Audience Magazine | Louisville Arts & Entertainment | September 2023

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

PNC BROADWAY IN LOUISVILLE Wicked Returns in a Special Anniversary Tour Page 6

PERFORMING ARTS Two Great Shows to See in September Page 12

A 'WICKED' GOOD SEASON AHEAD

… Everyone deserves a chance to fly!

– Stephen Schwartz, Wicked: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

It’s our favorite season!! And not because we detect the faint aroma of pumpkin spice in the air. Nope, we’re talking about the new performing arts season. The fact that fall weather is right around the corner is just a happy coincidence.

Yessiree, September is an exciting month for Louisville performing arts lovers — two of theater’s favorite witches are back in town after a long hiatus. We’ll all be flying high when Wicked swoops in on its broomsticks at The Kentucky Center starting September 20. Find out more about what you can expect from the show — and why this particular tour is such a big deal — on page 6.

Speaking of big deals, have you seen the line-up for Bourbon & Beyond? If you haven’t, we just don’t know who you are anymore! Just kidding (sort of). But seriously, read our recommendations on page 22 of what bands to see and when during this incredible weekend of music. There truly is something for everyone, from modern rock to classic sounds, from veteran performers to the new kids on the block (well, not those guys, but you get what we mean.)

Amy Higgs Managing Editor

We’re also excited about two acts Kentucky Performing Arts is bringing to town this month — the relatable comedian Steve Treviño and the prolific musician Brian Culbertson. Check out page 12 for spotlights on each of them. Looking a little further ahead, the much-anticipated St. James Court Art Show will be held the first weekend in October, and it will once again have a performing arts element. Find out more on page 18.

Rounding out this issue of Audience Magazine, don’t miss the exciting announcement about a new, outdoor park at the Speed Art Museum on page 16, and some great news about our statewide youth arts program from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on page 10.

As always, we have our generous advertisers to thank for allowing us to bring you all these fantastic stories, at no charge to you.

We’re thrilled to be along for the ride as another performing arts season takes flight. We’ll see you at the theater!

As the curtain rises, Amy & Doug

G. Douglas Dreisbach Publisher

MANAGING

CREATIVE

SALES

CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel

Brian

G.

PNC

Steve

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

PASSING THE MAGIC

WICKED'S GENERATIONAL ENCORE IN LOUISVILLE

by Daniel Chioco

PERFORMANCE PREVIEW

September 20 - October 8, 2023

In the radiant pantheon of Broadway, few musicals shimmer with the enduring allure of Wicked

A mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant characters, emotive scores, and a narrative that turns familiar tales on their heads, this masterpiece has captivated audiences globally, weaving its magic for almost two decades. But beyond its dazzling visuals and enthralling performances lies a deeper magic, one that transcends time and binds generations.

Imagine parents, with memories of their first encounter with the Emerald City, now clutching the eager hands of their children, leading them into the world of Elphaba and Glinda. It’s not just a musical; it's a rite of passage, a legacy. As the curtain rises in Louisville, it isn’t merely about revisiting Oz but about experiencing the power of a shared cultural heritage. This generational embrace, where stories of old are retold with renewed vigor, forms the heart of Wicked’s timeless charm. And as Leslie Broecker, President of PNC Broadway in Louisville, rightly put it, this isn't just a performance — it's a layered experience, evolving with each new generation that gets touched by its enchantment.

ALL THAT A MUSICAL SHOULD BE

In the thriving arts scene of Louisville, few voices carry as much weight and passion as Broecker's. As the face of Broadway in Louisville, she's been an instrumental figure in knitting together the rich tapestry of Broadway performances with the culture and history of the city.

Broecker has witnessed firsthand the undying loyalty of Louisville's audiences. "Sales have been tremendous. People are so happy to be back in the theater," she says. “This isn't

just about a city enjoying a performance; it's a testament to an audience's resilience and unyielding love for the stage, especially after a year of uncertainty and longing.

"The live experience is the live experience," she emphasizes, capturing the essence of why Wicked is more than just another tour stop in Louisville. After a hiatus since 2015, which she notes was "actually a long window," the show's return could've been sooner if not for global events. Yet, the delay only seems to have heightened the city's anticipation.

