LEO Weekly June 2, 2021

PLAY BALL!

THE LOUISVILLE BATS ARE BACK AND SLUGGER FIELD GOT BETTER

A MILESTONE AND MORE CHALLENGES: VACCINES AND LOUISVILLE | PAGE 5

THE LOUISVILLE BALLET’S SIGNATURE CHOREOGRAPHER’S SHOWCASE | PAGE 17

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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LOUISVILLE ECCENTRIC OBSERVER

Volume 31 | Number 25 974 BRECKENRIDGE LANE #170. LOUISVILLE KY 40207 PHONE (502) 895-9770 FAX (502) 895-9779

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PLAY BALL!

ON THE COVER

THE LOUISVILLE BATS ARE BACK AND SLUGGER FIELD GOT BETTER

A MILESTONE AND MORE CHALLENGES: VACCINES AND LOUISVILLE | PAGE 5

COVER BY TALON HAMPTON

THE LOUISVILLE BALLET’S SIGNATURE CHOREOGRAPHER’S SHOWCASE | PAGE 17

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LEO Weekly is published weekly by LEO Weekly LLC. Copyright LEO Weekly LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Publisher. LEO Weekly is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express permission of LEO Weekly LLC. LEO Weekly may be distributed only by authorized independent contractors or authorized distributors. Louisville Eccentric Observer (LEO) is a trademark of LEO Weekly LLC.

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

VIEWS

EDITOR’S NOTE

MCCONNELL IS “THE TERMINATOR”

By Aaron Yarmuth | leo@leoweekly.com MITCH MCCONNELL is “The Terminator” — “It can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead.”

Last week, McConnell proved once again that he will stop at nothing to achieve his mission — and nothing is too sacred to weaponize for partisan gain.

As the Senate was considering a bipartisan commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection of the U.S. Capitol, McConnell wrapped his ghoulish hands around the neck of the effort. One Republican senator told CNN, “McConnell has even made the unusual move of asking wavering senators to support filibustering the bill as ‘a personal favor’ to him.”

McConnell’s personal appeals to his colleagues came as the mother of Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick — who died the day after the Capitol riot — was lobbying Republican senators to pass the bill, form the bipartisan commission and provide answers to what led to her son’s death.

Of course, McConnell was successful in killing the commission.

Protect American democracy? Nah. Ensure nothing like Jan. 6 ever happens again? Not if it hurts Republicans’ chances in the next election.

It was a new low for McConnell. Even worse than when he declared his intention

to obstruct and undermine President Barack Obama, saying, “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.” Or, corrupting the integrity of the Supreme Court.

Or when he worked with the Trump White House to defend the president during his impeachment trial in the Senate. Or saying just few months into the Biden Presidency, “One-hundred percent of our focus is on stopping this new administration.”

Those who have followed McConnell closely — those who, like me, have spent over a decade screaming at the TV and into the newspapers — understand McConnell doesn’t have supernatural powers. He can be stopped. What we can’t understand is how people still don’t understand McConnell’s game — or pretend he’s someone he’s not.

How does McConnell’s oldest strategy keep fooling the media, voters, Democrats, even his own Republican colleagues?

They all fail to realize McConnell’s original philosophy: He relies on you to forget.

Washington Post columnist Dana Millbank, in his recent column, “McConnell focuses ‘100 percent’ on blocking Biden — and zero percent on America,” came to the right conclusion, that “there’s no negotiating when McConnell has a 100 percent focus on obstruction.” “Because unrelenting obstruction is McConnell’s only way to placate the GOP base in the face of Trump’s attacks,” he

wrote. The week before Millbank’s column was titled: “Once again, Mitch McConnell comes to Trump’s rescue.”

Millbank, like many others, once again fell for the McConnell trap — they forgot.

This obstruction had nothing to do with Trump… it was always about McConnell. Fear of Trump is a convenient political excuse for McConnell, who was always going to obstruct something that might hinder his path back to majority leader.

As for the politicians — from President Biden to Sen. Joe Manchin — their appeasing McConnell is easier to understand… to a point: They have their own political interests and strategies. They’ve decided that, for whatever reason, they need the veneer of bipartisanship — pretend McConnell is someone he isn’t.

But if McConnell has proven one thing, it’s that asymmetrical bipartisanship doesn’t

work — and the media and voters will forget who is to blame for government dysfunction.

I’m convinced Mitch doesn’t care about how he’s remembered, so long as he’s remembered.

The legacy he’s trying to forge is one of consequence, even if that consequence is burning down every institution, political norm or American democracy.

Joshua Green, in “Strict Obstructionist” (The Atlantic, 2011), wrote of McConnell: “Beyond this lies the fundamental question of whether a party has any responsibility to address society’s problems in good faith. So far, McConnell’s legacy as Republican leader is to have taken his caucus further than anyone else toward the proposition that it doesn’t.

But the public is not likely to notice that anytime soon.”

I’d hoped my time at LEO would outlast Sen. Mitch McConnell. Now, I just hope American democracy outlasts him. It’s going to be close. •

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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VIEWS

THE MIDWESTERNIST

TAKE IT FROM A LAWYER WHO SUES COPS: KILLING QUALIFIED IMMUNITY ISN’T ENOUGH

By Dan Canon | leo@leoweekly.com IN AN ALL-BUT-FORGOTTEN STORY from 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals — widely considered the most liberal federal court in America— let cops off the hook for stealing $225,000 from two business owners. This wasn’t a criminal case, of course.

The idea that cops would face prosecution for stealing cash is practically unheard of.

Rather, the court absolved them of all civil liability, meaning they didn’t have to pay the money back. The case was dismissed, never to be heard by a jury, and the officers never faced any meaningful consequences.

Qualified immunity, a judge-made hobgoblin long despised by civil rights lawyers, basically means that cops can get away with bad behavior if the law wasn’t “clearly established.” In other words, even if everyone knows an officer’s conduct is wrong, even if my 4-year-old knows not to do it, even if it violates all the established mores in the history of human society, the case is still a loser if there’s not an earlier court opinion saying “this specific thing is wrong.” There is, as it turns out, no case that says “it violates the Constitution for cops to steal your money.” And so, in Jessop v. City of Fresno, the Ninth Circuit reasoned that “although the City Officers ought to have recognized that the alleged theft was morally wrong, they did not have clear notice that it violated the Fourth Amendment.”

Cases like Jessop have earned qualified immunity some overdue public ire as of late.

But while some politicians are finally paying attention, our hopelessly inert Congress is unlikely to do away with the doctrine anytime soon. And if judges like Clarence Thomas get their way (which they will, wait and see), the law is bound to get even worse.

In a case called Hope v. Pelzer, a prisoner sued after he was tied to a hitching post and left to blister in the Alabama sun for seven hours with no bathroom breaks. Justice Thomas wrote a dissenting opinion in which he said he would grant qualified immunity to the guards because, while cases said it was wrong to tie a prisoner to a fence for hours, there was no case on hitching posts.

You can see how this doctrine can be contorted in favor of the government, even under the most absurd facts. Is there a case that says eating human flesh is wrong? If yes, is there a case about eating men as opposed to women? If yes, what about eating white men? No? Welp, looks like the

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law isn’t “clearly established,” so an officer can’t be sued for devouring a WASPish arrestee. Worse, a court doesn’t have to say whether the practice is unconstitutional to flush a civil rights case — it can just say the law is unclear without making any effort to clarify it, thus ensuring its unclarity for all time. How will we ever know stealing, torturing prisoners or cannibalism is wrong if the courts won’t say so?

But there’s another problem that goes deeper than the clearly-established prong; one that speaks ill of the judiciary overall, and of our entire system of laws. Judges don’t believe that bad behavior is unconstitutional. There are endless rows of rotten teeth which may be pulled from the mouth of federal caselaw, but a small sampling of my own cases illustrates the point.

Roger King was killed while sleeping on his couch by a Kentucky State Trooper named Eric Taylor. Taylor was tasked with serving a court summons on King. Taylor, not knowing he was being recorded, all but told a dispatcher that he was on his way to kill King who had been known to get into scrapes with police in the past. When Taylor got to King’s house, he went around to the back door. The story told by police was that King, who was lying on his couch, sat up and pointed a revolver at Taylor. One blast of a semiautomatic rifle went through the sliding glass patio door, into King’s face and pierced his medulla oblongata, which would have immediately robbed him of consciousness. Despite the hole in his head, King managed to lie back down, cover himself with a blanket, and lay his pistol neatly on his chest before dying. At least that’s how the body was found. Taylor didn’t get prosecuted, fired or disciplined in any way.

