Nash on the amphitheater: "Could this be a destination for huge crowds throughout the year?"

Matt Nash has written an excellent column about the Riverfront Amphitheater. Before we get to that, a wee bit of history is merited.

Way back on July 15, 2005, NAC asked a question of New Albany's then-current amphitheater administrator and the one-time leader of the Stone Deaf Band random charity benefit generator, Bob "The Devil Went Down to NABC" Trinkle.

If he's not going to use the Riverfront Amphitheater, would Bullet Bob mind if we borrowed it and made some money?

 ... Perhaps New Albany’s chronically underused Riverfront Amphitheater might benefit from new and younger blood at the helm, someone who would refrain from applying a litmus test of church supper respectability to potential entertainment functions, but instead take a chance every now and then and book the venue with music and events that appeal to the city’s younger demographic.

The Trinkle Dome is a community resource. We should try using it occasionally .

Late note: In a letter to the editor published in Thursday's Tribune, Bob Trinkle thoroughly congratulated himself for the July 4 event and duly warned us that more G-rated entertainment is to follow over Labor Day weekend. Do the math; that's more that sixty (60) days between Trinkle-sanctioned events. Can't we do better than this?

Later, there was this blog observation, dated 2007:

Now think of the chicken and the egg, and tell me: Do we chronically underutilize this amphitheater because there is little demand, or is there a perception of little demand because we chronically underutilize this facility?

There followed an uptick in amphitheater usage during the third (and dare we pray final) City Hall occupancy of Doug England, but unfortunately, this was manifested by such colossal missteps as an expensive new roof being installed without any revised site plans being considered, dueling Buffett cover bands as supposed "entertainment", and a proliferation of plaques commemorating both England and his wife.

Amphitheater freedom fighters were forced to retaliate.

We were back in 2013, discussing the Amphitheater's constant neglect in the context of drunken-sailor-level "quality of life" expenditures.

ON THE AVENUES: Looking for Quality of Life bond issue bonuses? "Pick me," says orphaned Riverfront Amphitheater.

 ... However, spending a fair amount of time at the Riverfront Amphitheater these past few years, sweating off the pounds, slinging beers, and talking to folks who venture to the riverside for events … well, there’s legitimate cause for optimism. A future-oriented plan for the Amphitheater, as accompanied by leftover farthings from the Mega Bond Issue, would seem to fit perfectly within the Gahan administration’s park-reational and artistic orientation.

Wouldn’t it?

As a side note, I was chatting with a council person last week after the meeting. He maintained that before spending money on a potentially expensive two-way street conversion, a detailed study obviously was necessary. I replied that if this was so, then why hadn't a similar study been conducted prior to the $19 million parks bond issue? He said that when it comes to things like parks, "I suppose" we must trust the veracity of potential quality of life benefits, and go from there.

This is breathtaking. By such criteria, the amphitheater's decade-long starvation not only of money, but ideas, is even more disturbing.

Matt gets it completely right in his Friday column.

NASH: Utilizing our riverfront asset, by Matt Nash (N and T)

... The amphitheater has been shown to be able to draw huge crowds and could be profitable if managed properly.

It is time that we start to utilize this asset to our community and not waste any more time letting it sit empty.

ON THE AVENUES: Looking for Quality of Life bond issue bonuses? "Pick me," says orphaned Riverfront Amphitheater.

ON THE AVENUES: Looking for Quality of Life bond issue bonuses? "Pick me," says orphaned Riverfront Amphitheater.

A weekly web column by Roger A. Baylor.

Come to think of it, whatever happened with New Albany Venues, anyway?

You remember New Albany Venues, don’t you?

It’s the non-profit domestic corporation established back in 2010 to provide legal cover for the committee of usual suspects formed to operate New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater.

Then-mayor Doug England having decreed that entrance fees to the facility would not be charged, donations had to be solicited from corporate structures, so as to pay a weekly summertime succession of Jimmy Buffett cover bands, as usually backed by pre-teens riffing off the clock.

I searched for New Albany Venues at the Indiana Secretary of State’s on-line portal; lo and behold, it still is listed, with Michelle England identified as incorporator and president. I note this fact merely as a public service, seeing as New Albany Venues has failed to file its Business Entity Reports for two years running. It says so online_corps/view_details.aspx?guid=08D4A9C9-58F9-47DD-AA8B-DA5D42C3334B">right there on the Internet.

Someone had best get on that, don’t you think?

After hurricane-force winds in 2008 shredded the canary-yellow fabric of the rotting Trinkle Dome, Mayor England went to work devising a plan to empty the coffers of the cowering Southern Indiana tourism board, one apparently suffering from a psychological condition similar to Stockholm Syndrome.

Clinking change promptly hit cold metal cups, and the result was a spanking new, blast-proof roof over the Riverfront Amphitheater’s stage, itself an expanse suitable to seat those many instrumentalists and singers required for a Mahler symphony, as well as their pup tents.

Delight was expressed, because after all, someone else’s money had been spent. Smiles were choreographed, victory was declared, ribbons were eviscerated, New Albany Events was chartered, self-congratulatory plaques were nailed into place, and then subsequent events held on the waterfront stubbornly reiterated the crucial point known by all and sundry even before the winds from the Gulf started blowing.

Namely: Glistening band shell or not, all remaining facilities at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater remained completely outdated and inadequate.

Rather than rush to fix the ceiling, England’s team might have patiently commissioned a comprehensive overview to address the Amphitheater’s complete infrastructure needs, but it was not to be, because goldfish just don’t play banjos. Now the elephant’s a whiter shade of pale, just sitting there.

In 2012, the incoming Gahan administration planned (and correctly, in my view) its Live @ Five concert series as an urban vibe for city streets rather than using the Amphitheater, which was reserved for a bare handful of events last year, including a few movies and the Colts caravan. The city’s July 4th celebration on July 3rd and NABC’s 25th anniversary party arguably were the most prominent uses. For the most part, the Amphitheater waited to be mowed.

Granted, Riverfront Amphitheater issues are many. Its restrooms need upgrading. The reviewing stand atop the levee looks like a decaying relic from a 19th-century steel mill in the Soviet Union. The seats are not sheltered from the elements. Vendors must set up on the sod, and their water and electricity connections are minimal to non-existent. Lighting is poor. Permanent perimeter fencing is critical to stage ticketed events, and to regulate alcohol sales.

But in spite of it all, there have been times during the past three summer seasons when shows at the Amphitheater have been wonderful: Think Cabin and Wax Fang. It’s a gorgeous physical setting, and the possibilities are many. Unfortunately, money will be needed to address them, and this is where my personal frustration seeps into the equation.

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Since England left office, New Albany has thrown (another) million into the Spring Street Hill roadway, and probably $1.5 million into the pocket-sized Bicentennial “Rent Boy” Park on the corner of Spring and Pearl. In 2013, the ante’s being upped still further.

