The White Russians help contribute to the fun activity buzzing around Louisville today as they get ready to play Uncle Slayton’s live along Broadway to help kick off the 2012 Kentucky Derby Parade. The foot-stomping Bluegrass group, headed by the multi-talented Amos Hopkins and recently added vocalist Jess Langer, will be pumping music into the streets at Uncle Slayton’s today from 3 until 5 p.m. just inside the venue’s bay door, which opens up right onto Broadway.
Fiddler and flat-picker Amos Hopkins is a locally famed bluegrass maestro, having developed numerous groups in and around Louisville. From the country/early rock Kentucky Hellbenders to the vintage jazz of Billy Goat Strut Review, The White Russians are a true experience of what toe-tapping Kentucky bluegrass is all about. The group instrumentation is everything that is traditional, from guitar, banjo and mandolin to fiddle and upright bass, this group is a guaranteed good time. Add in the vocal belt of Jess Langer and you’ve got Bluegrass with a kick.
The White Russians event was previously planned to counter the celebration of Uncle Slayton’s securing a new liquor license, but the venue’s permit is still on the state’s desk partially due to the special permit requests for Derby. The owners expect everything concerning the new liquor license to officially be in place by next week. Nonetheless, Uncle Slayton’s will be slinging brewskis at the public’s request - perfect for a hot Parade Day.
The White Russians kick off the celebration today at Uncle Slayton’s from 3 until 5 p.m., which leads right up to the start of the Kentucky Derby Parade being headed this year by grand marshal Cyndi Lauper. The event is an all-ages show and is open to the public. Uncle Slayton’s is located at the intersection of Broadway and Barrett Avenue in Louisville. Look for the Uncle Slayton’s sign over the open bay door or just follow the live Bluegrass music.
photo courtesy of Nina Greipel
