer for clients both in Louisville and all over the country. After graduating from the University of Louisville in 1983, Boone received her Master’s degree from The Basel School of Design in Switzerland, and has been working in graphic design full-time ever since. Her work has been published in Communication Arts, Graphis, and has won design awards from the Louisville Graphic Design Association and the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

It seems unique that someone so busy in one field of design can even think about

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

123

Boone paints with natural pigments that contain no heavy metals or fillers that she mixes with black walnut oil. Using her own stretched canvas with organic cotton canvas and plant-based gesso, she paints with natural items as her brushes. For a still life of tulips (left), she painted entirely with folded tulip leaves and petals.

This difference in approach to her two fields becomes distinct when you take a look at Boone’s designs in both. Boone’s graphic design work has a very sleek, fresh contemporary feel to it. On the other side of the spectrum, her paintings have a more natural, colorful composition.

“For me, the design work has always been way more consistent. I’ve been very minimalist and very streamlined. I like very elegant marks,” Boone said. “My paintings are almost a counterbalance or alter ago, perhaps, but they’re really bright.

I think it’s two opposites for me; one is more of an outlet, and the graphic design has always been more consistent. I worked in Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco, Japan — these places where an elegant, minimalistic, very cool, hip design was essential. But the painting has always been for me.” putting the time and energy into focusing on a different medium, but Boone doesn’t see it that way.

“I would never give up one for the other. I like the puzzle solving with the design work, like when I’m creating for my clients,” Boone explained. “But with the painting you wake up and there’s a blank canvas. It’s just a whole other thing. It’s more free, but it’s also more daunting in some ways.”

124 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

Lately, Boone has begun to focus more on her painting than previously, and the results have surprised the art world just as much as they’ve surprised Boone herself.

The series she’s working on currently consists of organic canvases, Boone stretches herself to create wide, thin panoramic-like canvases, each coming out to be about a foot tall and four feet wide. And similarly to her work for this year’s KDF poster, her most recent series is being made with entirely natural items, only more so.

to where I’m painting with natural items.

So if I’m walking through the woods, I’ll paint the woods using items that I find on the ground there. And I mean literally — pinecones, sticks, things like that,” Boone explained. “It’s fascinating and it wears me out when I do it because it’s very unknown.

When I go to make a mark, I have no idea what mark a piece is going to make. With a paintbrush it’s very predictable. But I like the unpredictable nature of this. I’m envisioning that if a person buys a painting and they want them, they’ll also get the items that I did the painting with.”

Formerly, Boone’s focus was mostly on her graphic design work, and painting was more of a Saturday afternoon hobby. But now Boone’s enthusiasm for the green aspect of her paintings has inspired interest in branching out.

“It’s sort of like I don’t mind being known for this particular style because it’s endless in what I can explore. Because you never know what something’s going to do, I could do this for years and probably not get bored,” Boone said. “I’ve never really had a series I felt that way about it. I’d like to really work on these and start to give myself more time to paint in the course of a day. And I want somebody to enjoy it, for it to get out there.”

“This particular series is coming around

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Limited Edition Poster

2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Official Poster

Along with each purchase of a Kentucky Derby Festival poster this year, KDF has decided to donate a portion of its sales to The Arrow Fund, a Kentuckiana-based nonprofit organization that provides medical treatment to animals who have been victims of extreme torture, abuse, and neglect.

To help support this cause, KDF posters may be purchased online in the KDF Store at www.kdf.org. Supporters of the cause can also help by liking The Arrow Fund’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheArrowFund.

KA RE N BO O N E ’S POSTE R S FROM T H E PAS T Karen Boone has returned as KDF poster artist, bringing her striking and unique take on the Derby to gorgeous artistic expression.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

125

What will YOUR reaction be?

Gather your treasures for KET’s Kentucky Collectibles appraisal fair – Saturday, May 30 at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville. Donate $100 to KET and you can bring up to two items for an expert appraisal. Plus, your story may be featured on the next season of Kentucky Collectibles!

DONATE FOr TICKETs TODAY! (800) 866-0366 • ket.org/donate APPRAISERS Clark Art & Antiques Cowan’s Auctions Farmer’s Jewelry Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers

J. Sampson Antiques & Books Mike’s Music Nussbaum Antiques Richard Mook

You must be able to transport or carry your own item(s). Proceeds benefit KET’s programs and services.

Rein in Breast Cancer

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the Kentucky Cancer Program, Horses and Hope 501 E. Broadway, Suite 160, Louisville, KY 40202 www.horsesandhope.org Photo by John Nation and Courtney Novak

First Lady Jane Beshear is seeking $1 million for a Horses and Hope Cancer Screening Van to increase education and screening programs for men and women across the state. Gifts of all amounts can help reduce the burden of cancer in Kentucky through prevention and early detection.

SM

Featured at the Kentucky Oaks are Grey Goose Oaks Lily速 drinks in souvenir glasses. $1 from every purchase benefits Horses and Hope.

Finding breast cancer early might save your life! Women age 40 and over should have regular mammograms and breast exams.

15_horses_hope_fl_pg_ad_FA.indd 1

3/3/15 1:56 PM

Come in and check out our designer Derby fashions for any occasion.

Monday thru Saturday 10 - 6, Thursday ‘til 7 and Sunday 11 - 4 Westport Village • 1201 Herr Lane, Louisville, KY • 502.423.0058

For New Listings, Agent Profiles & Open Houses, visit KySelectProperties.com

5213 Moccasin Trail

7603 Endecott Place

13204 Longwood Lane

John Stough 552-9120 • Logan Ormerod 432-9826

Julie Scott Beam 905-0599

Jo Bishop 419-6444

3527 Winterberry Circle

1012 Anchorage Woods Circle

11502 Anchorage Woods Circle

Julie Scott Beam 905-0599

Barbie Tafel 552-3259

John Stough 552-9120 • Barbie Tafel 552-3259

6701 Shrader Lane

333 E. Main Street

2117 Edgehill Road

Bob Rice 551-0333 • Julie Scott Beam 905-0599

John Stough 552-9120

Sandy Gulick 592-8664 • Sandy Phillips 664-5914

$795,000

$989,000

$1,465,000

$799,000

$978,000

$1,395,000

$1,299,000

$1,195,000

$750,000

132 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

SHARP & SHADY Style Editor and Creative, Lori Kommor Style Assistant, Jamie Hubbard Photography by Clay Cook Makeup by Isidro Valencia, Casey Ritchie Hair by Matthew Tyldesley and Ashley Flora Hats provided by FormĂŠ Millinery Model, Talia Blue DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

133

134 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

We know sometimes medicine tastes bad...

Truth is...

that Melanoma is increasing faster in young women (15-29) than in young men of the same age.

Truth is...

nearly 70% of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and young women.

Truth is...

seeking shade, covering up and wearing sunscreen can decrease the risk of all types of skin cancer.

Resolution...

Cassis Dermatology & Aesthetics Center

Dermatology & Aesthetics Center

502.326.8588

Katie Bickel, PA-C

www.cassisderm.com 9301 Dayflower Street, Suite 100 Prospect, Kentucky 40059

Heather Hill, PA-C

♼ Dr. Tami Cassis

Louisville, Kentucky’s Premier Hardscape/Landscape Company Over 2 decades of experience installing metro. Louisville’s award winning landscapes! www.unlimitedlandscapes.com • Call us today: 502-254-1201

Call for our current specials!

