Audience Magazine | Louisville Arts & Entertainment | May 2023

Amy Higgs Managing Editor

BRINGING THE FUN

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

The Kentucky Derby — and all that that implies — is arguably the single biggest milestone the Louisville area experiences on an annual basis. Our whole lives from January to the mid-summer can be divided into two distinct categories: Before Derby and After Derby.

At Audience Magazine, we know the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports is a big deal. That’s a given, and we love it as much as the next person. But it is, at most, a really fun few weeks. But our beloved performing arts organizations deliver incredible entertainment all year long!

That’s why, for our May issue, we’re highlighting all the fantastic things happening on the calendar after the Thoroughbreds have retired to their stables, and the colorful hats and fascinators have been nestled back in their boxes.

For starters, the devil is coming to town — Hadestown, that is. A reimagined Greek myth with modern themes comes to life with a New Orleans-inspired soundtrack. If you don’t already have tickets, get you some! For lovers of Led Zepplin, you don’t want to miss the tribute band to beat all tribute bands, Get The Led Out, on stage at the Brown Theatre.

This month also brings more thrilling announcements about the upcoming 2023-24 season. In his 10th season, Music Director Teddy Abrams continues to lead the Louisville Orchestra with innovative performances and superstar guests. The Kentucky Opera is making the arts more accessible that ever, with all four marquee shows in its upcoming season performed in English.

Thanks to our generous advertisers for allowing us to bring you all the big news and fun happenings in the Louisville performing arts community free of charge.

Before you know it, the Run for the Roses will have ran, the kids will be out of school, and vacation season will have started. Make sure you include a theater performance, concert, or other live show in your plans for summer fun. You won’t regret it.

Let us entertain you, Amy

& Doug

From the start, it has been the theater’s business to entertain people… it needs no other passport than fun.

– Bertolt Brecht

reflection

The

PUBLISHER

G. Douglas Dreisbach

MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Higgs

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rhonda Mefford

SALES & MARKETING

G. Douglas Dreisbach

CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel Chioco

Kentucky Performing Arts

Andre Kimo Stone Guess

Louisville Orchestra

Kentucky Opera

LOVE, HOPE AND HADESTOWN

J. ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ ON THE POWER OF CONNECTION IN LOUISVILLE

by Daniel Chioco

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

May 16 - 21, 2023

In the world of theater, it is rare to find a production that transcends time, space, and cultural barriers, speaking to the hearts of audiences with a profound message of love and hope. Hadestown, the critically acclaimed musical that reimagines an ancient Greek myth, has managed to do just that.

As the show makes its way to The Kentucky Center for a muchanticipated run from May 16 to 21, audiences are eager to witness the powerful performances that have earned it numerous accolades, including eight Tony Awards and a Grammy.

At the heart of this captivating musical is J. Antonio Rodriguez, the talented actor who brings the character of Orpheus to life. As a member of the North American touring production, Rodriguez has been instrumental in conveying the timeless themes of love, hope, and connection that make Hadestown an unforgettable experience.

In anticipation of the show's Louisville performances, we had the chance to delve into Rodriguez's journey with Hadestown, his personal connection to the story, and the impact he hopes the production will have on the local community.

THE JOURNEY TO HADESTOWN

From humble beginnings to becoming an integral part of a national touring company, Rodriguez's journey to the spotlight is a testament to his passion for storytelling and the power of perseverance.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City, Rodriguez's love for the performing arts was fostered early in his life. Throughout his career, he has taken on an array of diverse roles, including Emmet Otter in Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas and Ren McCormack in Footloose, which helped lay the foundation for his captivating portrayal of Orpheus.

When the opportunity to audition for Hadestown arose, Rodriguez was immediately drawn to the production, its unique retelling of the classic myth and its modern themes, such as climate change and immigration.

As he stepped into the role of Orpheus, he faced the challenge of embodying a “character with no agenda,” driven solely by love, music, and the pursuit of peace. Embracing this challenge, Rodriguez has given life to Orpheus with a magnetic authenticity that enchants audiences night after night. Reflecting on his experience, he says, "Playing someone with no agenda is so hard as an actor to do. It's definitely a challenge, but it's a welcome challenge."

 The Company in the National Tour of Hadestown. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

J. Antonio Rodriguez as Orpheus in the North American Tour of Hadestown.

PHOTO BY T. CHARLES ERICKSON

Joining the Hadestown national tour has been both rewarding and demanding, he adds. In his touring debut, Rodriguez has experienced the excitement of traveling and performing across the country, as well as the challenges of life on the road.

"When I first got this job, it was post-pandemic, so to be fortunate enough to join this tour is truly a blessing,” he said. “Lots of ups and downs. Traveling isn't easy. Our bodies are tired."

Despite the demands of touring, Rodriguez's passion for the production and the connection he shares with his fellow cast members, including his girlfriend, who is the dance captain, have made the journey worthwhile.

STORY AND THEMES

Hadestown is a mesmerizing reimagining of a well-known Greek myth, transporting audiences to a world where love, hope, and rebirth intertwine with modern themes.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Orpheus, a gifted musician, as he embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his love, Eurydice, from the underworld. This modern take on the myth explores contemporary issues, making it a timely and compelling piece for today's audiences.

"It's a different way of telling the story,” says Rodriguez. “This is an old Greek myth that people learned about in school, so to do this modern take on it with themes like climate change and immigration is so important."

