Chevy Chaser Magazine, May 2024

A Good Angle

TESTING THE WATERS WITH FLY-FISHING GURU BILL CARMAN

FROM THE GROUND UP AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT REBUILD IN LAKEWOOD ESTATES

KEEP IT CONTAINED TIPS FOR CREATING A GREAT DIY CONTAINER GARDEN

MAY 17-18

Apiary has earned a reputation of culinary excellence and hospitality over the past 15 years. We now open our doors to you

Monthly dinners, parties, and events open to the public

Contributors

Michelle Aiello is a Chicago-born writer, editor and indie publisher. Her interests include living room karaoke, snail mail and all things vintage. She contributes to our monthly “tadoo list” (our calendar of cultural happenings, page 39).

Liz Carey (“A Good Angle,” page 21, and “An Outdoor Oasis,” page 25) is a Kentucky-born journalist, author and writing teacher living in Lexington. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her porch with her dog, her cat, a great book and a relatively good glass of wine.

Smiley Pete contributor Shannon Clinton (“Craveworthy,” page 9) has been a full-time freelance writer for 21 years for publications across the Southeast. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending to her collections of vintage Pyrex and hot sauce.

Emilg Giancarlo (photography for “From the Ground Up” and “On Our Table”) is a professional photographer based out of Lexington, Kentucky, specializing in lifestyle and commercial photography. For more information and images, visit www. emilygiancarlo.com.

Mick Je ries (photography for “A Good Angle,” page 21) is a longtime contributor of words and images to the Smiley Pete universe. He works in an ever-changing array as graphic designer, photographer, writer, radio show host and oral historian to celebrate and evangelize the ever-unfolding zeitgeist of Lexington, his beloved home for more than three decades

Tanzi Merritt (“From the Ground Up,” page 11) a graduate of Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky, is a writer and marketing and communications professional born and raised in Lexington. Passionate about her cats and plants, she can often be found stirring up dust in her 120-year-old downtown home, deeply absorbed in a documentary, or with her nose stuck in a murder mystery.

CORRECTION: In last month’s “Smiley Pete’s Best Of Lex” issue, we listed Lussi Brown Co ee as the second place winner for “Best LGBTQ Owned Business” category; Lussi Brown actually tied for first place with Debra Hensley - State Farm Insurance. We regret the error. ■

CIVIC CONNECTIONS

CELEBRATING THE ENVIRONMENT

BY ANGELA POE, SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER PUBLIC INFORMATION AND ENGAGEMENT, LFUCG DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND PUBLIC WORKS

Though Earth Day has come and gone this year, there are still plenty of city-organized opportunities to learn about, celebrate and support our local environment. Here are a handful that we at the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works are excited about:

Go solar! Solarize Lexington provides Fayette County homeowners access to a vetted solar installer and discounted rates. There are even grants available for qualifying low-to-moderate income homeowners. LexingtonKY.gov/solar

Kick o the season with us at StreetFest, a cornerstone Bike Month event, on May 11. Oliver Lewis Way, between High Street and Broadway, will be closed to celebrate streets as shared spaces. Bring your bikes, scooters or skates. We’ll even have free bike tune-ups available to help ensure you have a safe riding season. Can’t make it to StreetFest? Check out another Bike Month event or simply visit one of Lexington’s fabulous shared-use trails. LexingtonKY.gov/StreetFest; LexingtonKY.gov/BikeMonth

Learn more about the services o ered by the Department of Environmental Quality and Public Works (EQPW) and the people who do the work at Truck-a-Palooza on June 8 for an all-ages, free event where you can explore the trucks EQPW uses to clear snow, collect trash, manage trees and more! Drivers will be on-site to answer questions while the kids climb in and out of the vehicles. We will also have an application station for those interested in joining our city government team. LexingtonKY.gov/trucks

Inspire and be inspired through the art exhibition Art by Nature, which features nature-inspired art from a variety of Lexington residents. This year’s show will highlight monarch waystations: gardens that contain milkweed and other pollinator-friendly plants that support the lifecycle of monarch butterflies. Artists of all types and abilities can participate — ceramics, jewelry, fused glass, cross stitch, photography, watercolor, woodcarving, oil painting, fiber, sculpture and more. The submission deadline is Sept. 13. The show will open at the Living Arts and Science Center on Oct. 18. LexingtonKY.gov/ArtByNature

We love our friends at Lexington’s city parks — especially those at Raven Run and McConnell Springs. These natural areas are great places to go for a low-key hike or one of their many awesome programs. They also host volunteer days to help manage the non-native species threatening our local environment.

Use a Creek Sweep kit to clean up litter at parks or in your neighborhood. Litter washes into storm drains and goes straight into local creeks, so picking up litter anywhere helps protect a local creek. LexingtonKY.gov/CreekSweep

Follow @LiveGreenLex on Instagram for more opportunities to engage with your flourishing community. ■

www.myoldkyhomerepair.com

859-940-3376 “Thank

CRAVE WORTHY CULINARY NEWS TO USE

BY SHANNON CLINTON

This isn’t your grandaddy’s liquor store: Paddock Bourbon Club has opened a new facility at 1011 S. Broadway at the corner of Red Mile and South Broadway, with retail and bythe-glass sales and tastings in an upscale yet comfortable setting. Founder Erick Ostrander, who has also owned the campus-area pub Paddock Bar & Patio since 2004, said he started selling higher-end spirits in pandemic-era 2020 when business slowed. Eventually, it grew to the point where those sales needed their own place, he said.

That place is a 1,000-square-foot showroom where anyone ages 21 and up can come in and buy bourbon off the shelf or pick up onilne orders. A tasting area offers just under 500 bourbons and about 350 other liquors available by the pour, including tequilas, rums, wines and Champagne.

“It’s a huge facility but it doesn’t feel like a warehouse,” Ostrander said. Spaces are adorned with high-end leather furniture, Oriental rugs, and televisions, with room for private parties, tasting events, cocktail classes and presentations by master distillers.

“It’s not ‘members only,’ it’s ‘member incentivized,’ so if you sign up for different levels of membership, you get different benefits,” he added, including bar discounts, barrel pick experiences, use of the facilities for private parties and other perks.

In other local food and beverage industry news:

Welcome back to barbecue and beer! After being closed for a few months and some ownership tweaks, Blue Door Smokehouse has reopened at its new National Avenue location, 819 National Ave.

Rock House Brewing has reopened after a hiatus transitioning under new ownership and is serving suds anew at 119 Luigart Ct.

Charlie’s Seafood is under new ownership, transitioning from longtime owner Patty Sissle to longtime employees, Amie Crimm and Jamie Shepherd.

