Louisville music blog, and friend of Consuming Louisville, Backseat Sandbar turns one year old on Friday. To celebrate the momentous occasion the Backseat Sandbar fellows are throwing a party that will give you good music, cheap drinks and an all around kick ass good time with no cover charge. Here's the scoop:

The Zero Element, Skyscraper Stereo, The Instruction, and DJ duo Azns n Bnzs are going to play at The Pour Haus. The show is meant to provide a cross section of the Louisville Music scene genre-wise, and we specifically chose each band as the embodiment of this scene...whether you've heard of any or all of these guys or not....

We've got The Zero Element with Rahman from People Noise. These guys play a really fun and exciting kind of dance music & I can't wait to get on the dance floor. In fact, when we recently interviewed Zeke of People Noise (who is of course one of the founders of VHS or Beta), he claimed The Zero Element as one of his favorite Louisville bands. Also, we've got Skyscraper Stereo, a hiphop group who recently did a little divebar tour of Louisville and definitely don't need to be playing free shows, which makes it all the cooler that they are. We've got The Instruction, who recently won the battle of the bands at Headliners. We heard these guys and just became massive fans from the word go. Everyone who hears them ask if it is The National or a side project of Matt Berninger. Lastly, we've got the DJ duo Azns n Bnzs, who throw all of the Clay Buffet parties & you see around town at various house parties as well. These kids know how to spin music to get you dancing.

For the evening, the already incredibly cheap drinks are going to be even cheaper at $1.25 PBR & $3.25 well drinks. The Instruction is going to head on stage first right at 9. I know its the first band an all....but we only chose bands we really liked and you'd be missing out by coming late.

May 23, 2008 9PM

The Pour Haus
1481 S. Shelby St.
Louisville, KY

I've got very few details on this event but if you like German food then you should definitely call for more information.

Come and sample authentic German cuisine. From meat and vegetable dishes to bread and dessert, see what's cooking in Germany.

For more information and tickets, call 894-9512

Tuesday April 15, 2008
2PM-5PM

German-American Club
1840 Lincoln Avenue
Louisville, KY

Metro Louisville Councilman David Tandy and Congressman John Yarmuth will be the featured guests at a community meeting at Sojourn Church tomorrow March 18, 2008 from 6-7PM. "Representatives from LMPD, Public Works, Metro Parks, Neighborhoods, Animal Services, Inspections, Permits & Licenses, Codes & Regulations, Economic Development, and Planning & Design will be present to listen to concerns and suggestions."

Sojourn Community Church
930 Mary Street
Louisville, KY 40204

This Friday night The 930 Art Center is having an opening reception for the exhibit Various Colors by Kaori Ishitani.

The reception is from 7PM-10PM and the artist will be speaking at 7:15PM.

The exhibit will be on view March 7-30, 2008

A concert featuring Concert featuring Brooks Ritter and Sarah Elizabeth will begin at 8PM. This is a free, all ages show.

Image Life is Too Short ©Kaori Ishitani

Community activists in Germantown and Butchertown want your input and support for a couple of community betterment projects regarding traffic.

A proposal has been started in Butchertown to return Mellwood and Story Avenues back to their two-way street glory. Don't remember them ever being two-way? Me, either it was well before my time but I like the idea of them being two way now. If you're feeling supportive of their motion you can stop by Miss C's Kitchen on Story Avenue to sign the petition.

Over in Germantown they're trying to both beautify and increase safesty around that maze of confusion at where Swan, Ellison and Dandridge meet.

The Germantown Neighborhood Association is working with Councilman Jim King to make this area more safe and more beautiful by altering the traffic pattern with a sculpture garden or rain garden or some sort of variation! We want your input!

Councilman Jim King is behind this project but he needs to know that YOU,the residents, want it!  King's office has set up a meeting with several different city agencies where we will open discussions about the project.  All concerned persons are invited!!
 
This Friday, February 22, 2008 at 11am at German-Paristown Neighborhood Center, 1094 E. Kentucky St.

There's a CD release party tonight for Louisville is For Lovers Volume 8 at The Pour Haus. Cover is only $5 which a supreme bargain for hearing six great bands.

I heard the Louisville is for Lovers live lunch last week and was really impressed. I found a couple new-to-me artists that I really, really enjoyed. That's a round about way of saying you should buy the CD and check out this show tonight.