"Wicked doesn’t begin until Wednesday evening,” Broecker adds. “They actually took an extra day to get the show ready to go.”

It's a nod to the meticulous preparations and the promise of an unparalleled experience for the audience. "It has all the elements of what a fabulous musical should have,” she says. “That’s why this show has been the success it has been."

With Broecker at the helm, Louisville is not just watching a musical; it's becoming part of an evolving legacy.

 Celia Hottenstein as Glinda and Olivia Valli as Elphaba in the National Tour of Wicked. Photo by Joan Marcus.

...this isn't just a performance — it's a layered experience, evolving with each new generation that gets touched by its enchantment."

− Leslie Broecker, President of PNC Broadway in Louisville

BROADWAY IN THE BLUEGRASS

Nestled within the rolling bluegrass hills, Louisville has always been more than just a city of horse races and baseball bats. It's been a cultural crossroad, an epicenter of artistry and theater, where stories from around the world find resonance in its heartland spirit.

Historically, the city's theaters have been stages for grand tales of love, tragedy, comedy, and magic. From the ornate facades of grand auditoriums to the cozy corners of intimate playhouses, every brick and curtain in Louisville seems to whisper tales of bygone performances.

This is not a city that merely watches; it immerses, it engages, and it passes on.

Generations of Louisvillians have sat under the same ceiling, basking in the glow of stage lights. Parents who still remember when they heard “Popular” or “Defying Gravity” for the first time now watch as their children, wide-eyed and enthralled, experience the same wonder. It's this intertwining of the past and present, this sharing of joy and awe, that makes Louisville's theater scene uniquely poignant.

With Wicked gracing the stage once more, it's not just a Broadway hit returning; it's another chapter in Louisville's storied theater heritage, waiting to be shared and cherished.

A CELEBRATION OF MILESTONES

Two decades is a long time for any production to hold the stage, and yet, Wicked does it with an ease that feels almost magical. As the curtain rises in cities around the world in 2023, it's a milestone moment — the musical celebrates its 20th anniversary on the illustrious stages of Broadway.

And what makes this moment truly spellbinding? The Emerald City’s magic unfurls right here in Louisville during this monumental milestone. "It will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Broadway while they're in Louisville,” says Broecker.

Hosting Wicked during this landmark year isn't just an ordinary event for Louisville. It's a mark of distinction, a nod to the city's vibrant theater culture, and an affirmation of its status as a premier destination for Broadway tours.

BEHIND THE SONGS

Music has a way of speaking directly to our souls, and Wicked has been no exception in weaving its musical tapestry across heartstrings globally. The songs — poignant, jubilant, introspective — have painted the skies of Oz with emotions felt universally.

Broecker shares some of her treasured moments in the musical: "I love 'For Good,' because it speaks to the passion of friendship. 'I've been changed for good because I knew you.' That's the crux of friendship."

Such raw sentiments mirror our own experiences, reminding us of timeless bonds and memories forged in song and story.

YOUNG STARS, OLD FAVORITES

With each performance, Wicked undergoes a rejuvenation, embracing fresh talent while remaining anchored in its legacy. This tour showcases a thrilling blend of the past meeting the present with Frankie Valli's granddaughter, Olivia Valli, stepping into Elphaba's shoes.

"She's an up and comer,” says Broecker. “It's neat to have her here after we presented The Jersey Boys." The interplay between established legacies and emerging stars offers audiences a unique narrative experience, one where timeless tales find new voices.

Now, more than ever, Louisville beckons with a promise of magic — a tale told across generations, waiting to be embraced once more. Join hands with loved ones old and young, and step into the world of Wicked. Feel the thrum of shared memories, the pull of songs that have become lullabies, and witness as a story unfolds, bridging gaps between generations.

"I hope when someone comes to the theater,” says Broecker, “they get goosebumps.”

So, Louisville, here's your chance to feel that enchantment once more. Come, be a part of this generational encore. Tickets are available at Louisville.Broadway.com or by calling 502-584-7777.