After eight years at Masterson Station Fairgrounds, Crave food + music festival has announced plans to move back to its original location, MoonDance at Midnight Pass. The festival, which features dozens of local food vendors, live music from local regional bands, kids’ activities, and food performances and other fun culinary presentations, will take place this year on July 27-28.

The Melroy, a new private membership club by Creaux owners Leasha and Dougie Allen, is opening this summer, consisting of a rooftop dining establishment and bar at 144 North Broadway, according to its social media.

Yearling Kitchen has opened as the food concept at Blue Stallion Brewing, with offerings that include elote dip and pretzels, pulled chicken sandwiches and beef on weck. n

Have a food- or beverage-related update to share?

Please email info@smileypete.com.

Visit us for fresh local food at our historic downtown location or order from our website for delivery.

STELLA’S KENTUCKY DELI

143 Jefferson Street Open Daily 9am-3pm Dine In, Delivery & Catering www.stellaskentuckydeli.com

859-255-DELI

SERVING

FROM THE GROUND UP

THE REBUILD OF THIS RICHARD ISENHOUR DESIGNED LAKEWOOD ESTATE HOME HONORS ORIGINAL DESIGN

FEATURES WHILE BREATHING IN NEW LIFE

STORY BY TANZI MERRITT

PHOTOS BY EMILY GIANCARLO AND COOPER BURTON

When asked why she and husband Oggie purchased a mid-century modern home just down the street from their own Lakewood Estates home, which they had no plans to vacate, Beth Hilliard said, “It was really about the cars.”

The cars in question are her husband Oggie’s collection of hot rods and street rods, which he’d had in storage for years.

With an eye on the lot where the garage behind the home now stands, Oggie Hilliard spoke with the previous owner of the Manor Drive home.

“She had started renovating, but was going through a transition,” Beth Hilliard said. “We ended up buying the house [as well as the adjacent lot].”

After purchasing the property in 2002, the Hilliards constructed a new garage to house their car collection, but also incidentally found themselves with a house that they weren’t planning to inhabit —one that needed quite a bit of work.

Built in 1974, the original home was designed by famed Lexington architect Richard Isenhour in his signature mid-century modern style, with a low profile and open floor plan, simple lines and large windows that allow natural light to flow throughout. Isenhour built and designed nearly 100 homes in various Lexington neighborhoods between 1956-1978, making this one of his later projects.

PHOTO BY COOPER BURTON

PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO

After purchasing the home, the Hilliards rented it to college students and other tenants.

“It ended up housing people through transitions, such as a couple who lived here while their house was being remodeled, and a man who lived here for a few months while going through a divorce,” said Hilliard.

One of the students who lived in the home was the Hilliards’ daughter, Shelby Brinker, who was attending the University of Kentucky College of Architecture at the time. She was tasked with keeping up with maintenance on the aging home while she inhabited it, which she admits was no small task. The house had fallen into disrepair before the Hilliards purchased it, and as the years went by the maintenance issues were becoming more apparent.

“The systems were failing. The heating and air had gone out, the water heater had gone out, and it was really moldy,” said Brinker. Other issues included a disintegrating concrete slab, failing plumbing and termite damage.

“I learned a lot,” she said with a laugh.

In January 2020, the Hilliards decided it was time to make some decisions about the house. Knowing it boasted an ideal layout for aging in place, they considered renovating it and moving into it, but also considered they might want to sell in the future. The renovation needs were so extensive that the family was now considering completely demolishing the home and building something new.

“That’s when I feel like I put my stake in the game, because it is such a cool house,” Brinker said. “I thought it was worth talking to a professional about preserving it.” With the goal of helping her parents find an architect familiar with the complexities of renovating and preserving an Isenhour house, she consulted with some of her contacts from architecture school, who guided the family to Clive Pohl of Pohl Rosa Pohl Architects.

“We also talked about saving the original Isenhour design, but structurally, it just couldn’t be done,” Brinker said. Still, the family continued a dialogue with Pohl about what it might look like to create an energy efficient home that would uphold many of Isenhour’s original design principles.

“We still didn’t know who was going to live here, so we kept in mind things that would also make it marketable,” said Hilliard.

Water damage and failing systems had created much disrepair to the original home, making it impossible to retain much of the original structure.

Architect Clive Pohl of Pohl Rosa Pohl worked with the family to create a modern, energyefficient home that honored much of the original design.

PHOTOS

BY COOPER BURTON

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During that time, Brinker and her husband Kory, a physician, were feeling a pull to move back to Lexington. After determining that their careers would allow them to move, they decided they would move into the home. The couple moved in late 2022, and now live there with their nearly 18-month-old son, Ollie.

While tearing down an historic build of such an esteemed architect was not without its pangs, Pohl and his crew put in painstaking work to honor Isenhour’s original vision and design.

“We have a long-standing respect for Isenhour,” Pohl said. “We really wanted to do the home justice with whatever we proposed, and the owners wanted the same thing.”

The result is a new build that replicates much of the original floor plan, with some modifications that honor Isenhour’s style while keeping the hallmark open floor plan and use of natural light.

A favorite spot for Hilliard and Brinker is the combined open kitchen, dining and living area, which has become a favorite family gathering place.

Brinker said, “It’s hard to articulate what this main area makes you feel, but it’s grand. We come from a long line of entertainers, and this is perfect for that.”

The room incorporates the home’s original stonework, with a wall of glass overlooking the backyard and letting in a lot of light. With a neutral palette for the walls and cabinets, the granite countertops and backsplash from Counter Culture stand out.

Brinker’s dad owned a granite business for a time, so the material was a decision the couple were sold on before they even started.

“For durability and price, it’s exactly what we wanted,” Brinker said. “We like the organicness of it and the big stripes of coppery color with the reds and oranges.”

Another well-used spot for the family is the front porch.

“Front porches were not a mid-century modern thing. At that time, everything was in the back of the house,” she said. “Clive gave us this beautiful front porch that works well with the existing geometry, and it’s covered. It’s one of our favorite features.”

Another deviation from the typical Isenhour is the addition of a second floor above the attached garage, which allows the family to have a peaceful guest suite away from the family’s bedrooms with a balcony that provides a beautiful view.

Natural light, organic woodwork and other natural features are plentiful in the Manor Drive home.

PHOTOS BY COOPER BURTON

The extensive renovation allowed Pohl to greatly enhance the mechanical systems and use exterior finishes that require no maintenance, resulting in a zero-maintenance, high-performance house.

“‘Zero-maintenance’ refers to exterior finishes that will never need anything. This siding looks like wood, but it will never need any attention,” he explained.