The Pour Haus
1481 South Shelby Street
Louisville, KY
February 15, 2008 9PM

Update: Cory at Backseat Sandbar has posted a review and photos from the show.

For the rest of February The 930 Listening Room will be serving as a donation center to collect money for the victims of the LAVA House fire. The 930 has three concerts scheduled for February and at each will be collecting money. 100% of the money collected will be given to the victims in the form of gift cards. 50% will go toward residents of LAVA House and the remaining 50% will go to artists who rented studio space.

Opportunities to donate are at the following shows:

Ben Sollee, Brigid Kaelin and Mike Mangione this Friday February 8, 2008

Ingrid Michaelson on February 11, 2008

Sharon Wright on February 23, 2008

I've got info on three different ways you can help out the surviving residents and artists of LAVA House after the devastating fire last weekend. 

1. Friday February 1, 2008 Benefit at Barret Bar
"Friends of Lava House are organizing benefits to help the three surviving residents and tenant studio artists. A major event is planned on Friday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m., at the Barret Bar, 1012 Barret Ave. Participants are asked to offer a donation of at least $5 at the door."

This event will have a silent auction with gift certificates up for grabs from Gates Automotive Service, Bristol, Nios, Proof, Seviche, Bearnos, Za's, Outback, Uptown Cafe, Kentucky Derby Festival, Wicks, Ramsis, Luna Therapeutic Massage/Amy Green, My Epiphany, Spinelli's and many other businesses. Find the complete list at LouisvilleHotBytes.com

2. Glassworks / Architectural Glass Art has several employees who were deeply impacted by this fire. So they've organized a fundraising drive and will be matching all the funds that are donated through their website.

3. Donate Money and Items for Residential Needs or Studio Needs
The LAVA House website has a large list of needed items that I'm going to copy and repost in large chunks:

Before I got the press release announcing this show I'd never heard of Stars of the Lid. So I spent a little time this morning listening to some of their stuff and I really, really dig it. It's ambient, mostly beatless kind of music that is, and I mean this in the best possible way, almost like really pleasant white noise. Or perhaps more accurately it sounds like it could be the score for a really good, serious movie and I do love good, serious movies.

Their show at The 930 Listening Room isn't until April 24, 2008 (doors open at 7PM, show starts at 8PM) but tickets go on sale this Saturday February 2, 2008 at ear X-tacy. The show is $10 in advance, $13 day of show.

I was forwarded an email from the German Paristown Neighborhood Association regarding collecting donations to help victims of The Lava House Fire last weekend. 

As many of you know by now, Saturday, January 26, 2008, The Lava House was destroyed by fire. Also long time resident of The Lava House, Bill Christie, lost his life in the fire. GPNA has setup an area on our website to take donations to help those who lost everything. Please visit http://www.gpnalouisville.org and click on the Donate Now button if you can help.

Thanks, Paul Impellizzeri 

GPNALouisville.org

And visit http://www.thelavahouse.org to find out what happened and more details about benefits around town.

Goodness gracious we are lucky, lucky people in Louisville. For $5, yes $5 we can see Ben Sollee (remember he's one of NPR's Top 10 Great Unknown Artists of 2007), Brigid Kaelin and Mike Mangione in a great, intimate venue. How is such musical goodness available at a cost of nearly nothing? Magic.

Friday February 8, 2008
8PM

The 930 Listening Room
930 Mary Street Louisville, KY
40204

Good gracious The 930 keeps presenting work that I find inspiring, challenging and interesting. The new show "Homeless: Telling Our Own Stories" is no exception. The show, curated by Jesse Eubanks and Michael Winters, is an "exhibit that uses photographs, drawings, audio and video footage as mediums for people who are homeless to document their own lives and tell their stories through art."

I can't say that I'm proud we have this project here in Louisville because there is no pride in our city having an estimated 12,000 homeless people. I am proud though that this project has given a voice to the participants. This isn't a run of the mill art exhibit, it's an exhibit with a purpose as well: "The goal is to allow people who have never experienced homelessness to step inside the struggles of living on the streets. The intention is to encourage people who are not homeless to build relationships with people who are."

See this show. This is important work with social, cultural and artist value. Seriously. See this show.

An opening reception for the show happens Saturday February 2, 2008. 7-11p.m.
The show runs February 1- March 2, 2008.

The 930
930 Mary St.
Louisville, KY 40204

More details about the project after the jump.

