Audience Magazine | May 2024 | Louisville Arts & Entertainment

A behind-the-scenes look into Louisville’s performing arts and entertainment during this unprecedented time of reflection and artistic creation.

Special thanks to our premium sponsors whose support lets us provide this publication at no charge to you.

PNC BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE Actor Discusses His Role in Beetlejuice: The Musical Page 10

LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA Thanks to a Special Grant, In Harmony Offers More Inspiring Performances. Page 16 ... and more!

Hands on.

We are proud to support the Arts.

Since 1904, Stock Yards Bank & Trust has been a cornerstone of the Louisville community. Our team is dedicated to supporting the people and businesses of this city through thick and thin. We provide the resources and experience of a national bank, with the knowledge, familiarity, and trust that can only come from a hometown bank.

A Trusted Partner Since 1904

Member FDIC

GET READY FOR A HOT ONE!

Oh, the summer night Has a smile of light And she sits on a sapphire throne.

– poet Bryan Waller Procter

Amy Higgs Managing Editor

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

While it may not technically be summer until the solstice in June, summer temperatures and a distinct summer vibe have arrived in Louisville! So, grab your flip flops and sunscreen, and get ready for another great season of concerts and theater performances.

First up is some big news from the Louisville Orchestra — the Kentucky State Legislature has continued funding for its statewide tour! We could not be more thrilled that audiences across the Bluegrass State will get to experience the magic of our nationally recognized orchestra. Read more on page 16

Next up, don’t get ghosted! The final marquee Broadway show of the 2023-24 season, Beetlejuice: The Musical will haunt Louisville audiences from May 14 to 19. Read more about how the show expands on the beloved movie from the actor playing the role of Charles Deetz on page 10.

The Speed Art Museum’s newly expanded Native American collection is one you don’t want to miss. Read more about how it came together on page 20 If you’ve always wondered about the backstory behind the faces on the ceiling at the Louisville Palace, check out page 22

If you truly want to get the most out of the summer sunshine, check out all the happenings at Kentucky State Parks on page 15. And finally, for our favorite performance picks in May and June, check out the Event Outlook on page 6

If you can’t find something fun to do with all these exciting arts and entertainment events on the calendar, well, we just don’t know who you are anymore! But we know you agree that Louisville is truly blessed to have so many wonderful arts groups, venues and supporters.

Speaking of supporters, we couldn’t bring you all these great stories and more every month without our generous advertisers. They, along with all of you, are the reason the summer performance season is guaranteed to be hot, hot, hot!

Stay cool,

Amy & Doug

TICKET GIVEAWAYS SPECIAL INVITES SHOW PREVIEWS

A behind-the-scenes look into Louisville’s performing arts and entertainment during this unprecedented time of reflection and artistic creation.

PUBLISHER

The Audience Group, Inc.

G. Douglas Dreisbach

MANAGING EDITOR

Amy Higgs

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Rhonda Mefford

SALES & MARKETING

G. Douglas Dreisbach

CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel Chioco

Kentucky Tourism Arts & Heritage Cabinet

Louisville Orchestra

Louisville Palace

Speed Art Museum

TO READ CURRENT AND PREVIOUS AUDIENCE PLAYBILLS AND PERFORMANCE GUIDES, GO TO ISSUU.COM/AUDIENCE502.

On the Cover: Isabella Esler, Will

and Megan

in

The

, playing at The Kentucky

May 14-19. Photo by

Read more on page 10

GOT AN ARTICLE IDEA?

Audience Magazine is a platform for the arts in Louisville. If you have an article idea or something you think we should cover, email ahiggs@theaudiencegroup.com

© Copyright 2024. The Audience Group, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Audience® Magazine is published by The Audience Group, Inc. 136 St. Matthews Avenue #300 Louisville, KY 40207 502.212.5177 | Audience502.com

Burton,

McGinnis

Beetlejuice:

Musical

Center

Dan Norman.

AUDIENCE EVENT OUTLOOK

A CALENDAR SO BRIGHT, WE NEED SHADES!