Thickening the walls and adding extra insulation between the studs and continuous insulation on the outside were other touches that help improve energy efficiency of the design.

“In addition to improving systems that provide heating and cooling to the interior, we used renewable resources in the form of geothermal systems,” he said.

A consistent goal of Pohl Rosa Pohl is to work with clients toward net zero homes — i.e., creating a home

that is so energy-efficient that it produces as much renewable energy as it consumes, resulting in net zero energy bills.

“Getting to net zero is a balance between the heart and the wallet,” Pohl said. “It’s something I attend to with all of my clients, and every client strikes the balance in a slightly different way.”

The Manor Drive renovation was a labor of love for the entire family and was held up several times due to supply chain issues during the pandemic. But they couldn’t be happier with the results and have nothing but praise for Pohl and for contractor Jim Smith and Showplace Company. The family is looking forward to the future of the home.

Brinker admitted that their work is not yet finished.

“There are still things to do. Things linger,” she said. “We still need to get the painters back, and we’re

waiting on a stonemason to fix the front steps.”

But she’s also looking forward to the future with excitement about the possibilities ahead.

“I’m not afraid of color. That’s what I’m excited about for the future of the house,” she said. “When we were picking paint colors, we were all overwhelmed, so we went with a neutral wall color and trim color, [but] I’ll be painting and adding more colors and patterns.”

Redoing the garage, where Oggie Hilliard still keeps a handful of his classic cars, and adding some sort of covered outdoor space and possibly an outdoor kitchen are other plans that are on the table.

“Everyone put a lot of time and money and effort and love into it,” Brinker concluded. “We love it….It’s just fabulous. It’s a home that can grow and adapt for a family at all stages of life.” n

The home has become a favorite gathering place for multiple generations of the Hilliard / Brinker family.

Pictured here, from left to right: Ollie Brinker, Beth Hilliard, Oggie Hilliard, Shelby Brinker and Kory Brinker.

PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO

Adam Kok - Owner

2024 HOME & GARDEN EVENTS

A COLLECTION OF HOME- AND GARDEN-RELATED EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN AND AROUND LEXINGTON IN THE COMING SPRING AND SUMMER MONTHS

Wild Ones Plant Exchange. May 2. Everything from seeds, perennials, grasses and sedges to shrubs, trees and vines can be exchanged at this event to benefit the local chapter of Wild Ones; the only stipulation is that the plants must be native to the eastern United States (cultivars of a native plant are also acceptable). Participants are encouraged to bring finger foods, beer or wine if they don’t have any plants to offer. Note: The event features a modest entry fee; cash is appreciated. 6:30-8:30 p.m. St. Michael’s Church (upper parking lot), 2025 Bellefonte Drive. lexington.wildones.org/events

Gardenside Green Thumb Garden Plant Sale. May 4, 2024. For more than twenty years, Gardenside Green Thumb Garden Club has held a plant sale on Derby Day morning. We sell annuals, perennials and natives for sun or shade. Outdoor and indoor plants. Most are from our own gardens or started by members from seed. Proceeds go towards the maintenance of our club civic project, the herb garden at Waveland State Historic Site and our annual donations to local entities that are focused on horticulture, conservation and the environment. 1915 Fort Harrods Drive, 40503 (Rabbit Run). 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Bluegrass Iris Society Spring Iris Show. May 11. Beautiful locally grown iris stems, flower

designs, photography and iris culture information will be on display at the Bluegrass Iris Society’s annual show, which is free and open to the public from 1-4 p.m. Potted irises will be for sale during the show hours until they are sold out. Lexington Green Mall (behind Joseph-Beth Booksellers), 161 Lexington Circle. More information and entry rules can be found at www.bluegrass iris.org.

Down to Earth Garden Sale. May 11. This annual plant sale/ community fundraiser hosted by the Down to Earth Garden Club features plants grown, nurtured and generously donated by club members. The rain-or-shine event, which formerly took place in the parking lot of Woodland Christian Church but moved to a new location last year, features native plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables, perennials, wildflowers, grasses, hostas, shrubs, trees, annuals, container gardens, succulents, irises, decorative containers, gardening books and many plants for sun or shade. Proceeds benefit local projects that promote gardening, education, preservation, conservation and environmental stewardship. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Centenary United Methodist Church parking lot, 2800 Tates Creek Road. down toearthky.com/plant-sale

University of Kentucky Woman’s Club Plant Sale. May 11. The UK Woman’s Club sponsors an

annual plant sale through their Garden Gurus interest group. Annuals, perennials, sun and shade plants, trees and shrubs will be available for purchase, along with garden-related items such as pots, vases, tools, etc. All proceeds go to the UK Scholarship Aid Program for non-traditional undergraduate students. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 323 Ridgeway Rd.

Arboretum Spring Plant Exchange. May 28. Participants are asked to bring garden items to exchange (trees, shrubs, perennial divisions, bulbs, houseplants, and garden-related items such as tools, books and pots), though it is not necessary to bring anything to participate. Set-up begins at 8:30 a.m. for those bringing items to exchange, with the exchange starting at 9 a.m. No pre-registration is required. The Arboretum State Botanical Garden, 500 Alumni Drive. arboretum.ca.uky.edu

The Bluegrass Flower and Vegetable Show. June 8. The Fayette County Master Gardener Association and The Lexington Council Garden Clubs present the “Show What You Grow!” flower and vegetable show at the Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair. The public is invited to enter horticulture exhibits including flowers, fruits, herbs, plants, and vegetables, with new and returning entrants both welcome. Entries are accepted from 9-11:30 a.m. Masterson Station Park, 3051 Leestown Rd. bluegrassflower show.com

Kenwick Bungalow Tour. June 9. Featuring eight locations, this self-guided home tour invites the

public inside to explore a variety of different types of homes and gardens in the Kenwick neighborhood. While every house may not be a bungalow, each will show a different aspect of Kenwick’s unique personality. This event helps the Kenwick Neighborhood Association raise money for projects such as neighborhood park updates, the Kenwick Victory Christian Church community garden, and events at the Kenwick Community Center. More info will be posted on the Kenwick Neighborhood Association website and Kenwick Neighborhood Facebook group as the event nears. 1-5 p.m. www.kenwick.org

Building Industry Association’s Grand Tour of Homes. July 20-21, 27-28. The Grand Tour of Homes is the BIA’s annual scattered site showcase of new homes built by BIA Professional Builder Members. Taking place on two consecutive weekends, the free, self-guided tour offers an opportunity for consumers to view the latest trends in new home construction and to speak directly with BIA Professional Builders about their dream homes. Tour hours from 12-5 p.m. on all four days. www. biacentralky.com/grand-tour-ofhomes.html

Bluegrass Iris Society Rhizome Sale. July 27. This annual event hosted by the Bluegrass Iris Society offers attendees the opportunity to learn about iris culture and to purchase gorgeous irises for $5. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Lexington Green Mall (behind Joseph-Beth Booksellers), 161 Lexington Circle. www.bluegrassiris.org n

PHOTO

FLY-FISHING GURU

BILL CARMAN DEDICATES

HIS RETIRED YEARS TO TEACHING AND SHARING HIS PASSION WITH OTHERS

STORY BY LIZ CAREY

PHOTOS BY MICK JEFFRIES

With a flick of his wrist, the bead-headed wooly bugger flies out over the water, pulling yards of test line behind it and landing in one of Bill Carman’s favorite fishing spots. It won’t be long before there’s a fish on Carman’s line and a smile on his face.