Purely “fait accompli” meetings begin next week to “inform” (not ask) the public about an aquatics center and recreation enhancement creations, so-called “quality of life” improvements to be financed with an immense TIF-backed bond issue utterly without historical precedent in a city impoverished for so long that its amazing someone on the city council didn’t suggest printing CeeSaw’s bicentennial book on reusable toilet paper.

Now we’re even making the Spring Street/Checkpoint Charlie entrance to the city attractive, because we want incomers to have a good impression of our chaotic, unregulated street grid, and yet apart from the boarded-up windows on the buildings comprising “furniture corner,” what’s the very first thing people see when they’re traveling across the toll-free Sherman Minton Bridge?

They see the waterfront, the levee, and our neglected albatross of an Amphitheater – and when they see people congregating down there, even at a flawed New Albany venue, it says so much more positive about our city than when the crickets are chirping “A Shanty in Old Shanty Town” to a boogie-woogie beat.

Yes, I’ll readily concede that New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater is a hard beast to love. It was badly planned in the beginning, and poorly executed ever since. Capo Trinkle spend uncounted years vigilantly guarding against its use. The Corps of Engineers, the levee’s governing authority, is second only to the railroads in the sense of goose-stepping their way or the highway to Birdseye.

Of course, recent summers have been so hot that sometimes nothing can be done, short of installing Southeast Christian’s air conditioning system under the biggest circus tent you’ve ever seen.

However, spending a fair amount of time at the Riverfront Amphitheater these past few years, sweating off the pounds, slinging beers, and talking to folks who venture to the riverside for events … well, there’s legitimate cause for optimism. A future-oriented plan for the Amphitheater, as accompanied by leftover farthings from the Mega Bond Issue, would seem to fit perfectly within the Gahan administration’s park-reational and artistic orientation.

Wouldn’t it?

Which amphitheater events are suitable for locally brewed craft beer? How do you decide whether or not to attend?

Saturday’s Celts on the River concert was the biggest summertime event so far this year at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater, but bookings of music and entertainment continue well into September, just prior to Harvest Homecoming. As most of you know, to coordinate these bookings, and to tend to other details at the amphitheater, the mayor appointed a committee. They've contributed much hard work, and should be thanked for their efforts.

Speaking in public comments here yesterday in her official capacity as Chairperson of the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater, Shelle England asked me:

“When (is) the New Albanian team ... available for Friday and Saturday events at the Amphitheater?”

She added:

“We are committed to supporting our locally owned businesses (by) giving them the opportunity to be present at the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater. All performers and vendors are scheduled through the Riverfront Amphitheater Committee, so we are ready to add the New Albanian to our calendar, which contains performances through September.”

Heartened and encouraged, I immediately apologized for any misconceptions that may have occurred, such as my naive assumption that NABC's volunteering to contribute a percentage of event profits to the amphitheater's upkeep as part of a transparent and comprehensive annual vendor selection process might be viewed as progressive and desirable, given the mayoral imperative in place to stage "free" events that nonetheless incur expenses in preparation, cleaning, mowing and the like:

“It had been my understanding that the committee generally has ruled autonomously as to which of its amphitheater bookings are appropriate for "regular" catering choices and which ones are not, even if this duality of formula has remained obscure, and that the committee would be suggesting selected bookings suitable for our future vending presence. Consequently, I will touch base again with NABC's team members to collect their opinions about events suitable for craft beer.”

I want your opinions, too.

Readers, can you help me identify those amphitheater events suitable for locally brewed craft beer, as opposed to the ones where just regular beer will do? How do you differentiate? We can sell beer at some, not all. I believe that locally brewed craft beer goes well with jazz, alternative, classical, blues, country, rock and oom-pah; with theatrical, musical and spoken-word productions; and on all public holidays except Christmas, when the state of Indiana refuses to allow alcohol sales.

Here is a link for you to peruse: 2010 Schedule.

Moreover, given that musical styles, weather and personal scheduling will remain the most important factors in your decision to attend events at the amphitheater, how important is the availability of good beer when you make such decisions? If locally brewed craft beer is pouring for these events, would it make you more likely to attend? What about other food and drink: Would you like to see rotating "food court" vending choices, or are you satisfied with a smaller number of providers?

Thanks for your input. Transparency in public dialogue is infinitely more productive than opaqueness, don't you think?

"It doesn't matter whether Guy Fieri's new Louisville restaurant has good beer because none of us will be going there anyway."

The following first appeared at my Potable Curmudgeon blog on May 10, 2016. As Insider Louisville reminds us, the breathless opening is nigh: "On Saturday, Sept. 10, Louisvillians will find out if Guy Fieri is more than a television personality."

Does anyone have a bucket?

Not if Cordish can help it. 

Otherwise sensible people lost their minds earlier today when celebrity chef Guy Fieri announced the opening of a "Smokehouse" eatery within the friendly, taxpayer-subsidized confines of Louisville's Fourth Street Live.

That he did so during an event entitled Hometown Tourist Attraction Showcase tells us that irony resistance is at an all-time high.

Needless to say, independent eateries and watering holes enjoy no such coddled treatment, and if you look at Fieri's web site, and this list of his brands, you'll see that when it comes to opening new restaurants, he minimizes risk at every opportunity.

GUY FIERI’S AMERICAN KITCHEN + BAR: CANCUN
Cancun International Airport, Mexico

EL BURRO BORRACHO
Harrah's Casino, Laughlin NV

GUY FIERI’S BALTIMORE KITCHEN & BAR
Horseshoe Casino, Baltimore MD

GUY FIERI’S MT POCONO KITCHEN
Mount Airy Casino, Mt. Pocono PA

GUY FIERI’S CHOPHOUSE
Bally's Atlantic City Casino, NJ

GUY FIERI’S VEGAS KITCHEN & BAR
The Linq Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas NV

GUY’S BURGER JOINT
Carnival Cruise Lines and Live Nation venues:
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Glory
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Pride
Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Triumph
Carnival Vista

Sleep Train Amphitheater – Chula Vista, CA
Shoreline Amphitheater – Mountain View, CA
Xfinity Theater – Hartford, CT
Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater – Tampa, FL
Perfect Vodka Amphitheater – West Palm Beach, FL
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – Tinley Park, IL
Klipsch Music Center, Noblesvile, IN
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – St. Louis, MO
BB&T Pavillion – Camden, NJ
Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre – Long Island, NY
Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, OH
First Niagara Pavilion – Pittsburgh, PA
Gexa Energy Pavilion – Dallas, TX
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, VA
White River Amphitheater – Auburn, WA

Can you say CAPTIVE AUDIENCES?

Of course, the Curmudgeon isn't saying any of this makes Fieri a bad businessman. However, in the case of Fourth Street Live, government subsidies to Cordish -- which generally favors chains and routinely dismisses the indie ethos -- always have been disturbing, and in Louisville's case, with an indie food and drink community second to none, watching the soulless local media fawning today over an interloper whose business model is as corporate as fix-is-in ever gets, speaks volumes about integrity ... and its absence.