As summertime (and the accompanying humidity) officially rolls into Louisville, we are excited about the upcoming array of awesome concerts, shows, performances and festivals on the calendar. We hope you like our preferred event listings below and get the chance to check out a few of them!

MAY 10

Old Crow Medicine Show

Alt-country, Bluegrass, Southern rock

Old Forester’s Paristown Hall

Old Crow Medicine Show has been called old-time, folk, and alternative country. Along with original songs, the band performs many pre-World War II blues and folk songs with amazing energy and a grand collage of musical talents.

9-19

She Loves Me

CenterStage at The Trager Family JCC | 6 performances

In this play set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don’t see eye to eye. After both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves, and all the twists and turns along the way!

14-19 Beetlejuice

PNC Broadway in Louisville

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall | 8 performances

He earned his stripes on Broadway, now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Louisville! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.

16

Sex n’ the City: A (Super Unauthorized)

Musical Parody

The Kentucky Center, Bomhard Theater

This fun parody follows our favorite single gals looking for love in the big city. We tackle serious topics like, “Will I ever find the one?” “Can you ever really be over your ex?" and “For the third time, it’s a neck massager!” Join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the ’90s.

17

Jerry Seinfeld Comedy

Louisville Palace | 2 shows: 7 & 9:30PM

One of the most famous comedians and actors in recent history takes the stage at the historic Louisville Palace for a night of stories, skits and belly busting comedy. Seinfeld never lets you down!

18

Heart w. Special Guest Cheap Trick

Classic Rock

KFC Yum! Center

Heart will embark on The Royal Flush Tour 2024 throughout North America and Europe with special guests Cheap Trick. Don’t miss these two legendary bands.

22

Gary Clark Jr.

Blues/rock/soul

Louisville Palace

Gary Clark Jr. and his music seamlessly blends elements of blues, rock, soul,

and even hip-hop. In 2011, he signed with Warner Bros Records and released his debut EP titled “The Bright Lights.” Since then, he has continued to make waves in the music industry with albums like “Blak and Blu” (2012) and “The Story of Sonny Boy Slim” (2015). Clark’s talent has earned him accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his track, “Please Come Home,” in 2014. His most recent album, “This Land,” released in 2019, garnered three Grammy wins across different categories.

24

Chicago

Rock/pop/jazz

Louisville Palace

Chicago is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1967. The group began calling themselves the Chicago Transit Authority in 1968, then shortened the name in 1969. Self-described as a “rock ‘n roll band with horns,” their songs often also combine elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, and pop music.

25

91.9 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday Pokey LaFarge, S.G. Goodman, Ellie Ruth Band Waterfront Park

The 22nd season of Waterfront Wednesdays continues as Louisville’s favorite concert series. Held on the last Wednesday of every month from April to September, don’t miss this opportunity to see some great acts as the sun sets on the Ohio River.

May 29-Aug. 11

Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Central Park | 46 Performances

The 2024 season of Kentucky Shakespeare in Central Park kicks off with the beloved timeless tale of Romeo & Juliet, a tale of star-crossed lovers caught between two worlds. Romance leads to loss, then grace, in this beautiful and tragic love story. Then comes The Comedy of Errors, a madcap comedy of a

farcical tale of long-lost siblings, mistaken identities, love at first sight, and happily-ever-afters. The season wraps with The Tempest, Shakespeare’s final play, and is a testament to the redeeming power of love and forgiveness — featuring fools, spirits, monsters, shipwrecks, and magical spells.

31

Laid Back Country Picker

w. Blind Feline and Tyrone Cotton Bluegrass/blues

Headliners Music Hall

Laid Back Country Picker might not be as laid back as the name says, but if you are looking for an evening of great blues and bluegrass, this is the show for you. Born into a bluegrass and countryloving family, his influences range from Johnny Cash to the Stanley Brothers. Also on the line-up is blues mastermind Tyrone Cotton, who attributes his musical acumen to listening to the raspy, inspirational voice of his grandfather, the Reverend Cleveland Roosevelt Williams, at his childhood home in Louisville. At a young age, Cotton began playing guitar along with the sounds of popular rock and blues artists. Over time, he was influenced by Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, and Mississippi John Hurt, who intrigued Tyrone with his “finger pickin’ and soft, wispy voice.”