LANDSCAPE SERVICES • Design & Installation • Upgrades • Maintenance Services • Lighting

HARDSCAPE SERVICES • Paver & natural stone patios • Retaining Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Fireplaces & Fire Pits

IRRIGATION SERVICES • Installation • Maintenance • Repairs

LAWN MAINTENANCE • Mowing • Trimming • Edging • Power Seeding • Leaf Removal • Snow Plowing We believe that landscaping isn’t an expense - it is an investment that makes your home or your business more attractive, more valuable, beautifies the community, and encourages others to follow your example.

LICENSED AND FULLY INSURED.

Derby time e n t e r ta i n i n s t y l e

it’s

in louisville

any

etcetera can help you make pa r t y s p e c i a l

WE LOOK GOOD ON PAPER.

502.425.9277 4 9 1 3 b r o w n s b o r o r oa d w w w. e t c e t e r a o f l o u i s v i l l e . c o m

JSS_VT_Derby_2015.pdf

1

2/9/15

1:41 PM

C

the most relaxing sixty minutes in beauty

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

3938 Dutchmans Lane | p: (502) 897 5369 josephssalon.com | /josephssalon

3921 Chenoweth Square • 502.883.4721 • www.moderneleganceky.com

Photography by Robert Burge and Andrew Hyslop Written by Steve Kaufman 140 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

TWO LEGENDS Come Together DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

141

142 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

143

HERMITAGE & BITTNERS

A Tribute to Kentucky H

ermitage Farm, a famous 1835 farmhouse in Oldham County, has been a Kentucky legacy for nearly two centuries. The house, a red brick Colonial behind a stone fence and iron gate, features architecture steeped in the period of its birth. Its white trim and two symmetrical porches add that southern charm for welcoming guests inside.

Its long hallways and curving staircases were trod on by generations of Kentucky colonels, farmers and horse breeders.

For nearly 60 years, it was the property of Warner and Harriet Jones, the only breeders to produce winners of the Kentucky Derby (Dark Star, 1953), Kentucky Oaks (Nancy Junior, 1967), and a Breeders’ Cup race (Is It True, 1988). Jones was also chairman of Churchill Downs from 1984-1992, until ill health forced him to step down. He died in 1994, at which time his widow sold the farm to Carl Pollard, former chairman of Churchill from 2001-2011.

In other words, this is a property that’s part of the Kentucky cultural fabric, its bluegrass having fed racing thoroughbreds for 80 years.

Hermitage Farm’s current owners, Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, continue to honor the farm’s remarkable equine tradition as they expand the vision of the farm’s previous owners.

Brown and Wilson are well known as the creative power behind, and owners of, the famous 21c Museum Hotels. They are contemporary art collectors and preservationists, committed to bringing works of art to the public through innovative exhibits and programs which integrate art into daily life.

What makes Brown and Wilson so unique is their genuine interest in historic preservation. In fact, they bought Hermitage Farm in 2010 primarily to keep it out of the hands of developers. Their love of the land and its heritage have kept this beautiful farm alive and thriving today.

“It has long been a dream of ours that Hermitage Farm remain the same beautiful, open, green space that it is today,” Wilson said at the time of the purchase. “We want to ensure the property remains pastoral but also continues to be regarded as a site for world-class equine operations.”

Up the road, in Goshen, is another unique and beautiful

144 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

property called Woodland Farm, owned by Brown and Wilson.

This genuine working farm is home to many heritage breeds of livestock, including American Buffalo, and has several large gardens that use sustainable best practices.

Hermitage was renovated for Brown and Wilson to be rented out for corporate retreats, weddings, meetings, parties, and even weekend stay overs, while keeping its historic lore. It also became a unique place to exhibit their collection of contemporary art.

To put all these pieces of the dream together, they turned to another century-old Kentucky treasure, Bittners, a nationallyrecognized design firm, which last year celebrated its 160th year in business.

“I loved working with Douglas on Hermitage. I’ve admired his work for a very long time in the homes of mutual friends. What he did was perfect for the task of reinterpreting 21c’s style into a 19th century house.”

-Steve Wilson, 21c Museum Hotel

“Their vision, the inspiration behind the design, was to create a gallery for their rotating collection of art,” said Bittners’ President and COO, Douglas Riddle. “In that respect, it was taking the focus off of traditional interior design, and focusing instead solely on the art.”

But art that would be constantly changing. “So we couldn’t build our interiors around the art. We had to design a space that would not get in the way of the art, would not contradict the art, and would stand by itself as its own great work of residential design.”

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

145

146 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

147

148 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

149

150 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

151

152 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

153

154 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

“Douglas has a way of creating the right solution for problem areas, and he knew we didn’t want to spend a fortune redoing Hermitage. He helped us save cabinetry and hardware that was still usable. He designed for function rather than vogue,” Wilson stated.

Riddle started with the all-important palette for the house.

He chose elegant whites and creams, so that nothing – interesting artwork, nor colorfully patterned furniture – would be out of place.

In the best designs, decisions are made that reflect the culture of the surroundings. And in the best designs, those references are not shouted, but are softly whispered, subtle indications of their connection with the environment.

Riddle, who said he fell in love with the beauty of the property, tried to reference all the farm’s touch points. He paid homage to the farm’s famous black and red barn doors, and black four-board horse fences, with re-creations in black tables.

Wrought iron chair frames and chandeliers, and all of the iron and rattan furniture in the bright and open sun room at the rear of the house are also in dialogue with the property.

“I was so excited when Steve asked me to work with him on Hermitage because he is a creative genius. With his and Laura Lee’s foresight, they saw that it would be a perfect marriage between two legends, Hermitage and Bittners. They allow your creativity to soar!”

-Douglas Riddle, Bittners

In the living room are a pair of modern, black and chrome Wassily chairs designed by Marcel Breuer, juxtaposed with traditional linen sofas, vintage Indian tapestry pillows, a Greek key silk velvet ottoman, and a unique antelope wool rug.

Earth-tone flooring, reflecting the beauty of the land, is used throughout the house and up the staircase, though not in the large formal entryway “because that floor is so spectacular,” Riddle said. All the original wood floors were repaired, but the natural patina was preserved.

A rich brown leather sofa in the library reminded Riddle of leather saddles, inspired by another icon of history and style, Hermès, which began life as a French harness and saddle maker at about the same exact time Hermitage Farm was built.

Nailhead trim on the sofa was inspired by the elaborate

DERBY 2015

nailhead design on Wilson’s favorite saddle, which is displayed on a stand in the house.

In front of the sofa is a custom-made genuine shearling ottoman. The sofa is accompanied on either end by brass floor lamps that have modern lines but an antique feel. Above the sofa hangs “Lucas/Rug,” a colorful, abstract silk rug, one of a series of portraits Chuck Close created of fellow artist Lucas Samaras.

Colors were critical to Bittners’ interpretation of the vernacular. The red trim on the barn doors is repeated in touches of red throughout the house including a red flannel throw pillow.

Green, emulating the acres of pastures and rolling hills, is incorporated into the upholstery, pillows and plants. “Laura Lee is an avid gardener,” Riddle said, “so bringing in the green brings the calm pastoral quality of the surrounding farmland into the house.”

All the ceilings in the house are painted a very pale blue, the color of the porch roofs used at the time to dissuade birds from building nests there by making them think it was sky.