And in a world where representation matters, the diverse cast of Hadestown is a breath of fresh air. "There's so much diversity on stage, which I think is something shows tout, but it's not something we really tout in Hadestown because it's so normalized for us," he adds.

The production is further distinguished by its New Orleansinfluenced score. "The music is much different from anything on Broadway or anything touring,” says Rodriguez. “This originated as a concept album, so to the ear, it sounds more contemporary.”

The energy and atmosphere of a live Hadestown performance are nothing short of electric. From the first note of the trombone to the final curtain, audiences are swept away by the captivating fusion of music, storytelling, and emotion.

"It really feels like a New Orleans jam the entire time.” says Rodriguez. “Audiences will really like that."

A MUST-SEE SHOW

Hadestown's arrival in Louisville offers a rare opportunity to witness the powerful connection and camaraderie among the touring production’s cast and crew.

Rodriguez shared a heartwarming tradition that exemplifies their close-knit bond: "When someone is debuting a new track, we all gather backstage and circle up around that person. We put our hands on them. We all breathe together. And someone who is close to that person will say something really inspiring and loving towards that individual to tell them that we're all here together, we're all family, and we're all connected."

The cast looks forward to exploring Louisville during their downtime, with plans to visit local attractions and sample the city's culinary delights. Rodriguez and his fellow performers are eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, as they embrace the spirit of adventure that comes with life on the road.

Rodriguez believes Hadestown will leave a lasting impression on Louisville audiences, saying, "You know, he [my dad] comes home from work every day, tired, usually falls asleep, yet he's always there to support me — and the end of the show got him. If it can move him, it can move anyone."

With its unique blend of ancient myth, modern themes, and an unforgettable score, this powerful story of love, hope, and rebirth is the must-see show in Louisville. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic for yourself!

Tickets are available by calling 502-584-7777 or online at louisville.broadway.com.

J. Antonio Rodriguez, Dominique Kempf, Nyla Watson, and Belén, Moyano in the North American Tour of Hadestown.

PHOTO BY T. CHARLES ERICKSON

KENLAKE STATE RESORT PARK

Swim, camp, hike and fish near Kentucky Lake

into your Kentucky Proud meal at Aurora Landing Restaurant. With over 150 species of birds in the area, there is no shortage of birding prospects.

Before you set out from the lodge, stop by the front desk to inquire about borrowing a fishing pole. Kentucky bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and other types of fish all await your bait. Be sure to purchase your fishing license online or through the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife app, FishBoatKY.

Aplay on the name of Kentucky Lake, Kenlake State Resort Park is known for its proximity to the body of water, along with the watersports on offer. However, there is also a lesser-known history associated with the park. In 1951, the property contained Cherokee State Park, the only state park developed for African Americans in Kentucky. Consisting of 300 acres with a beach, rental cottages, dining hall and picnic area, the park welcomed scores of visitors who were given few recreational alternatives in the Jim Crow era.

In June 1963, Cherokee State Park closed after Gov. Bert Combs signed an executive order ending segregation in public facilities. Cherokee State Park then merged with what is now known as Kenlake State Resort Park.

Today, Kenlake welcomes everyone from near and far. The marina plays host to many boaters, offering boat rentals, covered slips, transient slips, and a launching ramp. Those in-the-know show up hungry to the marina’s restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

Take a dip in the lodge’s swimming pool before gathering for a picnic at the facilities in the camping and cottage areas, and throughout the park. Two picnic shelters are available for rental for larger events like family reunions. As the sun goes down, settle into your cozy room at the Kenlake Lodge, which offers beautiful views of the lake. If you’re looking for more space, reserve one of the 34 cottages, each of which contains a fully furnished kitchen. If you prefer to be closer to the Great Outdoors, check out the campground, which offers 90 sites as well as primitive tent locations.

Wake in the morning to birdsong outside your window, where you may see red-headed woodpeckers. Take a hike on one of the Blue Bird trails for prime birdwatching opportunities, or wander closer to the lakeshore, where herons, egrets, and other waterfowl gather.

Feeders set up outside the dining room windows will entertain you as you dig

Perhaps you lace up your shoes for a hike on one of the nature trails through the woods. For a short hike, opt for the 0.7mile Cherokee Trail or the 1-mile Chickasaw Trail. You can also combine these with the 2-mile Coach Lester G. Mimms Trail. For a longer hike, take the footbridge to Eggner’s Ferry Bridge, which spans Kentucky Lake, for photo-worthy views.

The outdoor amphitheater offers the perfect setting to view the sunrise. It also hosts concerts and performances, most notably the Hot August Blues Festival, Kentucky’s longest consecutively running music festival.

Be sure to bring your racket for tennis. Four lighted, outdoor courts are available for matches, and in colder weather, the indoor tennis center has four indoor courts, locker room facilities, and a lounge.

Plan your visit to this historic lakeside location by reserving a stay at Kenlake State Resort Park at Parks.ky.gov. Be sure to check out Kentucky’s other 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks with restaurants, 30 campgrounds, and 13 golf courses.

For more information, visit Parks.ky.gov

Kenlake campsites, bridge view

KENTUCKY IS ON A ROLL. OUR ECONOMY

10 YEARS OF TEDDY

LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2023-24 SEASON

by Louisville Orchestra

SEASON PREVIEW

2023 - 2024

The Louisville Orchestra (LO) is excited to announce details of its 2023-24 season, which marks Teddy Abrams’s 10th season as Music Director.