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

SUPPORTING THE ARTS IN KENTUCKY

by Gov. Andy Beshear

Kentucky is full of rich arts and culture. From writers to musicians, artists and performers, we are blessed to have so many talented Kentuckians across our commonwealth sharing their skills and inspiring us all.

The arts are transformative. They provide entertainment and spark joy, while also fueling our economy and driving tourism. Generating $6.1 billion annually in economic impact and supporting over 47,000 jobs, it’s easy to see why the arts are crucial to Kentucky.

Kentucky is cultivating a well-established legacy of arts investment. The BeshearColeman administration has been committed to investing in the industry as part of Team Kentucky’s initiative to build a better Kentucky through tourism and economic development. In 2021, the commonwealth invested nearly $1.7 million in federal funding to support recovery of the arts industry. Last year, we announced that six arts organizations

would receive $500,000 to support economic growth and recovery.

We also worked to invest in our celebrated Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) program, which has provided more than 7,000 students with skills that have prepared them to be the future leaders of Kentucky. Reinforcing our commitment to education, we committed additional funding to expand access to more students. As a dad, I understand how important it is for every child to have the opportunity to grow and succeed

For the past two years, GSA has doubled its class size, allowing more than 500 students to access this unique experience. Investing this supplemental funding into GSA is another positive step toward ensuring that education and cultural opportunities reach students in every community in the commonwealth. Funding will continue to support this expanded capacity through the summer of 2024.

Kentucky is one of the only states that offers a statewide arts program, tuitionfree, to high school students. As a result, our workforce is full of highly trained and skilled future workers. When looking for inspiring accounts of young people who represent the best of Kentucky, there is no shortage of success stories.

Arts education isn't just for those pursuing careers in the arts; it teaches problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that are important for any profession or line of work.

The arts bring us together and celebrate the diversity of our commonwealth, representing Kentuckians from all parts of the state. As we enter the fall and a new season of performances, exhibits and other artistic displays, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting this critical industry. Join me in purchasing tickets to local performances and supporting the arts. Your involvement truly makes a difference.

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TWO CLASS ACTS

KPA BRINGS BOTH A RELATABLE COMIC AND A PROLIFIC MUSICIAN TO LOUISVILLE STAGES THIS MONTH

Steve Treviño (Comedian)

Brian Culbertson (Musician)

ne of the most amazing things about Louisville's arts scene is the variety of performers and styles that graces our stages year after year. During any given month, patrons can enjoy a play or musical, a comedy or improv show, a concert featuring every genre you can imagine, professional dance troupes, and more.

September is no exception. Kentucky Performing Arts is proud to bring two exciting acts to local audiences that could not be more opposite. Read more about these two men — and two wildly different talents — below. Get tickets to both shows at KentuckyPerformingArts.com.

STEVE TREVIÑO — AMERICA’S FAVORITE HUSBAND

Saturday, September 16, 2023

8PM | Brown Theatre

Comedian Steve Treviño is “America’s Favorite Husband.” He can “speak wife fluently,” he never calls “the guys” for help on a home project, and he knows better than to “make his own decisions,” since decision-making is a privilege reserved solely for his wife, Renae.

His relatable approach affirms his status as one of the country’s fastest-rising comics, viewed over 223 million times, selling out shows coast to coast, amassing over 2 million total social media followers, and headlining specials for Amazon, Netflix, Showtime, and more.

He started cutting his teeth in Dallas, Texas, working as a door guy at the Improv and earning himself a spot to open the iconic 2001 “Three Amigos Comedy Tour.” He quickly earned his stripes and an audience on the comedy club circuit, and he began headlining on his own by the age of 25. He delivered side-

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Steve Treviño

September 16, 2023

Brian Culbertson

September 27, 2023

splitting performances on “The Late Late Show” and “Comics Unleashed,” and produced and wrote for international Grammy Award-winning superstar, Pitbull’s La Esquina.

Treviño’s first Showtime special, “Grandpa Joe’s Son,” staked out a spot in the Nielsen Top 20. He funded, produced, and shot his 2014 runaway Netflix hit “Relatable.” To promote the special, he uploaded a clip titled, “When Your Wife Comes Home From Shopping.” It exploded, generating 56 million views on Facebook alone and paving the way for heavily shared clips such as “When You Ask Your Wife If She Wants McDonald’s” (21 million views) and “When Going to Vegas With Your Wife Goes Wrong” (4 million views).