Chevy Chase resident Carman lives for fly fishing. Each year, he takes dozens of would-be anglers into the Red River Gorge or Elkhorn Creek to teach them how to fly fish or help them find the best spot to fish. And when he’s not in the river, he’s writing about fishing.

“I’ve been a fly fisherman since I was a child,” he said. “I would go out into these streams and I would look around in these special and beautiful places and think ‘I wish I could share this with someone.’”

Even as a teenager, Carman would help

people find the best places to fish. In the streams near his childhood home, he would lead fishermen from out of town to spots where they could catch white bass. Working with the owner of a nearby bait shop, he’d pocket $10 per trip, enough to keep him in flies and fishing gear, he said.

Now, after other careers, Carman says he’s living the dream.

“I get paid to be outside,” he said.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky in the 1970s and getting a master’s degree from Utah State University, Carman spent 30 years designing parks and recreation areas, including 23 years for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Parks and Recreation, the last five in management.

After retiring, Carman spent 10 years in wildlife conservation as the regional di-

rector for the wildlife restoration organization Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Now, with his business, Kentucky Wild, LLC., he spends his time guiding anglers, holding outdoor skills clinics and writing about the outdoors.

Carman says he has a list of 20 to 25 streams where he’ll take those interested in learning to fly fish, some public, and some private. Each has different attributes and qualities that he’s kept records of.

“I try to match people up to the streams,” he said. “It’s really about matching their abilities to what they want to do.”

Typically, he says, he’ll either pick people up or meet them somewhere and then lead to the stream. Once at a particular stream, he’ll give instructions on how to fly fish, and then work with them to perfect their skills. After that, it’s up to the

PHOTO BY MICK JEFFRIES

angler as to how long they fish. Once an angler has caught a fish, he’ll memorialize the moment with a picture and help them release the fish back into the stream.

“Kentucky has more miles of streams than any other state except Alaska,” he said. “I am the only fishing guide in the state that exclusively provides small stream fly fishing adventures. Generally, we fly fish for trout in the fall, winter and spring, and fish for smallmouth bass in the summer.”

The expertise in fishing comes from more than 50 years of navigating streams around the state. But that experience has led to a lot more, Carman says.

Carman has written a number of outdoor adventure articles, three books on fishing and hunting, and “Saving Noah,” the story of Rockcastle County sheriff Noah Tipton, an ancestor of Carman who was brutally

murdered, execution-style, in 1932. Carman also teaches about outdoor writing at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.

The combination of all those experiences have led to his latest book, “Fishing with Daniel Boone: Fly Fishing the Streams of an American Hero.”

“Several times, I’d be sitting on a rock or standing in a stream and I’d think ‘Daniel Boone may have sat on this rock,’” he said. “I’ve read a number of Boone biographies, and I’d use a Post-It note to jot a note about a place I’d fished or a thought I had… After several years of collecting those notes, I decided to write a book about fishing and Daniel Boone.”

The book is scheduled for a book launch at A Likely Story bookstore in Midway on May 25. The book provides information about the streams in which Boone

With his business Kentucky Wild, Carman leads fly fishing expeditions in several Kentucky streams, including this one near Midway. He recently published a book called “Fishing with Daniel Boone: Fly Fishing the Streams of an American Hero,” in which he explores the adventures Boone might have had on some of those same streams.

JEFFRIES

may have fished, highlights of some of his adventures, and Carman’s own take on fishing those streams from Ohio to Kentucky to Missouri.

Carman spent the last few years focusing heavily on the book, arranging trips to some of the streams just for the purpose of researching and developing it.

Now, however, his fishing is more about teaching others, with the times spent fishing for his own fun fewer and fewer. He spends more time, he says, sharing his knowledge with others and taking people to Elkhorn Creek or up a little stream on the Upper Dix, the place he learned to fish.

It’s a dream life, he says, and one he enjoys sharing with others.

“I’ve been a fly fishing guide for seven years,” he said. “I’m going to do this until I can’t do it anymore.” n

PHOTOS BY MICK

presale tickets available on may 15 visit cravelexington.com for more info

When Dr. David Kramer and his wife, Starr, moved into their home in their home in the Estate section of the Hartland subdivision, they knew that wanted to change their porch.

During 2020, they decided to take on that project to expand their porch and create an allseason living and entertaining area.

“Before the rebuild, it was just a wood deck with steps out into the yard,” said Dr. Kramer, an anesthesiologist at Baptist Health. “I’d go out there and grill, but in the summer with the sun hitting the brick, it was just too hot out there. The deck was unusable during the summer and winter.”

The new, 525-square foot porch provides the family with a covered, outdoor entertaining area they can use practically all year long, he said.

“We are out there a lot,” Dr. Kramer said. “In the winter, I can go out and turn on the heaters and it’s comfortable in about two hours. During the spring and fall, we are out there nearly every day. In the summer, we are out there a couple times a week.”

Dr. Kramer said the porch was his wife’s dream. Working with Back Construction, the Kramers were able to design a large outdoor living space that features a custom fireplace with a reclaimed wood mantle, screened windows with motorized screens, an outdoor television system, exterior infrared heaters and gas pendant lights.

“They wanted an outdoor living area, something they could use to entertain with and extend their seasons outside a little bit,” David Towes, the project manager with Back Construction said. “He already had a sketch done up, but one of our designers worked with him to design an outdoor porch patio. Really, it’s an extension of the house.”

Instead of building up the existing 14-by-14-foot wooden deck, Towes said, they built a frame of concrete block walls to bring the floor of the extension level with the house and capped it with concrete. Then, they added bluestone pavers to give the addition a more outdoor feel.

“It’s harmonious with the footprint of the home,” he said.