He got a “Citation for Bravery” and a promotion.

By the time the King case got to court, the only living witnesses were the cops who participated in the killing. Their stories contradicted each other about basic details of King’s death and contradicted their own expert’s medical opinion. It didn’t matter. The case was tossed out because, in the trial judge’s view, since the cops said Taylor pointed a gun at them, there was no constitutional violation at all. And if there’s no constitutional violation, there’s no case. The “clearly

established” analysis didn’t matter.

Another of my clients was locked up for over a year on a cold-case murder he had nothing to do with. He was friends with the main suspect, and police were convinced he would ultimately “flip”; that is, provide evidence against his friend. But he had no such evidence. He also had no money to post bond, so there he sat for a year awaiting a murder trial. At trial, not a single witness identified him. In his closing statement, the prosecutor argued that there was enough evidence to convict his co-defendant, but told the jury “please do not” convict my client, who was then in his early 20s.

Even the prosecutor didn’t think he was guilty.

He spent that time in jail because police

wanted him there; that’s all. That wasn’t enough to establish a constitutional violation, though. Again, it didn’t matter whether the law was “clearly established” or not.

Qualified immunity should, of course, be done away with. But there are lots of tools in the judicial toolkit. If a judge wants cops to win, the cops will win. The current focus on abolishing qualified immunity is, in many ways, a distraction from the basic problems of our justice system. It’s another species of America’s favorite genus of argument: i.e., that resolving the symptoms is the same as the finding a cure. Just as training alone won’t fix cop culture, and voter turnout alone won’t fix the electoral system, the abolition of qualified immunity alone — assuming it ever happens — would be a shallow victory. The real change has to happen where the rot starts: on the federal bench, and deeper still. •

NEWS & ANALYSIS

HALF OF THE LOUISVILLE POPULATION IS VACCINATED, BUT HESITANCY REMAINS

By Scott Recker | leo@leoweekly.com ALTHOUGH LOUISVILLE has surpassed the 50% percent mark of vaccinated citizens, the city has experienced sluggish numbers over the past few weeks, something the government is trying to combat with listening sessions, “mobile missions” and convenience.

Last week, around 8,000 people were vaccinated in the city, only a fraction of the 30,000 that Louisville was doing at its peak, according to statistics provided at a press conference by the mayor’s office on Tuesday.

When the mobile and pop-up vaccination effort began months ago, it was primarily about equity and access — making sure members of the wealthiest communities didn’t absorb the majority of the vaccines when they were in high demand — but now, with plenty of supply, it’s also about resolving hesitancy, and getting to the reason why some people aren’t getting the shot.

Connie Mendel, deputy director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and incident commander of Louisville’s COVID19 response, said that the city has partnered with 28 community groups, including La Casita Center and Americana World Community Center, where they currently hold listening sessions — some virtual, some in-person — where they provide a medical expert to have an open dialogue with people who are hesitant. Shortly after, they set up a vaccination site at the same location.

“It’s working to build that trust over multiple conversations,” Mendel told LEO. The effort has been aimed toward trying to relinquish avoidance due to safety concerns, distrust for the government, as well as people who are worried they might have to miss work because of side effects from the shot, those who work multiple jobs at odd hours and many other concerns.

The city is also working to dispel false information and address any other questions people might have in a personal and relaxed format. Another goal is to make the vaccine as readily available as possible, with easy access at places like grocery stores, pop-up spots such as

THORNS & ROSES THE WORST, BEST & MOST ABSURD ROSE: REAL REPARATIONS

Change Today, Change Tomorrow, a nonprofit that serves Louisville’s Black community, says it recently received a six-figure payment from someone who learned they were descended from slaveowners. While we wait... and wait... and wait... for the federal government to make a move on state-sponsored reparations to African Americans in America, this is what the current movement should look like: White people who have benefited from generational wealth donating to Black-led organizations and Black people who haven’t had the same luxury. Who’s next?

Mitch McConnell, we know you have some questionable apples on that family tree.

Director of BSM pre licensure program at Spalding University Dr. Nancy Kern administered the Covid vaccine to Hsel Meh at the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle on Monday.

the mall, as well as tents at fun events, including the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle on Memorial Day.

THE NUMBERS

Last week, Louisville reported 391 COVID cases and 9 deaths, dropping the city to the yellow COVID-19 zone for the first time in around a year. Dr. Sarah Moyer, the city’s chief health strategist, said that was a good sign, but she also said that as mandates and restrictions loosen, it’s important to remain vigilant, and there’s a need for more vaccinations.

51% of Louisville’s population has now received at least their first dose, but there are large swings between age groups. The 70-75 age group in the city are the highest percentage at 93.7%, while the 25-29 age group sits at 32.1% and 30-35 is at 40.8%.

“In particular, we’ve got concern for our 40 and under year-old population, with significant percentages of folks just not getting vaccinated quite yet,” Mayor Greg Fischer said at the press conference. “With the worrisome variants we have, being more infectious and more deadly, and a non-vaccinated cohort of 40 and under, there is a very real concern over an increased sickness and mortality in that area. Most of the national experts are feeling pretty good about going through the summer but then have concerns with a fall surge back within that group.”

There’s also large disparities by

neighborhood, with a city map that Moyer showed at the press conference displaying much heavier percentages of vaccinations on the East side of town than the West.

“We have some zip codes where it’s 90% or higher vaccinated and others where it’s in the 20th percentile,” Moyer said.

No one who is in the hospital locally for COVID-19 right now was vaccinated, Moyer said.

MOVING FORWARD

At Tuesday’s press conference, Moyer estimated that at the current rate, it would take Louisville the rest of the summer to hit a 70% vaccination rate, which some experts believe could lead to herd immunity. Right now, the city is open to being flexible with its plan and resources, so Fischer encouraged feedback from citizens.

“As people have ideas for us, we want to receive those ideas, as well, on how we can get the concerns answered and/or if there are new sites that the vaccine needs to be located at, or if you need a pop-up site,” he said. “We’ll continue to offer that if we can have at least 20 people vaccinated.”

Moyer added that there’s also a homebound list for people who find it difficult to leave their house. The Louisville Health Hotline (502-912-8598) can help with all of those things and any other questions. •

THORN: A FAMILY MEMBER HAUNTED, THEN HANDCUFFED

David McAtee’s brother, Jamie McAtee, was arrested last Wednesday as he protested in search of justice for his slain sibling. The day before, Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine announced that he would not pursue criminal charges against the Louisville police officers and National Guard members at the scene of David McAtee’s shooting by a National Guard member. As a small group of demonstrators including Jamie McAtee marched peacefully in the streets, Louisville police following the protest started to make arrests. McAtee was charged with unlawful assembly and obstructing a highway — nevermind the “obstruction of justice” he’s faced while seeking accountability for his brother’s death.

ABSURD: RAND PAUL, NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT

Proving time and time again that he is a national embarrassment and all-around fucking buffoon, Rand Paul decided to start beef with… wait for it… Richard Marx. The singer of many late ‘80s hits said that if he met Paul’s infamous neighbor — the one who tackled him — he’d hug him and buy the man a drink.

When someone recently sent a “suspicious package” to Paul’s house, he blamed Richard Marx for inciting violence against him. The package apparently contained a white powder. The sheriff ’s office has said the substance doesn’t appear to be dangerous. Marx pointed out that Paul’s behavior as the first Senator diagnosed with COVID put more people’s lives at actual risk than his tweet. For now, the friction appears to be over. It seems Marx deleted his original tweet, and Rand Paul has slithered away with his knickers in a twist to sulk about some other nonsense like refusing to be vaccinated against COVID.

THORN: RAND PAUL’S CROWN OF THORNS

Last week, the Courier Journal published the column “Rand Paul: The science proves people with natural immunity should skip COVID vaccines,” and it was exactly what it sounds like, an opinion column by Rand Paul, built on a bunch of shaky bullshit that deals in half truths and is a giant conspiracy-nut dog whistle to brew public distrust. The Courier even ran a fact check of the column a couple days later, which stated at the end: “Paul has decided not to get one, citing his prior infection with COVID-19 last year as his primary reason. However, his decision flies in the face of recommendations by the CDC, the WHO and many public health experts, which say people who’ve previously been infected still should get vaccinated against this dangerous virus.”

Seems like they realized their mistake: Balanced journalism doesn’t mean letting brain dead frauds write science columns.

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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After A Canceled Season And League Restructuring,

RJ Alaniz. | PHOTO PROVIDED BY LOUISVILLE BATS.