Co-produced by Nacelle, the follow-up special, “Steve Trevino ’Til Death,” arrived in 2018. Steve maintained his momentum by broadening his social media presence through fans redoing bits of his comedy specials and posting them to TikTok. In less than two years, that grassroots effort helped him build a worldwide fanbase on the platform from the ground up, amassing 4.8 million likes and over 50 million views on the platform, while also changing up his entire social media game.

In 2020, he and his wife, Renae, unveiled a joint weekly podcast entitled “Steve Treviño and Captain Evil,” that has generated over 1.5 million views/streams and is now in Season 3. He also filmed his fourth self-produced comedy special, “My Life in Quarantine,” which was picked up by Amazon Prime. The oncein-a-lifetime pandemic special was shot in front of a masked, socially distanced crowd and focused on the ups and downs of getting through quarantine.

Treviño regularly raises money for Helicopters for Heroes, an organization benefiting veterans, for whom he helped raise over $1.5 million in the past two years

His self-produced fifth special filmed in Waco, Texas, entitled “I Speak Wife,” is available exclusively to his global audience on YouTube. For more about Treviño, visit www.stevetrevino.com

Article courtesy of Steve Treviño.

 "America's Favorite Husband" Steve Treviño brings the laughs, while the unique sounds of Brian Culbertson might make audiences shed a few tears.

BRIAN CULBERTSON — THE TRILOGY TOUR

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

7:30PM | The Kentucky Center – Bomhard Theater

Over the course of crafting a 25-album catalog and architecting nearly 40 Billboard No. 1 singles as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Brian Culbertson has charted his own unique course in music.

Label him jazz, and he makes a funk record. Call him an R&B artist, and he drops an acoustic jazz trio collection. Brand him pop and he creates a 32-minute New Age opus. And you’d be hard-pressed to name another instrumentalist of his ilk who can mount an elaborately designed concert production that will keep him on the road for three consecutive months.

Culbertson burst onto the scene in 1994 with a chart-topping album that he recorded in his college apartment featuring keyboard-led contemporary jazz tracks. “Long Night Out” landed him a lengthy record deal and signaled that a star was born.

Flash forward to present day, Culbertson composed 30 songs that populate the three albums in “The Trilogy” that describes the three-part arc of a long-term relationship: the hot and steamy “falling in love” phase, the rocky middle when

perhaps they even break up for a bit, and the couple reunites to live “happily ever after” phase.

The Trilogy Tour will feature a mix of songs from “The Trilogy” albums, as well as the greatest hits from his catalog.

“Hearing the three albums in a row provides the context. All the songs on ‘Red’ (October 2021) were clearly about passion and love. ‘Blue’ (January 2022) is melancholy and sad songs, breakup songs and ‘losing people’ songs. Once you get to part three, ‘White’ (May 2022) is all about songs that have an uplifting feel to them. Stylistically, they all feel similar even though they are emotionally broad," says Culbertson.

Possessing style, panache and a savvy business mind capable of moving the needle in music and beyond, Culbertson founded and curates the annual Napa Valley and Chicago Jazz Getaways, which have attracted guests from all over the globe to experience his premier events.

Whether you’re listening to music from “The Trilogy” on record or live in concert, you’re hearing an eclectic, entertaining, and engaging set from an artist at the peak of his power.

Article courtesy of Brian Culberson.

2023-24 Season

at the Trager Family JCC

SEPT 29, 2023–JAN 7, 2024

AMERICAN ART FROM THE PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

Featuring nearly one hundred artworks spanning four centuries of American art history, Stories Retold: American Art from the Princeton University Art Museum reveals many of the fascinating, challenging, and even controversial stories that have been told about these artworks over time – and offers us compelling new ways of seeing these works to reflect the times in which we now live.

Reserve tickets at speedmuseum.org

This exhibition is made possible by the leadership support of the Terra Foundation for American Art and organized by the Princeton University Art Museum.