Just a reminder that the Picturing the Neighborhood Photo Project is this Saturday January 19, 2008 at The 930.

Come be a part of a group photography project that will document the neighborhoods surrounding the 930. This project will offer participants the opportunity to learn the functions of their camera and to see their neighborhood in greater detail. Participants need to bring their own camera equipment, including laptops if available.

Selected photographs from the day will be featured in an exhibit at the 930’s second floor gallery, and if approved by the photographer, selected images will be featured on the 930 website as well as www.sojournchurch.com.

Saturday January 19, 2008
11a.m.-6p.m.

Please register by emailing michael@the930.org
Schedule of the day's activities after the jump

The 930
930 Mary St.
Louisville, KY 40204

The fine folks in the band One Small Step sent me an email about two events Friday January 18, 2008 celebrating the release of their forthcoming CD Another Shelter.

First up is a free, all ages in-store appearance at ear X-tacy at 7PM.

Then they'll be hitting Lisa's Oak Street Lounge for a 21+ show that's also going to include  The Invaders and DJ Sean John. That show starts at 10PM cover is $3.

Friend of Consuming Louisville Cory at Backseat Sandbar has very good things to say about seeing One Small Step live: "Just two guys and a girl, a guitar, a bass and a synth, and its simple, beautiful and really good. I honestly cannot encourage seeing them highly enough."

Purchase the CD after January 18 at Ear-X-Tacy, Cherry Bomb, or We the People or you can order a copy directly from One Small Step's Louisville-based label, Brightskull Records by e-mailing Jamie at info@brightskull.com.  The CD will be $8 (postage paid). That's a great deal for good music people. Place your orders now!
 

The German Paristown Neighborhood Association has just launched a brand spanking new website filled with community information, photos from past events, neighborhood facts, calendar of events and a message board. Perhaps most coolly the site is aggregating crime report data from the Louisville Metro Police Department rss feed. Excellent use of technology GPNA!

Not only are the GPNA folks clever about using technology, they're also good people who are doing good things in the neighborhood like providing and installing energy efficient light bulbs on front porches this weekend. If this is your neck of the woods head out and join them to meet some of your neighbors and do some good both for your local community and for the environment at large.

Just wanted to let you know that the new German Paristown Neighborhood Association (GPNA) website is up and running.  Please login and register!  You will be able to create your own profile, post links and news and participate in the online forum!  Here you can discuss issues and events with your neighbors. 
 
While you are there pick out your family and friends!  You can view the Shotgun Fest photos by Aron Conaway.
 
 http://www.gpnalouisville.org
 
Also, this weekend we are doing some random acts of kindness!  On Saturday October 6 we will be stopping by folks' homes to install energy efficient light bulbs on front porches.  The idea is to get people on their porches participating in their neighborhood.  And to save $$ on those energy bills!!  If anyone would like to join us or if you know a neighbor who might need a light bulb installed let me know!

The 930 has a great community based photography event next Saturday January 19, 2008.

Come be a part of a group photography project that will document the neighborhoods surrounding the 930. This project will offer participants the opportunity to learn the functions of their camera and to see their neighborhood in greater detail. Participants need to bring their own camera equipment, including laptops if available.

Selected photographs from the day will be featured in an exhibit at the 930’s second floor gallery, and if approved by the photographer, selected images will be featured on the 930 website as well as www.sojournchurch.com.

I'm a fan of street photography and street portraiture specifically. I've only recently started dipping my own photographic toes into street portraiture. I encourage anyone participating in Picturing the Neighborhood to remember to photograph the people in the neighborhood and not just landscapes, still lifes and architecture.

Saturday January 19, 2008
11a.m.-6p.m.

Please register by emailing michael@the930.org
Schedule of the day's activities after the jump

The 930
930 Mary St.
Louisville, KY 40204

Here's a release I got about a Derby City Rollergirl event this Friday night January 11, 2008

First, this Friday night, January 11th, come on out to Nachbar (969 Charles St. in Germantown) at 9pm and get your DCRG 2008 Calendar signed by all your favorite rollergirls! If you haven't seen them yet, our 2008 calendars are hott!! Full of great action shots from last season and fun "Derby Laundry" trivia, the calendars are available at Nitty Gritty and Highland Chiropractic, or you can of course get one Friday night at Nachbar for $18. Come have a drink, get your calendar autographed, and mix and mingle with your Derby City Rollergirls!