In true LO style, this landmark season with Musical America’s 2022 Conductor of the Year will feature programming encompassing favorites of the orchestral repertoire and explore innovative new works, including a festival of original compositions by the 2023-24 members of the Creators Corps, the LO’s groundbreaking residency program.

CELEBRATING TEDDY’S 10TH

At 35, Abrams is the youngest Music Director of a major American orchestra, a position he assumed at the tender age of 26. Abrams’s concept of a modern orchestra and its conductor is fueled by talent, energy, vision, drive, and an extraordinary commitment to community engagement.

Since launching his tenure at LO, Abrams’s innovative, outsidethe-box initiatives have succeeded in reconnecting the orchestra with its remarkable history, integrating it into the fabric of Louisville life, and re-establishing it as the cornerstone of the city’s vibrant music scene.

“It is so hard to believe that this is my 10th season with the LO!” says Abrams. “It invites reflection and consideration for the history and the story we’ve been trying to tell for all of you these last 10 years. We’ve been asking, ‘What does it mean to be a public service – to serve you all and take the power of our music and the talents of our musicians to make life better for all of us here in Louisville?’ The power of music is so broad and always reinventing itself. There are always new ways for music to connect with people and new people for music to connect with.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2023-24 SEASON

Film Series subscription package added to the roster

New to the 2023-24 season, LO is offering a Film Series subscription package. Consistently a hit with audiences, the package will contain familiar Star Wars and Harry Potter selections and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

Classics Series and a superstar guest conductor

The 2023-24 Classic Series features classical music favorites performed as only the LO can, including Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 6, nicknamed “Tragic.” The annual collaboration with the Louisville Chamber Choir will be J.S. Bach’s masterful setting of the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat. Also on the series’ programming are intriguing contemporary works by Caroline Shaw, Gabriel Kahane, and John Adams.

 Louisville Orchestra continues its longstanding partnership with The Kentucky Center during the 2023-24 season, bringing old favorites and new works to the Whitney Hall stage.

LO Music Director Teddy Abrams

PHOTO BY FRANKIE STEELE

In addition, this coming season the LO will welcome one of the most celebrated conductors in the world, the Grammy Award-winning JoAnn Falletta. As Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Falletta became the first woman to lead a major American ensemble and has been credited with bringing the Philharmonic to an unprecedented level of national and international prominence. Recently named as one of the 50 great conductors of all time by Gramophone magazine, she is hailed for her work as a conductor, recording artist, audience builder, and champion of American composers. Falletta will lead the LO in an exciting program concluding with Ravel’s Bolero.

Pops Series highlights

In his 40-plus years as the Principal Pops Conductor of the Louisville Orchestra, Bob Bernhardt has consistently enchanted audiences with his unique combination of easy style, infectious enthusiasm, entertaining programming, and consummate musicianship.

In addition to Louisville’s beloved seasonal tradition Holiday Pops, Bernhardt will conduct a variety of audience-pleasing concerts ranging from “frightening” Halloween fare to sportsthemed musical favorites to an evening of hits by the Queens of Soul to a rousing season finale of the thrilling sounds of Mexican Mariachi.

Family Series

The inspiring evolution of the LO Family programming continues with more interactive fun for the whole family. Once again, Old Forester’s Paristown Hall will become the setting for exploring composition, storytelling through musical means, and the structure of the orchestra itself. And, of course, the LO will be celebrating the holidays with a family program featuring Santa himself!

Celebrating Kentucky

This season runs concurrently with the historic “In Harmony: the Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra,” a two-year musical journey beginning in May 2023 that will bring orchestra musicians to dozens of communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The tour is made possible through a partnership with the Kentucky General Assembly in conjunction with the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet. In the spirit of this musical outreach, the 2023-24 season will contain native Kentucky composers and performers in new and traditional works. Most notably, the opening concert in September at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater will feature Murray, Kentucky’s own mandolinist extraordinaire, Chris Thile. Thile, will give the Kentucky debut of his new piece for singing mandolinist and orchestra.

More information and the full schedule can be found at LouisvilleOrchestra.org

Eats

The restaurants below are certified and recommended by Audience as premium places for pre-show dinner, drinks or mingling. Let them know we sent you!

The Speed Art Museum presents Rounding the Circle: The Mary and Alfred Shands Collection, a major exhibition celebrating the extensive and significant collection of contemporary artworks assembled by local collectors, the late Alfred R. Shands III (1928-2021) and Mary Norton Shands (1930-2009). This presentation also commemorates the transformative gift of art made to the Speed Art Museum, numbering over 150 artworks. speedmuseum.org

BUY TICKETS bit.ly/rtc-speed

LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA 2023-24 SEASON AT A GLANCE

CLASSICS SERIES

(all performances are at 7:30PM) OUR

KENTUCKY HOME

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Iroquois Amphitheater

Teddy Abrams, conductor; Chris Thile, mandolin

The musical heritage of the great Kentucky Commonwealth takes center stage at Iroquois Park in our first concert of the season, including the Kentucky Debut of s piece for singing mandolinist and orchestra by Murray, Kentucky’s own Chris Thile.

LASTING LEGACIES

Saturday, October 14, 2023

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Teddy Abrams, conductor; Jefferey Kahane, piano

One might call this concert a “family affair” with works by our family of new Creators Corps members and musical pieces inspired by family ties, including a piece written by Gabriel Kahane for his father, our guest soloist, pianist Jeffrey Kahane.