Additional major support provided by:

Carol Sharpe Harper, Grafton

Harper and Spencer Harper III

DAV FAM Art Fund

Carol and Tracy Farmer

Max and Ellen Shapira

Media sponsor

Exhibition season sponsored by: Cary Brown and Steven E. Epstein

Sociable Weaver Foundation

Debra and Ronald Murphy

DAV FAM Art Fund

Detail: Renee Cox, born 1960, Colgate, Jamaica; active New York, NY

The Signing, 2018, printed 2022

Inkjet print 28 3/4 x 84 in.

Princeton University Art Museum Museum purchase, Kathleen Compton Sherrerd Fund for Acquisitions in American Art © Renee Cox

A WALK TO REMEMBER

Speed Art Museum to Transform Grounds into Three-Acre Public Sculpture Park and Community Gathering Space

The Speed Art Museum recently announced the Speed Outdoors, a project that will transform three acres of grounds surrounding the museum into a vibrant public green space and cultural environment. Slated to open in late 2025, the ungated, public sculpture park will create a welcoming extension of the museum with free and open access at all hours, inviting the public to engage with the Speed as a cultural and community anchor of Louisville while extending the museum’s collection beyond its galleries.

A bequest from Reverend Al and Mary Shands of 13 large-scale sculptures by some of the world’s leading artists — including Zaha Hadid, Sol LeWitt, Kulapat Yantrasast, and Deborah Butterfield — will augment the art park's inaugural installations. A $22 million capital campaign is underway to raise funds for construction and ongoing operations, ensuring the art park will flourish and serve the community for years to come.

The Speed Outdoors art park will create new opportunities for the museum to display its growing collection of outdoor sculpture, collaborate with artists specializing in outdoor and land art, and present creative programming outside of its physical walls.

“The Speed Outdoors represents our vision for a museum shaped by dedication to inclusivity, belonging,

and boundless forms of creativity,” said Raphaela Platow, Director of the Speed Art Museum. “Paying homage to the Olmsted brothers’ dream of a Louisville connected by public parklands and emphasizing the restorative potential of accessible green space, it will serve as a welcoming forum for the whole community to connect with art, nature, and each other for generations to come.”

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

As one of few parks free and open to the public in central Louisville, the Speed Outdoors will fill a longstanding need for public green space in one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods, providing equitable access to outdoor areas for gathering, relaxation, and recreation.

The six-acre park encircling the museum will also benefit the local ecosystem

through pollinator-friendly native fauna, a revitalized shade canopy created by planting at least 150 new native trees, and advanced water management systems, designed in partnership with arborists and native plant experts. The park is anticipated to serve as many as 500,000 visitors each year, including the thousands of University of Louisville students and faculty who will pass through the area each day.

Developed in coordination with the university — on whose campus the Speed is located and operates independently

of — the Speed Outdoors marks a new chapter of collaboration between the two institutions that will reinforce the museum’s role as an academic, cultural, and community resource.

“This is a pivotal opportunity for the Speed to expand its impact as a cultural hub of Louisville, continuing to respond to the community’s needs and providing something truly transformative for the region,” said Lopa Mehrotra, Chair of the Speed’s Board of Trustees. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the city, the university, our supporters, and our community partners to bring

this visionary project to fruition and sustain it for generations to come.”

With spaces for rest and play, as well as year-round public programming for all ages, including concerts, yoga classes, meditation, and outdoor learning activities, the Speed Outdoors celebrates the power of connecting with art and nature, bringing people together and supporting personal wellbeing alongside the shared goal of a sustainable future. The Speed’s capital campaign for the project includes funds for ongoing maintenance and programmatic support long after its opening.

The Speed Outdoors is made possible thanks to the generous support of key donors that also include the 2009 multimillion-dollar gift from the Cressman Family, establishing what is currently named as Elizabeth P. and Frederick K. Cressman Art Park and Piazza. The project is managed by PLC Management, BOSSE Construction, K. Norman Berry Associates Architects with design by Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects.

To learn more about Speed Outdoors art park, please visit speedoutdoors.org or contact Stacy GordonFunk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at sgordon-funk@speedmuseum.org.