Louisville Bats Invest Millions Into Stadium FANS RETURN TO THE PROMISE OF NEW AMENITIES

By Bill Doolittle | leo@leoweekly.com A PANDEMIC came along and baseball — like Broadway plays and cocktails in a corner booth — was pretty much cancelled in 2020. The major league did end up playing an abbreviated schedule for TV broadcast only, with games conducted in front of cardboard cutout fans in empty stadiums. But every minor league team found its season cancelled. The Louisville Bats did not take the field, and local fans never once heard an ump cry, “Play ball!” But a funny thing happened at Louisville Slugger Field while the game was away: An $8 million stadium update that was scheduled to take two years to complete was ramped

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into high gear and will be completed this season.

“They’re way ahead of schedule,” said Louisville Bats Executive Vice President Greg Galiette. “This project wasn’t scheduled to be completed until next spring, but now it’s going to be done by the middle of July.”

That means fan amenities like two new outdoor bars on the promenade around the park, and a new one overlooking the field from the upper deck, will be coming to life as hot weather arrives and baseball swings into speed. Slugger is currently letting around 5,700 people in per game, and the Bats are currently in the middle of a home stand

that lasts through Sunday.

Speeding up construction, rather than going slow in a time of pandemic, and worrisome economic conditions is an interesting dynamic. Not to mention the sudden revamp of the minor league baseball system. But it’s also an indication that minor league baseball can be a very good sports business. Not as big as the NFL or Major League Baseball, of course. There are no billion dollar TV deals in minor league baseball. But Triple-A franchises like the Bats succeed by entertaining fans with live baseball in lively ballpark. As the Louisville Bats have consistently

A rendering of the Triple Play Bar. | PHOTO PROVIDED BY LOUISVILLE BATS

been able to do.

LOOKING DOWN THE LINE

The financial model for minor league teams is fairly simple: Major league organizations provide all the ball players and baseball parts of things, while the minor league cities provide the ballparks and market the games.

Advertisers, especially in Louisville, like being a part of the ballpark experience. Everywhere one looks at Louisville Slugger Field there’s advertising signage and in-game promotions sponsored by local and national businesses.

The new outdoor bar in right center field, for example, will be called the Triple Play Bar, creating a sports bar setting. A smaller outdoor oasis across the field has standing counters in place on which to set a drink and look straight down the third base line to home plate. It’s a nice view.

Across the way, Humana is the sponsor of a new covered area, where fixed seats will give way to picnic tables.

Upstairs on the Slugger Field second deck, private box suites are being reconfigured to include two larger suites for group events. Galiette notes that the former upstairs bar offered no view of the game, but now will get a great one.

“It’s going to take your breath away,” he promised.

“You come around the corner after getting off the elevator and, boom, there’s the field. It’s such a tremendous view.”

The Bats have also enhanced the playground area for kids down the first base line by pushing the ballpark fence out into territory borrowed from the parking lot to make more room for rides and slides. A section of seats and concrete along the first base side is being removed (still a roped-off construction site) to make way for a terraced

grassy berm where families can throw out a blanket under the stars – protected from wicked line-drive foul screamers by netting that now extends up both the first and third base lines.

The netting is an obvious nod to safety. In games earlier in May, this reporter gave the new nets a skeptical tryout from several vantage points. I found the netting is fairly sheer, and after an inning or so I pretty much forgot about it.

Of course, the drawback is the only way a fan can snag a baseball now is if it’s hit over the outfield fence for a home run.

Another feature of the new construction are four new “ribbon boards” around the park. Horizontal message boards devoted primarily to advertising, like those ringing the arena in the KFC Yum! Center. Personally, I don’t care at all for the garish bright lights of ribbon boards, but the Slugger Field versions do include space for the ball-strike count on the batter. That’s an improvement. It’s simpler to see than picking through the pile of numbers on the big scoreboard. You can see at a glance what’s happening at the plate.

A MAJOR MINOR REDO

Of course, all of those things are changes fans can see.

But there’s more happening behind the scenes in what amounts to a total revamping of minor league baseball.

Major League Baseball (MLB) took advantage of the cancelled 2020 season to reshape the minor league system.

In December, the big leagues offered selected minor league teams the opportunity to join a new MLB Professional Development League. The primary tenet of the new minor league deal is more control by the big leagues,

especially in health and training conditions for the players.

Salaries also are boosted.

All invitees, including Louisville, accepted.

The most obvious change is the number of minor league franchises was sharply reduced, from 180 teams to 120. Lexington, for example, lost its Single-A franchise.

It just went away. Fresno, California, was shocked when demoted from Triple-A to Single-A, primarily because its ballpark and player facilities weren’t up to standard.

And then there’s the odd happenings in Buffalo, where the major league Toronto Blue Jays are playing their American League season in Buffalo’s excellent Triple-A ballpark — because Canada currently restricts travel into the country from the U.S. because of COVID-19 precautions. Buffalo, meanwhile is playing its Triple-A games in Trenton, New Jersey — which lost its minor league team in the restructure. The deal made with the mayor of Trenton is that Buffalo will wear Buffalo Bisons uniforms on the road and Trenton Thunder jerseys at home.

Of course, there never was much doubt about Louisville. Slugger Field remains a top-tier venue, now in its 22nd season. Plus, Louisville is right down the road from major league parent Cincinnati — which means if a Reds player turns up with a sore arm on Thursday morning, a replacement from Louisville can zip right up I-71 and be in the line-up for the Reds that night in Great American Ball Park.

Proximity is a big part of the restructuring, including clustering minor league cities that are close to each other.

Thus Louisville, long a member of the Triple-A International League, with a string of cities that stretched from New England to the Carolinas up to the Midwest, is now more geographically centered to the Midwest. The names LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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A rendering of a new family area. | PHOTO PROVIDED BY LOUISVILLE BATS.

THE BASEBALL OF IT ALL

One thing Louisville fans would love to see is more talent on the roster — and more victories in Slugger Field.

In the 2000s, talented prospects scorched a path through Louisville on their way up to Cincinnati. Stars like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Jose Rijo shone brightly in Louisville, and the Bats competed for International League championships. Adam Dunn breezed into Louisville one June and Greg Galiette, Louisville Bats executive vice president. | PHOTO PROVIDED BY LOUISVILLE BATS. hit 20 home runs in 55 games — with crowds surging into the of the new circuits are as mind numbing as consolidated ballpark to see Dunn swat “big flys.” A couple of Dunn’s high schools. Louisville now plays in the Triple-A East home runs fl ew clear out of the ballpark, last seen on their Midwest Division, which hardly has a ring to it. way to the Ohio River.

A look at a map shows the Triple-A East - Midwest is, But new management in Cincinnati forgot about stockindeed, a collection of heartland America cities: Louising its farm clubs with talented prospects, and the wins ville, Indianapolis, Toledo and Columbus (from the old went away. Cincinnati became a doormat, and the Bats IL) as well as Omaha, Iowa and St. Paul. haven’t had a winning season in a decade.

Things aren’t set yet in the restructuring. And with There are signs, however, that a new management team MLB owners entering into contract negotiations with gets it. The Reds currently have two of the hottest pitching players this winter, there may be more changes. prospects in baseball stationed at Double-A Chattanooga.

Galiette said the Bats will be ready.

Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo are striking out oppos“Memos come down from major league baseball altering hitters in astonishing numbers. In his first pro game, ing certain rules regulations and tweaking this and tweakLodolo, a hot arm out of Texas Christian University, ing that,” said Galiette. “I think we’ll see the full effect struck out 10 of the 15 hitters he faced in five innings. of it kick in next year. Right now there’s a kind of grace Greene has been on fire, too. Louisville fans are hoping period to allow the minor leagues toget up and on their the Reds will promote one or both to Triple-A Louisville feet after being off for a year.” this summer.

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A RALLY AND A SAVE

In the meantime, Louisville manager Pat Kelly will go with what he’s got, which is a roster of skilled but not star players, many with major league experience. No phenoms.

“I think our strength will be pitching and defense,” said Kelly, who has an outstanding reputation built through 30 years managing. “I think we’ve got some strong arms, especially in our bullpen.”

Kelly tabbed right-handed starters Tony Santillan and Vladimir Gutierrez, and talked about fielders making all the routine plays. It takes a certain touch to manage a baseball club, and Kelly has always had it. He’s a big guy, and calm.

The Bats two best hitters, Mark Payton and Scott Heineman have been called up to the Reds, and the current roster carries very light batting averages, with little power.

But on a recent night, the pitching held, the defense held, and the Bats put together a sharp late-inning rally keyed by big hits from outfielders Dwight Smith and T.J. Friedl that brought Louisville a 5-4 victory over Toledo.