I told you a few weeks ago that Lucky Pineapple would be playing an all ages show at The 930 and you totally forgot didn't you?

So I'm telling you again that local favorites Lucky Pineapple are playing an all ages show with Abner Trio and Virgin Flame (also local) at The 930 Listening Room on January 10. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8PM. Cover is $5.

The 930 Listening Room
930 Mary St.
Louisville, KY 40204

Indianapolis artist Casey Roberts's artist statement makes his work sound intriguing to say the least:

"My work illustrates a fantastic landscape. It represents nature’s subtle way of dealing with the peculiar aspects in the relationship with mankind. A giant glow-in-the-dark heart, or a pile of precious gems tells us that we are loved, just as blood squirting from an oak tree trunk says all is not well. I am inspired by my conversation with the landscape, I imagine long monologues when pine forests make me laugh and mountains test my patience.

My paintings are created with a photochemical process known as cyanotype. The cyanotype is a civil war era process that gives a vibrant blue image when exposed to sunlight and developed. I paint with this light sensitive medium directly on paper or canvas. With everyday items such as baking soda, bleach and peroxide I am able to achieve a range of colors and textures thru controlled chemical reactions. I repeat this process adding many layers until the image is fully realized, often finishing with watercolor painting or a collage element."

Seeing samples of his work, like the image at right makes me even more intrigued and really excited that his show Wilderness coming to The 930 Center.

On view January 5-25, 2008. The opening reception is Saturday January 5, 2008, 7-11PM
The show is on view January 5-25, 2008

The 930 Center
930 Mary St.
Louisville, KY 40204

Image: Before and After ©Casey Roberts

The 930 is just turning into the art and music spot in town isn't it? The latest step toward art world domination is Watercolor Painting Workshop for kids that is absolutely free this Saturday January 12, 2008.

This watercolor painting workshop for kids ages 4-12 will explore the landscapes of their imaginations. Children under 4 are welcome to come also, provided that a parent or guardian stays with them. All supplies will be provided.

This workshop will be taught by Tessa Janes and Katherine Valentine. Time together will also include a snack and some time to play in the gym and playground.

Register by emailing michael@the930.org and please include the names and ages of the children attending.

Saturday January 12, 2008. 2-6p.m.

The 930 Center
930 Mary St.
Louisville, KY 40204

If you're actually older than 12 and want to participate in an art workshop don't forget the about the Experimenting with Cyanotype workshop at The 930 on January 12, 2008.

Local favorites Lucky Pineapple are playing an all ages show with Abner Trio and Virgin Flame (also local) at The 930 Listening Room on January 10. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8PM. Cover is $5.

According to the fine folks at The 930 "Lucky Pineapple describes themselves thus: “six people, six points-of-view, a schizo-suicide of stylings and sounds.” Equal parts math rock, jazz fusion and even a small dose of indie-pop make Lucky Pineapple a unique collective for the literate mind. The band members seemingly contribute their respective parts equally to create a refreshingly original, unified sound. Look for the band to be featured on the forthcoming Louisville edition of the Burn to Shine film project alongside other great Louisville artists such as Will Oldham, Shipping News and Liberation Prophecy."

For fans of: Tortoise, Devo, The Flaming Lips, Miles Davis"

In conjunction with the exhibit of Casey Robert's cyanotype work The 930 Center is presenting a workshop with the artist.

This workshop, taught by Casey Roberts in conjunction with his exhibit of cyanotype paintings, will explore the cyanotype as an art-making process. Participants will make at least two cyanotype prints by the end of the workshop. The $10 fee covers all of the materials and supplies. Participants are only required to bring clothes that can get stained and some objects for use in cyanotype photograms. Suggested objects could be flowers, toys, leaves, or transluscent objects such as a small stained glass window.

Cyanotype History

Popularized later for use as engineers’ ‘blueprints’, the process was first discovered in 1842 by scientist and astronomer Sir John Herschel. Soon after being discovered, the process was adapted for photographic copying. Some of the earliest cyanotypes were made for scientific catalogues, such as the algae photograms by Anna Atkins (click on thumbnail at left). The process has now been succeeded by modern methods for photographic copying and is not widely used commercially or artistically.

Saturday January 12th, 2008. 2-6PM
$10. Limited space available. Register by emailing the 930.

