Abbey Road on the River illustrates the value of purposeful park design.

As usual, I had a good time volunteering to help populate the SoIn tourism bureau booth at Abbey Road on the River. I was there Thursday and Friday during the day.

A glance at the map reveals Jeffersonville's savvy approach to the design of Big Four Park. Streets on four sides are easily fenced to suit ticket control and alcohol sales; it also makes food trucks and vending easy. There are restrooms and utilities on the middle, and plenty of room elsewhere for port-a-lets.

Unfortunately in New Albany we have two festival sites (Riverfront Amphitheater and Bicentennial Park), neither of which have it all quite the way Big Four Park does.

The finest musical act I heard during my brief time on site was the genuine Liverpudlian Gavin Pring (George Harry's Son) performing as George Harrison, playing deep album cuts from the concert for Bangladesh with the assistance of a crack international band.

I enjoy the feel of this festival. It wasn't always evident to me, but this year the vibe came together. Roughly half the total attendees travel to AROTR from elsewhere each year, and it reminded me of the spirit at beer fests like Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison WI.

Of the traverso, viola da gamba and theorbo ... Les Ordinaires at the Culbertson Mansion.

On Saturday evening the Culbertson Mansion hosted a performance by Les Ordinaires. We were treated to selections from the group's first CD (to be released in 2018).

Les Ordinaires first CD, Inner Chambers - Royal Court Music of Louis XIV, will feature music that explores the depths of human emotion couched within the formal and mannered style of the French Baroque period. Life at court was filled with strict hierarchies and social structures, lavish display of ornaments and affluence, love of allegory, and an affected nostalgia for the pastoral life and antiquity. At the same time, art sought to express human emotion in all its many shades and subtleties. All of these qualities merge in the music that Louis XIV enjoyed in the evenings in his inner chambers.

There were many fine musicians who played for the king's private enjoyment, known as les ordinaires du Roi, but it was the softly expressive combination of the traverso, viola da gamba and theorbo, called the Royal Trio, that accompanied the king's retirement to bed. Although there are many written accounts from the diaries of courtiers describing these evenings, few recordings exist that try to capture the intimate spirit of these royal trio concerts. Repertoire on this CD includes pieces by Hotteterre, Couperin, Montéclair, Marais and Lully.

We expected the setting to be intimate and the music wonderful, and were not disappointed on either count, but what I didn't expect was the reality of the theorbo's sheer size.

Old school music, old school instruments.

Traverso: An early Baroque flute.

Viola da gamba: A bowed string instrument similar to the cello.

Theorbo: A large instrument from the lute family.

The performers were warm and engaging, providing helpful background information about the program and the instruments there were playing. It's hard to imagine the music and the setting being more perfectly aligned.

Insofar as "classical" music retains any resonance in the popular imagination, it's usually about large, muscular symphony orchestras playing at the concert hall. But to me, chamber music is the lure, especially when being played outside the customary venues.

Last night the Pepin Mansion across Main had a backyard wedding reception with horrendous amplified music (why does Pastimes always get the complaints?), and on occasion a monster semi rig would rumble past, shaking the Culbertson's timbers.

In other words, Les Ordinaires was performing out in the real world, albeit inside a gilded museum, and while these outside distractions were annoying, they also testified to the importance of getting formal music into the community, where it lives -- something Teddy Abrams has been doing with the Louisville Orchestra.

Speaking for myself, I'll probably never be as well versed in the "classical" repertoire as I'd like, although the opportunity to learn about the instruments played last night is much appreciated. The overarching point? This music speaks to me, and I feel good while listening.

Being able to walk from our house to the show on a gorgeous May evening was icing.

Thanks to the Culbertson Mansion staff and everyone who made the performance possible. More of them, please.

Never mind the bollocks, here's Les Ordinaires performing chamber music at the Culbertson Mansion.

Les Ordinaires will be performing selections from the group's first CD (to be released in 2018).

Les Ordinaires first CD, Inner Chambers - Royal Court Music of Louis XIV, will feature music that explores the depths of human emotion couched within the formal and mannered style of the French Baroque period. Life at court was filled with strict hierarchies and social structures, lavish display of ornaments and affluence, love of allegory, and an affected nostalgia for the pastoral life and antiquity. At the same time, art sought to express human emotion in all its many shades and subtleties. All of these qualities merge in the music that Louis XIV enjoyed in the evenings in his inner chambers.

There were many fine musicians who played for the king's private enjoyment, known as les ordinaires du Roi, but it was the softly expressive combination of the traverso, viola da gamba and theorbo, called the Royal Trio, that accompanied the king's retirement to bed. Although there are many written accounts from the diaries of courtiers describing these evenings, few recordings exist that try to capture the intimate spirit of these royal trio concerts. Repertoire on this CD includes pieces by Hotteterre, Couperin, Montéclair, Marais and Lully.

The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site provides information about the show.

‎A Royal Occasion - Chamber Music at the Culbertson Mansion

We continue the Culbertson tradition of fine musical entertainment with:

A Royal Occasion
Chamber Music from the courts of Hentry VIII to Louis XIV.

The acoustics of the Culbertson Mansion formal parlor provides the perfect atmosphere to take off your wigs, sit back, and let the music tantalize the senses, sooth conflicting emotions and uplift your spirit.

Admission for the concert is $10 and may be paid in advance or at the door. A cash bar will also be provided.

The evening begins at 7:00pm and includes a brief lecture, as well as an intermission when the mansion will be open for guests to take a self-guided tour.

Please call 812.944.9600 for more information or to RSVP

A reminder about upcoming Louisville Orchestra musical events.