In the ninth, Kelly called upon veteran reliever R.J. Alaniz, who has the heat and the savvy to save games.

Alaniz, who has pitched successively for a slew of minor league teams, got himself into a little trouble, but knew how to get out of it — especially with the help of a terrific fielding play by catcher Chris Okey. Okey pounced on a squibber down the third base line, whirled all the way around and fired a low strike to first baseman Nicky Delmonico — who snapped the ball out of the dirt a split second before the runner touched the bag.

As manager Kelly said, pitching and defense. •

PHOTO ESSAY

THE MEMORIAL DAY QUESTION: TO HIKE, BIKE OR PADDLE?

By Kathryn Harrington | leo@leoweekly.com

ON Memorial Day, there were three options for outdoor adventurers at Waterfront Park: hiking, biking or paddling.

Mayor Greg Fischer’s 17th annual event featured some pandemic-era changes, but it was in-person this year after

going virtual in 2020. The activities kicked off at 8 a.m. with yoga, tai chi and Zumba in socially-distanced “PODs.” There were routes set up for hikers and bikers, as well as paddlers, although Voyager Canoe rentals and rides weren’t

available this year. A LouVax mobile vaccination site even made an appearance — doling out shots for whoever wanted one. •

Participants gathered on the Great Lawn for the mayor’s 17th Hike, Bike and Paddle on Monday.

Tai chi was one of the several activities at the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle.

Bob Peters with Schwinn inflated a participant’s bike tires before the race.

The first 2,000 athletes got free T-shirts for the event.

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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PHOTO ESSAY

Cyclists lined up for the start of the race downtown on Monday for the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle.

Mayor Greg Fischer spoke to the crowd prior to the start of the race.

Experienced cyclists began their race at 9 a.m.

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STAFF PICKS THURSDAY, JUNE 3

Femmes The Rules

Planet of the Tapes | 640 Barret Ave | planetofthetapes.biz | $10 | 8-9:30 p.m.

Ladies, you’re lying if you say you’ve never dreamed about something like this. The gist: female comedians interrupt, heckle and roast male comedians as the men try LMAO to perform their own sets. Even better, the ladies get to perform right after them — with no interruptions. Oh, how the tables have turned. (Speaking of tables: that’s how the tickets are sold; it’s $10 a seat, but you have to reserve yours as part of a group. Still, who can put a price on that sweet, sweet justice?) –– Carolyn Brown

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

“Dorothy’s Riot” Pride Month Celebration Mile Wide Beer Co. | 636 Barret Ave. | Search Facebook | No cover 2 p.m.-midnight

Mile Wide Beer Co., which has developed a regional (dare I say, national?) following for some of their special releases, has something special brewing. In celebraPRIDE tion of Pride Month, Mile Wide collaborated with Queer Kentucky to produce Dorothy’s Riot, a Belgian-style Witbier brewed with raspberry puree. “We worked closely with QKY, Louisville Pride Foundation, and various members of the LGBTQ+ community to develop the name, recipe, and label design for the beer,” organizers said on Facebook. But this isn’t just a release announcement, it’s a day-long Pride event, which includes several LGBTQ+ vendors and organizations, Magic Domdi spinning tunes (from 5-7 p.m.), a drag show hosted by Zsa Zsa Gabortion (from 7-9 p.m.), followed by Louisville Silent Disco from 9 p.m. to midnight. Dorothy’s Riot will be served on draft at the taproom and sold in fourpacks of 16-ounce cans with a portion of the proceeds going to Queer Kentucky. —LEO

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

Art Sanctuary Grand Re-Opening

Art Sanctuary | 1433 S. Shelby St. | art-sanctuary.org/events | $15 | 8 p.m.

It’s been nice watching bands play at Art Sanctuary from a livestream and all, but we’re happy to get back to seeing music (and the venue) in person. For Art Sanctuary’s ART grand reopening, they’re clearly hoping to blow our quarantine-logged minds with five local bands of enormous talent. Broken Nails plays electronic body music, Grey August Noise and Shark Sandwich bring the punk, Quiet Hollers plays alt-country and Julius is straightforward rock ‘n’ roll. Oh, and DJ Talamasca will play sets, as well, with “a super eclectic mix of metal, punk, goth rock, post-punk and dark wave.” For those who still can’t or don’t want to go to live shows, you’ll still be able to stream the performances for a pay-what-you-can donation. Proceeds go to Girls Rock Louisville and Art Sanctuary.

—Danielle Grady

FRIDAY, JUNE 4-27

‘Natural Connections’

PYRO Gallery | 1006 E. Washington St. | pyrogallery.com | Free The latest exhibition at PYRO GalCONNECTION lery is a group show with Pamela Couch (oil paintings), Bill and Gean Bowen (ceramics), Cathy Hillegas (watercolors) and Rachel Singel (printmaking).

Although their media is different, the subject matter is the same — nature. The opening reception is on Sunday, June 6 from 1-4 p.m. A gallery talk is scheduled for Sunday, June 13 from 1-4 p.m. —Jo Anne Triplett

By Bill and Gean Bowen. Glazed porcelain.

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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STAFF PICKS

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Play Louisville | 1101 E. Washington St. | louisville.playdancebar.com | $10 advance, $15 at door | 7:30 p.m.

Logan Street Market | 1001 Logan St. | Search Facebook | $45 | 4-6 p.m.

Heroes: A Live-sung Pride Revue

A month after the drag musical spectacular “Alice in Derbyland,” Gilda Wabbit and co. bring a new performance to the stage: “HEROES: A Live-sung Pride Revue.” The cast HEROES has selected an inspiring list of their LGBTQIA heroes, who they’ll honor with dance, singing and storytelling. Your performers are Diana Rae, Uhstel H Valentine, Philip Clemons, William Nickles, Cortney Thompson, Shelby Brown and more. If you miss this one, no worries. A second performance is coming for you on June 12. —Danielle Grady

Meet The Market: A Taste Of Logan Street Sushi, crepes, smoothie bowls, DELICIOUS Asian street food: Logan Street Market has a wide array of foods in its renovated warehouse. You can try 10 of them in this open house tour with tastings included.

This is also a chance to check out the Market’s brewery, Wild Hops, which is now fully operational after a few years of dabbling in collaboration brews. Next time you go back to Logan Street, you’ll know what you want and where to find it. —LEO

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Breonna Taylor’s Birthday Celebration

Praise in the Park | Big Four Lawn | 1101 E. River Road | 5-8 p.m.

Breonna Taylor should be celebrating her 28th birthday on June 5 with her friends and family. Because of a broken, corrupt police department, her birthSAY HER NAME day takes on new meaning to this city and those seeking peace and justice, everywhere. Taylor’s friends and family are, graciously, inviting the city to join in celebrating her life and birthday.

Breonna’s Twenty-Great | No Haterz Mc Club House | 1120 S. 36th St. | 8:30 p.m.

Kenneth Walker and Ju’Niyah Palmer host this block party, continuing the day of celebrating Breonna Taylor’s 28th birthday. —

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SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Vinyl Sale

Zanzabar | 2100 S. Preston St. | zanzabarlouisville.com | No cover | 1-5 p.m.

My favorite concert-hall-slash-barcade is bringing us music in a different way — not in a show, but instead with hundreds of vinyl albums and cassettes for sale. Spruce up your record collection with classic and modern albums from nearly a dozen vendors, JAM some of whom will be spinning records on-site while you shop. When you’re done, grab a drink or a meal and check out Zanzabar’s pinball and arcade machines. Admission is free, but you need to reserve a ticket in advance on their website. — Carolyn Brown

STAFF PICKS

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Sunday Service featuring Mama Said String Band The Mellwood Tavern | 1801 Brownsboro Road | Search Facebook $15 | 4-10 p.m.

Louisville’s own, homegrown, four-piece string band is taking over one of the coolest, most underrated, intimate venues in town… The Mellwood I’M WITH THE BAND Tavern. That’s right — that Crescent Hill corner tavern with the great “nearly famous chicken” and local craft beers is also a destination for live music every week. This Saturday, Mama Said is bringing their bluegrass/folk/Americana and vocal harmonies to the Tavern. Space is limited so get your tickets fast… and don’t forget the chicken. —LEO

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Riotheart Live Fundraiser

The Mammoth | 744 S. 13th Street | Search Facebook | $20 donation | 5 p.m.