They also removed a large window from the back of the house and put in a sliding door to open the main house out onto the porch.

The remodeled porch wraps around the back corner of the house featuring an area with a large dining room table on one side, an entertainment area facing the fireplace and television in the middle and a grilling area on the other side. The layout allows the family to open their home directly out onto the porch for entertaining, Dr. Kramer said.

“My favorite part of the porch is the fireplace and the sliding glass doors,” Dr. Kramer said. “During the summer, we are able to eat outdoors without the bugs.”

A ventilation system over the grilling area also allows the family to cook outdoors on the porch without filling the space with smoke, a problem in some covered patios.

Even more importantly, the remodel reflects the family’s personal style. Over the dining table, gas lanterns serve as glowing reminders of Starr Kramer’s Lafayette, Louisiana roots.

The remodel only took a few months, Towes said. The biggest hurdle was marrying the house with the remodeled porch.

“I think the biggest challenge was attaching it to the home and adding it without disturbing the house itself,” Towes said. “It’s a pretty stout structure. It’s solid concrete around the perimeter and the house has a full, finished basement, so we had to get all the power out to the remodel without disturbing the inside. But they were able to live in the home the whole time.”

Bringing the outside in has become a popular trend in the area, Towes said, and the Kramer house is a stunning example of what is possible.

Wrapping around the back of the family’s Hartland Estates home, the outdoor addition features a large dining table, an outdoor griliing area and an entertainment area facing a television.

“We do a lot of covered porches but most of them are wood decks with nice ceilings and ceiling fans or screened porches,” he said. “The fact that this brought the hard surface all the way up to the level of the home, and the architecture of it, and how nice it is made it special. There are details on the addition that made it blend into the house so it looks like it’s always been there.”

The addition has been featured in several home shows, Dr. Kramer said. For the Kramer family, however, the remodel makes their home a comfortable place for parties throughout the year.

“This was never a dream of mine; it was a dream of my wife’s,” he said. “But now that it’s done, it has turned out to be a great thing. People have asked if we’re going to have a Derby party this year. My wife’s birthday is near then, so Derby parties are really popular at our house. Even if it’s bad Kentucky weather, we can still have the party outside on the porch.” n

PHOTOS FURNISHED BY BACK CONSTRUCTION

KEEP IT CONTAINED

TIPS FOR CREATING GREAT DIY CONTAINER GARDENS

BY SARAYA BREWER

Container gardens can be a great way to add color, height and visual interest to a porch, deck or backyard garden.

As we officially enter Kentucky gardening season this month, we’ve consulted with a few local experts on tips for creating great container gardens.

When approaching the composition of a container garden, many professional gardeners start with an easy-to-remember design concept commonly referred to as “thriller, filler and spiller” — a triedand-true method of making sure your containers are eye-catching and visually interesting, according to Fayette County extension office horticulture program assistant Reena Martin.

“The ‘thriller’ is usually a tall, large plant that provides a ‘wow’ factor,” she said, “and to complement this, the ‘filler’ tends to be a mounded or misty shape that fills the remaining space of the container. Finally, the ‘spiller’ cascades down the container to create additional movement and interest.”

While this three-fold approach is a great starting point when it comes to designing your container garden, there are plenty of additional elements to take into consideration as well, from the size and location of your container to the color, texture and light requirements of your plants.

PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO

While a bit outside the box, this showstopping succulent garden (available at Michler’s Florist, Greenhouses & Garden Design) still follows the traditional “thriller, filler, spiller” container garden design concept.

“When deciding what plants to choose for a container, my first step is determining what kind of sunlight the container will receive, which tells me to choose either shade-loving or sun-loving plants,” said Katrina Kelly, owner of the Lexington-based landscape design and installation business EARTHeim.

Making sure all of the plants in your container have the same lighting requirements is an important general rule of thumb. While colorful, sun-loving annual plants often come to mind when thinking about container gardens — geraniums, vinca and dracaena are a classic combination — the expert gardeners we consulted all like to encourage DIY gardeners to think outside the box when it comes to selecting plants and designing their containers.

“Some of my favorite plants are perfect for a shady porch, including caladiums, dragon wing begonias and maidenhair ferns,” said Robin Michler, who has grown up working in his family’s garden business, Michler’s Florist, Greenhouses & Garden Design. Michler’s carries a variety of individual plants that are great for DIY container gardens, as well as their own beautifully designed container gardens.

With a highly ecological landscaping approach, Kelly often gives added consideration to native plants and those that attract pollinators, such as verbena, lantana and

canna lilies, but she says there’s really no limit when it comes to choosing the elements for a container garden.

“Houseplants, perennials, herbs, small evergreens and native grasses make great container plants,” she said. “I also like adding artistic elements like dried branches, lights, sculpture pieces or decorative ironwork, if it works with the overall composition.”

Given her background in the extension office, which has a strong emphasis on food and agriculture, it might not be surprising that Martin loves to include edible plants in her ornamental or decorative displays.

“There are many different vegetable plants that can provide bursts of color to a container: rainbow chard, red lettuces, purple bush beans (Royal Burgundy variety), Thai chili peppers, and purple kale (Redbor variety) all come to mind,” she said. “There are also many varieties grown specifically for containers — they might be labeled as ‘miniature’ or ‘bush type’ vegetables.”

Pomegranate Crunch lettuce, Tom Thumb peas, Bambino eggplant and Micro-Tom tomato are all varieties of edible plants that are grown specifically for container gardens. When it comes to choosing the container that will house your garden, the sky is once again the limit.

Choosing Your Plants

While there’s no limit to the plants you can choose for your container garden, here are a handful that the experts we spoke to listed as their favorites.

THRILLER

The thriller is the statement plant, which adds height and a central focus to a container garden.

• Bronze cordyline

• Elephant ears

• Curly willow

• Canna lilies

• Caladiums

• Native, ornamental grasses

• Colorful basils

• Small evergreens

FILLER

The filler is what ties and anchors all the other plant elements together, adding body and weight to a container design.

“The filler often has the most colorful options, so here is where your inner artist can really come out and play,” said Michler.

• Zinnia

• Salvia

• Ageratum

• Coral bells

• Lantana

• Diascia

• Coleus

• Vegetable greens, such as red lettuces, purple bush beans (Royal Burgundy variety), Thai chili peppers and purple kale (Redbor variety)

• Other herbs, especially those that spread easily, such as mint, thyme or oregano

SPILLER

The “spiller” is a trailing plant that cascades down the container, creating additional movement and interest. “Think of it as the train of a wedding gown, adding a touch of elegance,” said Michler.

