Obviously the major event is going to be digging out of snow and avoiding crazy people who can't drive in the snow. If we do get all the snow we're calling for who knows how many of these events will go on as planned.

Friday March 7, 2008
First Friday Events galore
Various Colors opening at The 930

Saturday March 8, 2008
Cherokee Park was having a walk in the woods but I'm betting it's going to be called off for weather
Kentucky Crafted: The Market
Locust Grove Used Book Sale
Midnights at The Baxter presents The City of Lost Children

Sunday March 9, 2008
Kentucky Crafted: The Market
Locust Grove Used Book Sale

That's it, that's all I've got. Stay warm, dry and safe during winter's last gasp this weekend.

I'm out of town visiting my grandparents so the weekend events roundup is a little light. If there's something cool happening that I've missed please leave it in the comments.

Friday February 29, 2008
If today is your birthday Tony Boombozz wants to give you free pizza
Alana Fugate show at BBC
Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop
Bourbon Baroque presents music of the French Baroque
Raisin' The Rent Party at Mellwood
Artists Reception at Shekinah Gallery

Saturday March 1, 2008
Outdoor Skills Class at Jefferson Memorial
Barack Obama meetup
The Late Seating: Humana Festival Edition

After a bit of feedback last week it seems at least a few people appreciate the weekend events roundups so I'll plan to keep doing them. Thanks for the feedback, I appreciated it.

Friday February 22, 2008
There's a sweet deal of a concert benefiting Relay for Life at Bellarmine

The opening reception at KMAC for two new exhibitions including one of new Kentucky Artists

Production of Zoo Story at the Rud

Saturday February 23, 2008
Midnights at the Baxter presents The Professional (good, violent movie)

Winter Beer Dinner at Browning's, though I'm not sure if this has already sold out. Please call first.

Sunday February 24, 2008
Shelly Zegart lecture on African American quilt making at the Speed Museum in conjunction with Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt

Go skating with Derby City Roller Girls and see what all this bad ass roller derby fun is all about

The Will Lavender reception and reading that was scheduled for last night at Carmichael's got postponed until Sunday.

If you're one of those people who things of the Oscars as a Super Bowl level event then don't forget the Oscar party at nios

I'm thinking about discontinuing these weekend events roundups. At first I thought they'd be helpful to people. Now I'm thinking they're just kind of redundant. So unless I get some feedback to counter my thinking this will be the last, regularly scheduled weekend events roundup.

Friday February 15, 2008
Louisville is for Lovers Showcase at The Pour Haus
Opening reception for Susan Moffett's Journeys
Big New Empty Opening at Zephyr Gallery

Saturday February 16, 2008
Kentucky Women's Book Festival
Volunteer at Cherokee Park
Gee's Bend Quilters Weekend
Wau Wau Sisters After Party at 21c

Sunday February 17, 2008
Author Chris Bohjalian at Carmichael's
Gee's Bend Quilters Weekend

Just a few highlights of things to do this weekend.

Friday February 8, 2008
Ben Sollee, Brigid Kaelin and Mike Mangione are playing at The 930. Remember this isn't just an insanely affordable show ($5!) it's also an opportunity to donate for the victims of the LAVA House fire.

The InKY Reading series is celebrating its 4th birthday

The Juggernaut Jug Band is having a CD release party at Clifton's pizza. Well actually two parties, one tonight and one tomorrow.

Floyd Theater at UofL is showing Southland Tales

Saturday February 9, 2008
Respected artist Tony Hepburn is speaking at UofL

Stained Glass workshop at Glassworks

Moulin Rouge! is playing at Midnights at The Baxter

Despite our collective best efforts January still kind of sucked a little bit, not as much as in years past, but still I'm happy to give February a warm welcome by enjoying a weekend full of really cool stuff here in Louisville.

Friday February 1, 2008
It's first Friday Gallery Hop time. Lots of good stuff going on for it including Christopher Hauck's Identity Crisis at Gallery NuLu and the opening of the 14th annual African American Art Exhibition at Actors

Derby City Espresso has two very cool things going on that are definitely worth your attention. First, they'll be introducing the brand new BBC Derby City Espresso Stout to the world with a free tasting (free beer!). As if that wasn't enough they'll also be celebrating the opening of a new group exhibition of queer artists.

The Tim Faulkner Gallery will be celebrating the opening of "Portraits" by Terry Tapp.

Last but certainly not least is the benefit for LAVA House at Barret Bar.