You'll notice I left one of Fieri's restaurants off the above list.

It's Guy's American Kitchen and Bar in New York City, the only one of his branded establishments not attached to a casino, airport, cruise ship, performance venue or Cordish corporate welfare emporium.

It had a rocky start. Surely you remember the New York Times review of Guy's American Kitchen and Bar in 2012.

As Not Seen on TV: Restaurant Review: Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar in Times Square, by Pete Wells (New York Times)

GUY FIERI, have you eaten at your new restaurant in Times Square? Have you pulled up one of the 500 seats at Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar and ordered a meal? Did you eat the food? Did it live up to your expectations?

Did panic grip your soul as you stared into the whirling hypno wheel of the menu, where adjectives and nouns spin in a crazy vortex? When you saw the burger described as “Guy’s Pat LaFrieda custom blend, all-natural Creekstone Farm Black Angus beef patty, LTOP (lettuce, tomato, onion + pickle), SMC (super-melty-cheese) and a slathering of Donkey Sauce on garlic-buttered brioche,” did your mind touch the void for a minute?

Did you notice that the menu was an unreliable predictor of what actually came to the table? Were the “bourbon butter crunch chips” missing from your Almond Joy cocktail, too? Was your deep-fried “boulder” of ice cream the size of a standard scoop?

What exactly about a small salad with four or five miniature/a> croutons makes Guy’s Famous Big Bite Caesar (a) big (b) famous or (c) Guy’s, in any meaningful sense?

Were you struck by how very far from awesome the Awesome Pretzel Chicken Tenders are?

I'm rolling on the floor laughing out loud. No, I mean literally.

But forget all that. Can we expect to see good beer at Guy Fieri's Cordish Smokehouse in Louisville? Maybe, though probably not.

Here's the list at Fieri's Vegas location.

Not awful, though evincing no intelligent design. When's the last time you saw a restaurant beer list, chain or indie, that looked genuinely thoughtful? They exist, but can be hard to find.

More humorously, Fieri's much maligned NYC tourist route location promises "an extensive draft beer program featuring signature beers craft brewed for Fieri right in New York City."

Nice, except it would appear this novel twist owes to the fact that Heartland Brewery's CEO is a partner in the Times Square venture, and that's odd, because Heartland Brewery isn't mentioned anywhere on the drinks page.

Embarrassment?

Did A-B InBev tithe more?

"Guy's Beer" NYC selections include Independence Pale Ale, Golden State Lager, Red, White & Blonde, Morgan’s Red Ale and Oatmeal Stout. Also available on the "extensive" tap list: A lone seasonal beer, Angry Orchard Cider and Coors Light.

But don't forget the bottle list: Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller High Life, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Rolling Rock, Good Grain Gluten-Free (Heartland) and Beck’s Non Alcoholic.

Extensive? You be the judge.

Yes, you bet your ass I'm being derisive. Bring on the tour buses. Guy's bringing corporate fluff straight to River City -- and never forget that Cordish is billing Greg Fischer for the privilege.

We know there'll be jazz at the Amphitheater this weekend.

First, a bit about Jamey Aebersold, Bobby Falk and the relevant musical facts. As a devotee of jazz, which I sense is a dying breed, it's good to see some of our Riverfront Amphitheater time devoted to the genre. The following was copied from from Develop New Albany's weekly e-mail.

New Albany's Jamey Aebersold Performs this weekend at the Riverfront Amphitheater

New Albany’s Internationally Famous Jazz Musician & Educator Jamey Aebersold will perform Saturday evening at 7:30pm at the New Albany Amphitheater.

Aebersold's "Play-A-Long" series of instructional books and CD collections, using the chord-scale system are an internationally renowned resource for jazz education. More than 126 of these collections have been published by Aebersold. Jamey is also a very talented pianist, bassist, and banjoist.

Aebersold has also run the "Summer Jazz Workshop" sessions at the University of Louisville. Many leading educators and performers have served as Workshop faculty. The week-long event is billed as a place to learn jazz through hands-on experience, and provides an intensive learning environment for musicians of widely varying ages and levels. The standard Workshop curriculum includes master classes, ear-training sessions, jazz theory classes from beginning to advanced, and concerts by faculty

Also performing this weekend: The Bobby Falk Band

The Bobby Falk Band is a progressive band that incorporates jazz elements with covers and originality, constantly trying to appeal to more diverse audiences.

The band leader Bobby Falk has been a jazz musician all his life, as a composer, drummer and percussionist. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies (Percussion emphasis) from the University of Louisville School of Music in 2005, which included jazz studies abroad in Brazil, and performance experience/recording with Lew Soloff, Phil Woods, Curtis Fuller, Lionel Hampton, John Fedchock, Kenny Werner, Jimmy Heath, Jerry Coker, Bob Mintzer, among others.

The Bobby Falk band will take the Amphitheater stage on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

This leads me to my second, subsidiary point, and a paragraph in the weekly e-blast from the Clark & Floyd Convention and Tourism Bureau, in which it was noted:

"The music starts both nights at 7 pm at the Riverfront Amphitheater. Local merchants and organizations will offer food and beverages including craft beers from the New Albanian Brewery."

Given that I've heard nothing about our beer there until now, I suspect this is a misprint; inquiries are being made, so in the meantime, I'll repeat publicly what I've told so many of you privately.

There cannot be a free market when it comes to alcoholic beverages. State liquor regulations apply, and beer vendors at venues like the Amphitheater must operate under a three-way catering regime. The playing field is tilted from the start, and certain licensees (i.e., two-ways) are unable to play so long as vendors must acquire the necessary permits.

Also, as importantly, the Amphitheater is City Hall's domain, and City Hall makes rules of its own. Consequently, the riverfront committee is charged with deciding who vends and who does not, subject to the state's rules and the city's directives.

NABC is happy to do business with these chosen vendors, and to assist them in buying beer from us for resale to a grateful public. We always are eager to help them understand the nature of the craft beer demographic and how serving it could help them make money, but as we do not know who the chosen vendors are, and remain unaware of the committee's overall vendor policies this year, there is little NABC can do except hope that vendors approach us with their requests.

For those many local consumers who have expressed annoyance with the absence of craft beer choice at this year's events, I thank you for your comments, and I repeat: Please make your feelings known to the vendors and the committee. As a consumer, your job is to make demand known, and to clearly indicate the factors that inform your purchasing power. The semi-free market will adapt, or not; it's as simple as that.

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.

This week is Houndmouth & Houndmouth at the Iroquois Amphitheater (Friday, April 26).

Don't forget: This Friday at the Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, you can see New Albany's Houndmouth perform, and accompany the performance with NABC's Houndmouth ale. Can it get any better than this?