(UN)SILENT FILM: NOSFERATU & A SYMPHONY OF HORROR

Saturday, October 28, 2023

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Teddy Abrams, conductor

Halloween Horror, courtesy of classic film and ballet, takes the stage at the Whitney for one haunting evening of music.

BOLERO & FRIENDS

Saturday, November 18, 2023

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Andrea Levine, clarinet

World-renowned conductor JoAnn Falletta leads the LO in a concert of spectacular turn-of-thecentury favorites from Ravel, R. Strauss, and Debussy. Our own principal clarinetist, Andrea Levine performs the clarinet concerto of John Corigliano, acclaimed composer of the score to the film, The Red Violin

TOGETHER IN SONG

Saturday, January 13, 2023

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall Teddy Abrams, conductor; St. Stephen Temple Choir

Join us as we explore the music of praise and faith with a selection of works by Jewish composers and gospel arrangements performed by the St. Stephen Temple Choir.

MAGNIFICENT VOICES

Saturday, March 23, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Teddy Abrams, conductor; Louisville Chamber Choir

Choral music — both old and new — will transport you as the Louisville Chamber Choir joins the LO in J.S. Bach’s divine setting of the Magnificat and a beautifully evocative work by Caroline Shaw.

MAHLER 6

Saturday, April 27, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall Teddy Abrams, conductor

Teddy Abrams leads the LO in a performance of Mahler’s emotionally charged and passionate Symphony No. 6, nicknamed the “Tragic.”

CREATORS FEST

Saturday, May 11, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Teddy Abrams, conductor

The spotlight is once again on our pioneering Creators Corps program as we present a festival concert weekend of new works written for and inspired by the city of Louisville and your Louisville Orchestra.

POPS SERIES

(all performances are at 7:30PM)

FRIGHT NIGHT

Saturday, October 21, 2023

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Bob Bernhardt, conductor

Get in a Halloween kind of mood with Bob Bernhardt and the LO performing one frightful night of Halloween hits.

HOLIDAY POPS

Saturday, November 25, 2023

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Bob Bernhardt, conductor

Yuletide Joy abounds at the Whitney when Santa, Bob Bernhardt, and the LO join forces with the incredible vocal talent of Shayna Steele for all your holiday favorites.

QUEENS OF SOUL

Friday, January 19, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Bob Bernhardt, conductor

An evening featuring hits made famous by the reigning divas of Soul and R&B: Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Adele, and more!

MARCH MUSIC MADNESS

Saturday, March 16, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Bob Bernhardt, conductor

Bob Bernhardt and the LO bring you March Madness of a musical kind with a program of iconic sports-themed hits.

MARIACHI FIESTA

Saturday, April 16, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Bob Bernhardt, conductor

A Musical Fiesta rounds out our Pops Season as t he classic Mexican mariachi sound fills the Whitney with its trademark driving and emotional style. ¡Que Viva el Mariachi!

FILM SERIES

(all performances are at 7:30PM)

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

See one of Tim Burton’s most celebrated films projected on the big screen in its entirety with a dark and charming live musical score.

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

The popular film series returns to Whitney Hall in concert with the sixth installment of the film franchise.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Saturday, February 17, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

The LO presents this installment of the Star Wars film series on the big screen with a live performance of the thrilling score by John Williams.

by Kentucky Performing Arts

Kentucky Performing Arts is thrilled to welcome Get The Led Out, a group of professional musicians who are passionate about their love of the music of Led Zeppelin. It's been their mission to bring the studio recordings of "The Mighty Zep" to life on the big concert stage.

This is not an impersonator act but rather a group of musicians who were fans first, striving to do justice to one of the greatest bands in rock history. Below are profiles of each of these talented musicians.

You can still get tickets at KentuckyPerformingArts.org

PAUL SINCLAIR

For lead vocalist Paul Sinclair, singing is quite simply in his blood. Adopted at 5 days old, and without any knowledge of his ancestry, Sinclair naturally gravitated toward music and the arts growing up. It wasn't until investigating his lineage in his 20s that he discovered he had come from a line of opera singers in Madrid, Spain.

Sinclair's biological grandparents, baritone José García Fernández Olaria and soprano Ana Romero Campos, had seven children. Three of them came to prominence in the music world in the 1950s and ’60s — Ana Maria Olaria, Amparo de Lerma, and Tito Mora.

A child of the 1970s, Sinclair developed a profound love and passion for the music of the era. This wonderful soundtrack would go on to mold, shape, and compel him on his musical journey. Whether it be The Beatles and The Stones, Zeppelin

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

May 12, 2023

and Aerosmith, or The Bee Gees and Donna Summer, these iconic artists ignited a burning desire within him that could only be satisfied by screaming from the mountaintops.

In the early 1980s, Sinclair began putting bands together. In late 1984 while searching for a guitarist/writing partner, Sinclair met guitarist Paul Hammond. The two had an instant bond over their love of the classic rock greats, as well as a similar vision for their future. Sinclair and Hammond immediately began writing songs and searching for a bassist and drummer to round out the band and “get giggin'.”

With the band in place, Sinclair and Hammond went on to write and record two full-length albums, and perform in countless venues on the East Coast under the band name Sinclair. At one time managed by radio promo legend Joe Reagoso (Warner/Elektra/Atlantic, MCA, RCA), Sinclair played many high-profile shows and shared the bill with such notable acts as Foghat, Zebra, Savoy Brown, The Bullet Boys, Kevin Dubrow (Quiet Riot), David Ruffin of The Temptations, and many more.