Pale gray painted floors on the outside porches, which Riddle says was a popular color in country houses of the 19th century, are brought inside to the dining room by using a similar color stone flooring.

The dining room features a Bittners’ custom, 22-foot-long dining room table created from wood right off the Hermitage farm, and handcrafted by their talented master craftsmen, using old-world craftsmanship techniques. The rugged, scarred planks, stamped with the Bittners brand, are fastened together with traditional bow tie keys, which are usually made from wood in order to disappear inside the grain. In a twist, these keys are made of hand-hammered iron to stand out and to reinforce the natural, industrial feel of the table.

14 dining chairs complementing the table are a combination of modern galvanized chairs, meant to reference the galvanized feed buckets around the horse farm, alternating with traditional gray leather dining chairs that match the stone tile floors.

Above the table is a chandelier made of hand-hammered bronze “branches” that allude to the farm’s acres of trees.

The room is surrounded by three walls of white frame pane windows, treated with the cream-colored linen draperies found throughout the house – especially in the second-floor bedrooms.

Those rooms are all cozy and traditional, but with Bittners’ take on “traditional.” The rods holding the linen draperies were painted the same cream-colored hue to make them disappear into the elegant white linen wallcovering, letting the beautiful texture of the wallpaper and the draperies emerge.

“The rooms are large and the ceilings tall, so the wallcovering softens the scale of the rooms and keeps them warm and comfortable,” Riddle said.

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

155

156 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

157

158 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

159

Also, Riddle said, “we always kept in mind that we wanted the home to be a nod to the farm’s history, but in a modern-day world, with modern fabrics and furnishings.”

zebra stripes, leopard skin and polka dots, and a muted Greek key pattern rug. A bison head on the wall over the sofa came from Woodland Farm.

So instead of a four-poster bed, Bittners built a traditional headboard but exaggerated it so it goes all the way up to the molding. “Traditional in shape, modern in design,” Riddle noted.

Wilson reflected on Riddle’s final design, “I know what he did for Hermitage is not what he would put in his own house and it’s not what he would suggest for my own living space.

But it was perfect for the task of reinterpreting 21c’s style into a 19th century house.” He continued, “It’s more important to Douglas that his work be comfortable, beautiful and discreet than to ‘guild a lily.’”

In another all-cream bedroom, Bittners accessorized a traditional fireplace with a plush white linen club chair, a stool made from steamed white oak strips and Wilson’s own riding boots (he competes in the combined driving competition at his annual Hermitage Classic), under an ultra-modern photograph on steel by artist Letitia Quesenberry, a multidisciplinary local artist well-known for her large-scale drawings, photographs, light boxes, videos and text-based installations.

Several yards away from the main house is a small square redbrick building that served as the smokehouse. It has been turned into a comfortable and cozy guest house. From a design standpoint, it retains all the cues and references of the main house.

That means many of the timbers used to hang the smoked meats have been kept as decorative beams. The stone walls were painted while leaving the beauty of their irregularities caused by the smoking process from its past.

The furniture is a modern take on traditional cottage furniture: a red leather sofa, a steel coffee table, pillows and fabrics in 160 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

When Bittners completed the project in 2013, Brown and Wilson hosted a charitable event at the property called “Two Legends Come Together,” to benefit the Kentucky School of Art and also Oldham Ahead, a non-profit “to enhance Oldham County’s natural and cultural resources, while working to sustain its equine, agricultural and commercial base.”

“Both charities are very close to Laura Lee’s and Steve’s hearts,” Riddle said. “We were thrilled to be a part of this event and for it to be Bittners’ first-ever show-house.”

The event included cocktails on the front lawn, seated dinner in a tent and a tour of the house. “We expected about 150 people,” Riddle said. “Instead, we had 550. Everybody responded.”

What a great tribute to Kentucky, where two legends – a 180-year-old horse farm and a 160-year-old design firm – came together!

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

161

162 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

163

164 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

165

166 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

167

168 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

169

,

Open 24 hours a day at www.JeffersonCountyClerk.org

Mockingbird T e r r a c e

Distinctive Living by Design

1409 Mockingbird Terrace Drive 7 minutes from Downtown

Located in Prestigious Mockingbird Valley (one of Louisville’s Top 10 High Value neighborhoods)

3-bedroom condos with sweeping hilltop views - Priced in the $400s

19 of 25 Home s S ol d

2-Bedroom Condos Priced from the $300s

Now offering special financing for qualified buyers

Designer finishes including: New condominiums - open floor plans 2, 3 & 4 bedroom designs.

Granite Countertops 10’ Ceilings Individual Granite Balconies Abundance of Windows & Natural Light Wood/Tile Flooring Energy Star Stainless Steel Appliances

FULLY FUrniSHed ModeL oPen: Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm Professionally Marketed by Semonin Realtors® New Construction Specialists

Wanda Powers

(502) 552-5418 | wpowers@semonin.com

Walda Highfield

(502) 649-6688 | whighfield@semonin.com

www.mockingbirdterrace.com

Louisville Cardiovascular Care PLLC Cardiology with heart!

KENNETH J. KRAL, MD, FACC IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF HIS NEW OFFICE Dr. Kral has been treating patients with Cardiovascular Disease in Louisville for the past 33 years.

Currently scheduling new and established patients • Please call 502-425-5614 for an appointment 3801 Springhurst Boulevard Suite 104

•

Louisville, Ky 40241

UNMISTAKABLE. UNFORGETTABLE. 2015

DERBY EVE GALA

THE GALT HOUSE, GRAND BALLROOM FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015 • 7PM - 1:30AM

TICKETS: $600 | TABLES: $6,000 | DANCE ONLY $200 SPONSORSHIPS FROM $8,500

COME EXPERIENCE A NIGHT OF SOUTHERN GRACE, GLAMOUR, CHARM AND HOSPITALITY AT ITS FINEST DURING THE FOURTH ANNUAL UNBRIDLED EVE GALA. For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please call 502-894-9768 or email tonya@derbyprelude.com unbridledeve.com SPONSORS

WAY N E & KAT HY RI CHA RDS

2015 Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. (a 501(c)3 organization) proceeds will benefit Blessings in a Backpack and numerous other charities.

PURE DELIGHT

Style Editor and Creative, Lori Kommor Style Assistant, Jamie Hubbard Photography by Clay Cook Makeup by Isidro Valencia, Casey Ritchie Hair by Matthew Tyldesley Model Theresa Krosse 176 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Jewelry from Seng Jewelers sengjewelers.com DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

177

Jewelry from Gross Diamond Co. grossdiamonds.com 178 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Jewelry from Merkley Kendrick www.mkjewelers.com DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

179

Jewelry from Merkley Kendrick www.mkjewelers.com 180 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Jewelry from Stylebone, available exclusively at Rodes www.stylebone.com

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

181

Jewelry from Seng Jewelers sengjewelers.com 182 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Jewelry from Gross Diamond Co. grossdiamonds.com DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

183

Jewelry from Stylebone, available exclusively at Rodes stylebone.com 184 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Jewelry from Seng Jewelers sengjewelers.com DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

185

Express Your Style

W in, place or

show off

Fabulous hat designs in the hottest colors.

Helpful staff. Affordable Prices.