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(text and photo via Production Simple)

Iroquois Amphitheater and 91.9 WFPK Present:

HOUNDMOUTH

Friday, April 26th at 8pm
Gates 6:30pm
Iroquois Amphitheater / All Ages
General Admission
Tickets $12 Advance / $15 Day of show

Houndmouth (Matt Myers, Katie Toupin, Shane Cody and Zak Appleby) formed in late 2011 in New Albany IN and released their self titled debut EP this past August on Rough Trade Records. Their brand of electrified folk-rock has earned them opening slots for the Drive By Truckers, Lucero, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and Alabama Shakes to name a few, even scoring a slot at The Newport Folk Festival. 2013 has found them on the road in Europe and when they return stateside in March they embark on their first headliners tour across the states and their first hometown play kicks off Iroquois Amphitheater's 75th Anniversary Opening Weekend!

On sale 2/22 at 10am
Tickets may be purchased at
The Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office
(Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Ticketfly.com, or by calling 877-4-FLY-TIX

On the merits of Boblessness: Inject entrepreneurialism into New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater, and restore value to a mismanaged community asset.

It is often the case that seemingly unconnected occurrences, when permitted to ferment in the subconscious for a period of time, coalesce to produce thematic unity. Unfortunately, for those of us choosing to reside in New Albany, these moments of lucidity tend to be the impetus for numbing depression and hurried solace within the closest available bottle.

Then again, perhaps I’m confusing my own Pavlovian reactions with those of the populace in general, but I can explain.

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On Saturday afternoon, the trial run of a festival dubbed Worlds of Flavor Bar-B-Q and Music Festival commenced at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater and four designated eateries downtown.

As all those involved with the festival, myself included, will openly acknowledge, Worlds of Flavor was inadequately marketed and poorly publicized; furthermore, like many inaugural events, the first time out of the gate is about learning new skills, synthesizing experiences and modifying presentations to improve the odds of success in coming years.

Make no mistake: Chief organizer Mike Kopp deserves substantial kudos for getting the ball rolling, and speaking only for myself, I’m perfectly willing to make a public pledge of more time personally expended and some of my company's money to expand and improve upon a good idea in 2008.

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is an axiom with supreme relevance in this instance, if for no other reason that an absence of like-minded chutzpah has been the prime contributing factor to New Albany’s enduring malaise. I’m supremely confident that we’ll do the Worlds of Flavor fest again, and we’ll do it better each time we try.

Setting aside the specific reason why I was standing atop the levee on a relatively seasonable August afternoon listening to a jazzy musical performance, consider for a moment the favorable impression made by the grandeur of the setting: Stage, band and sloping grass in front of me, barges and pleasure craft plying the waters of the Ohio just behind the stage , the city's signature Sherman Minton bridge humming with weekend traffic, and the Louisville skyline peaking demurely over the trees on the opposite shore.

Now think of the chicken and the egg, and tell me: Do we chronically underutilize this amphitheater because there is little demand, or is there a perception of little demand because we chronically underutilize this facility?

Later Saturday night, following aperitifs at Connor’s Place, a few of us adjourned to the courtyard at Bistro New Albany, enjoying a splendid meal and the temperate evening temperatures, and indulging in relaxed conversation. Then, on Sunday morning, I prepared a double espresso, fetched the Tribune from the front steps, dipped into a breakfast of cantaloupe and poached farm-fresh eggs (as acquired from Saturday’s farmers market, preparation courtesy of Mrs. Confidential) and turned straight to the opinion page for recent college graduate and guest columnist Daniel Robison’s latest submission, “Why New Albany is losing its young people”:

One recent visitor to the region remarked that New Albany is “historic.” Well, that's true: our city’s past has some nice highlights, but emphasizing this fact to define the city's identity is exactly symptomatic of the problem: our city is stuck, not in the past per se, but in its ways, attitudes and most importantly, opportunities.

In short, it was another in a series of provocative pieces by Daniel, a talented young New Albanian who’ll probably never live here, with his spot among the ranks of locals soon to be taken by yet another itinerant tenant of our city’s unregulated rental properties, which for decades have been the chief form of “economic development” pursued by our cluelessly caretaking political and governing classes.

While Daniel and his friends could not be expected to have memorized the lengthy list of excuses for failure that older New Albanians regularly cite when pressed to explain their own generation’s apathy, it is almost certain that if any one of Daniel’s coterie were handed the keys to the Riverfront Amphitheater’s restroom along with a brief checklist explaining the venue’s rules and regulations, he would immediately commence running the facility more efficiently than the current riverfront “director,” Bob Trinkle.

It is also certain that the entertainment and activities duly booked by the Young Turks would be precisely the sort that musically and culturally are veritable light years beyond Trinkle’s strictly stodgy and past-dated tastes – and that’s the best conceivable thing that could ever happen to the city’s amphitheater at this point in time.

Trinkle’s breathtakingly underachieving tenure has produced creative energy on a par with somnalent euchre tournaments at the Mark Elrod Towers, few tangible ideas beyond those gleaned from the manual for Baptist church socials, even fewer actual events, and nothing whatsoever to indicate any enthusiasm for substantive change or any abilities or willingness to implement it. Any remuneration to the current “director” totaling more than a buck fifty is far too high, although I suspect it is much more than that, and if so, it is a pay scale that by all rights should be the stuff of pure scandal.

Meanwhile, even in New Albany there are entrepreneurs of all generations who are willing and able to transform the amphitheater into a profitable, multi-cultural and diverse undertaking, one certainly capable of shifting income to the city rather than draining from it by being forced to subsist on a barely justifiable salary paid to one person who is completely out of touch with the demographic most sorely needed.

That'd be youth.

A better case for a public-private partnership is difficult to imagine; merely state the criteria, accept bids, award a contract, specify the percentage to be returned to the city, and permit private enterprise and a profit motive to inject life into a moribund and neglected area.

Recognizing that the terms for elected members of the current mayoral administration are running down, I therefore address this question, with all due sincerity, to City Hall hopefuls Doug England and Randy Hubbard:

Can you please – please – make a pledge of action with regard to New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater, arguably downtown’s single most neglected and mismanaged asset, and permit an injection of private enterprise that might reasonably be expected to dispel the do-nothing legacy of the current management?

After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained – and haven’t we all had enough of the latter?

Addendum: We’ve received an unverified report this morning that Bill Koehler, superintendent of the NA-FC Parks & Recreation Department, will submit (or has already submitted) his resignation. To repeat, this report is as yet unverified, but the source is reliable. If true, the supremely capable Koehler will be sorely missed.

"The Louisville Orchestra opens its 80th Season with a FREE Concert at Iroquois Amphitheater."

It's a verbatim press release from the Louisville Orchestra, reminding me to get my performance calendar back into shape.

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The Louisville Orchestra opens its 80th Season with a FREE Concert at Iroquois Amphitheater

On Saturday, September 9, the Louisville Orchestra will perform a FREE concert led by Principal Pops Conductor, Bob Bernhardt. The concert will begin at 7PM at the Iroquois Amphitheater and will feature pieces and excerpts from the upcoming Classics, Coffee, and Pops concerts.