A wide variety of things to do if you're going to venture our of your house this very, very cold weekend. Here are a few highlights:

Friday January 18, 2008
The band One Small Step is throwing two events for the release of their new CD. One of them is free!
Opening reception for the ReSource exhibit at the Cressman Art Center downtown

Saturday January 19, 2008
Educate yourself a bit this weekend with the free lecture Chief Justice John Marshall: Origins and Consequences of Judicial Review
 
If you can brave the cold Picturing the Neighborhood should be a really wonderful afternoon

To warm yourself up after walking around in the cold all afternoon head to All things Art at Nios for free (and then cheap) food, music and art, glorious, glorious art

Sunday January 20, 2008
Open Skate with the Derby City Roller Girls will most certainly be a unique and entertaining way to pass a Sunday afternoon.

Monday January 21, 2008
Don't forget that you can see Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt at the Speed for free on Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Highly, highly recommended. 

Friday January 11, 2008
If improv comedy is your thing you should already have your tickets to Improvapalooza 8

Diva Night at Fleet Feet should be consider a "for the greater good" event. Seriously active ladies, go be properly fitted for bras, shoes and other necessary items. It will make a world of difference in how comfortable you are when exercise.

You need more poetry in your life and you can get it tonight at the InKY Reading Series event at the Rud

If cool tough chicks on roller skates are your thing you should head to the Nach Bar for the Derby City Roller Girls calendar signing party

The David Harpe opening reception at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft is a great opportunity to see what looks to be a fantastic photography exhibit. If you can't make it out to the opening tonight I'm going to go out on a limb and encourage you to make plans to see it at another time even though I myself haven't seen it yet.

Saturday January 12, 2008
Learn about Greening Your Home at Rainbow Blossom. This event is totally on my agenda because sweet mercy my heating bill is out of control.

$5 gets you into the all ages Lucky Pineapple Show at The 930 Listening Room

Prove your superior trivia knowledge at the Paws with Purpose Third Annual Trivia Night

Bruce Lee, the original bad ass, will be showing you how it's done when Midnights at The Baxter presents Enter the Dragon

Sunday January 13, 2008
Opening reception for Caroline Waite exhibit at Galerie Hertz

I'm still recovering from holiday madness so please forgive me for a weak weekend events roundup this week. Next week will be better, I promise.

Friday January 4, 2008
First Friday Gallery Hop downtown

Saturday January 5, 2008
Start working on those "get healthy" resolutions with Hiking and History of the Forest

Start working on those "be more involved in the community" or "volunteer more" resolutions by volunteering at Cherokee park

Start working on those "see more art" resolutions (come on I can't be the only one with that resolution) by going to the opening of the Casey Roberts: Wilderness exhibit at The 930.

That's it. That's all I got. It's weak sauce for a whole weekend events roundup but there are some good individual events so get out of your house to hike, volunteer and see art this weekend. All three of those things will totally help January suck less.

It's the weekend before Christmas. I suspect most of us have friendly and familial obligations this weekend so I'm just going to hit a couple highlights.

Friday December 21, 2007
If I weren't having dinner with my mother tonight I'd hit the Jamie Barnes show at Quills for a bit

After the wuss rock I'd head to the Pink Door for some cocktails and soaking up images from Sarah Lyon's female mechanic calendar

Saturday December 22, 2007
After whatever party obligation you have on Saturday night head down to Baxter Avenue to watch Batman Returns at midnight

If you've managed to avoid any obligations for Saturday night head down to the Rudyard Kipling for an evening of "feminist punk, heavy on the fiddle"

Or if you're feeling charitable and politically inclined this holiday season you can hit the Henry Wallace Brigade fundraiser at The Alternative.

I'm still compiling a list of New Year's eve happenings so let me know of any good events I've missed. The posting schedule for next week will be on the light side but I'll be around town so if you've got any tips or event listings send them my way. Or if you'd like to take me out for coffee you won't have to twist my arm.

I always have such an emotional letdown after the holiday season that I find myself saying very nearly every year "January sucks." In order to avoid such suckage I'll be particularly on the lookout for fun events in January and will be making up my own fake events (for example a relaxing evening out that includes such good food, drink and conversation that you'll totally forget how much January sucks). So be looking for that after New Year's.

Whatever you celebrate or don't celebrate I hope you have had and continue you to have a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for making Consuming Louisville's first six months wonderful. I've got big plans for the site in 2008 that I hope will make Consuming Louisville even more enjoyable, interesting and beneficial for you.

Finally, my earnest and sincere solstice wish for all:

"May you have a reflective and peaceful solstice full of love. And may those warm feelings accompany you into a new year full of friendship, community, knowledge and even more love still."