In fall 2003, Paul Sinclair was contacted by a couple of local Philadelphia-area musicians who were putting together a Led Zeppelin tribute band and in need of a singer. He had no interest in doing the "impersonator thing," but agreed to help the guys with one show.

He immediately enlisted the help of Paul Hammond to add the musical chops and stability required to pull it off. The idea of performing "The Mighty Zep's" catalog in concert just as it's heard on record was suggested by Sinclair, but not well-received. However, with time and some lineup changes, Sinclair's vision soon became reality, and Get The Led Out was born.

Sinclair, a BMI-affiliated songwriter, is also an engineer/ producer who, along with Hammond, owns Fat City Studios

 Lead vocalist, Paul SInclair. Photo by Lisa Schaffer.

JOIN THE CLUB

just outside of Philadelphia. Sinclair’s engineering, production, and mastering credits can be found on countless independent and national releases worldwide.

Sinclair's influences are varied, though there are two musical legends whose impact on him is undeniable. Besides the obvious role that Robert Plant’s work has played in shaping Sinclair’s vocal stylings, there is one other stand-out influence — Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. So much so that Sinclair appeared on national television when he was chosen to perform as Tyler on the Dick Clark Production "Your Big Break."

In summer 2014, Sinclair joined The Zac Brown Band in concert for a version of Zeppelin's classic "Whole Lotta Love" at the PNC Center in Holmdel, N.J., and at Bethel Woods in Bethel, N.Y.

In late 2015, he was fortunate enough to be asked to lend his Plant-esque vocals to the new Martin Scorsese/Mick Jaggerproduced HBO TV series "Vinyl.”

In Get The Led Out, Sinclair has found what he describes as a "dream career." Keeping this important music alive for future generations is a passion-filled calling for him. Most importantly, he is a huge Led Zeppelin fan who strives to “do justice” to what he considers to be one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

PAUL HAMMOND

Paul Hammond’s history in the music business is rather extensive. A professional guitarist, producer, engineer and songwriter, he is also an accomplished electronics technician. Hammond’s life resembles that of some of the greatest technician/ musicians of all time, such as Les Paul, Jimmy Page, and Brian May.

From writing a song to performing it, engineering the recording session while producing it, building custom amplifiers and effects pedals to play through on it, as well as rebuilding and maintaining the mixing consoles and tape machines used to record it, Hammond does it all.

As a result of Hammond’s association with Paul Sinclair and the ’90s music scene in Philadelphia, he ended up doing work for Studio 4 owners Phil and Joe Nicolo, of Ruffhouse/Sony/ Columbia fame.

“I would show up to do some tech work and they would be working on the most amazing tracks like the Rolling Stones or Aerosmith, and they would show me all the techniques they were using to get that hit quality sound,” Hammond says. “I love those guys!”

As a result of this association, he ended up working for Ted Greenberg at the now legendary Big Zone Audio, which was housed in the same Studio 4 complex. Hammond would rebuild Greenberg’s vintage API mixing console, play some guitar, and work with bands and musicians that they were recording at the time.

Other past projects include writing and playing guitar tracks on Time Warner and Comcast radio and TV commercials for Chris Zurzolo at D4TV of Philadelphia. One of the commercials Hammond played on was broadcast regionally during the 2006 Super Bowl.

These days, Hammond often works at Rob Hyman’s (The Hooters, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne), privately owned and operated Elmstreet studios as an associated engineer/ technical consultant.

His latest projects include:

• Selecting and customizing a Martin D28 acoustic guitar at the Martin factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, with JR Warner, Paul Sinclair, and head of artist relations Dick Boak, for Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and flying it to England to deliver it.

• Having a custom-built Martin acoustic guitar made to auction for the charity, ABC Trust UK.

• Custom-building a 6-string electric Les Paul Junior and 8-string octave mandolin double neck with his father, E.E. Hammond, for Eric Bazilian to play on the 2007 Hooters European tour.

• Playing guitar and mandolin in Get The Led Out, “The American Led Zeppelin.”

• Playing guitar for the band, Sinclair, and running mastering sessions at Fat City Studios with Paul Sinclair. Hammond’s work has landed him numerous album and CD credits on AMG (All Music Guide) and a voting membership with the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the organization that hosts the Grammy awards.

His influences are many. From Chet Atkins and Franny Beecher to Jimmy Page and Hendrix, Hammond has been inspired by the masters. In Get The Led Out, he is able to put this background to the test as Zeppelin’s music has such diverse ingredients.

“One of my favorite bands and influences was always Led Zeppelin, so performing their music live is very satisfying,” he says.

TOMMY ZAMP

After moving to New York in 2006, within a few short months Zamp joined New York City rock band, Fixer. Soon after, they signed a deal with Riker Hill Records, began touring nationally, and had the pleasure of working with the late Bill Aucoin, former manager for Kiss.

While touring with Fixer and other hired projects, Zamp has had the opportunity to share the stage with some of today’s biggest rock bands, including The Beastie Boys, Blondie, Blue Oyster Cult, and Theory of a Deadman, and even played with members of Candelbox, Fuel, and Tantric.

After Fixer, Zamp started his band, Circus Life, and has been touring across the United States and United Kingdom. With two Circus Life releases and his debut solo album, "You Don't

Know Me," under his belt, Zamp is now ramping up to release a new song each month for 2021. The first four songs are available iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and all other streaming platforms. Since 2015, he has been performing 200-plus shows a year in NYC and the tri-state area.

PHIL D'AGOSTINO

Phil D'Agostino is well-known in the Philadelphia area and beyond as an in-demand touring bassist, session musician, and music educator. In addition to his sideman work, he has released two records of original compositions — "Inlets" in 2013, and "Music from a Sinking Ship" in 2009. Both records received considerable airplay, and he has been fortunate enough to perform his music with his band at venues such as the Kimmel Center and World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, and Rockwood Music Hall in New York City.

As a session musician, D'Agostino has done major label work for Grammy-winning producers in magnificent studios, played bass on bedroom and basement recordings with indie and folk artists, and everything in between. Stylistically versatile, his recording credits include rock, country, jazz, soul, reggae, classical, etc. In 2014, he produced "County Line,” the debut full-length record from singer songwriter Irene Molloy.

D'Agostino has accompanied countless singers and songwriters throughout his career, including Scot Sax, Ben Arnold, Chris Kasper, and Pete Donnelly. He was a founding member of progressive bluegrass outfit Wissahickon Chicken Shack and garage rockers the Doublewides. He is also a member of well-known indie folk band Hezekiah Jones, and Philadelphia funk juggernaut Johnny Showcase and the Mystic Ticket.

With Get The Led Out, D'Agostino is dedicated to the unending pursuit of emulating the amazing John Paul Jones bass parts. He strives to accurately reproduce all aspects of JPJ's tone, feel, and harmonic sensibility.

ADAM FERRAIOLI

“It all started when I heard my first Led Zeppelin record,” says Adam Ferraioli. “THAT'S how I wanted to play the drums. John Bonham's thunderous, bombastic beat just drove the band!"

That driving force behind Led Zeppelin is what Ferraioli still tries to duplicate to this day. There were other drummers that inspired him, such as Jerry Shirley (Humble Pie), Keith Moon (The Who), and Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull) to name a few, but none had near the impact on Ferraioli that Bonham's playing did.

“Though he was a technically great player, it was his feel that really got me,” he says. “It's off the charts!"

Over the years, Ferraioli has played in many Philadelphiabased bands, including Britney Fox, Tangier, and his first cover band Thrust, which did a set of Zeppelin every night.

"We were pretty good back then,” Ferraioli says. “Rob, our singer in Thrust did a great job singing Plant! There were a lot of bands trying to play Zeppelin in those days, but most of them didn't have the vocals to cut it. I remember getting off the stage back then and falling over after playing a set of Zep. We really put our hearts into it. That’s what persuaded me to join GTLO. Their passion for music and performing it the best way possible is second to none!"

Ferraioli also played with guitarist Jimmy Marchiano off and on for 10 years. "Once Jimmy and [guitarist] Paul Hammond played together for the first time, they knew there was something special there,” he says. "Once we were all in rehearsal together, it just felt like a family. The tones, the feel, everything just felt right."

The addition of Andrew Lipke on keyboards/guitar/vocals etc., just put "the icing on the cake" according to Ferraioli.

"We really needed Andrew in the band. He's an incredible person and an incredible musician. He added the finishing touch the band needed to reproduce the music of Led Zeppelin even closer than before. I couldn't imagine playing with any other band! To me there isn't any other band, besides of course Led Zeppelin!"

EDDIE KUREK

Eddie Kurek is a multi-instrumentalist born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. As a teenager, he immersed himself in music with the help of The Paul Green School of Rock. He very quickly became proficient on drums, guitar, keyboards, and vocals. This enabled him to begin writing, recording, and performing his own songs.

Immediately following high school, Kurek formed the original/ cover band IV Stone. He chose the most iconic cover songs from every genre, and created a setlist to please people of all ages. This required him to expand his singing style and range to cover artists from Michael Jackson to Robert Plant to Frank Sinatra.

After five and a half years of hard work and fierce commitment, Kurek and IV Stone amassed a large fan base and grew their touring schedule to over 100 performances a year. While getting his "on-the-job" training in the clubs, he continued his formal music training at Kutztown University and received his bachelor's degree in music performance.

Now in Get The Led Out, Kurek brings his passion for rock and mad multi-skills to the party! When he’s not on the road with GTLO, he continues to write songs and perform with IV Stone.

Article courtesy of Get The Led Out.

DISCOVERY, JOY, AND CONNECTION

by Kentucky Opera

entucky Opera’s exciting 2023-24 performance calendar will feature all four operas sung in English at The Brown Theatre and the Opera Center. From classic to contemporary performances, this season is the most accessible yet.

“This season has something for everyone,” says General Director/ CEO Barbara Lynne Jamison. “Kentucky Opera has a history of blending new works with the classical canon. Producing an allEnglish season allows us to invite even more audiences, in as we continue the work to break down the historical barriers of this artform. The stories we produce feature some of the finest emerging voices in the world. This will be a season that truly sparks discovery, joy, and connection among our community.”

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW

Appearing on the Kentucky Opera stage for the first time since 2010 is Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. An opera filled with curiosity and adventure follows two young children in their quest to save themselves and the gingerbread children from the wicked witch. Kentucky Opera’s Youth Chorus will be featured in this vivid, larger than life production.

The opera will also continue its holiday tradition following last season’s The Gift of the Magi, with another performance in the Opera Center of All is Calm, The Christmas Truce of 1914 A lone soldier’s brave action of stepping out of the trenches singing Stille Nacht, provides relief and a spontaneous truce on Christmas Eve amid World War I. This haunting and memorable story uses the diaries and letters from soldiers on the Western Front woven together with traditional carols, historical songs, and new music to tell this story of bravery. and peace.

When your birthday only comes around every four years, it must be a celebration! 2024 is a leap year and the perfect time to set sail for Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. Audiences

SEASON PREVIEW

2023 - 2024

will have five opportunities to see this swashbuckling adventure full of witty word play and memorable music.

The opera extends its season at the Opera Center with As One. Currently the most-produced contemporary opera in the world, empathy and humor are at the forefront of this story of self-discovery. A baritone and a mezzo-soprano portray the sole transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she forges a path for herself while facing societal expectations.

ENGAGING NEW AUDIENCES

The Youth Opera Project returns with Dean Burry’s The Hobbit Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, this opera — performed by local artists from ages 8 to 18 — will be the focal point of Youth Opera Project’s 10-month training program where students will learn the foundations of singing, acting, and stagecraft. The Hobbit will have two performances in June.

Kentucky Opera has commissioned civil rights songs from composer Jorell Williams, with lyrics by Paula McCraney. These pieces along with other civil rights songs, will be premiered in concert with local community, college, and church choirs. Amplify Songs of Justice on June 10, 2023. Additional pre-performance activities by community partners will be announced closer to this free admission event.

Additional events and performances will be announced throughout the season as Kentucky Opera works with community partners to produce meaningful and collaborative work for the varied and diverse communities of the Commonwealth.

Season subscriptions are on sale now, with single show tickets going on sale in August. Subscribers can get a four-show subscription to save up to 20% off single ticket prices. Seating for performances at The Brown Theatre are reserved, while performances at the Opera Center are general admission.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit KYOpera.org

 The theme of Kentucky Opera's 2023-24 season, to be performed exclusively in English, is "Charting Courses."

KENTUCKY OPERA 2023-24 SEASON AT A GLANCE

AMPLIFY SONGS OF JUSTICE

Saturday, June 10, 7PM

Official Kick Off Event of Louisville’s Juneteenth Jubilee

Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health

HANSEL AND GRETEL

Friday, September 29, 8PM

Sunday, October 1, 2PM

Music by Engelbert Humperdinck

Libretto by Adelheid Wette

Sung in English, The W.L. Lyons Brown Theatre

ALL IS CALM, THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914

Friday, December 15, 8PM

Sunday, December 17, 2PM

Written by Peter Rothstein

Vocal arrangements by Erick Licthe & Timothy C. Takach

Sung in English, Kentucky Opera Center

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE OR, THE SLAVE OF DUTY

Friday, February 16, 8PM

Sunday, February 18, 2PM

Music by Arthur Sullivan

Libretto by W.S. Gilbert

Sung in English, The W.L. Lyons Brown Theatre

AS ONE

Friday, April 12, 8PM

Sunday, April 14, 2PM

Music & Concept by Laura Kaminksy

Libretto by Mark Campbell & Kimberly Reed

Film by Kimberly Reed

Sung in English, Kentucky Opera Center

Youth Opera Project presents THE HOBBIT

Friday, June 7, 7PM

Saturday, June 8, 2PM

Music & Libretto by Dean Burry

Based on “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Sung in English, Kentucky Opera Center

Written

THEN & NOW

Bardstown Road and Longest Avenue, 1936 vs. 2023

In this 1936 photograph, trolley tracks run down the middle of Bardstown Road, once a bricked street and former turnpike toll road. On this particular corner, Longest Avenue opened wide so that street cars could pass as they turned off Bardstown Road toward Cherokee Park. OateyForbes Drugs occupied the corner at this time and, in the 1960s, the same site was home to Neubauer Drugs.

Carmichael's, Louisville's oldest continuously operating independent

bookstore, opened on the corner of Bonnycastle Avenue and Bardstown Road in 1978. The shop moved to the corner of Bardstown Road and Longest Avenue in 1983. Ramsi's Café on the World, on the north side of the store, reflects the range of ethnic cuisines available in Louisville Metro, and is one of the many dining establishments along Bardstown Road giving rise to the street's identification as Louisville's "Restaurant Row."

The University of Louisville’s Archives and Special Collections Department

collects, organizes, preserves, and makes available for research rare and unique primary and secondary source material, particularly relating to the history and cultural heritage of Louisville.

Audience Magazine is excited to share the stories and photos of the collection through our content partnership with the group. We hope you enjoy them!

Visit library.louisville.edu/archives/home for more information about the archives.

LOUISVILLE LANDMARKS

A CITY OF ARTISTS

by Andre Kimo Stone Guess, President and CEO, Fund for the Arts

For many years, you have heard the Fund for the Arts expound this message: Arts Mean Business. This is certainly true for Louisville. The most recent Arts & Economic Prosperity survey from Americans for the Arts showed that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates around $450 million in economic activity annually in Metro Louisville alone, and the arts and culture industry supports over 17,500 jobs — more than double the median for other cities our size.

And on far more than just economic impact, Louisville is known as a city whose arts community punches above its weight. We are one of the smallest

cities in the country to have all the major arts institutions — orchestra, opera, ballet, fine arts museum, regional theater, and children’s theater. We are home to internationally famous conductors, we have raised Oscar winners, produced Pulitzer Prizewinning new plays, taught painters whose work hangs in the most famous museums in the world, and birthed one the biggest rappers working today.