The program is as diverse as the LO’s 80th season and ranges from Beethoven to the Beatles. The Iroquois Amphitheater is a beautiful venue for this light and casual event.

• Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7, Mvt. IV (Finale)
• Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7, Mvt. II (Funeral March)
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5, Mvt. III (Waltz)
• Gioachino Rossini “Largo al factotum” from The Barber of Seville, Chad Sloan, baritone
• John Williams “Harry’s Wondrous World” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Samuel Barber Adagio for Strings
• Leonard Bernstein Overture to West Side Story
• (arr. Maurice Peress)
• John Lennon/Paul McCartney Yesterday
• Teddy Abrams Unified Field, Mvt. IV
• Gustav Holst “Jupiter” from The Planets

This concert is free and fun for the whole family thanks to the generosity of Caldwell Tanks. Parking is $5.

Single tickets for the Louisville Orchestra’s 80th Season are now on sale! Call 502.584.7777 or click here for a schedule of concerts.

Multiple subscription options are also still available for discount ticket packages for the upcoming season. Call the LO Patron Services at 502.587.8681 or visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org. LO staff will be at the event to fulfill all subscription needs and answer any questions about upcoming concerts.

September Snapshot

9.9.17 | Season Preview | Iroquois Amphitheater | 7pm | More Info9.16.17 | Sgt. Pepper’s at the LO Pops | Kentucky Center | 8pm | Tickets | Info9.23.17 | Yuja Wang Plays Rachmaninoff | Kentucky Center | 8pm | Tickets | Info9.27.17 | Mostly Mozart | Kentucky Country Day School | 7:30pm | Tickets | Info9.28. 17 | Mostly Mozart | Ursuline Arts Center | 7:30pm | Tickets | Info9.30.17 | Mostly Mozart | Paul W. Ogle Center at IUS | 7:30pm | Tickets | Info

The Louisville Orchestra is sponsored by the Fund for the Arts, The Kentucky Arts Council, and the Association of the Louisville Orchestra.

Brown-Forman sponsors the 2017/18 Classics Series.

LG+E Sponsors the 2017/18 Pops Series and the Music Without Borders Series.

Hilliard Lyons sponsors the 2017/18 Coffee Series.

Amphitheater fees and schedule closer to resolution as May draws near.

The fee schedule appears reasonable, given that an entrepreneur using the amphitheater presumably could charge admission as cover for entering the grounds for musical entertainment. This would be a marked improvement over the Trinkle error, when Bullet Bob zealously guarded the facility from most uses, and the past two years, when the former mayor decreed that all events had to be free of charge, dooming the community to a steady parade of Jimmy Buffett tribute bands. We'll get there, eventually.

New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety considering amphitheater fees; Administration says it’s ‘close’ to announcing New Albany entertainment schedule, by Daniel Suddeath (News and Tribune)

NEW ALBANY — The New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety has taken under advisement a fee schedule for renting the Riverfront Amphitheater.

Private organizations, businesses or individuals who wish to reserve the city-owned amphitheater will be required to pay a $200 maintenance and clean up fee under the proposal, which was presented to the board Tuesday by Flood Control Director Christopher Gardner.

On the Board of Public Works tablings.

Let's be honest about this.

A couple of weeks ago, the Board of Works approved NABC's request to use the Amphitheater for our July 22nd shindig. It's hardly controversial to acknowledge that a different standard is being used to judge Matt "Irish Exit" McMahan's interest in using the facility, primarily because Matt himself is controversial.

Then again, so am I, and I've yet to be asked whether NABC has insurance for our forthcoming event (note: we do). In all such matters, a policy approximating constructive engagement seems sensible to me.

A big part of the city's problems with Amphitheater management during past administrations stemmed from the tendency of a small controlling elite to judge the facility's use by exceedingly narrow standards of appropriateness. By all means, there should be a usage policy, one that includes a fee structure (as previously suggested), but it should be a flexible formula that enables the greatest amount of diversity when it comes to the use of the Amphitheater by entrepreneurs, while ensuring the basic are covered.

Just because wrestling isn't my preference doesn't mean there isn't an audience for it.

Wrestling event proposed for New Albany amphitheater; Live@5 to remain on Bank Street this week, by Daniel Suddeath (N and T)

NEW ALBANY — Two requests for use of the Riverfront Amphitheater in July were tabled by the New Albany Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday.

Keg Liquors Fest of Ale will move to New Albany's Riverfront Amphitheater in 2016; the 11th annual edition slated for June 4.

Saturday, June 4th remains the date for the 11th Annual Keg Liquors Fest of Ale, but the 2016 edition of the festival will be held at the Riverfront Amphitheater in New Albany.

Here's the press release from Todd Antz.

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Fest of Ale on the move.

New Albany, Ind. (February 2016) – After 10 successful years in Clarksville, the Keg Liquors Fest of Ale is changing venues. The 11th Annual Fest of Ale will be held on June 4th, 2016 at the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater.

“Moving the event was a tough decision, but we felt that we had outgrown the space we were using at St. Anthony’s,” said Todd Antz, owner of Keg Liquors. “St. Anthony’s has been very generous with their facilities and support over the years, and we could not have grown the event to the size it is today without their help.

"We felt that the event was becoming a bit too taxing for their neighbors and parishioners, and that it was best for both parties if we moved on. We’ve always had a great relationship with St. Anthony’s and look forward to working with them in any future opportunities that may come up. I can’t thank everyone at St. Anthony’s enough for their support over the last 7 years of hosting our charity event. We could not have done this without them.”

The New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater, located below East Main Street at the foot of Pearl Street, is home each spring and summer to numerous free concerts, productions, festivals and other events.

The move to the Riverfront Amphitheater will allow the Fest of Ale to expand in size, provide more parking, as well as having access to all of the great restaurants and businesses in downtown New Albany.

“The Fest of Ale has always been a grassroots festival that promotes independent breweries and businesses, so moving the event to an area that has reinvigorated itself with all of the great shops and restaurants made perfect sense to us,” continued Antz. “The City of New Albany was very excited to help us with the event, and we look forward to working with them to make this the best Fest of Ale ever.”

Tickets for the 2016 Fest of Ale will go on sale at the beginning of April.

Keg Liquors
Keeping Kentuckiana Beer'd since 1976
http://www.kegliquors.com

617 E. Lewis and Clark Parkway
Clarksville, IN 47129
812-283-3988

4304 Charlestown Road
New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0444

Redevelopment on the down low as city officials say they're cooking up an amphitheater move or remodel, but even Irving Joshua says "not so fast."

Preceding is the record of campaign donations made to Mayor Jeff Gahan by the Indianapolis firm Axis Architecture and Interiors from 2011 through 2017, omitting 2012; I don't have the finance form for 2012, but I'm guessing a donation was made (in 2018, too).

The total is just shy of $10,000. Axis lists New Albany's newest fire house among its completed projects.

It's probably just a coincidence that Axis was to receive the contract for the amphitheater study (below), which was tabled yesterday.