• Silver Falls dichondra

• Creeping Jenny

• Petunias

• Sweet potato vine

• Nasturtium

• Verbena

PHOTO FURNISHED

This container garden, designed by Reena Martin, features cordyline as the “thriller,” vinca as the “filler,” scaevola as the “spiller.”

PHOTO FURNISHED

The crew at Michler’s favors terracotta pots for container gardens, an affordable choice that “ages beautifully, provided it is not left out over winter.”

“The amazing thing about container gardening is that anything can transform into a plant container with the right considerations,” Martin said. “I have seen plants growing in wooden crates, reusable shopping bags, wheelbarrows, 5-gallon buckets and more. I’m currently turning an old plastic laundry basket into a planter for potatoes… If the container has drainage holes, holds soil without spilling out and is the appropriate size for the plant, anything is fair game.”

Making sure the pot is the right size, not only for your space but also suitable to hold the pants once they grow to their final size, is also important.

“I recommend choosing the largest planting container you can for your space, for several reasons,” Kelly said. “The more soil volume you have, the more moisture it will retain and the less watering it will need. It will also allow you to plant the container densely with room for the roots to grow.”

Of course, there’s one final element to consider when putting together a container garden — and ultimately it might be the most important consideration when creating a wonderful container garden that will enhance your space.

“Plant what you love,” Michler said. “You really can’t go wrong with a design that says, ‘This is what I love.’” n

PHOTO FURNISHED

With all of her garden design, Katrina Kelly of EARTHeim tends to gravitate toward native plants that serve as good pollinators.

The idea is simple. You give $365—a dollar a day—to make our community better. Your money is pooled with your fellow BGCF365 members to create a powerful grantmaking engine.

You’ll meet quarterly to network and learn about community issues. Then, once a year, you decide together which local nonprofits will receive $30,000 in grants!

Since 2017, BGCF365 has awarded $150,000 to Lexington nonprofits and is accepting new members year round! Our next event is in May, and you won’t want to miss it.

Join BGCF365 today! Learn more and sign up at bgcf.org/BGCF365.

break out THE bibs! bluegrass bbq fest is back!

MAY 17- 18, 2024

FRIDAY 4PM - 10PM • SATURDAY 11AM - 10PM

moondance Amphitheatre • lexington, KY a smiley pete publishing production

LOCAL AND REGIONAL BBQ FOLKS WILL KICK OFF THE SUMMER SERVING SERIOUS BBQ IN A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE.

ENJOY BBQ FROM LOCAL PITMASTERS :

KENTUCKY Q • MY HAMMY VICE • HOGTOWN BARBEQUE SOCIAL EATERY

D’VINE SWINE •

SHON’S BBQ •

LILLIE MAE’S BBQ •

JASMINE RICE KOREAN BBQ • SONNY’S BBQ

C&J BBQ •

INEBRIATED BAKER •

KONA ICE •

KENTUCKY STRONG BBQ

JESSE’S SLOOO GOOD BBQ • KIRK’S BLUE SMOKE BBQ

PIGGIN’ OUT & MORE !

PLUS, OTHER NOMS :

GUS’S FRIED CHICKEN •

OLD KENTUCKY KETTLE CORN

EDDIE’S ROASTED CORN • LITTLE DONUT TRAILER

SAV’S GOURMET ICE CREAM

• STRAWBERRY VILLAGE BAKEHOUSE & MORE !

FIND MORE INFORMATION AT BLUEGRASSBBQFEST.COM.

performing live:

DEAD AIR DENNIS & BRYAN HIMES FRI. 4:30 PM

SECOND HAND NEWS FRI. 6 PM

MOJO TONES SAT. 3:30 PM

TREYVON KING BAND FRI. 8 PM

admission:

DISCOUNTED PRE-SALE TICKETS

$10 WEEKEND PASS

AVAILABLE UNTIL MAY 12!

GATE PRICES: $10 / DAY OR $15 / WEEKEND PASS

BUY TICKETS TO VOLUNTEER

BEDFORD SAT. 5 PM

MAGGIE LANDER SAT. 11:15 AM

DEBRAUN THOMAS SAT. 6:30 PM

CLUB DUB SAT. 2 PM

TEE DEE YOUNG SAT. 8 PM

thank you to our PARTNERS!

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Asparagus Salad with Smoked Trout and Lemon Herb Dressing ON OUR TABLE

As the weather warms and flowers start to bloom, Kentucky Native Café — the European-style beer garden and café attached to Michler’s Florist & Greenhouses — is the perfect place to meet a friend for a drink and a snack. This asparagus salad with smoked trout is among the fresh, seasonal salads that regularly appear on the café’s menu, and our friends over there have been kind enough to share the recipe so that you can recreate it to enjoy in your own backyard.

Salad Base:

• 2 bunches of asparagus

• 1 filet of smoked trout (we use Kentucky Rainbow Trout from Shuckman’s, available at Good Foods Co-Op)

• 10 ounces fresh salad greens (today’s came from Berea College)

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ pound silken tofu

• Zest from one lemon

• ½ lemon, juiced

• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• 1 pinch black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup mixed fresh herbs (we use a mix of dill, chives, basil)

• Sprig of tarragon

Remove woody ends from asparagus, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and roast on 400 degrees for about six minutes (less for thin asparagus).

For the dressing: Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

For assembly: Place a bed of fresh salad greens onto plate. Top with the asparagus, followed by flaked smoked trout and a drizzle of lemon herb dressing. ■

RECIPE BY KENTUCKY NATIVE CAFÉ PHOTO BY EMILY GIANCARLO

CAMPERS! WHEN IT COMES TO FIREWOOD...

Do the forest a favor.

Don’t move firewood long distances — this can potentially transport tree-killing insects and diseases.

Leave firewood at home — buy local firewood at or near your destination, or collect it on site when permitted.

Events Calendar

CONCERTS & GIGS

Expansion presents Wine Lips and Bad Nerves. May 1. Wine Lips, a band whose rise to fame has been meteoric since their 2017 debut album, continues to captivate audiences with their latest record “Super Mega Ultra,” pushing boundaries while maintaining the band’s distinctive psych garage punk sound. Meanwhile, Bad Nerves, a ferocious speed punk band, aims to revitalize the rock genre with their fast-paced, distorted pop songs. The lineup is presented by the organizers behind Expansion Festival, taking place this summer. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

John Craigie. May 2. John Craigie's latest album, “Pagan Church,” serves as a communal space where his expressive songwriting and emotionally charged vocals bring people together, mirroring the nourishing power of music. Collaborating with local friends, including members of TK and The Holy KnowNothings, Craigie captures the essence of collective experience and growth, reflecting on themes of isolation and emergence through evolving soundscapes. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

The Struts. May 3. With three albums, collaborations with industry giants, and top spots on Spotify, the British rock band The Struts have sold out shows worldwide, appeared on major television shows, and performed alongside legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters and Guns N' Roses. 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.manchestermusichall.com

Tommy Prine. May 9. Tommy Prine's debut album, “This Far South,” serves as both an introduction and a reflection of experiences from his twenties, characterized by loss, love and growth. Co-produced by Ruston Kelly and Gena Johnson, the album showcases a rich and dynamic range from cathartic jams to nostalgic storytelling. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

The British rock band The Struts will perform at Manchester Music Hall on May 3.