If you’re looking to pump some money into CHARITY local grassroots nonprofits, then this is your event. You pay $20 to get in — which includes a catered meal from Riot Cafe — and live entertainment from LouiEvolve, Better Dayz, KR8VN8VS Records, DJ DS, DJ Bombshell and more. But the heartbeat of the event is the fundraising and networking opportunities from several charities including Feed Louisville, Hip Hop Cares, The Hope Buss, Me’Clectic Transformations, Women of the Well Ministry and more.

It’s a perfect mixture of fun and working toward a better future. —LEO

MUSIC

STATE FAIR CONCERTS ARE BACK

By Carolyn Brown | leo@leoweekly.com

THE STATE FAIR is back, and so is its concert series.

When Gov. Andy Beshear canceled the Kentucky State Fair last summer, it was a devastating loss to Louisville. One of the city’s biggest cultural mainstays was, like so much else in 2020, delayed because of the pandemic, stalling the influx of tourist dollars that the Fair usually brings.

But this year, there’s a diverse lineup of talent at the Fair.

The Fair’s Texas Roadhouse Concert Series is free with paid State Fair admission, as it has been since 2018, and all of the shows will play in Parking Lot L at the Kentucky Exposition Center from Aug. 19-29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for an 8 p.m. concert every day except the 29th, when gates open at 2:30 p.m. for Christian singer’s Cory Asbury’s 4 p.m. concert.

One-third of the 24 groups or musicians are from Kentucky, including The Voice winner Jordan Smith and country artist JD Shelburne. The rest include R&B singer Ginuwine, best known for his ‘90s hit song “Pony,” hard rock group Jackyl, whose song “The Lumberjack” features a chainsaw, and The Turtles, best known for their 1967 classic “Happy Together.”

As performance venues in Kentucky and elsewhere have started to increase their capacity limits, the State Fair has followed suit. After June 11, pending any major changes to the state’s COVID situation, they’ll be able to operate at 100% capacity. That’ll be a huge boost for the local economy, according to Ian Cox, assistant director of communications at Kentucky Venues, who told LEO that this year’s Fair is projected to bring close to 600,000 guests to KEC over 11 days. Currently, Cox and his colleagues are working on plans to keep the Fair’s offerings in line with up-to-date COVID guidance while making the overall event “very similar to what people experienced in 2019.”

Louisville indie/garage rock band White Reaper will be the Fair’s featured act on Friday, Aug. 27. We’ve covered them in LEO quite a bit over the last few years, but their energetic tracks have propelled them to success in Kentucky and beyond. Shortly

White Reaper will play the Kentucky State Fair Aug. 27. | PHOTO BY NIK VECHERY

before the pandemic, they played on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and were slated to tour in Europe with Pearl Jam last June. (If you haven’t listened to them yet, we forgive you, but you’re overdue. Start with these tracks: “The World’s Best American Band,” “Real Long Time,” “Make Me Wanna Die,” and “Only a Shadow.”)

The band also has an American tour planned for later this year, which will take them to big festivals across the country, all the way from Lollapalooza to Austin City Limits, in just nine weeks. Still, performing at the Kentucky State Fair will be a special privilege, according to keyboardist Ryan Hater.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for us to have a good welcome back to Louisville and make a real party out of it,” said Hater. “I’m most excited for the feeling of stepping out on stage for the first time again and just feeling the energy from the crowd.”

“I’ve always loved being on stage, and I think that I’m relatively somewhat shy, meeting new people offstage,” he continued. “But then when I get on stage, a whole other person comes out, and I just love that energy.”

Although Louisville won’t have as many music festivals this summer as we enjoyed before the pandemic — both Forecastle and Bourbon & Beyond have announced that they are taking 2021 off — the State Fair’s concert series does, at least, promise to make for a worthwhile trip for music fans.

When White Reaper and 23 other musical acts take the stage again in August, it’ll be a very welcome return to quasi-normalcy. As they say: the show(s) must go on. • LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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Daddy-O: Introducing Daddy-O! This quirky little cat Shorthair came to the Kentucky Humane Society from an overcrowded shelter. He’s about two years old and has plenty of purrs at the ready.

Although Daddy-O is not fond of dogs, he adores human friends and will nuzzle you for a head bump any time of the day! We haven’t seen Daddy-O around cats. if you’re looking for an affectionate new buddy, consider this sweetheart! He is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on his shots.

Go to kyhumane.org/cats to schedule an adoption appointment.

Willie: Meet the very best boy, Willie! Willie is a

chonky, senior Corgi mix. The first thing you’ll notice about Willie is he’s blind. Despite his blindness, he gets around very well and learns his surroundings pretty quickly. The second thing that stands out about Willie is he is very overweight! He would love a family who can help him shed the pounds. Willie does very well with other dogs but does need a kitty-free home. He is pretty quiet, does great in a crate and is housetrained. Could you be the one for this adorable guy? Willie is neutered, micro-chipped and up-todate on all vaccinations.

Schedule an appointment to meet him by visiting kyhumane.org/dogs.

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MUSIC

ART SANCTUARY REOPENS WITH THEIR LATE FÖR DINNER SERIES LIVE AND IN-PERSON

By Erica Rucker | erucker@leoweekly.com LOCAL ARTS GROUP Art Sanctuary wasn’t sure if it would survive the pandemic. With COVID shutting down stages, bars and restaurants, two of Art Sanctuary’s financially sustaining mechanisms were removed in those months.

However, always flexible and innovative, the group decided one way to stay connected to its audiences was through a livestreamed music series they called Late för Dinner. Now with COVID restrictions lifting and businesses opening to reclaim their patrons, Art Sanctuary is preparing for their own grand reopening on June 4 by celebrating with their first in-person, live audience presentation of “Late för Dinner” with acts like Shark Sandwich, Quiet Hollers and Broken Nails. The show will serve as a fundraiser for both Art Sanctuary and Girls Rock Louisville.

Like so many, Art Sanctuary wasn’t sure how to initially make the digital world work for them during the pandemic. So, creating the Late för Dinner series was the perfect chance to discover how using the internet could help in some way to sustain the group.

“So we started, I think it was last June or July. I’m not sure about the date. I’ll have to find out, but that was a livestream, the only event that we’ve had every Friday night during the pandemic,” said Art Sanctuary President Lisa Frye. “And, we had to learn how to livestream and all that kind of stuff.”

The series was free with the group only asking for donations.

“It’s just been a really good way to keep people familiar with local music and give an outlet for artists to play in a safe space because there were no people there,” said Frye. “They also get the livestream which is archived on our YouTube channel. Anybody can watch them at any time.”

Providing the band with an archived recording is something unique to the Late för Dinner Series and a good way for bands to have that documentation.

The group has been getting audio and

camera help from some of the city’s best local talent including from their own board.

“Tim Furnish has been helping out,” said Frye. “Langan Smith. He’s one of our board members, Frankie Steele does most of all of that. He figured out how to do all the livestream stuff and they switch off.”

“Robert Major was helping some. There was another guy there that I have not met, but they have different people kind of coming in and out. Brian Gray helps out some, so it’s a menagerie of folks.”

All of these previous events were prime training for the grand reopening happening this Friday night at their event space on Shelby. For the fundraising event, Art Sanctuary is welcoming five bands, a DJ and The Limbo Food Truck. In addition to the performances and food, the art gallery will be opening again with a show by group artists and Britany Baker.

Since restrictions have been lifted on capacity, Frye is unsure how many tickets will be allowed. The current offering is 200, but they may allow a few more, since the normal capacity is 600.

Tickets for the show are only $15, and the event will be livestreamed (with an ask for donations) for those who still are uneasy about venturing into a crowd. Art Sanctuary is located at 1433 S. Shelby St. •

FOOD & DRINK

RECOMMENDED

WE WELCOME HALF-PEACH BACK AFTER A ROUGH SPELL

Fried “shrimp” made from konjac, a Southeast Asian tuber, become persuasive in the context of a New Orleans-style po’boy sandwich. | PHOTOS BY BY ROBIN GARR

By Robin Garr | LouisvilleHotBytes.com IT HAS BEEN almost two years since a roof collapse abruptly closed four popular restaurants in the Galleria at St. Matthews strip on Oechsli Avenue in St. Matthews.

The roof remains unrepaired, the building is up for sale and litigation is pending.

Under the added weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, each of the four eateries — Del Frisco’s, Havana Rumba, Charim Korean Restaurant, and Half-Peach Bakery & Cafe — have struggled to deal with insurance and legal issues as they fought to recover and relocate.

Havana Rumba, luckily, already had plans to move a month before the cave-in.

Renamed Mojito in Havana, it opened in the former Boombozz/Waylon’s Feed and Firewater on Shelbyville Road in October 2019.

