This weekend, everyone's all aflutter about Abby Road on the River.
I don't get it. It's all Beatles. All the time. If you ask me a group of 5 "bands" are pulling off the biggest karaoke scam the world has ever seen, yet people are willing to pay anywhere from $30-70 a ticket. Maybe it's all about nostalgia for the era. Gosh, wasn't it great when a miscegenation laws were still on the books in some states and girls deserved sexual harassment for being the kind of trollop who worked outside the home in the first place.
If you're in the mood for retro themed music, why not take a look at some local alternatives that are cheaper, original, or local.
Reggae Festival
May 29
10 am - 10 pm
The Watertower
3005 River Road
Louisville, KY
$9
You'll find live music, Carribbean food, Jamacian booths selling what I'm sure are fascinatingly shaped er...glass vases, and an overall laid back atmosphere. If you get there before 6 pm, they only charge $6 for admission.
Mods versus Rockers
May 29
noon - 10 pm
Nachbar
969 Charles St.
Louisville, KY
free
If you're not in the mood for mellow, head out to the Nachbar in Germantown for a day of retro bikes, nine bands, and all the fair food you can guzzle. Bring along your Flip camera just in case the Jets and the Sharks decide to defend the honor of their women.
Southern Indiana Uncorked
May 29
1-7 pm
Harrison County Fairgrounds
Corydon, Indiana
$10
Amanda Lucas, Arnett Hollow, and Hambone take turns on the stage at this laid back wine festival that's all about keeping things local. For a mere $10, you get to sample 12 different locally produced wines while listening to 3 great local bands.
Fat Friday Trolley Hop
The Frankfort Avenue trolley hops always put so much energy into something that's over by 10 pm. In any other city that would be early, but reasonable. But no, Louisville has a 4 am bar closing time, which means most people aren't even dressed to go out on a weekend before midnight.
Last month, I bought a hand blown shotglass from a street performer blowing glass outside the Dark Star. This time, there'll be live belly dancing at It's All Greek To Me, live glass in tribute to the Glass Art Society's conference coming in June (that's right - the world doesn't just come to us for Derby), and, because this is a weekend music roundup, free live music at Coney & Coney's and at The Crescent Hill Trading Company.
Louisville Sub Rosa Gypsie Courtyard
Diamonds Pub
May 29
8:00 pm - 2 am
3814 Frankfort Ave
Louisville, KY
If you're still on Frankfort Avenue when the trolley hop ends, meander down to Diamond's. Friday night they're hosting Louisville Sub Rosa as they present five live bands. The music's free, the drinks are cheap, and the bands are guarenteed to have material that was written in the 21st century.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
May 28 & 30
The Alley Theater
1205 Washington St.
Louisville, KY
$20/$16 w/student ID
If you're not a crowd person but you don't want to miss out on all the musical excitement of the weekend, the Alley Theater has extended their show of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. I personally vouch that this production deserves all the accolades it's recieving around town. Check it out.