502-897-6551 nanzkraft.com Dee’s o 5045 Shelbyville Rd. o 502-896-6755 o deescrafts.com

73863_NK_Derby_3_6x4_8c.indd 1

2/28/14 3:30 PM

Newly Furnished

Experience Elegant

Models Now Open

Downtown Living PRICED FROM $300’s

2 & 3- Bedroom Flats & Townhouses Park-like Courtyards & Private Balconies Rooftop Terrace with River Views Secured climate-controlled parking Exercise & Commuity Areas

abtiloens l i a v le c esur AFinish Se m o H Yo

324 East Main Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Sunday 2 - 5p.m. or By Appointment Donna Jones 396-8348 * Julie Davis 435-9830 * Mike Brewer 648-6841

www.fleurdelisonmain.com

y o9nalize With l n O er s P To

Mellwood

a n t i q u e s & i n t e r i o r s

Now accepting new dealers.

Sunday - Thursday 10-5 • Friday & Saturday 10-6 1860 Mellwood Avenue • Louisville, KY 40206 502.895.1306 • mellwoodantiques.com

A nniversary S ale April 4th through the 19th.

20% OFF Store-wide items over $25 Excludes Discount Depot Items

Thank You For the past year. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.

A Health Care Practice for Women by Women We provide comprehensive, personalized women’s healthcare.

Always accepting new patients.

502.895.6559 “All Women, OBGYN”

Norton Healthcare St. Matthews • Plaza 3 4123 Dutchmans Lane • Suite 601 • Louisville, KY 40207 www.allwomenobgyn.com

Lisa Crawford, MD • Amy M Deeley, MD • Elena Salerno, MD • Aimee V Paul, MD • Tanika Taylor, MD • Rachel Thompson, APRN ALL PHYSICIANS ARE BOARD CERTIFIED.

DINE, DRINK, PLAY… PLAY AGAIN

CVS | FOOT LOCKER | GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY & RESTAURANT | HARD ROCK CAFÉ | HOWL AT THE MOON THE KILL DEVIL CLUB | THE FUDGERY | MAKER’S MARK BOURBON HOUSE & LOUNGE | THE MARQUEE BAR PBR LOUISVILLE | PHILLY STATION | SMOOTHIE KING | THE SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB | SUBWAY | T.G.I. FRIDAY’S SULLY’S RESTAURANT & SALOON | T-MOBILE | KFC | TACO BELL | TAIPEI CAFÉ | TENGO SED CANTINA BRAZEIROS CHURRASCARIA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE | TAVERN ON FOURTH TO BOOK A PRIVATE EVENT OR CORPORATE PARTY PLEASE CONTACT EVENTS@4THSTLIVE.COM.

/FOURTHSTLIVE

@FOURTHSTLIVE

DOWNTOWN. 4 THSTLIVE.COM

If you have

SLEEP APNEA

and are not happy with your CPAP We May Have a Simple, Comfortable Solution for you.

Call 502-290-8233 for an Appointment www.peacefulnightsdental.com

Dr. Kim Westermann is a dentist with experience in treating snoring and sleep apnea.

BOURBON

HISTORY

NEVER TASTED SO GOOD. Experience the life and contributions of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through guided tours featuring an artisanal still that reflects the timeless process of how Bourbon was made centuries ago, and educational tastings that capture the character of his namesake brand.

528 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202 · (502) 272-2611 www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com Evan Williams® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bardstown, KY 43% Alc./Vol. © 2015

Written by Remy Sisk Photos courtesy of Brown-Forman 192 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

URBAN BOURBON

R E N A I S S A N C E

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

193

Photo by Dave Meall 194 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

Campbell Brown, Mac Brown, Marshall Farrer W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Old Forester I

n any bar or restaurant in Louisville, there is a brand that is featured prominently on the bourbon list. It is produced here, is warmly embraced by the local consumer, and holds one of the most historic places in bourbon history as the first bourbon ever bottled, and the only bourbon still on the market to have been produced before, after, and during prohibition. That brand is Old Forester, a brand that has become “Louisville’s bourbon.”

Master Distiller Chris Morris describes the bourbon, which is owned by the Louisville-based family company BrownForman, as a truly unique whiskey: “Old Forester has a classic, traditional bourbon character, which means it has a sharpness to it, which is an oak character, certainly from its high rye content. It does have subtle sweetness, but it’s a crisp, sharp, slightly dry bourbon.” Although Old Forester was created here in Louisville and is indubitably one of the most popular bourbons in the city, it is the product of a complex and inspiring history, rich with family passion and perseverance.

Developed by pharmacist George Garvin Brown in 1870, Old Forester was first produced out of a desire for higher quality whisky from both a medicinal and recreational standpoint. At the time, bourbon was sold in barrels, and quality was never guaranteed due to the ease with which the product could be tampered. Dissatisfied with the lack of security and subsequent impure product, Brown began bottling his bourbon in sealed glass bottles, a process that was a milestone in the history of bourbon, and presently defines the brand as possibly DERBY 2015

the most historic on the market. As Morris maintains, “if you want to talk about the history of bourbon as we know it today, you cannot have that conversation without Old Forester.” What Brown accomplished by sealing his bottles set a quality precedent that others could only seek to emulate.

Bottled at 90 proof, or 45 percent alcohol by volume, for 27 years, George Garvin Brown’s Old Forester was mandated to change in 1897 with the federal passing of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. Although the act required him to raise the proof of his

product to 100, or 50 percent alcohol by volume, it also indirectly gained Brown recognition as a pioneer in the bourbon industry. Morris describes, “basically the Bottled-in-Bond Act said you need to do a lot of stuff like George Garvin Brown is doing. You need to sell your bourbon in a glass bottle…in other words they were putting in quality controls that George Garvin Brown had really initiated 27 years earlier.”

As to the name Old Forester, there is

no definite historical trace to who or what Forester was. But according to Mac Brown, vice president of the Brown-Forman Corporation and great grandson of George Garvin Brown, the agreed upon tale involves a doctor by the name of William Forester. One of the most prominent physicians in Louisville, and surgeon in the Civil War, Forester was a doctor and customer of George Garvin Brown. In an effort to have his product endorsed by a physician, Brown named his bourbon Old Forrester, a naming many vintage bottles illustrate with the two Rs. “By tying it into the doctor, he was tying it into his quality and was able to promote the brand,” Mac Brown explains.

However, once Forrester passed away, Brown omitted one of the Rs, changing the name to Old Forester, presumably, as legend has it, to avoid royalties to the Forrester estate. Regardless of the validity of the story, Old Forester’s indisputable medical ties would prove exceedingly important in the early twentieth century.

When prohibition struck the United States in 1920, the vast majority of whiskies were forced to halt production. However, as Campbell Brown, vice president of Brown-Forman’s midwest division and great great grandson of George Garvin Brown contends, Old Forester is “the only whisky still available that was made before, during and after prohibition. And the only reason it was made during prohibition is because it had that early existence as a medicinal bourbon created by a pharmacist.”

Indeed, Morris agrees that Old Forester is the “only Kentucky bourbon brand to be produced consistently since its founding in 1870 through the 20th and 21st century

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

195

nonstop by the company and family that created it.”

As Morris suggests, the Brown family has certainly played a preeminent role in the status of Old Forester over the years. For example, due to the Bottled-in-Bond Act, Old Forester was regularly being produced at 100 proof, but what is currently the most common version of Old Forester is the 86 proof. The change came in the mid-twentieth century, when, after World War II, America turned its attention to clear spirits and lighter, less intense cocktails. To stay viable on a market ruled by tequila and rum, lower proof whiskies started being produced.