The Green Mouse was told that Democratic Party chairman Adam Dickey, longtime redevelopment commission member, was especially keen to study SOMETHING right away.

The question: What exactly is being studied?

Relocate the current amphitheater?

Remodel it?

Build the parking garage plaza once minted for use by Mainland Properties as a collateral for condo construction?

Why was Dickey in such a hurry?

And, the biggest question of all: who's paying for it?

Just imagine an administration proposal so vague that even Irving Joshua wants to think about it.

Has it ever happened before?

By the way, newspaper reporters are free to borrow these questions.

New Albany considering development between downtown, riverfront, by Brooke McAfee (Tom May Overkill)

NEW ALBANY — An amphitheater is just one possibility that could occupy a city-owned parcel downtown that New Albany officials are eyeing for development.

At Tuesday's Redevelopment Commission meeting redevelopment Director Josh Staten proposed a $25,000 contract with Axis Architecture & Interiors to look into the feasibility of creating a project on the property spanning State and Bank streets near the riverfront.

Many options for the property are on the table.

"The goal is to figure out the best land use for this public space," Mayor Jeff Gahan said. "There’s all kind of possibilities for what we could do to get downtown connected with the riverfront."

After discussion, the commissioners tabled the matter for the next meeting with the plans of broadening the scope of the conceptual study. An outdoor amphitheater was among the proposed options, but the city wants to make sure other concepts are explored ...

Films, street parties, music ...

In the beginning, the Riverfront Amphitheater was judged to be too distant and large to justify weekly events, and what came to be known as Live@5 was designed as a modest street party to be placed at the Farmers Market.

Then, what was to be a simple TGIF gig steadily grew in emphasis and became Live@5, and now the Amphitheater will be used after all, for non-alcoholic films, thus isolating the boring teetotalers by the waterside.

I approve of this solution.

(My two cents: Flag-waving is trite, and a far better film for Memorial Day is "All Quiet on the Western Front," which can be watched here in its entirety. But you really need booze for that)

Also, it should be noted that for the inaugural Live@5 on Friday, June 1, NABC (craft beer) and Wick's (otherwise) will be vending adult beverages at stations located at the alley entrances to the closed section of Market Street.

This is possible owing to the existence of temporary and catering permits, which include detailed site plans, and typically must be submitted to the state ATC for approval no less than 15 days in advance. Given this fact, and if the city intends to have beer and wine at Live@5, it would be useful for whomever acquires the permits (NABC pulled the June 1 catering paper) to know where the events actually will take place. It is something the ATC insists on knowing, and it can be funny that way.

A final note: Many of us were vociferous critics of the England administration's insular effort to be entertainment arbiter and booking agent for the Amphitheater. By comparison, the Gahan administration now has doubled its skin in the showbiz game by booking both music and films, and at multiple locations in the city. The Green Mouse says that much of the impetus for the Gahan team's musical thrust comes from the Mom's Music/Maxwell/Crashers empire. Film choices are anyone's guess.

My point is this: Allowing for due time to see how these entertainment-related experiments play out, ultimately we are compelled to apply the same critical criteria to these decisions as those used during the England regime. One significant and welcomed change in 2012 is that the Amphitheater can be booked for use by entertainment entrepreneurs, and admission charged -- finally permitting a somewhat free market to operate.

Top Gun showing Saturday at the New Albany riverfront; First Live@5 show will be held at intersection of Market and State, by Daniel Suddeath (News and Tribune)

NEW ALBANY — In honor of Memorial Day, the city of New Albany will show the movie “Top Gun” on its new 40-foot screen at the Riverfront Amphitheater Saturday.

The movie will begin at dark, and the event is free to attend. There will be activities for kids, food vendors and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase ...

... On June 1, the Live@5 summer concert series will launch with a performance by The Rumors. The shows will begin each Friday at 5 p.m. at varying downtown venues through Aug. 31.

The Rumors will be performing on a stage that will be assembled at the intersection of Market and State streets next week. The intersection will be closed during the event, which is expected to last until about 8 p.m.

Down by the riverside, today: Honor Mother Earth Celebration.

The Trash Force's first Honor Mother Earth festival is today from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Amphitheater. I'll be pouring Beak's Beast and Black & Blue Grass; $4 for 16-oz pours, cash only, please.

While you're demonstrating support for environmental awareness, take a glance at the amphitheater facility and think about how we might improve it. Better yet, with the city currently awash in bond money, consider how we might conjure the will to glance outside the box and apply creativity to improvements. It's possible. We're doing it in other areas.

ON THE AVENUES: Looking for Quality of Life bond issue bonuses? "Pick me," says orphaned Riverfront Amphitheater.

 ... Delight (with the new roof) was expressed, because after all, someone else’s money had been spent. Smiles were choreographed, victory was declared, ribbons were eviscerated, New Albany Events was chartered, self-congratulatory plaques were nailed into place, and then subsequent events held on the waterfront stubbornly reiterated the crucial point known by all and sundry even before the winds from the Gulf started blowing.

Namely: Glistening band shell or not, all remaining facilities at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater remained completely outdated and inadequate.

Rather than rush to fix the ceiling, England’s team might have patiently commissioned a comprehensive overview to address the Amphitheater’s complete infrastructure needs, but it was not to be, because goldfish just don’t play banjos. Now the elephant’s a whiter shade of pale, just sitting there.

Houndmouth at Iroquois Amphitheater on Friday, April 26.

Roger says: You're damned straight I'm trying to get New Albany-brewed beer into Iroquois to accompany New Albany-made music. There may be something to add to this in the coming days, so as usual ... stay tuned.

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(text and photo via Production Simple)

Iroquois Amphitheater and 91.9 WFPK Present:

HOUNDMOUTH

Friday, April 26th at 8pm
Gates 6:30pm
Iroquois Amphitheater / All Ages
General Admission
Tickets $12 Advance / $15 Day of show

Houndmouth (Matt Myers, Katie Toupin, Shane Cody and Zak Appleby) formed in late 2011 in New Albany IN and released their self titled debut EP this past August on Rough Trade Records. Their brand of electrified folk-rock has earned them opening slots for the Drive By Truckers, Lucero, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and Alabama Shakes to name a few, even scoring a slot at The Newport Folk Festival. 2013 has found them on the road in Europe and when they return stateside in March they embark on their first headliners tour across the states and their first hometown play kicks off Iroquois Amphitheater's 75th Anniversary Opening Weekend!

On sale 2/22 at 10am
Tickets may be purchased at
The Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office
(Monday- Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM)
Ticketfly.com, or by calling 877-4-FLY-TIX

ON THE AVENUES: Cabin, Wax Fang and excellence by design.

ON THE AVENUES: Cabin, Wax Fang and excellence by design.

A weekly web column by Roger A. Baylor.

A “design flaw” describes what happens when there is a glitch or error in construction, one leading to an unexpected, and usually undesired, outcome.