Indianapolis artist Casey Roberts's artist statement makes his work sound intriguing to say the least:

"My work illustrates a fantastic landscape. It represents nature’s subtle way of dealing with the peculiar aspects in the relationship with mankind. A giant glow-in-the-dark heart, or a pile of precious gems tells us that we are loved, just as blood squirting from an oak tree trunk says all is not well. I am inspired by my conversation with the landscape, I imagine long monologues when pine forests make me laugh and mountains test my patience.

My paintings are created with a photochemical process known as cyanotype. The cyanotype is a civil war era process that gives a vibrant blue image when exposed to sunlight and developed. I paint with this light sensitive medium directly on paper or canvas. With everyday items such as baking soda, bleach and peroxide I am able to achieve a range of colors and textures thru controlled chemical reactions. I repeat this process adding many layers until the image is fully realized, often finishing with watercolor painting or a collage element."

Seeing samples of his work, like the image at right makes me even more intrigued and really excited that his show Wilderness coming to The 930 Center.

On view January 5-25, 2008. The opening reception is Saturday January 5, 2008, 7-11PM
The show is on view January 5-25, 2008

The 930 Center
930 Mary St.
Louisville, KY 40204

Image: Before and After ©Casey Roberts

Local electronic group Interstates is playing at The 930 Listening Room on Saturday January 5, 2008. This free, all ages show starts at 8PM, doors open at 7PM.

"Interstates is Alex O'Nan and Kyle Noltemeyer, a two piece band from Louisville, Kentucky based entirely on programmed electronic music. After spending almost 8 years together in the angular rock trio 'of Asaph', the two have joined together to perform O'Nan's electronic music live by adding acoustic drums and electric guitar. The music ranges from ambient soundscapes to delay-heavy synth patterns, but always centers around pleasant sounds placed over driving rhythms. Drawing influence from O'Nan's experiences with life as a railroad conductor, the live show is enhanced with synchronized visuals in the form of short films. With the electronic music, live drums and delicate guitar sounds blending together with the dream-like films, it creates a very unique and truly personal style of music."

After listening to a few tracks by Interstates I'd describe them as having elements of ambient electronica and I can't get enough ambient electronica so definite thumbs up from me on the free Interstates show.

Indianapolis based Grampall Jookabox will also be performing. 

The Pour Haus presents Wax Glover MotherF****er Extravaganza Review on New Year's Eve. A $15 cover charge gets you in the door, a free champagne toast and a "Multimedia mindbender from the brains in WaxFang and DannyGloverCoverBand." Wax Fang says there will be DJs, karaoke, special guests and oh yeah they "ain't playin' no Wax Fang songs, so don'ca come lookin' to hear none." Festivities start at 10PM.

The Pour Haus
1481 S. Shelby St.
Louisville, KY

Head to The Pour Haus this Saturday evening, December 8 for a benefit for the Community Farm Alliance.

"CFA's mission is to organize and encourage cooperation among farmers, rural, and urban citizens, through leadership development and grassroots democratic processes, to ensure an essential, prosperous place for family-scale agriculture in our economies and communities."

That's a mission you should support, particularly when you get to see live music while doing it.

I'm not exactly sure how The 930 Listening Room came to be the place in town that attracts the best shows but I don't think it would be a stretch to say that it has. The 930 of course most recently played host to José González, in May they had Over the Rhine and on January 16 they're getting Yo La Tengo as part of The Freewheeling Yo La Tengo Tour.

The show is over a month away but tickets go on sale this Saturday December 8, and I'd be willing to wager that this indie favorite's all ages show will sell out. So add January 16 to your calendar and buy tickets this weekend at either ear X-tacy, the 930 Listening Room or www.ticketweb.com

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
Doors 7pm / Show 8pm
Tickets: $20, on sale December 8th, 2007 10AM

On Friday November 23, 2007 Janet L. Boyd will be reading from and signing Don't Get Me Started: The LEO Years at 6 PM at Quills . The book is a collection of columns Boyd wrote over 4 years for LEO.

Please note that there are only 300 copies of the book and all sales are cash or check only. 

Quills Coffee & Books
1220 E. Kentucky Street
Louisville, KY 40204

Speaking of Quills, they're going through a bit of small remodel. I stopped by there this morning and found that a new bar space is being added and tables and couches have been moved around a bit. From what I can tell the new bar area is being added to allow for more power outlets and more spaces for individuals who might not want to take up a whole table. So definitely an improvement for power hungry laptop jockeys who like to caffeinate, plug in and get to work.

Quotes from Don't Get Me Started after the jump:

So much stuff is going on this weekend I don't know how you're going to choose between it all but I hope you squeeze a lot of it in.

Friday October 26

Jack O'Lantern Stroll at Bellarmine featuring jack o'lanterns, huge pumpkin pies, dipping of Krispy Kreme donuts and donations going to Dreams with Wings 6PM-9PM

Bardstown Bound Boofest With shops, restaurants and bars all along the Bardstown Road corridor offering up treats for young and...not so young alike. 5PM-??

Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop This event seems to grow in both coolness and popularity every month. If you go that way I'd be sure to take a stroll down Hillcrest Avenue to check out all the Halloween finery on display.

Family Halloween at Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center Featuring art, food, pumpkin carving, ghost stories and more for kids and adults both.

Arabic Music at Caffe Classico George Wakim with Alma Gitana performing. 8:30PM

Saturday October 27, 2007

Affordable Art Show & Fall Festival at The 930 Art Center All art under $100, food, music, petting zoo, good times.

Poetry Reading at Moxie Letterpress Poetry reading, music and art to buy. 7PM

Evil Dead 2, Midnights at The Baxter Evil Dead 2 and the costume contest with the kick ass prize. Midnight

It was tacky of me not to mention the opening act, Cass McCombs, for the José González show I'm so excited about. Making my tackiness worse is the fact that apparently the opening act kicks ass. Entertainment Weekly gives McCombs new CD an A- rating and has these nice things to say about it and McCombs:

It's a rare musician who can finesse a great pop hook into a psych-rock jam, but on ''Deseret,'' Cass McCombs does just that with help from a twinkling piano and Beach Boys-style harmonies. On Dropping the Writ, his third full-length CD, the singer-songwriter seems to source his lyrics from dreams, with hazy impressions of longing and wonder that linger. The real gem here: ''That's That,'' a superb '70s AOR-style track on which a mournful pedal-steel guitar, a driving bass line, and McCombs' reedy voice alchemize into something almost divine.

While digging up the specifics on the José González show I found out about a cool event happening this weekend at The 930 Art Center.

The main event is the Affordable Art Show

This art show is both a one-day event and a month-long exhibit.
The one-day event will be on Oct. 27, 3-8PM in conjunction with a Fall Festival sponsored by Sojourn Church at the same location. The Festival will include art, free music, free food, and fun for kids including a petting zoo and the blow-up jumping things.

Artists include Lisa Austin, Sarah Cosper, Sarah Hall, Brendan Kennedy, Melvin C. Ledrick, Julie Leidner, Jason McCreary, Flora Naslund, Alex O’nan, Emily Parker, Brandon and Bethan Rogers, Eric Scholtens, James R. Southard, Stephanie Tanner, and Michael and Mickie Winters.

A Fall Festival happening in conjunction with the Affordable Art Show will feature music by Hog Operation, Rob Carpenter & Paul Moeller, Dangerbird, The Fervor

The 930 Art Center and Sojourn Community Church host a Fall Fesitval with free games, free food and free live music from 3-9pm. In addition, The 930 Art Gallery will host an opening reception for the 1st Annual Affordable Art Show (everything under $100). Fun for the whole family!

Afternoon Outdoor Set
Hog Operation 3:30pm
Rob Carpenter (The Muckrakers) & Paul Moeller (Digby) 5pm

Evening Indoor Set
Dangerbird 6:30pm
The Fervor 7:30pm

Normally I wouldn't post about a show that's over a month away but I'm so excited about this one I wanted to make sure all interested parties know about it. José González is coming to our fair town and will be playing at The 930 Listening Room on December 1.

My friend Jason gave me González's first album, Veneer, last year for Christmas and I'll confess I didn't warm to it right away. It took a little time but it's become a much beloved record that's still getting frequent plays this Fall. So I'm really excited he's coming to town in support of his new record In Our Nature.

I know we get cool artists and musicians coming to town all the time but sometimes that point really hits home. When it's an artist you're a fan of it's so cool to be able to see them in a small venue, at a good price in your town. < / end gushing about how great living in Louisville is>

I wasn't lying earlier when I said I don't have a favorite coffee shop in Louisville. It just might look that way after I tell you how much I love Quills Coffee & Books and how much I work and hang out there.