A weekend in the middle of December brings many opportunities for merry making, festivities, movie watching and reveling in our consumerist capitalist culture.

Friday December 14, 2007
Kick things off right early with happy hour at the Pink Door featuring DJ Kim Sorise and Pat Luebbers

Village 8 is having a special premier for the film Ira & Abby. Product and Louisville local Stu Pollard will be doing a Q&A after the screening.

It's the last InKY Reading Series event on 2007 featuring 3 poets

The new Derby book is out and you can pick up a copy and get it signed

Saturday December 15, 2007
The Big Bone presents the $20 Art Sale at the Mellwood Art Center. I'm actually going to be visiting my grandparents tomorrow and won't be able to make the art show. I'm bummed about that. You can make it up to me by going and buying great art.

The Planetarium holiday party is happening again, and they still have frickin' lasers.

You can get your gifts blessed by Tibetan monks at Rainbow Blossom

As always lot's of good stuff in the Weekend Events Roundup so let's jump right to it.

Friday December 7, 2007
It's the First Friday Gallery Hop downtown. There are several cool things going on in conjunction with it including the opening party at Gallery NuLu for Gibbs Rounsavall.

Louisville Home Grown Music Series has been extended for an extra week, Wax Fang will be playing tonight.

A dual event is happening at The Flying Frog Germantown Gathering Haus. First, it's the new spot's grand opening. Second, it's a party for photographer Sarah Lyon's Female Mechanic Calendar project.

Celebrate the holiday season Derby City Roller Girl style with Gingerbread and Bloodshed

Voices of Kentuckiana Presents Holiday Around the World (this event happens both Friday and Saturday)

Brigid Kaelin and The Muckrakers will be rocking the fourth night of Hanukkah like it's never been rocked before

Saturday December 8, 2007
Have breakfast with Santa

Pancakes Paws and Santa Claus at the Zoo

Green Gift Fair at Rainbow Blossom is an awesome way to do some holiday shopping in a more aware and eco-friendly manner.

The Holiday Party at Rauch Planetarium looks to be really fun. But that could just be because, like a four year old, I think lasers are cool. 

Holiday Card Factory

The Community Farm Alliance Benefit is a cheap ($5!) way to hear some good live music and do some good for a great cause.

Consuming Louisville favorites Nora, Ben, and Eli are performing at Third Avenue Cafe. Don't forget to order the black bean burger.

Sunday December 9, 2007
I'm kind of drawing a blank on things to do this Sunday so I've got two suggestions. First it's a great opportunity to get your puppy dog's picture taken with Santa. Second, root for my Tennessee Titans to beat San Diego and thus keep our slim playoff hopes alive. Thanks.

There is an embarrassment of riches in terms of things to do in Louisville this weekend. Seriously, we should feel a tiny bit guilty that we live in such a great town with so many options. Only a tiny bit though. Now dig in and plan your weekend.

The weekend events roundup is coming to you quite early this week to give us time to strategically plan out our holiday activities around stuffing ourselves enjoying holiday foods with restraint.

Friday November 23
Costumed demonstrators will be in the kitchen and woodshop from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m during the the Locust Grove Holiday Sampler. Everything in the museum store will be 20% so you can stock up on gifts.

The F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop on Black Friday is an event I've been looking forward to for months. It combines food, drink, art and shopping, all things that I enjoy very much. I'm strategically planning to land on Frankfort Avenue mid afternoon. Do a bit of hopping and shopping, refuel at the Irish Rover for dinner and then even more shopping. I suspect dessert at Sweet Surrender will be on the agenda as well.

After you're done on Frankfort Avenue just drive on down to Mellwood for more art and more shopping at the Butchertown Market with Moxie Letterpress's Give the Gift of Art event. If you're there close to 8PM stick around for the poetry reading and live music.

If you can't stand the shopping hordes and nightmare of parking on Frankfort Avenue head over to Quills Coffee & Books where Janet L. Boyd will be reading from and signing Don't Get Me Started: The LEO Years at 6 PM.

Saturday November 24, 2007
The American Printing House for the Blind is hosting a Family Day Open House from 10AM-3PM.

Author and architect Liesl Geiger will be at Carmichael's on Frankfort Avenue discussing and signing her new book Essence of Home: Timeless Elements of Design.

Midnight at The Baxter is forcing you to choose between The Beatles in "A Hard Days Night" and Talking Heads in "Stop Making Sense"

Sunday November 25, 2007
Phyllis EagleTree will be at Carmichael's on Frankfort Avenue discussing her new book Roll The Wheel: The Abundant Life and Wisdom of Mae Phillips.