JUNE

1-2

Railbird Music Festival

The Red Mile Racecourse, Lexington, Ky.

Chris Stapleton and Noah Kahan will headline the 2024 edition of Railbird Music Festival. Over 30 artists across three stages including Hozier, Turnpike Troubadours, Counting Crows, Lord Huron, Wynonna Judd, Dwight Yoakam, and Elle King will transform the historical race track grounds into an unforgettable two days of world-class music and curated bourbon and equine experiences that celebrate the spirit of Kentucky.

12

Lionel Richie & Earth, Wind & Fire –Sing A Song All Night Long

R&B concert

KFC Yum! Center

Lionel Richie, the iconic American singer-songwriter, is a musical luminary celebrated for his soulful voice and timeless hits. With a career spanning decades, Richie's melodious compositions, including “Hello” and “All Night Long,” have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and a revered place in the pantheon of music legends. He will team up with Earth, Wind & Fire for an evening of sing-a-long hits and a night you won’t want to miss.

14

Trippin Billies – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

Mercury Ballroom

The Trippin Billies is the premier tribute band for DMB around. If you like DMB, don’t miss your chance to see a great performance for a great price. Close your eyes and you’ll feel like you are at the real show!

26

91.9 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday Middle Kids, RELAAY Waterfront Park

The 22nd season of Waterfront Wednesdays continues as Louisville’s favorite concert series. Held on the last Wednesday of every month from April to September, don’t miss this opportunity to see some great acts as the sun sets on the Ohio River.

29

The Wailers "Legend" 40th Anniversary Tour

Reggae

Headliners Music Hall

If you like Bob Marley and the sweet sound of reggae, don't miss this spectacular tribute to the “Legend” album, bringing its classic hits to life on stage. Fans will be treated to a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary reggae rhythms, making each concert an unforgettable experience.

For a full list of performing arts and entertainment events in Louisville, visit our Event Calendar at Audience502.com.

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

GRIEF , GROWTH & GHOSTS

JESSE SHARP ON BRINGING DEPTH TO CHARLES DEETZ IN BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL

by Daniel Chioco

May 14 – 19, 2024

The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall

Get ready, Louisville!

It’s time to say “Beetlejuice” three times and unleash a whirlwind of laughter, heart, and ghostly shenanigans at The Kentucky Center from May 14 to 19.

When Beetlejuice: The Musical arrives, Louisville audiences will have the chance to experience a show that masterfully balances laughter with genuine emotion. Based on Tim Burton's beloved 1988 cult classic film, this musical adaptation pays homage to its source material while delighting new audiences and longtime fans alike with its expanded storyline and unforgettable performances.

One of the winning elements of this production is Jesse Sharp, who brings depth and nuance to the role of Charles Deetz, a man grappling with loss and change in the midst of ghostly chaos. In the original film, Charles was a supporting character obsessed with the aesthetics of his new home. However, the musical delves deeper into his personal journey, exploring his relationship with his daughter, Lydia, and his struggle to move forward after the death of his wife.

Sharp's portrayal of Charles has won over fans of the film for its ability to balance the character's comedic moments with unexpectedly more vulnerable and emotional scenes. His performance adds a new layer of depth to the story, allowing audiences to connect with his character on a more profound level.

As Sharp notes, “I think what I connect with in Charles is what audiences connect with in our show.”

FROM THE NETHERWORLD TO THE STAGE

Much like Charles’ unexpected foray into the world of the supernatural, Sharp's theatrical career has been a journey filled with diverse roles and memorable experiences. With credits spanning from the quirky Addams Family to the cheerful Buddy in Elf, Sharp's acting repertoire is as varied as the ghosts haunting the Maitland-Deetz home. In addition to his stage work, Sharp has appeared on television shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Blue Bloods, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Sarah Litzsinger (Delia) and Jesse Sharp (Charles)

 Justin Collette (Beetlejuice) and Tour Company of Beetlejuice. Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2022.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW

MURPHY, 2024

It’s this breadth of experience that has allowed Sharp to navigate the comedic and dramatic elements of this role. “I love the opportunity to do a silly, over-the-top comedic musical with truth and humanity,” he says. “I get to do both comedy and deep, truthful acting with a lot of heart [all] in one show – and that's really rare.”