The history and strength of our arts organizations and community are incredibly impressive and something of which we should be proud! It’s no small thing to have these institutions here in our mid-sized town. We can never take

for granted the gifts they have given us. But, as I have learned over the past few years, Louisville is far more than a City of Arts.

For over a year now, I’ve been spreading the word about Fund for the Arts’ latest campaign, I Am An Artist., everywhere I go. The goal of I Am An Artist. is to inspire every member of our community to embrace the art that exists in their lives every day and to see themselves as the artists that they are.

As third graders, we had absolutely no problem seeing ourselves and others as artists: painters, dancers, singers, and storytellers. In my attempt to get everyone to tap into their inner

Guru Vandana Arts Academy performing as part of a Cultural Pass Day in July 2022.

Photo by Dick Arnspiger.

third grader with the I Am An Artist. campaign, I learned about CEOs who shred guitar on the weekends, HR directors throwing on the pottery wheel in their evenings, managers moonlighting as Master Gardeners, and so many more.

People across the city are making a life in art, regardless of what they might do for a living.

Our city has been rocked by violent act after violent act that continue to rob us of our friends and neighbors and leave our community reeling. These tragedies now come all too frequently in our country, but that does not make it any less devastating when it happens here in Louisville.

At the Fund, we believe in the power of art to help us heal. Art is good food and good medicine that promotes individual, collective and communitywide health, healing, and well-being.

We cry out for healing, for understanding, and for unity, but struggle to find the right catalyst. Art can be that catalyst.

At the Fund for the Arts, we believe that art is a right, not a privilege, because

art is a fundamental expression of the human condition. Art is the way that we make sense of the world around us. It’s how we celebrate. It’s how we tell stories. It’s how we mourn. It’s how we heal. It’s how we connect.

Since 1949, Fund for the Arts, one of the first two United Arts Fund in the country, has raised over a quarter billion dollars to foster the local arts, artists, and arts organizations that serve our community in times of joy and in periods of overwhelming adversity.

This spring, we look forward to celebrating the kickoff of the Fund for the Arts 75th Anniversary Campaign. As part of that celebration, Mayor Craig Greenberg will proclaim Louisville a City of Artists.

There is one huge difference between Louisville being a City of Arts and a City of Artists — and that’s YOU.

Whether we realize it or not, everyone in our community creates and consumes art every single day, regardless of age, ability, race, gender, sexual orientation, resources, income, ZIP code, etc. — from car-singing to kitchen-dancing,

from make-it-at-home mixology to amateur herbology, from taking a screen-printing workshop at the Speed Art Museum to enjoying a show under the stars with Kentucky Shakespeare, from banjo lessons with Louisville Folk School to taking the entire family to the latest Redline Performing Arts performance.

We all have the ability and the right to create an expression of our humanity, and our art makes it easier to share in the humanity of others. We have infinite opportunities available to us all to partake in arts experiences along the continuum of great art, artists, and arts organizations in our City of Artists.

In the wake of the destruction and pain our city continues to experience, art is a powerful reminder that people are capable of creating wonderful things. Invest in your own art and the art around you and be ready for the incredible connections you will find in this community.

I Am An Artist. and a proud citizen of our City of Artists and so are you. For more information, visit FundfortheArts.org.

Daddy Daughter Class with Healing Walls Project for HeARTS.

Louisville Academy of Music.

PHOTO BY BILL WINE.

Sam and Bonnie Rechter Family Foundation

Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun

Sociable Weaver Foundation

Owsley Brown III

Philanthropic Foundation

EVENTS CALENDAR

Audience is your connection to the performing arts and entertainment in Louisville. Below are some of the events we are looking forward to in the coming months and we hope you enjoy them all!

MAY

2

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss with JD McPherson

8PM

The Louisville Palace ProductionSimple.com

5 Gary Clark Jr.

7:30PM

Iroquois Amphitheater ProductionSimple.com

11-21

CenterStage

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

7PM

Trager Family Jewish Community Center

JewishLouisville.org/ CenterStage/

12-13

Louisville Orchestra

From Silence to Splendor

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall LouisvilleOrchestra.org

16-21

PNC Broadway in Louisville: Hadestown

7:30PM

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

16 Chicago Live!

8PM

The Louisville Palace LiveNation.com

19

Bonnie Raitt: Just Like That Tour

8PM

The Louisville Palace LiveNation.com

21 Kansas

7:30PM

Iroquois Amphitheater ProductionSimple.com

May 24-June 11; July 12, 15, 18, 21

Kentucky Shakespeare A Midsummer Night’s Dream Central Park KyShakespeare.com

JUNE

3

Keen Dance Theater Psychedelic

6:30PM

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

10

Jackson Browne

8PM

Louisville Palace Ticketmaster.com

June 15-25; July 11, 14, 19, 22

Kentucky Shakespeare Macbeth Central Park KyShakespeare.com

18

Fleet Foxes: Shore Tour

8PM Old Forester's Paristown Hall

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

18

Ben Folds

7:30PM

Louisville Palace Ticketmaster.com

20-25

PNC Broadway in Louisville: To Kill a Mockingbird

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall KentuckyPerformingArts.org

29

Celtic Throne: The Royal Journey of Irish Dance

7PM

Brown Theatre

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

June 29-July 9; July 13, 16, 20, 23

Kentucky Shakespeare

Love’s Labor’s Lost Central Park

KyShakespeare.com

For more of our preferred arts and entertainment recommendations, visit Audience502.com/audience-events