Bit to Do

It’s Thunder weekend in the ‘Ville! But the official kickoff to the Derby Festival isn’t the only thing going on, so plan accordingly!

 

Hats for Hope is a silent auction of Derby hats, as well as other items and packages including jewelry, gift certificates, trips and more!  All proceeds benefit breast cancer patient care and research at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center.

Creative Reuse Art Form Thowdown at Old 502 Winery
On April 16, 2015, Good Garbage is hosting its first ever Creative Reuse Art Form Throwdown, a lively craft-off, crowning Louisville’s CRAFT Champion. The Throwdown will feature teams vying for this coveted title over the course of the evening. Event goers will also enjoy a silent auction, raffles, creative hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar all presented within the fun, urban atmosphere of the Old 502 Winery in downtown Louisville.

Pairing great music and good books, this open book club meets before the show to discuss a book specifically picked to tie into that artist and their music. This month's selection, paired with the music of Brooklyn Rider, is The Medici Effect by Frans Johannsson. Books are available at Carmichael's, readers buying both tickets and books get a discount!
April 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Clifton Center
2117 Payne Street
Louisville, KY 40206
www.facebook.com/events/1573959142853552/
Free!

Chance the Rapper and JaLin Roze at the Louisville Palace

Chance the Rapper will perform at The Louisville Palace on April 16, a show sponsored by the UofL Student Activities Louisville rapper Jalin Roze will open the show. UofL students may purchase up to two $25 tickets either at the box office with a valid student ID or online with a special code. Listed ticket prices do not include ticketing fees.
April 16, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Louisville Palace
625 South 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202
concerts.livenation.com/event/16004E52ED504128
$25 - $32.50

 

This roving explosion of diversion and delight stops at roadside attractions around the country to promote the opening of Funtown Mountain Adventure theme park, and support a kick-A kick-starter campaign. Led by an Argosy Airstream (aka “The Dreamstream”) that Russell will commandeer, the procession of peculiar pleasantness includes a ticketed sideshow: The Funtown Mountain Wonder Show, a live concert including nationally known musical acts and animatronic bands. The lineup will include music by Giant Sand, The Legendary Shack*Shakers, The Rock­afire Explosion and DJ Shit Show plus a screening of the Kickstarter Video “The Funtown Connection.” A traveling Art Show will be included by various self-­taught artists. This traveling cabinet of curiosities will also feature a seated wax Colonel Sanders figure wearing one of Harland Sanders’ original iconic white suits. The so called “Hovercolonel” will ride a remote­controlled Hoveround.
April 17, 5 p.m.
Fresh Start Growers Supply
1007 E Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40206
funtownmountain.com

They’re Off! Luncheon at the Galt House

More than 1,500 Derby Festival supporters and patrons are expected to be in attendance for this community tradition, which will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House East Hotel, site of the festive event since 1974. Notable speakers include Kirk Herbstreit, Erin Andrews, Sam Champion, Jay Bilas, Robin Roberts and Terry Bradshaw as well as many others in a long list of luminaries who have entertained They’re Off! Luncheon audiences for the past 58 years.

 “It’s a different kind of show, a different kind of energy – and what the fans bring in that environment hits every one of us onstage so hard,” Chesney says of the rush. “Every show is incredible, but there’s something about those really big ones. I think we were able to channel some of that excitement into the songs on this record – and I want to see if we can bring that intensity to the arenas and the few amphitheaters we’re playing this summer.”  

Emerging fully-formed from the desolate heart of Central Florida, Roadkill Ghost Choir make unsettling, powerful American rock, Tom Petty by way of Radiohead and Cormac McCarthy.

 

Thunder Over Louisville 2015
It’s that time of year again! Head to the Waterfront to enjoy the air show, delicious food, and the largest fireworks show in North America! It’s going to be a great day, so pray for sunshine, bring your friends, and get ready to enjoy #ThunderOverLouisville 2015!

 

Enjoy the excitement and spectacle of Thunder Over Louisville from the comfort of The Kentucky Center. Make the Center your home base for the day while you take in all the action. Families will appreciate convenient access to the Center's restrooms, activities for the kids, and delicious food and beverage options without waiting in long lines.

Copper & Kings American Brandy Co., 1121 E. Washington St., has the perfect locale and view of the Louisville skyline from their rooftop skydeck in Butchertown. In an effort to support the value, dedication and hard work of Kentucky teachers, the distillery is donating this space to Louisville-based nonprofit group Teach Kentucky. The event starts at 2 p.m. (to take advantage of the airshow) and includes barbecue from SmokeHawgs (vegetarian options available), music from the band A Lion Named Roar beginning at 7:30 p.m. and cash bar featuring a signature cocktail from Copper & Kings.

Kentucky Science Center's ThunderBlast 2015 presented by Genentech
Held annually in conjunction with Thunder Over Louisville – the largest annual fireworks display in North America – guests of the Science Center’s event will enjoy a smoke-free, covered, riverside view of Thunder Over Louisville's air show and fireworks display, access to the Science Center’s exhibit galleries, indoor restrooms, activities & demonstrations for adults and children and much more! 

Enjoy FREE cover and and regular menu prices as well as a great view for Thunder Over Louisville at 8UP Elevated Drinkery and Kitchen!

Forget the Weather…View the festivities and fireworks in our glass enclosed Conservatory, the best waterfront, weather-proof view in Louisville! HURRY! AVAILABILITY IS LIMITED. (Must be 21 or older to attend)

 

Children are encouraged to dress like a prince or princess for this social event with the members of the Derby Festival’s 2015 Royal Court. The Children’s Tea is coordinated by The Fillies, Inc., a local volunteer group that works closely with the Derby Festival.
April 19, 1 – 4 p.m.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel
830 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209
discover.kdf.org/childrens-tea-with-the-kentucky-derby-festival-princesses/

Louisville Leopard Percussionists Presents BiG GiG

Come hear us play Zeppelin LIVE and many other awesome tunes! We've gone viral on YouTube so let's pack the house! The “Big Gig” showcases the Louisville Leopard Percussionists, the unique music education program created by award-winning educator Diane Downs. This performing ensemble is comprised of approximately 55 musicians ages 7-12 from neighborhoods across Metro Louisville. The ensemble plays jazz, classical, ragtime, Latin jazz, pop, and original compositions on a full range of percussion instruments. Accompanying the Leopards will be our pan ensemble, The Steel Leopards, and our experience group, Leopards Lite.
April 19, 2 – 5 p.m.
Brown Theatre
315 W Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
www.facebook.com/events/1634542796773553/

CycLOUvia on The Avenue

CycLOUvia is returning to Frankfort Avenue. The street will be open to all non-motorized users from Pope Street to Stilz Avenue. Motorists will be allowed to cross at Ewing Avenue under police assistance.Modeled after the "ciclovía" program in Bogotá, Colombia, where for 30 years, citizens have enjoyed weekly car-free streets, Cyclouvia builds on momentum in cities from coast to coast and across the globe to connect communities around our temporarily car-free, shared public space. Besides offering a safe and exciting new way to experience Louisville, Cyclouvia helps to promote healthy lifestyles, alternative transportation options, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and econmic development. In an age where most Louisvillians move predominantly by car, bringing congestion and toxic fumes to streets across the city, Cyclouvia helps to make Louisville a more active, healthy, and livable city.