EVENTS WE LOVE

THE ART SHOW THAT GIVES BACK

67th Annual St. James Court Art Show Returns October 6-8

A 67-year-old tradition, the St. James Court Art Show takes place annually on the first weekend in October. During this three-day event, visitors will find delightful works of art in 17 artistic mediums, from clay to wood, lovingly created by over 600 talented artists. Bringing more than 250,000 visitors to Old Louisville, people come from near and far to purchase one-of-a-kind, handcrafted art directly from the artists who created them.

Adding to St. James Court Art Show’s list of awards and accolades, it was most recently named the “No. 1 Best Fine Art & Design Show in America,” ranking among 200 of the nation's most profitable art and craft festivals, by Sunshine Artist Magazine. The annual list is ranked based on subscribers’ reported sales in 2021.

The list is based entirely on revenue because “that’s the most objective indicator of a show’s future success,” according to the magazine’s press release. “Subjective attributes such as artist treatment, amenities, attendance levels, management, or even overall quality can certainly impact sales, but they’re harder to gauge and therefore have no direct bearing on these rankings.”

“The credit for this wonderful honor goes to the team that makes this art show a success,” says Howard Rosenberg, St. James Court Art Show Executive Director. “We never think about rankings. It’s about being the best we can be and improving every year. Our focus is first and foremost on the artists that participate in the art show and doing everything we can to make sure they have a great experience and are

successful. We never take anything for granted. We do what we do because we believe it is the right thing to do. We never lose our focus.”

Receiving the No. 1 ranking of the Best Fine Art Show in America is made even greater when one considers that the voters, who are the artists themselves, were deeply affected by the economic impact of the pandemic. According to Sunshine Artist, the ballot asked artists to list the top 10 most profitable art and/or craft shows they exhibited at in 2021, indicate their level of gross sales at each event, and note whether they consider themselves to be fine artists or craftspeople for each event. The results were tabulated using a weighted scale based on four sales levels to ensure that all events can compete against each other fairly.

PERFORMANCE MEETS ART

In 2022, the St. James Court Art Show demonstrated its role as a premiere arts destination with the inclusion of a Local Performance Village. The Art Show is once again partnering with Fund for the Arts, the Trager Family Jewish Community Center CenterStage, and Kentucky Shakespeare to showcase a series of performances from different cultures

and forms of art. The stage will move to an expanded tree canopy in Central Park to welcome even more visitors.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back the Local Performance Village to the St. James Court Art Show,” says Rosenberg. “This partnership highlights our strong community connections. Adding performing art that promotes our talented community performers just made sense.”

St. James Court Art Show is one of the longest-running art shows of its kind in the country. What originally began as a way to pay the bills has become an autumn tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to see (and purchase) original art from talented artists.

To pay homage to the amazing artists and preserve the Art Show’s rich history, the St. James Court Art Show will donate a 2016 “60th Anniversary” print by Mark Bird, as well as a “25th Anniversary” print by Malcolm Bird, and C. M. “Sonny” Whittle to the Filson Historical Society during a press conference on Wednesday, September 6. Founded in 1884, Filson is a privately supported historical society dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the significant history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.

Make plans to attend the 67th annual St. James Court Art Show the first weekend in October. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit at stjamescourtartshow.com for more information.

THEN & NOW

Carter Dry Goods (1922) vs. Louisville Science Center (Now)

Except for a brief period during the Civil War, Carter Dry Goods served as Louisville's premier purveyor of wholesale dry goods from 1854 to 1954. The company moved into this spacious four-story building in the 700 block of West Main Street in 1878. Carter Dry Goods continued to be locally owned until 1954, when it was sold to an out-oftown firm and moved from downtown.

In 1977, the city of Louisville purchased the Carter Dry Goods building and renovated it to become the Museum of Natural History and Science, and to provide space for some city government offices.

Several of the museum's core exhibits, including a pair of stuffed polar bears, were formerly housed in the Louisville Free Public Library's Museum. A few of the artifacts and natural history specimens date even further back to the 19th-century collections of the Louisville Polytechnic Society.

Renamed and now organized as its own nonprofit institution, the Louisville Science Center occupies the entire building and includes Louisville's first IMAX movie theater.