Campbell Brown tells the story of his mother’s father, George Garvin Brown II, returning home with several samples of lower proof Old Forester. A family affair in its truest sense, they all sampled the different bourbons and came to the collective decision that the new Old Forester to be introduced to the market was the 86 proof, now sold as Old Forester Classic. As Campbell Brown contends, “it really became the bourbon that future generations grew up on and grew to love.”

Although this 86 proof quickly surpassed its 100 proof counterpart, now known as Old Forester Signature, and sold over a million cases a year in the early 1970s, pricing 196 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

snags led to a sharp decline in Old Forester sales that seemed unending. But according to Marshall Farrer, the vice president global director of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, and great great grandson of George Garvin Brown, “there’s one place where it never lost its popularity: the bar of a Brown family member.”

Both Campbell Brown and Mac Brown recall being taught at a young age by their families how to prepare a good Old Forester cocktail.

Mac Brown recalls, “when I was six years old, I remember my father bringing me to our bar at the house, and explaining to me how to make his drink.

He goes, ‘Mac, take a glass of ice and pour it to the top with Old Forester.’”

favorite drink was or when they get home, what drink they like to pour, it’s Old Forester.” Farrer agrees and proudly claims, “the Brown family has served as steward of the brand. Many companies might lose interest in a declining brand like that, and might be quite comfortable retiring it. But the passion behind this brand has never allowed BrownForman to think about doing that.”

Thanks to the unwavering passion and perseverance of the Brown family, Old Forester has never gone off the market and is currently enjoying a sort of renaissance. As a whole, bourbon is on the upswing. The entire indusGeorge Garvin Brown try is enjoying unparalfounder leled growth, but for Old Forester, its near obscuWhile the brand may rity of the last several have declined in the eyes decades has ironically of the consumer, it never lost an ounce of placed it in a prime position for unprecits splendor within the family, for a myriad edented success. of reasons. As Campbell Brown presents, “We’re very fortunate we have another “while it has gone up and down in terms of its role at this company, if you were to chance to introduce a brand that plays such poll any family member about what their an amazing role in the bourbon industry

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

198 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

to a new generation of great bourbon enthusiasts,” Campbell Brown exudes. “It’s a really special time for our industry, for Old Forester and for a lot of members of our family.” Indeed, the reintroduction of Old Forester onto the bourbon market has already proved fortuitous for the brand, as it is currently growing at the rate of 100 percent per year.

Farrer believes this is primarily due to Old Forester’s unmatched authenticity and history. “Some bartenders and enthusiasts get a little tired of trying to keep up with all these new labels and verifying the different stories,” he describes. “A brand like Old Forester has just as much authenticity without a lot of pomp and circumstance. It’s been embraced because of its realness, because of its history, and because it fits classic cocktails.”

This resurgence and celebration of the brand is only bound to intensify with its most exciting development on the brink of realization. By late 2016, 117 and 119 West Main Street on Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville will be the site of a fully functioning distillery and visitor center for Old Forester. Located just around the block from the massive building-side portrait of George Garvin Brown, the project could not have Morris more exhilarated: “what’s really exciting is 117 West Main was the last location of Old Forester production on Main Street, which we left in 1923 to move to our current location,” he elucidates. “We’re going back into the very building that we made Old Forester from 1881 to 1923, and we are building a beautiful modern, yet historic facility.”

The site, which will be educational in regards to the history, family and the bourbon making process, will be completely operational, though what bulk of the Old Forester brand it will exactly be producing has not yet been finalized. Mac Brown, however, is confident in the location’s success. “It is DERBY 2015

going to be, I believe, the greatest experience on Main Street,” he asserts. “As people go in and tour that distillery, they will really appreciate the brand and they’ll get a flavor of the company, a flavor of the family, and how it all comes together.”

This invigorating comeback of Old Forester, Farrer believes, is reflective of both the family and the company as a whole. “If it can survive prohibition,” he postulates, “and if it can survive decades of decline, and then come back and reinvent itself in ways necessary, you’ve got a brand that stands the test of time. And that gives us a lot of strength to feel that way about our company.”

Mac Brown agrees and hopes the recent trends will only compound as the brand is essentially intertwined with the city where it was created and embraced. “If you think of the community, the family and the company, then you’ve got these three circles overlapping, and in the middle, the real symbol is Old Forester.” This May, the brand will actually be the centerpiece of Louisville’s biggest event of the year. The Old Forester Mint Julep is set to be the official drink of the Kentucky Derby for the first time ever, to be sold, made-to-order, at Churchill Downs on Derby day and also in stores, bottled as a ready-to-serve cocktail at 60 proof.

Both the Whiskey Row and Derby developments have everyone involved extremely optimistic about the brand’s prospects.

Thanks to the trend in bourbon culture and the unique and historical position Old Forester holds in the industry, it seems a safe bet that the brand will soon become one of the nation’s leading bourbons, and accordingly celebrated for its authenticity, its family history and, ultimately, its taste. “When I look at what we’re getting ready to do and the way the industry’s moving,” Campbell Brown ponders, “I don’t think it’s preposterous to think that the greatest moment is yet to come for Old Forester.”

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

199

ARE YOUR LEGS READY FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS? MEMBERS American College of Phlebology

Tr u s t y o u r v e i n c a re n e e d s t o a member of the American College o f P h l e b o l o g y, l e a d e r s i n i n n o v a t i o n s i n v e i n t re a t m e n t s

Louisville’s FIRST vein center where all vein procedures are performed in the office by a Board Certified Physician.

NOW IN NETWORK

Louisville’s FIRST and with most major insurance companies experienced vein cen

procedures are perfor

LEESA RICHARDSON, M.D.

office by a physician.

• EVLT • • Diagnostic Ultrasound • • Offering Botox, Juvederm, Refirme, Radiesse, • • Injection Sclerotherapy and Belotero for Cosmetic Spider Veins, Varicose• • Injection for Cosmetic • VeinsSclerotherapy andbc:bc Bulging HandSpider VeinsAM Page 126283 richardson 9/24/08 9:19 Veins, Varicose Veins, Facial Spider Veins, and • •Bulging EVLTHand Veins •

• Diagnostic Ultrasound

V

To Schedule your Consultation: The

Hair Removal Skin Rejuvenation Chemical Exfoliation • Skin Rejuvenation Treatment of Rosacea • Ceuticals, Hair Removal Obagi, Skin and glo Minerals 1 Coolsculpting • Treatment of Rosacea Tru Sculpt (FDA approved for cellulite removal)

• Facial Spider Veins

LEES

502.895.6600 • 112 South Sherrin Ave., Louisville, KY 40207 • www.

V E I N T R E AT M E N T & Aesthetic Center

201 Fairfax Avenue, Louisville, KY 40207 To schedule your consultation: 502.895.6600 Visit us at www.veintreatments.com

Favorite Things is located at 617 Main Street • Shelbyville, KY • 502-647-2111 favoritethingsboutique

You need whimsy...

You need structure...