Charim has yet to reopen, although owner Yeon Hee Chung has periodically provided food at Zanzabar and did a pop-up event at 610 Magnolia. Del Frisco’s was down for more than a year before elegantly

resurfacing last November in the former Z’s Oyster Bar & Steakhouse property on Whittington Parkway.

Finally, Half-Peach reopened just six weeks ago in the Mariposa Center right behind its former location. Half-Peach had been wholesale baking in borrowed restaurant kitchen space. A GoFundMe page that co-owner Sue Zhao set up to help cover expenses for its 16-person staff yielded $4,470 of its $8,000 goal.

If you’re inclined to help, it’s still open for donations at gofundme.com/f/ immediate-help-for-halfpeach-staff) The new space is tiny, offering only takeout, and it’s currently open only from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. I wanted to get over to pick up a meal as soon as I could, and I hope you will, too.

Half-Peach bills its selection as “international vegan comfort food.” The menu isn’t long, and you’ll often find some items marked as sold out. This is the challenge

The raw taco salad at Half-Peach is healthy as can be, topped with vegan taco “meat” fashioned from nuts and seeds.

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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FOOD & DRINK

The roof that collapsed almost two years ago and forced four popular restaurants to close remains upended into the space once occupied by Half-Peach and Charim.

of a tiny kitchen, I’m sure. I recommend patience.

The menu changes periodically, but favorites tend to remain on the bill of fare.

Last week’s options featured a half-dozen plates ranging in price from $5 (for a broccoli-apple salad billed as oil-free, glutenfree, and soy-free) to $12 (for four breaded vegan “chik’n” drumsticks fashioned with soy-based protein on a sugarcane “bone” with broccoli-apple salad on the side.)

Six 10-inch vegan pizzas may be ordered either fully cooked or ready for you to take home and finish baking in your own oven.

They’re priced from $12 (for a margherita pizza with vegan cheese) to $16 (for a pie topped with avocado pesto salad). Other offbeat toppings include vegan cheeseburger and buffalo chik’n pizzas, both $15.

A half-dozen desserts and pastries are priced from $2 to $4.99.

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I find it hard to turn down a taco, so the raw taco salad ($9.50) caught my eye. Billed as vegan, gluten-free and raw, it’s a far cry from Taco Bell, and I’d just as soon have it that way. Crisp, fresh chopped romaine and a ration of kale filled a large, oval, compostable cardboard plate. It was topped with chopped fresh tomatoes, crisp fresh-corn niblets and a pile of fairly convincing taco “meat” fashioned from ground almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds. Cashew-based vegan sour cream drizzled on top was tasty, but more would have been welcome in a rather dry salad.

I’ll take a shrimp po-boy ($9.50) anytime, even when the “shrimp” is composed of breaded and fried konjac, a Southeast Asian tuber that gets a lot of use in vegan dishes because its flavor picks up its surroundings, and its texture is like, well, shrimp. I’m not going to say it was a dead

ringer for the real thing, but in the context of a decent po’boy bun it made me happy. It was nicely dressed with fresh-sliced tomato, cucumber, romaine, organic greens, green onions, a few thick slices of fiery jalapeño and attention-getting sriracha rémoulade.

A spinach artichoke pizza ($14), ordered fully cooked, got home in its pizza box plenty warm enough to enjoy; the leftovers were even better after a pass through the toaster oven. It came on a thin wheat crust (gluten-free available for $1 more) and bore a large chunk of fresh artichoke heart atop each quarter. The pizza was lightly covered with very finely chopped spinach and roasted garlic and topped with a combination of vegan cheeses — house made sunflowercheese sauce and Violife-brand “parmesan.”

It was a decent pizza, and something in the vegan cheeses (probably nutritional yeast) imparted a distinctly cheesy flavor.

A beast brownie ($3.99) checked off the dessert box. Made with layers of chocolate, peanut butter, vegan marshmallows and crushed Oreo cookies, it was properly gooey, with the peanut butter and marshmallows providing the richness that butter and eggs might impart in a non-vegan brownie.

No animals were harmed, and that’s a good thing, in a substantial dinner that rang up at $39.21. The online ordering software added a 15% tip and didn’t make provision for more. •

HALF-PEACH BAKERY & CAFE 170 Sears Ave. 365-2045 halfpeachbakery.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | DANCE

THE LOUISVILLE BALLET DELIVERS IN DIGITAL WITH THIS YEAR’S #CHORSHOW

By Erica Rucker | erucker@leoweekly.com AS THE ARTS GRAPPLE with overcoming the last year, with COVID closing the stages, they are also trying to find new voices to move their forms forward. With the Louisville Ballet’s signature choreographer’s showcase event — now known as #ChorShow — the five artists chosen to create new ballet works are looking at themes and stories that span an array of the human condition. These stories look at isolation, love, anxiety, racism and reconnection through the art of movement.

Director Robert Curran said, in the press release, “The themes explored, and the proximity to the dancers, are what always make ChorShow so special. Filming these works gives the viewer an even closer seat and captures dance in a way that brings the audience along for the full experience.”

This year, as the stages remain closed for live audiences, the ballet worked with Kertis Creative to film all of the dances and create an opportunity for #ChorShow to be seen over more nights and by more people through the digital platform. #ChorShow will showcase works by guest choreographer Danielle Rowe who is based in San Francisco, as well as four debut works

by Louisville Ballet artists including Justin Michael Hogan, Natalie Orms, Brandon Ragland and Sanjay Saverimuttu. Several of these include collaborations with local musicians, spoken word and theater artists.

One of the pieces, “The Movement,” by Sanjay Saverimuttu, who worked with playwright Allie Fireel and Cris Eli Blak, explores the themes of queer friendships. Saverimuttu felt that this was a topic that had yet to be truly explored in dance.

“I really wanted to explore, like, the complexity of queer friendships and chosen family and how those can be really life-sustaining for queer individuals,” said Saverimuttu. “Especially those who have been kind of disowned from their biological families or even those who are just trying to find community and support for one another but can’t necessarily get that from people who haven’t had shared experiences such as themselves.”

Writer Ali Fireel was excited about the chance to work with Saverimuttu since they previously collaborated together. Fireel loved the idea of discussing queer friendships including how racism, and other forms of discrimination, affected these relationships and the wider queer community.

“We knew that both of those things needed to be addressed and brought forward a little bit more in the piece, and yeah, we continued to shape it.

We continued to look at how the characters were and would interact,” said Fireel.

Dancer Brandon Ragland choreographed the piece, “I Am.” For his piece, he wanted to dive Jahi Bogard from Sanjay into the feelings and Saverimuttu’s discomfort of being “The Movement.”

Black in white spaces.

Knowing that the piece would be presented in a digital, filmed format, he wanted to take full advantage of the medium.

“I want it to have a longer lifespan outside of choreographer’s showcase,” said Ragland.

“And, as a digital piece, I wanted it to be incorporated in schools somehow. How can we expand it into some parts of education, but then also on another level, how can I expand this piece to incorporate, like, actual dancers of color, like classical ballet dancers of color, because, you know, I love my little ballet Exploring queer friendfamily. You know, I told Robert this as well, ships , “The Movement” and I’ve been very open about the fact that wasn’t quite comfortwhile, you know, it is a great place to be, we able with being out do struggle with having dancers of color, parand about, and all the ticularly African American female ballerinas.” protests were happenAs he was developing his piece, he decided ing. While I went down to include the voices of three local spoken there once, maybe word and performance artists, Hannah L. twice, I didn’t...I still Drake, Lance G. Newman II and Isiah Fish. felt, um, like I wasn’t He also decided to apply for the Fund for speaking from my the Arts ArtsMatch grant and was awarded a space authentically. nomination. The ArtsMatch grant gives artists So how was I going to a chance to raise part of their funding and use my creative voice receive matching funds. to talk about what was going on? So it started Ragland says the inspiration for his piece out with me reaching out to friends and other came last year when the protests began and, artists. I just prompted my friends with, ‘I though he attended a couple of protests events, want you to record a video and of you saying, he never quite found his rhythm in that space I am blank, whatever you, whatever comes to partially due to COVID but also because he mind…’” wanted to do something that spoke with his He used those videos as the basis for the creativity. piece and created a series of movements at “I felt stuck. I didn’t know how to comhome inspired by them. municate what I was feeling,” said Ragland. “I

Dancers from Ragland’s “I Am.” | PHOTOS BY SAM ENGLISH.

#ChorShow spans many themes and emotions and provides something for all audience members. For fans of ballet who enjoy seeing the art pushed forward and in new, experimental ways, #ChorShow is the perfect opportunity.

This year’s #ChorShow event streams from May 19–June 30. Tickets are $35 via the Louisville Ballet website. • LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | ART

THE FINE ART OF FINANCING: GRANTS, RESIDENCIES AND OTHER FUNDING FOR ARTISTS

By Melissa Chipman | leo@leoweekly.com

This is our monthly list of arts-funding opportunities. Look back at our past lists on leoweekly.com for opportunities that might still have open deadlines.

AWARD:

FELLOWSHIP:

RESIDENCIES:

FAIRS:

A.I.R Residency (Paducah) — A.I.R. Studio Paducah is an artist-in-residence studio and efficiency apartment located in the Lower Town Arts District of Paducah, Kentucky six blocks from the Ohio River. Applicants must submit: For visual artists, 10 high-resolution digital images in .jpeg format, accompanied by a corresponding image list. Image details include last name, title of work, media, dimensions and date. For writers, no more than 10 pages of prose (fiction, nonfiction, or creative nonfiction). No more than five poems. For composers/musicians, an audio sample and a short description of your work. For architects, digital images of three projects. For improvisational choreographers, two video clips. $25 application fee. Deadline: Rolling for 2021-22. airstudiopaducah.com

Nunnlea Cra�t Fair — Historic Nunnlea House has sponsored a craft show for the past 14 years. This year it is Oct 3-4. The fair’s emphasis is on local and regional artists who make the quality crafts that are a part of the culture in Kentucky and Indiana. Nunnlea House is located at 1940 S. Hurstbourne Parkway. Booth spaces in the house will cost $75 (random sizes, but around 8 feet by 8 feet); booth spaces on the porch $55 (10 feet by 10 feet); booth spaces in the yard $45 (12 feet by 12 feet) and can be deeper. Deadline: Rolling. nunnleacraftfair.org/information-for-artists.html

Artadia Award — The Inaugural 21c Artadia Award will rotate between cities where there is a 21c location. This year the award centers on Louisville area artists. The award — a partnership between contemporary museum and hospitality group 21c Museum Hotels and nonprofit grantmaker and visual artist community Artadia — will provide $10,000 in unrestricted funds to a visual artist living and working in the Louisville Metro area. Applicants must have lived and worked in the Louisville Metro area for a two-year period and cannot be currently enrolled in or planning to attend an art-related degree program in the coming year. This year’s award will be juried by Vincenzo de Bellis, curator and associate director of programs, Walker Art Center and Soyoung Lee, chief curator, Harvard Art Museums. The 21c Artadia Awardee will be announced in July 2021. There is no application fee. Deadline: June 15. artadia.submittable.com/submit

ACE Artist in Residence Program — This residency, open to artists nationwide and all creative disciplines, provides seven days and $1,000 spending money to reflect, relax and create in the inspiring mountains of Alta, Utah. The program provides lodging and breakfast and dinner at The Snowpine Lodge. The seven days will be of the artist’s choosing in August. According to the application: “Our goal is to provide a peaceful, inspiring setting for the selected artist. We do ask that the artist provides a small community event, a blog post, a social media takeover or something they may have in mind that can help tell the story of their creative time at Alta. This can happen either during their stay or afterwards.” Deadline: June 25. altacommunity.org/artist-in-residence

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 2, 2021

The Firelight Media Documentary Lab — The Firelight Media Documentary Lab is an 18-month fellowship program that supports filmmakers in the United States from underrepresented communities working on their first or second feature-length documentary film. The Documentary Lab provides filmmakers with a $15,000 grant toward their projects as well as customized mentorship from prominent leaders in the documentary world, professional development workshops and networking opportunities. Application includes submission of a 10-30 minute documentary film. Only the director may be considered for this fellowship, with co-directors considered. The filmmaker must be from a racially and ethnically underrepresented community and be residing in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territory.

Deadline: June 15. firelightmedia.tv/doc-lab-open-call

MImarket: Michigan Ave Arts Market — MIMarket will be located on Michigan Avenue in Jeffersonville, Indiana on July 10. The organization is welcoming us makers, crafters, small brands and artists for this finished good market for a booth fee of $25.

According to their announcement: “The NoCo Arts and Cultural District is an area of Jeffersonville focused on supporting the arts in all its forms. Therefore, starting this summer, we plan to come along the artist and maker communities by supporting their small businesses and providing a cost-effective platform through which they can share their work with the community.” Food trucks and entertainment will also be on hand. Deadline: Rolling. jeffersonvilleart.com/mimarket

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | COMICS

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD

COMIC BOOK REVIEWS!

GET YOUR

By Krystal Moore and Felix Cornell | leo@leoweekly.com

‘Home’ No. 1, 2 Written by Julio Anta Art by Anna Wieszczyk Review by Krystal Moore The Great Escape

Most people probably don’t realize it, but comics don’t just tell stories about superheroes. “Home” is a timely story, firmly based in the sad reality of people fleeing their home country for what they believe will be safety and opportunity in America.

Mercedes Gomez and her young son Juan are from Guatemala. Juan’s father was murdered by gangs in their town, and now they have their eyes set on Juan. You think you know where this story is headed, assuming you watch the nightly news. And, it does go there, but it takes an unexpected turn.

Mercedes believes she can ask for asylum as she has family and a job waiting for her already. But, when she and Juan are separated from one another, she is surprised and devastated. She was unaware of the political issues surrounding migrants at the border now. Juan is frightened and upset as he is taken to stay with the other children in the same situation. But Juan is not like the other boys. In issue No. 2 Mercedes thinks back to a conversation with Juan’s grandmother. She tells her that Juan’s father had strange powers, and even those couldn’t save him from the violence there. Here is where this very real story takes a turn into the superhero genre. Will Juan find his mother again? “Home” is a unique story and an important one to hear right now.

‘Shang-Chi’ No. 1 Written by Gene Luen Yang Art by Dike Ruan Review by Felix Cornell

Last year saw writer Gene Luen Yang debut his version of Shang-Chi in a five-part miniseries. This year he has returned, alongside artist Dike Ruan, in Shang-Chi No. 1. In this story, we follow ShangChi as he takes over control of his dead father’s criminal organization The Five Weapons Society.

However, being a good guy in charge of criminals is something that might be a little difficult to explain to his friends and fellow heroes.

His goal as the head of The Five Weapons Society is to turn it around, distance it from it’s roguish roots. At the same time, he’s attempting to live the normal life of a guy looking for romance — and though he finally is able to take the girl of his dreams on a date, it’s unfortunately interrupted by family concerns. His feisty and serious little sister, Esme, brings their mission to Shang-Chi’s date in the form of a hostage, and in doing so inadvertently invites a familiar face to assist.

What starts out as the hunt for a drug ring turns into much, much more for our protagonist.

In teaming up with an old friend, Shang-Chi is put under pressure to keep his ties to the criminal underworld under wraps. What do you do when your family name has ties to the sorts of people you and all your friends are fighting against?

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Mil. leader Catch Arc on a music score Investment goal Trucker on a radio Pitchfork-shaped letters — When the first ‘‘Peanuts’’ comic appeared Apple on the teacher’s desk?

Literature Nobelist Bellow Innovation in push-ups It can represent a folder First offer? ‘‘I touched your nose!’’ sound Coffin frames Squarish A jokester might say ‘‘And the pot thickens’’ after one 87 One of the friends on ‘‘Friends’’ 89 Very easy living 91 — 94 French explorer who founded Detroit 96 Duty 98 According to 99 Bad P.R. for a celeb, maybe 101 Baseball announcer’s cry 102 One doing a Spot check?

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DOWN Photo mishap Amassed Congregational chorus Tools for landscapers ‘‘You get the idea’’: Abbr.

Food found in some bars Most-often-used Net wt. of many pasta packages Sticker stat It’s water under le pont Teller of the third tale in ‘‘The Canterbury Tales’’ Surgical tool Like some casts Makes a scene ‘‘Hallelujah!’’

Marvelous ____-3 Slice and dice, say Takes over (from) More than just a talker Indian lentil dish ‘‘No info yet,’’ on a schedule Carefully avoid Heating option Composer Bruckner — Unlikely Oscar winners Fighting Tiny bit G Opening for a computer technician?

Pro fighter?

Swampy stretch V.A. concern, for short — Phenomenon by which electrons radiate from a heated filament, so named for a famous observer 59 ‘‘You can’t be a real country unless you have a ____ and an airline’’: Frank Zappa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 24 25 32 34 35 36 39 42 43 44 45 47 49 50 52 53 55 57

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ACROSS Dude, slangily Toaster Swirlz brand Country singer Haggard Lhasa ____ (dog breed) Metallic fabric ‘‘____: Legacy’’ (sci-fi sequel) Hymn of joy Loud thudding sound Shot in the dark Get to the point?

Steps up?

Court plea, in brief Winner’s sign Alternative to a blitz False start?

Improved version of an existing product — Skipping syllables?

Reward for a big hit, say Two-legged stand Fix for a bald spot — Shock Oscar-winning Hanks role of 1994 Tiny bits Byway connection Voice-mail prompt Hasbro game requiring increasingly quick reflexes 60 Tiny bit 61 Mensch 63 Meals with Haggadah readings 64 Award to wear 65 Real deal 66 — 68 Like cabernet sauvignon 69 Go over 71 Start of many Portuguese place names 73 Be angry 75 Suffix with age 78 Highly resistant elastomer 81 — 84 Skyscraper support 88 Like some ballots 90 Breakfast drink sans creamer 92 Ill-advised move 93 Intangible qualities 94 Do 95 Anonymous surname 96 Causes of pocket buzzes 97 Loud, sharp sound 98 Like Golden Raspberry-‘‘winning’’ films 100 Detectives 103 — 1 5 9 14 18 19 20 21 23 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 37 38 40 41 43 46 48 51 54 56 58 59

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BY JOE DIPIETRO / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

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A SHOT IN THE DARK

104 Whispered sweet nothings 106 It’s a sign 108 Unsmiling 110 Like some roller chains and ball bearings 112 — 116 Leaves zip for a tip 119 One given orders around the house 121 Tract of land 122 Nickname for the Wildcats of the Pac-12 124 Smut 126 Collection on Facebook 127 Shot in the dark 131 Three-time American League M.V.P. of the 1950s 132 Varsity 133 Hurt badly 134 Disneyland transport 135 Bill blockers 136 Ta-tas 137 Polishes off 138 Fore-and-aft-rigged sailboat with two masts

S A A B

The New York Times Magazine Crossword

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROBINSON

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SAVAGE LOVE

By Dan Savage | mail@savagelove.net @fakedansavage

QUICKIES

Q: I had a stroke a year ago. The woman I was dating at the time stepped away. I have no hard feelings but I long for intimacy again. I am profoundly grateful that I don’t have any major outward injuries from the stroke, but my stamina is still very low and might always be. That makes me self-conscious and insecure about sex. Would it be “over-sharing” if I told someone about my stroke before we go to bed for the first time? It seems like it will kill the mood and almost certainly make things less fun. Am I obligated to share this information?

Outwardly Okay Privately Struggling A: You’re not obligated to share this kind of health information before going to bed with someone for the first time, OOPS, but you might wanna share it. At the root of your worries about post-stroke stamina is a fear of falling short of a new partner’s expectations—expectations shaped by assumptions a new partner might about your stamina based on your overall appearance of good health. Resetting your partner’s expectations will take the pressure off—indeed, if you tell a new partner you recently had a stroke, OOPS, you’ll most likely exceed her (reset) expectations. And that could give your sexual self-confidence a welcome boost.

Q: I’m a recently separated 42-year-old straight male. I’m internet dating for the first time, and I met an awesome girl who makes me laugh, makes me playlists on Spotify, and is just generally amazing. Of course there’s a glitch: I’m not attracted to her. I tried but I think the romantic relationship needs to end. She has mentioned several times in the last couple of months that I treat her better than anybody she’s ever dated. (That blows my mind—apparently cooking dinner, occasional flowers, and returning texts puts me head and shoulders above everyone else?) My question: How do you break that kind of news to someone without looking like an asshole?

Anxiously Hesitating Over Looming End

A: Speaking of expectations…

You’re a newly separated man and you’ve only been seeing this woman for a couple of months. If her expectations were reasonable and she kept them in check, AHOLE, then she knows the odds were stacked against something long-term. She’ll still be sad about the relationship ending and she might think you’re an asshole for ending it—she might actually need to think you’re an asshole to cauterize the emotional wound (so don’t argue with her if she calls you an asshole)—but if you didn’t make any premature declarations of undying love, AHOLE, then she’s unlikely to think you’re an asshole forever. And looking on the bright side: she may be less likely to put up with guys who don’t cook, don’t come through with flowers, and don’t respond to her texts in a reasonable amount of time after being with you.

Q: My friend’s grandmother was walking through a park when she was accosted by a man asking for sex. (Yes, my friend’s grandmother.) The man wasn’t violent.

It was more of a plea for physical affection but definitely one that was made in a rapey way. He had something in his hand but it wasn’t a weapon: it was a negative COVID-19 test. He showed it to her as if to say, “It’s OK! I’m not a real threat!” Is this what we’ve come to as a society? Is the isolation people have suffered over the last year going to result in the rate of sexual assault going up?

Pandemic’s Awful Reality Keeps Scaring A: The combination of our politics and this pandemic seems to have broken some people, PARKS, and brought out the barely suppressed absolute worst in others. I fear things are going to get a lot shittier before they get any better—in our parks, in our politics, and just generally on our planet.

Here’s hoping humanity manages to exceed my expectations.

Q: I’m dating someone 13 years younger than me. He’s a monogamous man and

I am not a monogamous woman. We’ve been monogamous due to the pandemic but with the explicit understanding that we won’t work out in the long term due to our different opinions on monogamy.

I will be vaccinated soon but I don’t want to break up with him after I get the hots for someone else. That seems like a dick move. My lizard brain tells me that if he would explore non-monogamy he’d come to the conclusion that it’s a good approach.

Should I put on my big girl pants and break it off?

Rip Off The Bandage Albeit Nicely A: You don’t have to end it after finding someone else you wanna fuck—or before— but you will need to give this guy a heads up before you fuck someone else. And who knows? He may be willing to give nonmonogamy a try once the pandemic ends (perhaps one-sided non-monogamy, e.g. you’re free to sleep with other people and he’s free to remain monogamous to you), ROTBAN, just as you were willing to give monogamy a try while the pandemic raged.

He’s significantly younger but I assume he’s an adult (he is an adult, right?) and, as an adult, he’s free to make his own choices.

Your only obligation is to ensure he has all the information he needs to make a fully informed choice.

Q: Bi-girl, early thirties, in an open relationship with a man. A question of ethics. Say I’m on the apps looking to hook-up with women. I’m upfront that I’m in an open relationship and looking for casual fun. I have no intention of trying to leverage these dates into threesomes with me and my boyfriend. But it turns my boyfriend on to hear about fun I have with other people. Would it be wrong to let my boyfriend come sit, anonymously, in a bar where I’m meeting a date? I’ll ignore him, he won’t stare or approach me and my date, he’ll just get a thrill out of being there. On the one hand, I assume most women wouldn’t be into this scenario.

So that’s a reason not to do it. But on the other hand, they wouldn’t know. I realize this depends on actually executing the plan with discretion but that seems doable.

Thoughts?

Seeking Perspectives In Ethical Dating A: This passes my Permissible Secret

Perving test (which I unpack at length in an upcoming book)—it passes PSP test so long as the other woman doesn’t know your boyfriend is there and never finds out your boyfriend was there—but it fails the Golden Rule test. Meaning, this probably isn’t something you would want others doing unto you and therefore isn’t something you should do unto others. So Jesus thinks you shouldn’t do this, SPIED, and I think… well, I don’t think you should. That’s too strong a word. But I definitely think you could.

Q: Do you know what’s in commercial sex lubes? Chemicals. And chemicals are bad and unnatural. Seriously. I prefer olive oil or something else from the kitchen. But whenever I use cooking oils, I find that a tiny layer of dead cells sloughs off my cock. That isn’t a problem, but the cells seem to gather together and it feels like grains of sand. I’m assuming certain oils loosen dead skin cells and it causes this.

Are there some oils that don’t do that?

Stroking Not Sanding A: We use commercial a sex lube at our place, SNS, and our cocks aren’t shedding dead skin cells at noticeable/clumpable rates or making our asses feel like they’re packed with sand. And we do know what’s in our lube: our preferred brand, Spunk, is made from avocado and coconuts oils and these ingredients, according to Spunk’s website, “are organic and chemical-free.” Now if you Google, say, “chemical composition of avocado oil,” you learn that it, like everything else—including your precious olive oil—is composed of various chemicals.

Natural, not man-made, but chemicals still.

That said, SNS, if the oils you’re using as lube are causing your dick to disintegrate then you might wanna give Spunk a chance. mail@savagelove.net Follow Dan on Twitter @FakeDanSavage. www.savagelovecast.com

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