This balance is evident throughout Beetlejuice: The Musical, as Charles Deetz's journey is filled with both laughter and loss.

Those familiar with Burton’s 1988 film will notice the musical adaptation’s differences immediately. Not only is Charles not married at the beginning, but Emily, his deceased wife, is more of a presence. In fact, the show begins at Emily’s funeral.

“In the musical, [her death] is very recent,” Sharp says. “The audience understands what Charles and Lydia have been through and what they’re trying to overcome. And I think you understand Lydia’s needs a little more than in the movie. You realize she’s not ready to move on. She’s really dealing with this.”

While there are some plot adjustments, Sharp reassures audiences that “nothing is changed of what you love about the characters. The characters are all there, the core is all there, but their motivations, their goals allow for more character development throughout the musical.”

Just as the movie is known for its strikingly iconic visuals, the musical is making a mark by exploring who these characters are in the face of grief – all while making audiences laugh.

FROM HAUNTED HOUSES TO HAUNTING HEARTS

Beneath the flashy special effects, the uproarious comedy, and the catchy musical numbers lies the true spirit of Beetlejuice — a story of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Charles is at the center of this emotional journey. Audiences immediately recognize a man struggling to connect with his grieving daughter all while grappling with his own sense of inadequacy and uncertainty.

One of the most poignant moments comes in Act 2 when Charles and Lydia finally confront the emotional walls that have been separating them.

“Charles and Lydia have a really touching scene where a lot of the struggles they've been having get resolved,” Sharp says. “It's a beautiful, moving scene in the middle of a chaotic, comedic musical – it takes the audience by surprise.”

This scene, and others like it throughout the musical, serve as a reminder that even in the face of the most absurd and supernatural circumstances, it is the human connections that truly matter.

“Charles needed to have his world shaken up," Sharp says. "He needed to buy a haunted house. He needed to go to the netherworld. It's kind of a beautiful thing.”

Sharp adds that if Charles hadn't been thrust into these extraordinary circumstances, his emotional stagnation would have continued, untouched by the personal growth that the storyline pushes him towards.

“Beetlejuice is this massive disruption,” he says. The intrusion of the supernatural forces the characters to confront their grief and evolve beyond it, offering a mirror to the audience's own experiences with loss and change.

If Sharp could offer Charles advice at the outset of the musical, it would be simple yet profound: “Allow yourself time to grieve.”

Sharp acknowledges that following his advice would get in the way of the musical’s plot, but this sentiment touches on a universal truth. Many individuals busy themselves to avoid confronting their pain, a behavior Charles exemplifies as he tries to remodel his new home and court investors, masking his underlying grief with busyness and denial.

With over 500 performances over the last year and a half under his belt, Sharps believes audiences are drawn to the genuine emotional journeys of the characters — journeys that promise more than just laughter but a cathartic experience.

“The music is great and the laughs are endless, but what makes a musical like this sell out every show?" asks Sharp. “It’s the pathos.”

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

For Sharp, bringing Beetlejuice: The Musical to Louisville holds a special significance. His wife, Lexie Dorsett Sharp, has performed at The Kentucky Center multiple times, including a run of School of Rock.

“I love Louisville,” Sharp says. “We're coming into town a few days early to do some bourbon tasting, visit friends.”

He’s excited for Louisville audiences to see Beetlejuice for its heart, but also because it’s quite simply a frighteningly funny time.

“I know the show so well, and I still laugh every night. I break on stage when I'm not supposed to," Sharp says.

Some tickets may still be available for Beetlejuice: The Musical. Call The Kentucky Center box office at (502) 584-7777.