111 N. Third Street Bardstown 502.349.7768 shaqandcoco.com

315 E. Broadway Norton Healthcare Pavilion, Ste. 111 Louisville, KY. 40202 (502) 589-5544 www.digenis.com DigenisPlasticSurgeryInstitute

CONFIDENCE

by Digenis

Win, Place, Show Derby Special Receive a $200 discount when you

Win Place Show

Purchase 2 syringes of Botox ®, and 1 syringe of Juvederm ® or 1 syringe of Juvederm Voluma XC ®, and 1 Latisse ® kit (3 ml) Call (502) 589-5544 to book your appointment!

Must receive all treatments and kit in one appointment. Offer only available to Brilliant Distinctions members in April, 2015. Space is limited.

Dr. Alexander Digenis

VOTED TOP PLASTIC SURGEON 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 LEO WEEKLY MAGAZINE READER’S CHOICE | VOTED TOP SURGEON 2014 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE

Premier Plastic Surgeon

FACE LIFT | NECK LIFT | BREAST AUGMENTATION | BODY CONTOURING | TUMMY TUCK

ALEXANDER G. DIGENIS, M.D.

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1979

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL EXPERT CARPET / UPHOLSTERY CLEANING TRUCK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT AREA RUGS / ORIENTAL RUGS TILE & GROUT • AIR DUCT CLEANING PET STAIN REMOVAL • SPILLS & ACCIDENTS HARDWOOD FLOORS

502-240-6902

size in order to fit on this page ***

502-240-6902

Photo Courtesy of News and Tribune

Visit Huber Winery and the newly expanded Starlight Distillery TODAY! Featuring: Vodka • “1843” Gin • Bourbon Whiskey Brandies • Infusions • Ports and of course...HUBER WINES! Huber’s Starlight Distillery Received Top Awards at the 2nd Annual American Craft Spirits Association Conference.

9 medal awards and 2 “Best of Class” awards

“BEST OF CLASS” Aged Blueberry Liqueur & Vodka

“Family Owned and Farmed since 1843”

• Indiana’s Largest Estate Bottled Winery • Starlight Distillery • • Farm Market • Bakery • Plantation Hall • Starlight Café for Lunch • • Winery & Distillery Tours and Tastings • Seasonal Activities • Ice Cream & Cheese Shop • Family Farm Park • • Tractor Rides to the U-Pick Fields •

Huber_VT_Ad2015_2.indd 1

Huber’s

Orchard, Winery & Vineyards

19816 Huber Rd. • Borden, IN 47106 • 812.923.9463

www.huberwinery.com

3/3/15 3:50 PM

Is your child thriving in school….

or simply surviving?

Children with learning differences do not benefit from simply “getting by” in school.

If your child’s school is “accommodating” his learning, they are working around his learning differences. At Meredith-Dunn School we demystify those differences and challenges and develop strategies to work through them. We call it remediation. Once the mystery to learning is solved, anything is possible!

Watch What Us Do We Do ❖ Open H ouse ❖ Wedne sday March 2 8:30 am 5, 2015 - 11:00 am

Meredith-Dunn School is hosting an open house.

Stop by and watch us do what we do best.

3023 Melbourne Avenue · Louisville, Kentucky 40220 · 502.456.5819 · www.meredithdunnschool.org

Written by Lilly Neal Photos courtesy of Churchill Downs Racetrack 208 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

THE SIXTH A N N UA L

TA S T E

O F

D E R B Y

PRESENTED BY STELLA ARTOIS

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

209

C

hurchill Downs is proud to host the Taste of Derby presented by Stella Artois and expose Louisvillians and the thousands of out-of-town guests who visit each year for the Kentucky Derby to these great racing communities across the country and the regional flavors that make them as unique as Louisville itself.

Taste of Derby is an evening of exquisite cuisine and exceptional beers and wines where guests sample regional specialties, created by nationally renowned chefs along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, all while enjoying live entertainment. Taste of Derby showcases cuisine from popular horse-racing destinations across the country, where masterful chefs from these cities will serve samples of their signature dishes. Guests enjoy Stella Artois beer and 14 Hands wine pairings with each chef ’s regional offering.

April 30th, 2015 North Wing Lobby, Kentucky Exposition Center TICKETS ARE $300 PER PERSON

7:00 p.m.

Red Carpet Entry Opens

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Food and Beverage Tastings

7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Live Entertainment: City Heat

8:30 p.m.

Creekstone Farms Chef Showdown

9:00 to 11:30 p.m.

Live Entertainment: City Heat 210 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

Event Overview

The Road to the Kentucky Derby is a 35-race series that awards points to the top four finishers in each race. The top 20 point earners will earn a spot at the starting gate for the 141st running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) on Saturday, May 2, 2015.

One milestone along the Road to the Kentucky Derby is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Now in its sixth year, the Taste of Derby is a fun way to kick off Derby weekend. This year’s event, presented

by Stella Artois, is sure to send your taste buds dancing with unique food prepared by chefs from across the country while you listen to live music from City Heat.

Taste of Derby guests are welcome to unlimited food samplings, as well as beer and wine paired with each bite. The event is also open bar, featuring Stella Artois, Woodford Reserve bourbon and other top-shelf brands.

This year’s Taste of Derby will feature

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

18 nationally renowned chefs chosen to represent racetracks along the Road to the Kentucky Derby (www.kentuckyderby.com/ road), including Houston, New York, Atlanta, Boston, New Orleans and, of course, Louisville. These chefs were chosen based on their ratings, community involvement, and recognition by their peers; each one has a great personality and loves to meet and chat with guests.

Almost all of these chefs have appeared on cooking shows on Food Network, “Top Chef,” “Iron Chef,” MTV, Esquire TV, etc., and have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation (which is like the Academy Awards of food) as the best in their field. Their restaurants are destination dining spots for the guests of Taste of Derby in their travels along the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

DERBY 2015

The celebrity chefs serving their specialties at the Taste of Derby include: Jeremy Ashby from Azur Restaurant, representing Keeneland Bryan Caswell from Reef Restaurant, representing Delta Downs John Currence from City Grocery, representing Fair Grounds Racetrack David Danielson, executive chef at Churchill Downs, representing Churchill Downs Jean-Robert deCavel from JR's Table, representing Turfway Park Justin Devillier from La Petite Grocery, representing Fair Grounds Racetrack Tiffani Faison from Sweet Cheeks Q, representing “Top Chef” Season 1, “Top Chef AllStars” and “Top Chef Duels” Kevin Gillespie from Gunshow, representing “Top Chef” Season 6 and “Top Chef Duels” Tanya Holland from Brown Sugar Kitchen, representing Golden Gate Park Johnny Iuzzuni from Macy's Culinary Council, representing Aqueduct Eric Lackey from Ulele, representing Tampa Bay Downs Travis McConnell from Butcher & Public, representing Oaklawn Park Jeff McGinnis and Janine Booth from Root & Bone, representing Belmont Park Andrew Nichols from The Club at Las Campanas, representing Sunland Park Jeff Pfeiffer and Pano Karatassos from Lobster Bar and Sea Grille, representing Gulfstream Park Brooke Williamson from Playa Provisions, representing Santa Anita

Two chefs in particular will be featured at the Top Chef station at Taste of Derby this year.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

211

Restaurant Sweet Cheeks Q in Boston (www.sweetcheeksq.com) and soon to open Tiger Mama, also in Boston Where You May Have Seen Her “Top Chef” Season 1, “Top Chef All-Stars” and “Top Chef Duels” Years in Service 14 Specialty Barbecue, Brussels sprout salad and Southern-style biscuits Flavor/Style Inspiration Deep, clean flavors; she tries to keep the different components of a dish from competing for attention Dish at Taste of Derby With a new restaurant, Tiger Mama, opening soon, Faison hopes to serve up a Southeast Asian-inspired dish

This will be Tiffani Faison’s fourth appearance at the Taste of Derby; the treatment she and the other chefs receive from the event organizers and the people of Churchill Downs keeps her coming back year after year. She loves participating in what she calls an “iconically American event.” It has also been a joy for Tiffani to work with young kids from Sullivan University’s Culinary Program and to give them a taste of what it’s like to be a chef.