But what if the undesired outcome is totally expected, and the design is not flawed? An undesired outcome might prove to be the expected result of a process expressly designed to produce inefficiency, as with socialist command economies in the defunct Eastern Bloc. In this case not just a component, but the entire mechanism, probably needs revamping.

Fortunately, usually there are competing designs, and when a previous model fails, another one can be tried. And, although it is true that these designs spring from the minds of humans, as opposed to herds of bison, design critiques skirt the issue of personal criticism by concluding only that results are unsatisfactory, whether intentional or otherwise, and that there are ways to redesign the process for better outcomes.

As in Sofia, Prague and Warsaw, throughout history ordinary people have found themselves in the position of presiding over bad outcomes achieved not because of design flaws, but owing to design stipulations. Then as now, the purpose of democracy is to bring more minds into the design process, so as to provide broader designs, and better outcomes.

I’m struck by a random comment by Flea, bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, in a remembrance of the late musician, impresario and punk chronicler Brendan Mullen, for whom a tribute song is named on the group’s new album.

When the Red Hots started in 1983, Brendan was booking the Club Lingerie, and because he was booking it, it was an exciting place to play. One knew that he would be playing in the company of interesting, inventive musicians, the avant of independent music, youth culture or not. Brendan created a fertile, exciting, creative environment, the type of scene that inspired musicians to reach out, to try and find new sounds.

Apparently, Mullen’s cultural aptitude informed a philosophy of creative design with respect to booking a venue. Can we learn from it?

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The September 24 Cabin/Wax Fang show at the Riverfront Amphitheater undoubtedly was the artistic highlight of New Albany's 2011 summer waterfront season, handily lapping such dubious displays of antebellum toxicity as Confederate Railroad, as well as various low-priced tiki bar tribute ensembles.

If you were there on the 24th, you’ll understand what I mean. Jenna Evers and Thorpe Woodworks deserve considerable credit for undertaking the role of concert promoter for Cabin and Wax Fang, primarily because any entity placing itself in the position of concert promoter at New Albany’s amphitheater must cope with an operational regime seemingly designed to make innovation and excellence far more difficult than they need be.

That’s because short-term political considerations lie at the root of the amphitheater’s operational design. All events must be staged free of charge, permitting City Hall to campaign on a platform of free circuses for the taxpaying public. What's more, as I’ve pointed out oft times before, all activities must be funneled through a narrow governing committee, placed by and tied to the consistently top-down predilections of the current occupant.

Sans the possibility of charging admission, any act booked to perform by the riverside must be remunerated either from sponsorship dollars (gratefully accepted) or concessions percentages (curiously eschewed). And yet – can we be blunt? – one simply must pay for quality, and not being able to charge admission considerably reduces the quality options, unless mundane local cover bands are the sole objective.

Both Cabin and Wax Fang far transcend the mundane, and for two years running, Jenna has done a wonderful thing by using music like theirs at the amphitheater to bring into New Albany a much sought-after demographic of youth and vibrancy.

You can trust me on this: As beer vendors, NABC spent the evening of the recent show chatting with people we've never seen, many of whom came from Louisville in spite of the current transportation difficulties. They bought beer from us, and also food prepared by Chef Walker. They'd have paid a $5 admission charge without complaint, perhaps more, and a percentage could have gone back to the city to defray maintenance, while permitting Thorpe to make a profit.

The free market. Just imagine.

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Far from being “too loud,” “out of our control” and something to be conspired against in 2012, the Cabin and Wax Fang concert on September 24 was an indication of New Albanian cultural life as it should be, and might yet become if only the leaden hand of political considerations might be pried off the levers and a bit of free market risk-taking injected into the process.

In the overall scheme of things, I concede that the events calendar at the Riverfront Amphitheater ranks below quite a few other civic needs, but it would not take much to transform it into genuine relevance.

More democracy is always better than less. Increased seats at the planning table are necessary, as well as a definitive explanation about what happens to the composition and succession of the non-profit New Albany Venues incorporation when a new mayor takes office.

Surely there can be a more flexible policy governing admissions, wherein city-sponsored events would remain free while other performances would take place with an admission charge to enter the grounds, thus facilitating quality, diversity and private sector participation.

There also should be more democracy, not less, when it comes to the selection of vendors for riverfront events. NABC always has been willing to participate in a fair rotation, where all those willing to vend have the chance to do so. This hardly has been the case. Is it too much to ask to allow all interested parties with the ATC’s Type 222 catering capacity to divide the opportunities among them?

But there’s hope, NA. The clock’s ticking. Less than ninety days to go, and the reforms can begin.

NABC, Studio's collaborate to bring Progressive Pints to the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater.

In conjunction with the catering arm of Studio’s Grille & Pub, the New Albanian Brewing Company is pleased to make locally brewed craft beer available at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater for these upcoming events:

June 25
CONCERT SERIES: Dennis Ervin Band, 7:30-10:00 pm

June 26
HERITAGE FESTIVAL SERIES: Blues Festival with Josh Garret and the Bottom Line from Nashville, 3:00-10:00 pm

July 2
CONCERT SERIES: Persuasion, 7:30-10:00 pm

July 3
HOLIDAY SERIES: Riverfront Independence Festival with Wulfe Brothers and 100% Poly, 7:30-10:00 pm

Coming on the heels of the craft-friendly Celts on the River concert two weeks ago, these first four cooperative ventures between Studio’s and NABC are intended to gauge interest in craft beer to accompany music by the river at a gorgeous venue.

Progressive Pints at the Riverfront Amphitheater benefit whole notion of locally-based food, drink and entertainment. In addition to the four dates above, NABC beer will be on hand at the Amphitheater to complement the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Festival (July 31); Relic Bluegrass (August 6) and German Strassenfest (September 25). Depending on the success of the overall experiment, we may announce further dates soon.

NABC thanks Trish Meyer, Studio’s and the riverfront steering committee for their support of locally brewed craft beer in New Albany. Look for our banner, and enjoy the shows.

New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater performances for Friday and Saturday.

Not every performance at New Albany's Riverfront Amphitheater this summer will be accompanied by adult libations. When they are, please accept no substitutes, and be sure to ask for fresh, locally brewed craft beer. Irrespective of the evening's choice to provide a catering permit for the amphitheater, shouldn't buying local be the goal ... and buying local doesn't mean offering Bud Light, does it?

Louisville area breweries include: Bluegrass Brewing Company, Browning's Cumberland Brews, and NABC.

The press release below was submitted.

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Friday, May 28

Summer Concert Series: Eight Inch Elvis

Eight Inch Elvis, a six-piece, rock variety band will perform Friday at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater as a part of the city’s Summer Concert Series. The group plays something for everyone, from classic rock to new country, modern pop and your favorite dance and party songs.

Saturday, May 29

Performing Arts Series: Floyd Central Theater to perform Rivertown Cabaret

The award winning Floyd Central Theatre Arts Department under the direction of Chris Bundy will present an ecclectic evening of music and comedy on the New Albany Riverfront Stage on the evening of May 29th at 7:30 p.m., part of the city’s Performing Arts Series.

