Bourbon and Garden event
Proof on Main
702 W. Main St.
Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate bourbon and celebrity garden designer (I didn't realize such a designation existed) Jon Carloftis Friday night at Proof on Main. The evening includes a tour of the building's rooftop garden, designed by the Kentucky-born Carloftis. Also "The Bourbon Review" magazine is hosting a tasting and the Lexington-based band Chico Fellini is performing in the atrium. Tickets are $59 per person, which includes a glass of sparkling wine, admission to the bourbon tasting, two drink tickets, hors d'oeuvres (that's a fancy French phrase for appetizers), a limited edition shot glass and a copy of "The Bourbon Review." And if you really want to treat your best girl or boy to a special weekend, 21C Museum Hotel is offering rooms at a special rate of $129. For reservations, call Katie Matthews at 502-217-6312.
Louisville Sub Rosa: The Gypsy Courtyard Rolls onto Bardstown Road
In front of Sol Aztecas
2427 Bardstown Road
Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Divinity Rose, whom Louisville.com profiled earlier, is taking her Sub Rosa: The Gypsy Courtyard open-mic variety show out of the bars and into the street on Saturday. Performing as part of The Great Escape's (2433 Bardstown Road) sidewalk show (25 percent off everything in the store from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), there'll be live music from The Stand and Revenge of Ricky Williams, magic from Darshwood the Conjuror and mentalism from Joe Riggs, as well as whatever entertainment you want to provide--it's an open-mic after all. There's also a super heroes vs. villains costume contest with a grand prize that includes a $30 gift card to Great Escape. This event is rain or shine. Admission is free.
Melwood Fine Arts and Crafts Show
Melwood Arts & Entertainment Center
Sept. 12-13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Because Louisville needed another arts fair like I need an 8 a.m. gimlet, the Melwood Arts & Entertainment Center is stepping up with its first annual September Art Fair at Melwood. In what it's calling "one of the largest high quality fine arts and crafts shows in Louisville," there'll be 300 artists' spaces, as well as food, wine tastings, live entertainment, a children's area and charity booths for the Ursuline Sisters. Admission is free.
Fleur de Liberties
Monkey Wrench
1025 Barret Ave.
Sept. 12, 8 p.m.-12 a.m.
This benefit show is for the ACLU of Kentucky, which works for sensible changes like abolishing the death penalty, immigration reform, restoring voting rights for former felons, and ensuring reproductive and gay rights. Performers include Shane Larue, Rest Assured, Shedding and The Deloreans, as well as an after-party with the OK djays, Sam Sneed and Mr. Hits. Local restaurants and merchants have donated items for a raffle and there'll also be a silent auction with items from the Female Art Collective and Kinship Gallery. Tickets are $5.
Gaslight Festival
Gaslight Square
Jeffersontown
Sept. 13-20
This family-friendly event features a motorcycle rally, golf scramble, 5k run/walk, parade, balloon glow, bike tour, children's playground and--yes--those ubiquitous arts and crafts booths. I don't see the appeal of this festival, but as it's been going on for 40 years and attracts 200,000 people, there's a great case to be made for my not knowing what the heck I'm talking about.
For more information: Check out Hambone's three area shows this weekend.