212 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Tiffani Faison Featured Chef

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

213

Restaurant Gunshow in Atlanta (www.gunshowatl.com) Where You May Have Seen Him “Top Chef” Season 6 and “Top Chef Duels” Years in Service Kevin has been cooking for 17 years since he was 15 years old Specialty Modern Southern cooking, particularly pork Flavor/Style Inspiration West Coast, Germany, France, India and Africa combined with foods from his multi-generational Southern heritage Dish at Taste of Derby Specializing in pork, Gillespie plans to cook a dish from his second cookbook coming out before Derby, called “Pure Pork Awesomeness”

The new kid on the block for Taste of Derby, but no stranger to the inside of a kitchen, Kevin Gillespie is looking forward to seeing Louisville and cooking alongside other incredibly well known and very highly regarded chefs at this starstudded event. His second cookbook, “Pure Pork Awesomeness,” is chock-full of pork-y dishes sure to keep people coming back for more.

214 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Kevin Gillespie Featured Chef

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

215

Scholarship & Charity

Not only does the Taste of Derby give guests the chance to experience food from chefs from all over the country in one place, but the admission fee for the event also raises funds for Louisville charity Dare to Care Food Bank (daretocare.org). Dare to Care receives excess prepared, packaged and perishable foods to distribute to local shelters.

They reach out to the community through programs such as Backpack Buddy (food for children on weekends), Community Kitchen (after-school meals), Mobile Pantry (bringing food to areas in need), Patrol Against Hunger (food for seniors) and Cooking Matters (family food education). To date, The Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation has contributed more than $300,000 to hunger-relief organizations locally and around the country.

Taste of Derby also has a long-standing partnership with Sullivan University. The Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies Culinary Arts program has assisted with the Taste of Derby since 2010.

The university not only opens its kitchens to the visiting chefs, but their students also gain valuable experience by assisting in the event.

Taste of Derby offers students of the Culinary Arts program two opportunities for scholarship. Two students receive scholarships through the Taste of Derby Scholarship

Whitney Fontaine with the $5,000 scholarship check from Creekstone Farms.

Fund by way of an application process, and their applications are reviewed and awarded by a committee of Churchill Downs Racetrack and Sullivan University representatives.

Three additional culinary students have the opportunity to participate in the Creekstone Farms Chef Showdown the evening of Taste of Derby for a $5,000 scholarship to be awarded by Creekstone Farms.

In the Creekstone Farms Chef Showdown, three student chefs go head to head,

competing to each create a unique dish, made from a pre-selected cut of Creekstone Farms Premium Black Angus Beef. The students present their dishes to a panel of celebrity judges, and the winner is awarded not only bragging rights, but also the coveted $5,000 scholarship. In 2014, Whitney Fontaine took home the gold in the Creekstone Farms Chef Showdown, receiving a $5,000 scholarship from Creekstone Farms.

Gain exclusive access to The Voice-Tribune VIP Lounge when you purchase one of the first 100 tickets through ChurchillDowns.com/VoiceVIP

216 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

217

Two Grand Hotels • World-Class Spas • Casino • Headline Entertainment Dining • KidsFest • Conference Center • Special Events • Seasonal Activities Revisit favorite summer pastimes at French Lick Resort.

For more information or to book your package, visit frenchlick.com or call 888-936-9360.

TM

Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT!

caden clothing and accessories

2013 Longest Avenue | Louisville, ky 40204 www.facebook.com/cadenlouisville | 502.384.2155

2013 Longest Avenue | Louisville, ky 40204 www.facebook.com/cadenlouisville | 502.384.2155

502.489.4098 2201 Grinstead Drive Louisville, KY 40204 atomichouseofhair.com

British Custom Tailors Men’s & Women’s Professional Alterations Men’s Furnishings & Bespoke Custom Clothing Buy Four Bespoke Custom Shirts & Get One Free! Receive 10% Off Any Bespoke Custom Tuxedo!

502.897.1361

Hours: Monday-Friday 10-6 | Saturday 10-4 4814 Brownsboro Rd. Shopping Center, Louisville, KY 40207 www.BritishCustomTailors.net

Say No to Needles, Say Yes to Rodan & Fields.

“Taking care of my skin is extremely important to me without ever using needles or having surgery to do so. When Tim introduced me to Rodan and Fields I was hooked! I started using the Redefine regimen just a couple months ago and it has made a huge difference! I am hooked on Rodan and Fields, and I love it!�

- Ashley B

Tim Kaelin, Independent Consultant

Just because you looked at this ad. You get the secret code to use our FREE online skin care solution tool. http://www.treatyourskinwell.com/new-page-1 just follow the online instructions. This will only take you 5 minutes.

Visit us on facebook, too! www.facebook.com/RodanAndFieldsYoungerlookingskin Call Tim at 502.713.9181 TreatYourSkinWell@gmail.com

J . P. W A L L E R D E S I G N G R O U P “ Q U A L I T Y I S I N T H E D E TA I L S ” D E S I G N • B U I L D • R E N O VAT E AN AWARD WINNING FULL SERVICE DESIGN, BUILD, AND RENOVATION COMPANY SPECIALIZING IN BESPOKE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FOR THE DISCERNING HOMEOWNER.

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY

Whether building a new home or renovating your current home, J. P. Waller Design Group can transform your ideas into reality. Place over 22 years of award winning experience to work for you. From conceptualization to realization you will work directly with John throughout your project for the personal attention that you deserve. Call John and learn for yourself why “Quality is in the Details.”

502.639.6494

LIKE US

224 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

MODERN TURNS Talia is wearing a Caritise Royal Blue dress with scoop-neck and cutouts with handcrafted hat, exclusively for Scala.

Available at FAVORITE THINGS BOUTIQUE.

Style Editor and Creative, Lori Kommor Style Assistant, Jamie Hubbard Photography by Clay Cook Makeup by Isidro Valencia, Casey Ritchie Hair by Matthew Tyldesley and Ashley Flora Shoes provideds by Off Broadway Shoes Models Neema Tambo and Caitlyn Liccardi with Heyman Talent; Talia Blue, Sadie Miller, Abby Garrett

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

225

Neema is wearing a pink fushia Nicole Miller crĂŞpe V-neck dress with sheer inset detail and beaded crystal handbag. Madam Foo Foo fascinator by Lisa Roedemeier.

Available at RODEO DRIVE.

226 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Sadie is wearing a mustard yellow leather halter dress with leather bowling bag and silk scarf from Gucci. Available at THE OUTLET SHOPPES OF THE BLUEGRASS

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

227

Caitlyn is wearing a navy and white Zac Posen open-back dress.

Available at Saks OFF 5TH at THE OUTLET SHOPPES OF THE BLUEGRASS.