Part one of the evening is entitled, "The Rivertown Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and features songs and comedy with a pioneer flair takin on the fun of an old time traveling medicine show. Some of the featured songs include, Raise-A-Ruckus; Oh Susannah; Down ToThe River To Pray; My Sweatheart's The Man-In-The-Moon; and a large selection of songs from the Broadway musical, Big River.

Following a short intermission, the troupe of talented performers will continue the evening with a Broadway Cabaret featuring hits from more contemporary musicals.

The performance is made possible through a grant from the Horseshoe Foundation.

Both events will begin at 7:30 p.m., and are free to the public.

ON THE AVENUES: 25 Years of Beer & Loathing.

ON THE AVENUES:  25 Years of Beer & Loathing.

A weekly web column by Roger A. Baylor.

My pal TR called for a catch-up chat. It had been a week since my return from four months in Europe, and I was woefully depleted of gossip, so TR suggested lunch at a joint called Sportstime Pizza, apparently recently established somewhere near Grant Line Road. I couldn’t really form a mental picture of the place until he resorted to a past-tense directional comparison: “It’s where the Noble Roman’s used to be.”

It was 1987, and now, as thousands of years of human history pass by, I join the chorus of individuals always asking, “Where did the time go?”

I couldn’t tell you the answer, except to mischievously recall another friend’s longtime assertion that his eventual autobiography would bear the title, “What I Remember.” Not mine, which is slated to be called “Beer, Bile and Bolsheviks: A Fermentable Life," but there’s little time to write the book because the business I inadvertently stumbled into two decades ago still keeps me ridiculously busy amid a career of selling the idea of beer, a course that somehow took shape during gaps between bouts of drinking lots and lots of it.

Naturally, none of this could have taken place without the work, contributions and input of so many people, from co-owners Amy and Kate through all our employees, customers and folks far too numerous to count – past, present and future. At the risk of sounding trite, I’ll consciously echo Queen, who said it best.

I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
I thank you all

But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
And I ain't gonna lose

Unfortunately, as I’m channeling the late and lamented Freddie Mercury, the missus is assuming the voice of barrister’s mate Hilda Rumpole to remind me that any mention of “fortune” is utterly misplaced in my professional context. It’s true, although the value of enjoying one’s work and being paid to drink beer whilst performing it … that’s truly priceless.

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The New Albanian Brewing Company will mark its first quarter-century of existence with a day-long picnic and concert at New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater on Sunday, July 22, 2012.

As most readers probably know, nowadays the original location near Grant Line Road is known as the NABC Pizzeria & Public House, incorporating Sportstime, Rich O’s Public House (1992) and the 2002 addition of craft brewing on site. NABC’s most recent progeny (2009) is NABC Bank Street Brewhouse, located in New Albany’s historic business district downtown.

“25 Years of Beer & Loathing” is what we’re calling the fete, and NABC’s 25th anniversary celebration will be a day-long musical, family-friendly event with food, activities and refreshments suitable for all ages. The venue is New Albany’s Riverfront Amphitheater, from 10:00 a.m. to sundown on Sunday, July 22. The Amphitheater is located by the Ohio River in downtown New Albany, with ample parking available by the levee at the foot of Pearl Street.

There is no cover charge for this event, and it’ll be cash 'n' carry for food, drinks and vending. Proceeds after expenses will be disbursed in the form of grants to Rauch Inc., the Isabel Jade Pickhardt Fund and New Albany First.

So that all of our current employees can participate in recalling 25 Years of Beer & Loathing, NABC’s Bank Street Brewhouse will be closed on Sunday, July 22, although the Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar will be operating at the Riverfront Amphitheater from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (see below). Following in alphabetical order are details about what to expect.

Beer
NABC’s draft truck (Rosa L. Stumblebus) will be on hand with old favorites and special releases. We’ll be pouring all four of NABC’s 10th brewery anniversary beers: Bourbondaddy, Stumblebus, Turbo Hog and Scotch de Ainslie. There’ll also be a special 10th anniversary session ale called Get Off My Lawn. In addition, limited quantities of cask-conditioned Naughty Girl (double dry-hopped) and Oaked Choufftimus will be served while they last.

Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar
A Bank Street Brewhouse staple at Sunday brunch, the bar will move to the waterfront, with Miss Sarah on hand to guide visitors through garnishes, sauces and fresh embellishments.

Charitable donations
Net monies after expenses will be used for grants to be given to Rauch Inc, the Isabel Jade Pickhardt Fund and NA1st. Our longtime friends at Rauch support people with disabilities through services designed to promote individual choices, growth and well being, while encouraging a community environment that acknowledges the value and contribution of all people. They’ll be helping NABC with the children’s area and site clean-up. The Isabel Jade Pickhardt Fund was set up to assist the daughter of the late Ryan Pickhardt, a local musician and keyboard player for the band Sativo Gumbo, with whom NABC has longstanding ties. NA1st is New Albany’s only grassroots independent business alliance, seeking to support and promote independent business owners and to educate community members about the importance of buying locally. On the 22nd, volunteers from NA1st will assist NABC in monitoring entrances and exits, and policing the grounds.

Children’s Area Activities
A duck pond, face painting, temporary tattoos, an art area and perhaps other activities will be available for the kids.

Food
Feast BBQ (116 W Main St) is roasting a pig, and will be offering these items: Pork sliders with pickles and onions; pork tacos with cilantro, lime, cotija, and crema; and smoked corn on the cob ... Shawn, TJ and Charlestown Pizza Company will be preparing chicken salad croissants, Asian slaw, pasta salad, fruit cups and other fare ... NABC is brewing root beer for the event, and of course there’ll be water and soft drinks.

Music schedule

10:00 a.m.: (house music)
12 Noon: Roz Tate
1:00 p.m.: Ben Traughber
2:00 p.m.: Five Foot Fish
3:00 p.m.: Beeler Attic
4:00 p.m.: Jed and the NoiseMakers
5:00 p.m.: Porch Possums
6:00 p.m.: Dust Radio
7:00 p.m.: Whiskey Riders
8:00 p.m.: Toledo Bend

Wine
River City Winery will be on hand to sell wines and Sangria.

We hope you'll be able to stop by and help us remember what we remember.

That amphitheater over there? Let's use it for a change.

New Albany's Riverfront Amphitheater is a valuable but sadly underutilized physical asset. Yes, it has issues, though they certainly are not beyond repair.

As tonight's music and fireworks event (below) once again will illustrate, folks are disposed to enjoy the amphitheater when given a good reason to do so.

The city has spent much money in recent years staging temporary events at temporary venues downtown, but what we really need is a master plan for reinvestment in the amphitheater. Apart from special occasions like tonight, it simply isn't the city's job to be a concert promoter.

Rather, the city's job is to maintain the civic infrastructure suitable for others to plan and stage such events, and this is what I propose to do as mayor.