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CONCERTS & GIGS

Robert Ellis and Parker Millsap. May 16. Hailing from Purcell, Oklahoma, Parker Millsap is renowned for his soulful music and captivating live performances. Notable achievements include performances alongside Elton John and an Americana Music Association Album of the Year nomination. Robert Ellis' latest album, “Yesterday's News,” recorded live in two days, showcases his delicate vocals with minimal accompaniment. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

The Lemon Twigs. May 17.

The Lemon Twigs, formed by Long Island brothers Brian and

Michael D'Addario, blend ’70s singer-songwriter energy with a love for musical theater. They gained acclaim with their debut album “Do Hollywood” in 2016, followed by conceptual projects like “Go to School” and the emotionally nuanced “Everything Harmony” in 2023, showcasing their evolution across various influences and styles. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www. theburlky.com

Lucero. May 18. Lucero, a band with roots in Memphis since the late ’90s, has stayed true to its initial sound while evolving across genres like Southern rock and Memphis soul. Their 12th record, “Should've Learned by Now,” draws on past work, featuring punchy rhythms, punk-inspired guitar, and lyrics that capture

Americana sentimentality, reflecting frontman Ben Nichols' acknowledgment and acceptance of his flaws. 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.manchestermusichall.com

Gangstagrass. May 20. Founded by and featuring real bluegrass pickers and real hip-hop emcees, Gangstagrass is a “dirty-fightin’, gator-wrestlin’, foot-stompin’, genre-bustin’, Emmy-nominated team of Bluegrass hip-hop pioneers.” Known for the theme song to the TV series "Justified" and for giving you hope about America's future, they deliver radical desegregation of roots music at a fundamental level. (Rescheduled from a previously scheduled date.) 8 p.m. Manchester Music Hall, 899 Manchester St. www.manchestermusichall.com

Laurel Cove Pre-Party with Taylor Hunnicutt, Miles Miller and Hannah Howard. May 25. Taylor Hunnicutt blends old-school southern music with modern influences in her debut album “Alabama Sound,” while Miles Miller, previously known for drumming with Sturgill Simpson and others, transitions to a solo career with his debut album showcasing his talents as a singer-songwriter and guitarist. Twenty-three-year-old Hannah Howard delivers emotionally charged melodies and introspective ballads that reflect deep emotional awareness in her songwriting and performances. This showcase is presented by the Laurel Cove Music Festival, taking place in Pineville June 7-8. 8 p.m. The Burl, 475 Thompson Road. www.theburlky.com

PHOTO BY ERNEST GARVER Alabama blues artist Taylor Hunnicutt blends old-school southern music with modern influences. She'll perform at the Laurel Cove music festival pre-party at The Burl.

In the 2019 film 'Yellow Rose," a Fillipina teenager must decide whether to stay with her family or pursue her country music dreams. The film shows on May 23 as part of the Lex Get HAAPI event series.

Lex Get HAAPI

The local American Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has scheduled a monthlong series of events in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.

Moondance Celebration. May 3. A collaboration of community performances, featuring local food trucks and more. 6 p.m. Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St.

Poetry and Tea Tasting. May 10. A literary reading featuring local AAPI writers, tea tasting and music. 6 p.m. Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, 251 W. 2nd St.

LexArts Gallery Hop. May 17. An art show featuring local AAPI artists, live music and fashion, presented in collaboration with the LexArts Gallery Hop. 6 p.m. ArtsPlace, 161 N. Mill St.

Movie Weekend. May 23, 24, 26. A series of AAPI films at the Kentucky Theater, with live performances before each film. Films include “Yellow Rose” (May 23 at 7:30 p.m.), “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” (May 24 at 10 p.m.), “Turning Red” (May 26 at 7:30 p.m.). (Start times reflect performance times, with film screenings to begin afterward.) Kentucky Theater, 214 E. Main St.

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ART & EXHIBITS

LexArts Hop. May 17. LexArts HOP night is an eagerly anticipated, enthusiastically attended, chooseyour-own-adventure event designed to put you in the room with a stimulating cross-section of local visual art. On HOP night, dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios, and creative spaces conventional-and-un, collectively throw open their doors. And everyone is welcome to wander in from seasoned Hoppers to arts newbies, from just-lookers and collectors to people simply wanting to make the scene. www.lexarts.org/discover/ lexarts-hop

Lexington Art League. The Lexington Art League showcases a variety of exhibits this month, includ-

ing modern crayon art by Brian Connors Manke, simple figurative work from J.H. Leigh, and photography featuring neglected objects by Gary and Liz Hansen. Also on display, Reagan Profit's "If You Lie With Me,” which explores human connection through nude paintings, and Teresa Koester's “Gaia's Sentinels,” which features watercolors depicting landscapes meaningful to female land stewards. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat., 12-5 p.m. Lexington Art League’s Loudoun House Gallery, 209 Castlewood Dr. www.lexingtonartleague.org

Radiance. On display until June 23. This exhibition celebrates a stunning collection of works by some of Kentucky's most notable artists who have garnered international acclaim. Featured artists include fiber Artist Arturo Alonzo Sandoval, glass artists Guy Kemper, Stephen Rolfe Powell and Travis Adams, and jewelry designer Daria de Koning. Exhibition events include Travis Adams’ talk at Trifecta (243 Walton Ave.) on May 16 (6:30 p.m.) and his talk on the works of Stephen Rolfe Powell on May 19 (2:30 p.m.) at The Headley-Whitney Museum. Gallery hours: Fri.Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. HeadleyWhitney Museum, 4435 Old Frankfort Pike. www.headleywhitney.org

Constance Grayson: “Music at an Exhibition.” On display until July 5. Constance Grayson presents an interpretive exhibit inspired by musical masterpiece “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Russian composer Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky. Each of Grayson's paintings is based on specific movements of the original score, which was inspired by a visit to an art exhibition. Visitors can immerse themselves in the experience by bringing headphones to listen to the score while viewing the paintings. An opening reception will take place May 17, 5-8 p.m. Gallery hours: Wed.-Sat.,12-5 p.m. New Editions Gallery, 500 W. Short St. www.neweditionsgallery.com

The Sum is Greater Than the Parts

Work from Travis Adams and other notable Kentucky artist is on display at the Headley-Whitney Museum as part of the exhibit "Radiance," through June 23.

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ON DISPLAY THROUGH JUNE 1

This exhibit showcases the work of artists Duane Culp and Raymond Papka, showcasing their art that employs sculptural abstraction, repurposed objects, assemblage, collage and transformation to tickle the mind’s imagination. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tues.-Thurs. and Sat.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri. Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St.

IMAGE FURNISHED

Work from artists Raymond Papka and Duane Culp is on display at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center through June 1. Pictured above, a sculpture by Papka called Ascension.

The Lexington-Fayette County Division of Emergency Management urges your family to stay safe by preparing Family & Individual Emergency Kits. Caring means preparing.

Kathy Griffin. May 3. This two-time Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian is globally recognized for her bold and unapologetic brand of comedy. As an author, Griffin’s memoirs have topped the New York Times Bestseller List, and she is a passionate advocate for equality and free speech. 7:30 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com

Studio Players: Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” May 9-12, 17-19, 23-26. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m. The Carriage House Theatre, 154 W. Bell Ct. www.studioplayers.org

The film "Maestra" follows five internationallybased women, including LexPhil music director Melisse Brunet, as they prepare for and perform in the world's only competition for femaile conductors.

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Film Screening: “Maestra.” May 9. Directed by Maggie Contreras, the film “Maestra” follows five internationallybased women, including LexPhil Music Director Mélisse Brunet, as they prepare for and perform in La Maestra, the only competition in the world for female orchestra conductors. Personal stories of survival, passion and perseverance are woven together with the drama and excitement of this one-of-a-kind event created to break yet another glass ceiling for women. The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with Brunet. 7:15 p.m. Kentucky Theatre, 214 E. Main St. www.lexphil.org/events

Paris Storytelling Festival. May 10-12. The annual Paris Storytelling Festival is held in the beautiful and architecturally significant towns of Paris and Carlisle, Kentucky, surrounded by charming horse farms and historical culture. The festival is geared toward the old and the new, bringing together counties steeped in tradition yet open to the youth of tomorrow. Stories, music, history and hospitality abound as the communities come together to celebrate and share their love of story. Various locations; full schedule and more details available at www.parisstoryfest.com

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MAY 10 Nate Bargatze

Grammy-nominated comedian Nate Bargatze, hailed as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” by The Atlantic, consistently sells out shows worldwide. With clean and relatable comedy showcased in specials like “The Tennessee Kid” and “The Greatest Average American,” as well as frequent appearances on popular shows like The Tonight Show, Bargatze's comedic talent has earned him widespread acclaim and recognition. 7 p.m. Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St. www.rupparena.com

Ms. Pat. May 17. Ms. Pat, born Patricia Williams in Atlanta, Georgia, embodies the fusion of dark humor and resilience in her stand-up, drawing from her challenging past to create laughter. With TV appearances, a Netflix special, and her Emmy-nominated show, “The Ms. Pat Show,” she has forged a remarkable career, offering audiences a unique and insightful perspective on life through her comedy. 7 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com

Bluegrass BBQ Fest. May 17-18. Local and regional vendors will kick off the summer by serving serious BBQ in a familyfriendly atmosphere with a full schedule of live, local music and more, during this annual event produced by Smiley Pete Publishing (this magazine’s parent company). Fri., 4-10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Moondance Amphitheatre, 1152 Monarch St. www.bluegrassbbqfest.com

LexPhil: Two Black Churches - Okpebholo World Premiere. May 18. LexPhil's season finale features the powerful “Soul of Remembrance” by composer Mary D. Watkins, evoking the grief of newly arrived Africans facing loss and displacement. The concert also presents the world premiere of Lexingtonborn composer Shawn E. Okpebholo's “Two Black Churches,” a commissioned arrangement for full orchestra featuring acclaimed baritone Will Liverman. 7:30 p.m. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. www.lexphil.org/events

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Lexington Singers: “American Soundscapes.” May 19. This Americana-themed concert features the Lexington Singers, LSCC Advanced and Intermediate choirs, and an instrumental ensemble combining pop, folk and bluegrass instrumentation. The concert will include a variety of American musical styles including folk, Broadway, bluegrass and classical with a special focus on American female composers. 4:30 p.m. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexington operahouse.com

MAY 22 FEAST

This sixth annual culinary celebration will showcase 25 acclaimed national and local female chefs. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients will be featured in delicious small plates served alongside craft cocktails, mocktails, Kentucky bourbon, and local beer and wine, creating a lively mix-and-mingle evening with local music performances from Senora May and Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. Proceeds from the event support FoodChain, a Lexington nonprofit founded in 2011 that’s dedicated to increasing access to locally sourced, fresh food through education and sustainable food systems. 6 p.m. Fasig-Tipton Farm, 2400 Newtown Pike. www.givebutter.com/foodchain

Kentucky Ballet Theatre: “Peter Pan.” May 25-26. Join Kentucky Ballet Theatre for an unforgettable ballet adventure to Neverland. This storybook ballet has it all, from pirates to Indians, lost boys and woodland fairies. Tag along with Wendy, John and Michael Darling, Tiger Lily, Tinker Bell and, of course, Peter Pan as he searches for his lost shadow. 7 p.m. Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. www.lexingtonoperahouse.com n

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321 Richmond Ave. $299,500

419 Henry Clay Blvd. $300,000

232 Sherman Ave. $365,000

333 Park Ave. $400,000

152 Lincoln Ave. $400,000

3233 Pepperhill Rd. $410,000

616 Montclair Dr. $500,000

1001 Cramer Ave. $666,075

745 Berry Ln. $713,000

1306 Richmond Rd. $940,000

1337 Cooper Dr. $1,300,000

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330 E. Lowry Ln. $315,000

620 Cardigan Ct. $325,000

104 Goodrich Ave. $373,070

179 Edgemoor Dr. $425,000

111 Wabash Dr. $460,000

3469 Lannette Ln. $495,000

40504

2429 Seine Rd. $265,000

40513

3517 Hidden Cave Cir. $289,000

1121 Hancock Ln. $385,000

3350 Ridgecane Rd. $494,900

2232 Barnwell Ln. $540,000

3308 Pastern Ct. $635,000

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2074 Old Higbee Mill Rd.

BIGGEST MOVER: 1337 COOPER DR. $1,300,000

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