228 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Abby is wearing an Australian brand Rachel Alex tailored top and skirt with Lizzie Fotunato chain collar necklace. Available at CIRCE .

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

229

Neema is wearing a white drifter shift dress by Joa with grid embellished back and handbag with skin detail. Available at CADEN BOUTIQUE.

230 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Tailia is wearing a Joy Joy cream lace top with Desigual red paisley skirt. Available at BOUTIQUE SERENDIPITY. Bike from CYCLE SMITH’S.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

231

Caitlyn is wearing a YA floral print dress with mint green wide brim hat and statement jewelry.

Available at APRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE.

232 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Sadie is wearing a Papillon black and white hounds tooth pencil skirt and Kaya di Koko cream lace top with leather trim and Leigh Barnes reversible cork envelope cross body bag and custom fascinator. Available at MODERN ELEGANCE.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

233

Caitlyn is wearing a Joseph Ribkoff cream top with lace detail, pleated skirt from Pleasure doing Business with statement necklace.

Available at SASSY FOX UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT. Bike provided by CYCLE SMITH’S.

234 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

Abby is wearing a Shoshanna fit and flair silk dress with Christine Moore Derby Hat and Kathryn Allen snakeskin clutch. Available at SUNNY DAIZE.

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

235

Neema is wearing a Sachin & Babi turquoise v-neck sleeveless dress with scuba mesh overlay and Stuart Weitzman multi colored paten handbag. Available at RODES. Statement necklace from STYLEBONE, available exclusively at RODES.

Abby is wearing a multi colored mix pattern dress from Alexis.

Available at CIRCE .

Sadie is wearing a Raoul Watercolor Silver Brianna zip up dress with Uber black embossed python clutch. Available at MERCĂ? BOUTIQUE. Talia is wearing a Mark Cain two piece mixed media floral lace over poka dot print skirt and top with GaBaG.Co studded snake with fringe clutch. Available at RODES.

236 T H E V O I C E O F L O U I S V I L L E |

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

DERBY 2015

DERBY 2015

W W W.V O I C E - T R I B U N E . C O M

| THE VOICE OF LOUISVILLE

237

We are

EXCITING NE : S W E N G N I T I EXC

HomePage ReaLtY is LooKi to gRow again to betteR HomePage ReaLtY is LooKing seRve LouisviLLe. to gRow again to betteR seRve LouisviLLe. We have five (5) spots available for driven, original and unconventional We have five (5) spots available for agents who love the business and driven, original and unconventional want to make real estate fun. If agents who love the business and you are selling now and looking for want to make real estate fun. If something new and different please you are selling now and looking for call/text/email our Recruiting Broker something new and different please Lincoln Crum, 812-987-2830 or call/text/email our Recruiting Broker Lincoln@HomePageRealtyKY.com.

Lincoln Crum, 812-987-2830 or Lincoln@HomePageRealtyKY.com.

HomePage Realty is leveraging varied media options create anvaried m HomePage Realty is to leveraging accessible, user-friendly and createenjoyable an accessible, user-friendly and e buying and selling selling experience for our clients…

HomePage Realty is leveraging and varied media options experience for ourto clients... and the entire real estate Call us real estate community. create an accessible, user-friendly and enjoyable buying community. Call us today!

and selling experience for our clients… and the entire real estate community. Call us today! Follow our

“Flipping with

Follow our “Flipping wi George,” “This is is YOUR YOUR Louisville “This Louisville” Follow our “Flipping with George”, “short film”and listing vide our “short film” “This is YOUR Louisville” and ourlisting videos “short film” listing videos www.HomePageRealtyKY.com 502.494.2616 Linking Louisville one click @ a time

502.494.2616

www.HomePageRealt www.HomePageRealtyKY.com Linking Louisville

502.494.2616

KITCHEN DESIGN AND CABINETRY 4041 Westport Road • Louisville, KY 40207 • 502.893.0441

Cheryl Phelps

Susan Barry

Fred Miller

KITCHEN DESIGNER

KITCHEN DESIGNER

KITCHEN CONSULTANT

Sophisticated

Call for a

Savvy Realtor

Adele Guarino-Sanders Broker/Owner

Adele will go the extra mile and 1/16th for you!

502.291.0770 OFFICE 502.384.6239 CELL

www.alliancelouisville.com Info@Adele.Realtor

2015

M A J T N O R F R E T WA

ampaign C o r e H t t o i l l E .

R John Presented by The 5 Pegasus Pin .

1 0 2 a h it w n o si is m d a ert Series is FREE c n o C m Ja t n ro rf te a W e entrances. ®

Th

Available at Kroger and

THOMPSON SQUARE FRIDAY, APRIL 24

|

all gate

BLUES TRAVELER

9 PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

|

9 PM

UNSPOKEN CELEBRATION SUNDAY, APRIL 26

|

ROSE ROYCE & MIDNIGHT STAR 5 PM

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

KENTUCKIANA COUNTRY

GENEVIEVE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

|

VANCE JOY WITH SPECIAL GUEST MISTERWIVES 8 PM

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

|

8 PM

CRAZE FRIDAY, MAY 1

|

9 PM

Miller Lite Music Stage – Over 25 local & regional acts Headliners Include: Shane Dawson Band • Jefferson Tarc Bus • JD Shelburne Sylvia Walters and Groove City • Radiotronic • Velcro Pygmies • Soul Circus Cover Me Badd and many more!

KDF.ORG #KDF2015 PRESENTED BY

The stories you tell happen here.

SPONSORED BY

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR

|

8 PM

4700 Bowling Blvd.

Louisville, Kentucky 40207 502.895.2451 jaguarlouisville.net

*2015 Jaguar XF 2.0T Premium, 39 month lease, $4,339 due at signing includes $3,125 down, $0 security deposit, $795 acquisition fee and first month’s payment, excludes retailer fees, taxes, title and registration fees. Actual rates and payments of closed-end lease may vary. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 3/31/15. Lessee responsible for insurance, maintenance, excess wear and excess mileage over 32,500 miles at $0.30/mile. Based on MSRP of $51,100 (includes destination and delivery) with a residual value of $29,638 as of 2/3/15. For well qualified lessees as determined by approved lender. All amounts shown are estimates, retailer sets actual amounts. Residency restrictions apply. Lessee has option to purchase vehicle at lease end at price negotiated with retailer and approved lender at signing. Lease amount includes Chase Lease Cash amount of $400. Offer valid through 3/31/15. Termination fee may apply. See your participating Jaguar Retailer for complete details, or call JAGUAR-USA / (855) 524-8278.

Land Rover Louisville 4700 Bowling Blvd.

502.895.2451 landrover.bluegrassauto.com *Rates shown for customers with exceptional credit approved by a participating lender. All amounts shown are estimates, retailer sets actual amounts. Lessee responsible for insurance, maintenance, excess wear and excess mileage over 30,000 miles at $0.30 /mile. Based on MSRP of $44,100 (excludes destination and delivery) with a residual value of $28,258 as of 1/3/15.

Supplies are limited. Lessee has the option to purchase vehicle at lease end at price negotiated with retailer at signing. For special lease terms take new vehicle delivery from retailer stock by 3/31/15. Termination fee may apply. See your Land Rover Retailer or call 1-800-FIND-4WD for qualifications and complete details. Š 2015 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC