Super late notice but so not my fault. Tonight at Blu downtown they'll be rocking a Spanish theme

Flamenco Louisville and BLU invite you to enjoy a night of Spanish culture, Friday, May 9, 2008, from 7:00-10:00 pm. Create a new Mother's Day weekend tradition by joining the professional musicians and dancers of Flamenco Louisville as they create an authentic "tablao" experience for the evening.

BLU Mediterranean Grille is located in the Louisville Marriott Downtown, 280 W. Jefferson St., Louisville, Kentucky. Reservations around the dance floor are available and encouraged - call early for the best seats in the house: (502) 627-5045 or BLUGrille.com.


The tradition of good food and flamenco performance is widespread in Spain and goes all the way back to the "golden age" of the Cafes Cantantes in the early 19th century. Come experience an authentic Spanish night out right here in Louisville, KY!

Bicycling Magazine has named Louisville, Washington D.C. and New York city as the three most improved cities for biking in the country. That's so very cool. I haven't completely drank the Kool-Aid (as I've mentioned I'm scared to death most of the time when I ride my bike on Bardstown Road) but I know the city has made a lot of improvements for cyclists and that it continues to do so.

Well done Louisville. Keep up the good work.

I have very little detail about this series but I'm excited about it so I wanted to share what I've got.

In June, 2008, Apex Entertainment will host the First Annual Louisville Gay & Lesbian Film Series as part of the Louisville Exclusives Films project which brings art and foreign films to the Louisville community. The 2008 Gay & Lesbian Film Series will present several award-winning titles including "Shelter" and "The Witnesses". 

I personally would like to see a selection of modern gay fairy tales, that is to say gay films that are romantic and have happy endings. I can only take so many sad (and frequently more realistic) gay stories.

Suggested titles for my modern gay fairy tale series? Well since you asked here are three:
Big Eden
Kissing Jessica Stein
Saving Face

If you like Bluegrass Music, and I can't imagine that you don't, then Forest Fest at Jefferson Memorial Forest should be on your radar. For $1 per vehicle, not even per person, you get a day of great activities and music, including Dr. Ralph Stanley. That's a deal people, a serious deal.

Come out for a great day filled with Bluegrass Music, wood crafters and fun activities for the entire family. This free family oriented festival is set to become the premier bluegrass festival for Jefferson County.

The fourth Forest Fest will be bigger and better than ever with the addition of Bluegrass music legend, Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. This year's line up also includes Stone Hollow, Dozens of Dollars, Bluegrass 101, and Kentucky Sassafras.

2008 continues the tried and true formula of honoring Fairdale's rich bluegrass tradition, highlighting new up and coming bands and introducing them to new audiences and bringing in some of the best Bluegrass musicians from around the region.

Fee: $1 per vehicle

Saturday May 17, 2008
11AM-7PM

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502/368-5404
email: forest@louisvilleky.gov

Fair and festival season is gearing up. We recently had the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair and here comes the Butchertown Art Fair on Sunday May 18, 2008.

The Butchertown Art Fair last year had over 40 booths featuring paintings, sculptures, antiques, crafts and jewelry created by Louisville-area artisans. This event is non-juried and will be held rain or shine. Artwork and antiques will also be on display in the courtyard of historic Bakery Square. Food will be provided by St. Joe's Church and kid's activities will also be available.

The Thomas Edison House Garden & Home Tour will be held concurrent with the Butchertown Art Fair on May 18, 2008 from 11 AM - 5 PM. This annual event offers insight on unique methods of gardening in the urban landscape and benefits the Thomas Edison House, a historic house museum in the historic Butchertown neighborhood. For more information on the Garden Tour, please call (502) 585-5247.

This Saturday is something called Celebrate Asia Family Day at the Speed. The short press release I got is the first I've heard of it so I'm not sure exactly what to tell you to expect though it sounds cool enough particularly given that admission is free.

The Speed is proud to host this wonderful celebration of Asian Cultures. Celebrate Asia Family Day is the area's largest Asian cultural events for families. Come and enjoy the arts and traditions of China, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Activities include: cultural performances from several different Asian cultures in the auditorium; informational displays on the Sculpture Court; hands-on experiences in the Art Sparks Workshop, and special demonstrations.

Saturday May 10, 2008
Noon-5PM

Speed Museum
2035 South 3rd
Louisville, KY

The folks who run Midnights at The Baxter are really tender, soft hearted people aren't they? You'll recall that for Valentine's Day they ran Moulin Rouge. Now, for Mother's Day, they're showing Psycho. I love these people. Oh and if you bring your mother to the film? She gets in free. I really love these people.

Have I told you much my beloved adores the work of Alfred Hitchcock? How in our living room there is an poster from the 1954 release of Rear Window? No? Well she does and we have. My point being I have to be very careful to make sure she doesn't know Psycho is showing this weekend at midnight or she'll make me stay up and go. She's already hounding me to know what Hitchcock movies the Palace will be showing this summer. If anyone has any inside scoop on that it would be greatly appreciated.

Psycho
Saturday May 10, 2008
11:55PM

Baxter Avenue Theaters
1250 Bardstown Rd
Louisville, KY 40204 

Olmstead Parks are presenting another Saturday Walk in the Park, this time at Shawnee Park next Saturday May 17, 2008.

Be wonder-struck with nature. Grab your family and friends for a FREE fun-filled, discovery-oriented morning of walks in our historic Olmsted park!

Join us for two nature walks with flexible start times beginning at 8 a.m. at the Shawnee Park Pavilion!

Loop Walk - 1 Mile
Short, shaded walk takes you around the Great lawn - a trademark of Olmsted design.

River Walk - 2 Miles
Take and easy stroll through the beautiful park and down to the river side.

With the promise of good weather comes more opportunities to romp and frolic with your four legged friend. I can't believe I just wrote that sentence with a straight face. I am more of a crazy dog person than even I thought. Moving on.

Come out to the Forest for and evening romp through the woods with your dog! Forest Staff will lead owners and their pooches on a hike through the woods.

Keep in mind that your dog will be around other dogs and people. Non-retractable leashes and good behavior are required. As a courtesy to other dogs, please make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccines.

Meets at the Horine Reservation.

Reservations are required in advance.

Fee: $5 per dog

Friday May 16, 2008
7PM-8:30PM

Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Road
Fairdale, KY 40118
502/368-5404
email: forest@louisvilleky.gov

Just a couple shopping notes. I was in Dundee Candy today and saw that they have a few (new?) chocolates that are very clearly marked vegan. I knew they carried some vegan chocolates but the new signs for these dark chocolate beauties will make it even easier for our vegan friends to satisfy a sweet tooth.

The Makery, that hip little Bardstown Road boutique full of unique crafted goods, has gotten some cool t-shirts printed up.

Designed by Joseph Clagg the Kentucky Cutout shirt is just 27 kinds of awesome. I've got to get one and I encourage you to do the same. You can swing into the store to pick one up or you can order online.

The Makery is located at 1617 Bardstown Road.

Image courtesy of The Makery