 Carter Dry Goods and National Grocer, Louisville, Kentucky, 1922. Caufield & Shook Collection.

 Louisville Science Center, Louisville, Kentucky, 2006. Bill Carner and Christine Leake with Aron Conaway for Louisville: Then and Now.

Caption by James E. Manasco with assistance from Archives & Special Collections for Louisville: Then and Now.

September 14-17, 2023

FROM MODERN TO CLASSIC

This year’s Bourbon & Beyond has something for everyone

By G. Douglas Dreisbach

Who is ready for another weekend of chest-pounding music from iconic bands and musicians while enjoying refreshing cocktails and impeccable food? Fold in over 100,000 of your closest festival-loving friends and you know it will be an event to remember!

Bourbon & Beyond is tuned up and ready to return to the Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center in Louisville on September 14, 15, 16, and 17 for what will be another great weekend of celebrating the perfect blend of bourbon, food, and music.

“Bourbon & Beyond is our love letter to the city of Louisville and the great state of Kentucky,” says Danny Wimmer, Founder of Danny Wimmer Presents. “We can’t wait to showcase why Louisville

has become our home away from home, so having the opportunity to curate an unbelievable festival experience rooted in amazing musical performances combined with our passion for bourbon and culinary arts is our dream come true.”

This year’s line-up is loaded with over 65 acts ranging from legendary bands

like The Black Crowes, Duran Duran, and Blondie, to more modern and new musicians topping the charts like Bruno Mars, Billy Strings, and Brandi Carlile.

With so many acts and stages, and so little time, deciding on who to see and when becomes a challenge within itself. The set-up for the festival is convenient for headlining acts, with side-by-side main stages. One band will play their set while the other is breaking down the previous set and setting up for the next, providing a seamless transition from act to act.

Tickets are limited, but still available. If you are planning on attending, be sure to check out some of our favorite performers.

The Black Crowes

Billy Strings

THURSDAY

The main acts on Thursday are going to be two of the best singer-songwriters around. We highly recommend you check out the hottest bluegrass jammer on the planet, Billy Strings. If you haven’t seen him, plan your evening around him. Another big name to wrap the evening will be vocal powerhouse, Brandi Carlile, who offers a mixture of folk rock and country and is sure to have an energetic set.

Under the radar bands for Thursday are Midland, who will bring their classic country sounds with hits like “Drinking Problem” and “Burn Out.” If you like the blues, one of the most influential guitarists around, Buddy Guy, will be on hand with his smooth voice and influential sounds.

FRIDAY

As we get into the weekend, the line-up presents more classic bands as well as modern names. Celebrate the ’80s with English rock band Duran Duran and take a trip back in time with hits like “Hungry Like a Wolf,” “Rio,” and “Girls on Film.” This was an interesting pick by Team Wimmer and will be fun to see.

Another big set that will bring a lot of energy is The Killers showcasing some of their American rock hits, including “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” When you look at the Friday list, one name that popped out and actually made us look twice was the man, the myth, the legend, Wayne Newton

Under the radar bands for Friday include British pop rock band Bastille known for

their harmonics and synthesized sounds, including popular songs like “Pompeii” and “Happier.” Another great band flying under the radar on Friday is Boy Named Banjo, who will put on a great show with a mix of bluegrass and fun jams with the banjo, mandolin, and bass.

SATURDAY

In what will surely rival the record crowds of previous Bourbon & Beyond years, the Saturday line-up is smoking hot. The trio of main stage acts are The Black Keys, The Black Crows, and The Avett Brothers with each showcasing their own styles and sounds.

The Black Keys are an indie rock band with an alternative, fast-paced, highenergy sound with songs like “Lonely Boy” and “Howlin’ For You.” The Black Crows have stood the test of time and have been rocking since the 1980s with hits like “Hard to Handle,” “Jealous Again,” and “She Talks to Angels.” Their album, “Shake Your Money Maker,” just might be the best rock album ever released, in our opinion! And to close out Saturday, The Avett Brothers are a fun, folk-rock band that tend toward breakout jams during songs and will surely close out the day in style.