Quills Coffee & Books is a little oasis of comfort, warmth, really good coffee, and mostly excellent music selections. It is my favorite coffee shop for meetings or getting work done. The tables and chairs are comfortable, the flow of traffic and general noise level is low enough that you can think or have a conversation and the books and magazines all over the place offer inspiration or distraction, depending on what you need. The books are available for purchase or you can just read them while you're hanging out.

Wifi is free and reliable and they recently added an internet connected iMac for customer use. The vibe is laid back and relaxed. Lots of laptop users, lots of readers, mostly WFPK or indie rock and modern folk for the hipster set (Ryan Adams, My Morning Jacket, Iron & Wine, The Royal Tenenbaums soundtrack) on the sound system. The staff is friendly. They won't fawn over you but they won't try to upsell you or make you feel uncomfortable about ordering girly coffee drinks (*cough* sugar free vanilla cappuccino *cough*).

Granola with milk or yogurt, pastries and bagels are available for breakfast. Vegetarian sandwiches served on focaccia bread are available for lunch and dinner. Bottled waters, juices and a few sodas are available as well. Sadly though no Coke Zero.

One teensy, tiny, piddly little complaint about Quills that doesn't really matter to me but it might to you so I'll mention it. My beloved is much more of a tea drinker than a coffee drinker. She adores hanging out and reading/working at Quills but finds their tea selection lacking. They have a lovely Earl Grey but some of the others from their small selection of teas have been met with less than stellar reviews. Coffee and I are pair bonded so the tea selection doesn't really impact me but I've heard a rumor that there are other tea drinkers in Louisville besides my dearest so I thought it best to mention it.

Quills is situated smack dab on the dividing line between the Highlands and Germantown. This prime location makes it great central meeting place and a pick up your morning latte point for Highlands and Germantown commuters on their way downtown.

Quills Coffee & Books
1220 E Kentucky St
Louisville, KY

Kory at 37 Flood tells us that Norwegian band Ungdomskulen is very cool and we're quite lucky that they're playing two shows here on Wednesday (one of them for free!)

Hey Louisvillians, we have a special treat this coming Wednesday. Ungdomskulen, a Norwegian band is touring the US for their first time and making Louisville one of their few dates. A three piece that has been compared to the Melvins, Death from Above and Q and Not U. Don't let other bands speak for them though, get out and let their quirky, jazz-heavy rock speak for itself.

They will be playing a free show at Ear-xtacy at 5pm and at the Pour Haus at 8pm with The Photographic; a pretty rad sounding duo from right here in the river city that I'm equally excited to check out.
I know it's a work day for most of you but there's not many chances to see a Norwegian band on a Wednesday in the middle of the United States, is there?

37 Flood has a couple mp3s for you to check out. If you dig them you should definitely check out at least one of these shows.

Erin Keane will be previewing her new book of poems The Gravity Soundtrack and Nickole Brown will be reading from her book Sisters: Poems at the Atomic Saucer tomorrow night.

Atomic Saucer
1000 E. Oak Street
Louisville, Kentucky
Wednesday night, October 10 - 7:30 pm.

One day soon I'm going to write a review of all the coffee shops I love in Louisville. I'll tell you my favorite ones for getting work done, best one for people watching, best place for a vanilla cappuccino, best house blend, best place to read a novel, etc. Quills Coffee will be the winner in at least one of those categories if not more. Though I already thought Quills was very cool it's excellence factor has now been increased because on August 2 it will be home to the spoken word and music event "Words of Summer." Words of Summer is going to be a fantastic event that is a joint production with The Louisville Writers Workshop Project and all proceeds from the suggested $5 cover are going to The Coalition for the Homeless.

Words of Summer

Thursday August 2
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Quills Coffee & Books
1220 East Kentucky
(On Kentucky St. near Barret Ave. & Lynn's Paradise Cafe)

-featuring -

Bobbi Buchanan, Essay
Maryam Hand, Poetry
Michael Jackman, Fiction
Cameron Lawrence, Essay
Nancy Moïse, Poetry

Musical Guest: Heidi Howe

Donation: $5 at door
100% of proceeds benefit
The Coalition for the Homeless

_{I've put this in both the Highlands and Germantown categories. Quills sits between both I think so I'm not going to draw an arbitrary line in the proverbial sand.}