Danielle Marie Gonzalez (Miss Argentina), Isabella Esler (Lydia) and Jesse Sharp (Charles)

PHOTO BY MATTHEW

2024

ere’s no better time to explore your than in their 100th year! In 1924, the vision was to find the most special natural and historical places in the Commonwealth to preserve for future generations. Today, there are 44 Kentucky State Parks where guests can enjoy original structures and trails along with modern lodging, marinas, golf courses, museums, restaurants and campgrounds. It is a combination of the old and new traditions that have kept people coming back for 100 years.

Visit parks.ky.gov to decide where your next memories will be made! #kystateparks100 #kystateparks

KENTUCKY STATE PARKS SHINE IN MAY

From the abundance of bright blooms to warm, sunny days, Kentucky shines in May. It’s a wonderful time of year to explore Kentucky State Parks while you gaze at wildflowers, hike trails, and enjoy the fresh air. The parks are also planning a variety of events to usher in spring.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host a Herpetology Weekend on May 4. You can listen to special presentations, take part in field herping, and watch venom extractions performed by the Kentucky Reptile Zoo.

Also, on May 4, the Spring Fling Gift & Craft Show at Rough River Dam will feature prime shopping opportunities for Mother’s Day and other celebrations. Garden items, handmade jewelry, arts and crafts, Kentucky Proud foods, gift shop specials, and more will all be on hand.

Lace up your running shoes for the Cinco de Mayo 5K Run at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. This free run will begin at the Pioneer Museum and involve a full lap around the park. Participants who complete the full distance will receive a medal.

Celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby at My Old Kentucky Home State Park’s My Old Kentucky Barbeque on May 5. Plated barbeque meals, Kentucky burgoo, mint juleps, and Lily drinks await you,

along with a beer garden and live music. Additionally, the park is hosting a special Kentucky Derby exhibit, The Race is On! with horsey displays such as Secretariat’s racing silks, Derby hats, and silver mint julep cups. Tickets may be purchased at visitmyoldkyhome.com.

Fort Boonesborough State Park is also celebrating the Kentucky Derby with a slew of activities at the campground over the course of May 3 to 5. Sit down for a traditional burgoo dinner on Friday evening, followed by bingo and a Derby breakfast on Saturday morning. Crafts, games, and contests will take place throughout the weekend.

On May 11, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site will host Springfest, where visitors can learn about how to set up a wildflower garden, a monarch butterfly waystation, and other nature-related subjects. Organizations such as the Bluegrass Green Source, Wild Ones, the Garden Club of Kentucky, and other organizations will have booths.

Youngsters will enjoy Lewis and Clark Junior Ranger Day on May 18 at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, where they can watch fire-starting demonstrations, earn a Junior Ranger badge, and participate in crafts. Interpretive staff will lead a mock expedition along the Big Bone Creek Trail and share about Lewis and Clark’s connection to the park.

Old Fort Harrod State Park will host the Native Dawn Flute Gathering on May 24 to 26, which will host Native American artists and musicians. Come and enjoy the beautiful sounds and the artistry of the Native flute, along with food trucks, craft vendors, and more.

At the end of May, Memorial Day weekend will kick off summer, along with the opening of most pools and beaches at state parks. We recommend booking your summer trips now, especially at lake destinations.

For all events and activities, be sure to check details and confirm times at Parks.ky.gov/events.

Throughout 2024, Kentucky State Parks is planning special events in commemoration of its 100th anniversary celebration. For more information, go to Parks.ky.gov, where you can make plans to visit Kentucky’s 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks with restaurants, 30 campgrounds, and 13 golf courses.

Ft. Boonesborough State Park

Kentucky Dam Village Lake

IN PERFECT HARMONY

LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA'S TOUR EXTENDED THANKS TO STATE FUNDING by Louisville Orchestra

Thanks to the generosity and partnership of the Kentucky State Legislature, the Louisville Orchestra has been awarded a new budget appropriation of $4.3 million in state funds to continue its In Harmony: The Commonwealth Tour for two more years, through 2026. This initiative, under the expert guidance of Music Director Teddy Abrams, has been an incredible journey, reaching over 27,000 Kentuckians in 38 counties with more than 125 events.

“The past two years of touring the commonwealth of Kentucky have been transformative and affirming for the Louisville Orchestra and for me as an artist,” says Abrams. “We believe that this work is the core function of a modern cultural institution, and it has become our dream to continue this program far into the future.”

“The remarkable impact of the Louisville Orchestra's In Harmony tour plays a significant role in bridging the rural-urban divide,” says Senate President Robert Stivers. “This initiative extends beyond entertainment; it is a vehicle for education, cultural enrichment, and community cohesion. By supporting the continuation of this tour, we are investing in the cultural wealth of our commonwealth, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing the lives of Kentuckians through the arts. It’s initiatives like these that showcase the Bluegrass’ rich artistic heritage and pave the way for a future where everyone can participate and draw inspiration in the beauty of orchestral music."

This initiative extends beyond entertainment; it is a vehicle for education, cultural enrichment, and community cohesion.

EXPANDING AND INSPIRING

Building on its successful tour that began in 2022, the orchestra will introduce in-depth residencies and expand its community engagement efforts. Funding will also allow for the purchase of a mobile stage, breaking down a barrier of access and providing the opportunity to reach even deeper into communities.

Audiences can expect more inspiring performances, both new and returning that showcase the rich musical heritage of Kentucky. LO will also continue to host its educational and

 The Louisville Orchestra and Teddy Abrams on stage during a recent In Harmony tour stop.

Grace Roepke, Principal Harpist of the LO, presents to students as part of the In Harmony tour.

community events, including master classes and ensemble performances at local schools and community centers.

“The continued success of In Harmony: The Commonwealth Tour represents a unique investment in our state’s culture, improving quality of life and enriching our communities,” says House Speaker David Osborne. “The Louisville Orchestra’s initiative is a testament to the power of the arts in bringing Kentuckians together and reminding us that we have a great deal to take pride in and celebrate. We are pleased to allocate funding that will not only extend this valuable program but also amplify its reach to more communities, ensuring that every Kentuckian has the opportunity to experience this incredible asset to our Commonwealth.”

“With this extraordinary new appropriation from the General Assembly, we can build on what we started and we can expand our reach, our impact and our relationships,” says Graham Parker, LO’s Chief Executive. “We want to thank the leadership in the General Assembly, specifically President Stivers and Speaker Osbourne, for their unwavering and enthusiastic support for our tours. Without their partnership, none of our dreams would have come true.”

LO invites audiences across Kentucky to join in this journey and experience the transformative power music. Visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org/InHarmonyTour for the latest tour dates and locations.

Eats

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

BECOMEA MEMBER

Speed Members enjoy free admission, Members-only programming, discounts in the Museum store, and much more!

Join today! Visit speedmuseum.org/belong for details.

Photography: Josh Svoboda

THE SPEED COLLECTS: NATIVE AMERICAN ART

Marking a major milestone in the comprehensive reinstallation of its permanent collection that began in 2022, the Speed Art Museum recently opened its newly expanded and reimagined galleries of Native American art.

Curated by the Speed’s Curator of African and Native American Collections, Dr. Fari Nzinga, received input from Native artists, curators, and culture-bearers,

The Speed Collects: Native American Art will feature works from the museum’s collection alongside new interpretive text, while also showcasing recent acquisitions and notable loans of modern and contemporary Indigenous art, introducing new context and perspectives.

The new installation signals the Speed’s updated approach to curating and displaying its Native American art collection, moving away from an anthropological and historicizing view to one that celebrates living artistic practice and presence. Relocated to a larger and more central space within the museum, the new gallery places works in conversation with surrounding galleries and creates a more vibrant and engaging visitor experience, bringing objects out of glass display cases and adding new interpretive text that foregrounds Native voices, including quotes from the artists themselves and contributions from Native curators and scholars.

“The Speed’s deep research and collaboration with Native communities

throughout this reinstallation — establishing important relationships we will continue to invest in — exemplifies the authentic relationships and representation that we aim to bring to all aspects of our work,” said Speed Art Museum Director Raphaela Platow.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors into this transformed space as we continue to strengthen the museum’s role as a place of belonging, where

visitors can see their identities and experiences reflected through art.”

Highlights of the reinstallation include nine recent acquisitions and loans, on view for the first time, that bring contemporary Indigenous art into the conversation, infusing the predominantly early 20th-century collection with a new array of later 20th- and 21st-century works spanning painting, textile, sculpture, and works on paper.

Big Bear Ghost Dance of The Great Mystery

inviting Tribes to visit the Museum and view the collection firsthand for further consultation.

Among the five new acquisitions is a notable work on paper by Chris Pappan, a Chicago-based artist of Osage, Kaw, Cheyenne River Sioux, and mixed European heritage. Four major loans from the Santa Fe-based Tia Collection — a painting by Linda Lomahaftewa (HopiChoctaw), a Diné dye chart by Vera Myers (Diné), a work on paper by Frank Big Bear (Ojibwe), and a painting by acclaimed artist, educator, and art historian Arthur Amiotte (Oglala Lakota) — will establish a rotating series of works by contemporary Native artists, refreshed annually to bring new perspectives to the museum.

“This reinstallation has been guided by the awareness of our responsibility to showcase the breadth of Native American art in a thoughtful and intentional way — reconsidering what we display, how, and why; honoring the living context of ceremonial and collectively held objects;

and bringing the voices of contemporary Native artists, curators, and scholars into the gallery directly,” said Dr. Nzinga. “With the reopening of the galleries, we are excited about the possibilities of this new forum for meaningful programming and continued research in active collaboration with Native communities.”

The Speed laid the groundwork for this reinstallation in 2023 with the decision to relocate the Native American art galleries, temporarily removing the collection from view in order to prioritize provenance research and establish relationships with Tribal leaders and liaisons, proactively opening up the entire collection for review to ensure respectful and appropriate display practices, as well as compliance with federal law, including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Following the reopening of the galleries, the Speed will continue this ongoing dialogue,

With the opening of the new Native American galleries, the Speed’s reinstallation initiative — the first major overhaul of its permanent collection since 2016 — is more than halfway to completion. Later this year, the museum will unveil The Speed Collects: Into a Modern World, reframing its celebrated 19th- and 20th-century collections around new thematic arrangements; a suite of contemporary galleries; and The Kentucky Gallery Reimagined, updating the display of its unrivaled collection of works by Kentucky artists to explore the diverse histories and artistic traditions of the Bluegrass State.

Guided by the Speed’s community-driven approach to curation and programming, the institution-wide reinstallation places contemporary and historical works in new contexts to spark reflection and conversation around timely cultural issues. Across the reinstallation, the Speed is bringing 30% more art out of storage and highlighting new acquisitions, commissions, and loans, with a focus on artists who have historically been marginalized and underrepresented in the canon.

To learn more about The Speed Collects: Native American Art, click here or visit speedmuseum.org .

Top: Amiotte Buffalo Image. Above: Ainachewak Alaska Native Cribbage Board Right: Polelonema Bride Woman

THE MANY FACES of the LOUISVILLE PALACE

by G. Douglas Dreisbach

One of the crown jewels of the city, the Louisville Palace Theatre serves as a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era. Within its opulent walls, a spectacle awaits, not only upon the stage but in the abundant European and Spanish décor that grabs the attention of any guest — whether it’s their first or 50th visit.

Features include the original plaster statues dating back to the theater’s grand opening in 1928, elaborate upholstery and furniture throughout, a starlit sky that graces the ceiling of the auditorium, and more.

However, one of the most mesmerizing displays is found high above in the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the lobby, where

you will find a total of 139 sculptures of iconic faces from the past. These figures represent the titans of the arts and entertainment eras gone by, and a nod to the founding architects who made it all happen.

There are a total of 12 men depicted with each bust, represented up to 13 times each. Below is the full list of the legends, composers, playwrights, and designers who are immortalized in the ceiling, as well as how many times they appear.

We hope you get the chance to admire the intricacies of the beautifully sculpted ceiling on your next visit to the historic Louisville Palace.

For upcoming concerts and events at the Louisville Palace, visit LouisvillePalace.com

Palace Theater Lobby