Under the radar bands for Saturday are plentiful with several gems to check out. Rocking out stages since the late ’90s is popular Americana string band Old Crow Medicine Show, who originated the hit song “Wagon Wheel” and other popular tracks like “Take ‘em Away” and “James River Blues.” Don’t miss this set as the fiddle playing and jam sessions will be fantastic.

For a more subtle set with a bit of Hollywood sprinkled in, Luke Grimes takes the stage on Saturday with his smooth back-country sounds similar to a Zac Bryan, Ryan Bingham or Lukas Nelson. He is also a popular actor having starred in hit films such as “American Sniper” and “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

SUNDAY

Sunday brings an end to a full weekend of great music and fun, but Bourbon & Beyond won’t go down without a fight. Team Wimmer saves a couple of the biggest names to close out this year’s iconic music festival with Bruno Mars, Blondie, Ryan Bingham, and more. Bruno Mars is a household name that will draw a crowd, potentially breaking past festival attendance records. Get there early to stake your spot for myriad hits, including “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Grenade,” and more.

Another great set that will be full of songs you know by heart is 1970s and ’80s rock band Blondie, whose hits include “Call Me,” “One Way or Another,” and “Heart of Glass.”

Probably one of the most under-theradar acts of the day, and possibly the weekend, is Ryan Bingham, who brings his rustic voice, rhythmic guitar and charming lyrics to the stage for a great mix including “Sunrise,” “Southside of Heaven, and “Tell My Mother I Miss Her So.” Bingham hails from New Mexico and found his way onto the music scene after hitchhiking to Texas and picking up gigs when he could. After a set in Fort Worth one night, Marc Ford from the Black Crows approached Bingham and offered to record an album. You might also recognize him from his 23 appearances in the hit show, “Yellowstone.”

All in all, if you like great music, tasty food, and sipping on Kentucky Bourbon or other great cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a weekend at Bourbon & Beyond. Download the app and plan accordingly, take your time, and soak it all in.

For more tickets and information, visit BourbonandBeyond.com.

Bruno Mars

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!

SEPTEMBER

8 An Evening w. John Cusack (Lecture/Seminar)

8PM The Louisville Palace LouisvillePalace.com

9 Fund For The Arts Celebration of The Arts 7PM Paristown Hall FundForTheArts.org

9-10 Big Four Arts Festival Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park BigFourArtsFestival.org

11 Eric Johnson (Guitar-Musician)

8PM Mercury Ballroom MercuryBallroom.com

16

Diana Ross (Musician)

8PM

The Louisville Palace LouisvillePalace.com

14-17

Bourbon & Beyond (Music Festival) Highlands Festival Grounds, Kentucky Expo Center BourbonandBeyond.com

15-17

Bluey's Big Play (Children's TV Show)

Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center KentuckyPerformingArts.org

16

Steve Treviño: America's Favorite Husband Tour (Comedian)

8PM

Brown Theatre

KentuckyPerformingArts.org

20-October 8 (24 Shows)

Broadway in Louisville Wicked Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center Louisville.Broadway.com

21-24

Louder Than Life (Music Festival)

Highlands Festival Grounds, Kentucky Expo Center LouderThanLifeFestival.com

23

Houndmouth

8PM

The Burl (Lexington) TheBurlKY.com

23

Carbonaro: Lies on Stage (Magic & Illusion)

7PM

The Louisville Palace LouisvillePalace.com

24

Here Come The Mummies (Band of Random Musicians)

8PM Mercury Ballroom MercuryBallroom.com

27

James McMurtry

8PM The Burl (Lexington) TheBurlKY.com

27

Brian Culbertson: The Trilogy Tour (Musician)

7:30PM

The Bomhard Theater at The Kentucky Center KentuckyPerformingArts.org

OCTOBER

6-8 St. James Court Art Show St. James Court, Old Louisvllle StJamesCourtArtShow.com

20-21

Jim Gaffigan: Barely Alive Tour (Comedian)

7PM

The Louisville Palace LouisvillePalace.com

17

An Evening w. David Sedaris (Comedian)

7:30PM

Brown Theatre KentuckyPerformingArts.org

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

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