Derby City Espresso is giving you free music and free beer. Clearly they're good people. Join them for a tasting of three seasonal beers from Schlafly.

If you know of interesting events happening this weekend that I've missed please let me know and I'll add them to the list. You can let me know by leaving a comment her or by sending an email to: info AT consuminglouisville.com.

Friday again already? The weeks do go by quickly as the holiday season starts ramping up. Let's dive into some weekend events.

Friday November 16, 2007
Tonight at 4th Street Live The Photographic will be playing as part of the Louisville Home Grown Music Series

The Ben Sollee CD release events are happening tonight and tomorrow both at the 21C Museum Hotel.

Roar Shock opening at Swanson Reed Contemporary

Saturday November 17, 2007
Do some good for our community by taking part in some great volunteer opportunities

Shops in the East Market Gallery district are throwing an open house and you're invited

Art Sanctuary Presents Decadence "a night of darkness and beauty"

Comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer will be making people laugh at The Alternative

The Louisville Nature Center is presenting an Owl Prowl. Besides being a great name this sounds like a super fun event. Just be sure to bundle up.

The Peak Summit Groove and Dance Party promises art, music and dancing at 3 different venues in the Highlands. 

Sunday November 18, 2007
Derby City Rollergirls Skatie Hawkins Dance is a completely new and different spin on Sadie Hawkins dances courtesy of the Derby City Rollergirls

Events galore this weekend, lots of them holiday related which makes me quite happy. I know the holiday season starts earlier and earlier every year but I can't help but enjoy it.

Friday November 9, 2007
The InKY Reading Series offers up more good times with its fiction night at the Rud

The Photographic Correction: Ben Sollee is playing at 4th Street Live in the second week of the Louisville Home Grown Music Series. The Photographic will be playing next week November 16

Shops in the area of the Vogue in St. Matthews are throwing a holiday party and you're invited for shopping and refreshments

Shops in Chenoweth Square are throwing a holiday open house

Saturday November 10, 2007
Highland United Methodist Church at 1140 Cherokee Road is hosting it's annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale from 9AM-2PM. Eat baked goods, buy unique holiday gifts.

The Mid City Mall ValuMarket (a really good store for ethnic foods and vegetarian foods by the way) is having a Holiday Open House from 11AM-8PM. There will be samples throughout the store and staff will be on hand to offer help and holiday entertaining ideas

The Louisville Artisans Guild is having its annual Holiday Showcase at the American Legion Highland Post on Bardstown Road. Hours are Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm

Midnights at The Baxter Present a Jim Henson Double Feature with The Dark Crystal starting at 10PM and Labyrinth starting at Midnight.

Sunday November 11, 2007
Musicians Emergency Resource Foundation Concerts will be happening in three clubs across Louisville.

Writer's Showcase Deathmatch at Molly Malone's brought to you by Art Sanctuary, starts at 8PM

Another weekend full of good things to do in Louisville.

Friday November 2
The First Friday Gallery Hop should be high on your list of things to do tonight. I particularly think the Day of the Dead stuff going on at the Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft sounds good.

While technically part of the First Friday Gallery Hop the Decked Out Opening Party at Derby City Espresso sounds like such a cool event it gets listed as its own separate event. Remember Derby City Espresso is serving beer now too.

Your Black Star, Follow The Train and The Fervor will be playing as part of the Louisville Home Grown Music Series at 4th Street Live.

The Late Seating at Actors "I [fleur-de-lis] the Holidays Party" and opening party for The Santaland Diaries. Eat, drink, listen to good music and buy cheap art. That sounds pretty close to a perfect evening.

Bach's Mass in B Minor The Choral Arts Society (with members of Bourbon Baroque) presents J.S. Bach Mass in B minor with period instruments.

Saturday November 3
Junior League of Louisville's 2007 Hollydays Art & Gift Market at the Kentucky International Convention Center. It kicks off Friday night but Friday is so full of good stuff I think you should hit Hollydays on Saturday or even Sunday. Hours on Saturday are 10am until 5pm and Sunday from 10am until 4pm.

The Brennan Photography Symposium will have tours, lectures and discussions on preserving photographs. Make sure to bring one old photograph to be analyzed by Bill Carner from the University of Louisville Photo Archives.

Harlem Nights, an Evening at the Speed Art Museum celebrate the Harlem Renaissance through song, dance, period costumes, food, drink and performances by the African American Theater Program at the University of Louisville and Actor's Theater of Louisville.