As divulged previously, I'm going through a musical phase that includes loads of classical and orchestral music. My "classical" education started in the early 1980s, courtesy of WUOL-FM. It's playing 30-plus years later, as I type.

Coming up with the LO: The season's final family concert, and a neighborhood series performance over here in New Albany at IU Southeast. There's also a preview of the 2017-2018 season.

The Confidentials are targeting the Friday, March 24 show at Ogle. If any blog readers are planning to attend, let me know and maybe we can say hello.

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A CLASSICAL SYMPHONY: Part of the LG+E Music Without Borders + Neighborhood Series

Wednesday, March 22, 2017; 7:30PM
Adath Jeshurun 2401 Woodbourne Ave, Louisville

Thursday, March 23, 2017; 7:30PM
Valley High School 10200 Dixie Highway

Friday, March 24, 2017; 7:30PM
Ogle Center at IUS 4201 Grant Line Rd. New Albany

Louisville, KY (March 9, 2017) … The Louisville Orchestra Neighborhood Series and the LG&E Music Without Borders Series continues with A Classical Symphony ... Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra will perform music that highlights each section of the orchestra – brass, winds, and strings. Then the Orchestra comes together to perform the “Classical Symphony” by Sergei Prokofiev.

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Teddy Abrams + Louisville Orchestra, 2017-2018 Season, 80th Anniversary

We are excited to announce the concerts of the Louisville Orchestra 80th Anniversary 2017-2018 Season! I invite you to explore the concerts of the LO Classics, Pops and Coffee Series. You'll find that each program invites you to engage and enjoy.

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HEROES + VILLAINS

The Final Family Concert of the 2016-17 Season

Louisville, KY (March 3, 2017) … The Louisville Orchestra with guest conductor, Kelly Corcoran presents the family concert, HEROES + VILLAINS on Saturday, March 18 at 11AM at the Brown Theatre. This concert features music about the good guys and the bad guys of real life and in fiction! The music is all about heroes from our own community… our firefighters. But let’s not forget about the villains. First we encounter Star Wars character Darth Vader, then the bizarre “Baba-Yaga” of Slavic folklore, and then Disney gives us great music about Cruella de Vil, Gaston, and Prince Ali. Join in the musical fun for the final Family Series concert of this season.

The LO Family concerts are kid-friendly and parent-pleasing, too.

New Albany Indie Fest 2016 musical performance schedules -- Saturday, September 24.

New Albany Indie Fest marks its fifth year in 2016 with a headlining 20th anniversary performance by the reunited Sativa Gumbo.

Sativa Gumbo’s 20th Anniversary Reunion Tops New Albany Indie Fest 2016.

New Albany Indie Fest is an arts and music festival taking place in downtown New Albany on Saturday, September 24, at 100 Bank Street, by the levee at the foot of Pearl and Bank Streets (and behind Underground Station). It begins at noon and admission is free. It is a celebration of localism, showcasing independent artists and entrepreneurs.

NA Confidential is proud to be a sponsor of 

New Albany Indie Fest.

Here are the music schedules for New Albany Indie Fest 2016. Stay tuned for more information about the fest as the date draws near.

All about the bands on the outdoor stage at Boomtown Ball on May 25.

Production Simple fills in the blanks and tells us about the music slated to be performed on the outdoor stage at the Boomtown Ball and Festival on May 25. Houndmouth is playing a sold-out show at The Grand the same evening. No worries; it is Menorial Day weekend, so you won't have to work on Monday.

NABC is delighted to license the Boomtown event for adult libations, and to work with other downtown drinks vendors to curate a lineup of beer, wine and cocktails for the occasion. We'll be meeting tomorrow to discuss details. Our collective aim from the start has been to provide genuinely local flavor to Boomtown, and to showcase the 365-days-a-year efforts of local business, whether bar or boutique. Just so you know ...

And now, the music.

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The line-up for the outdoor stage curated by Houndmouth; music begins at 1:30 p.m.

The River City Blues Band 
Hailing from Louisville, KY, the River City Blues Band plays a variety of Blues - West Coast, Delta, Chicago. Members Denny Thornbury, Jimmy Gaetano, Hank Dobson and Tom Murray play straight up BLUES, man!

The Kernal & His New Strangers
Based in Jackson, TN, The Kernal & His New Strangers call the Downtown Tavern home and from that halfway point between two Tennessee music mecca’s, tour the country with their home-grown brand of Southern mystique. Tied deeply to the legacy of the wandering musician and the historic Grand Ole Opry, the Kernal, a southern gentleman with an old soul and youthful ambition, found his sound and showmanship in the greats of the classic Country music scene like Del Reeves.

Ranger
Members Adam Faris, Michael Homan, Yuto Kanii and Alfonso Ramos were jamming out in an abandoned candy factory on Floyd Street in Louisville, in order to let loose and nail down some new songs. Now, after a trip to Kevin Ratterman’s La La Land, the New Albany band has a new album entitled The Bard. “We kinda stumbled upon the album title while reflecting on our demos at Ratterman’s. The inspiration was found through the storytelling aspects of the album,” says Alfonso Ramos, lead singer of Ranger.

Daniel Martin Moore is a singer and songwriter (and a great many other things arguably less relevant to this particular piece of text) from Cold Spring, Kentucky. On the strength of an unsolicited demo he sent in January of 2007, Sub Pop released Stray Age in October of 2008, a quietly striking album and Daniel’s debut full-length. And, in February of 2010, Sub Pop released Dear Companion, an album written and performed by Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore together, and produced by Jim James from My Morning Jacket and Monsters of Folk.

The Pass
Louisville, KY’s The Pass tout a “neverending quest for a balanced perfection of synthesizer pop and dance-floor psychedelia.” The music is compulsively listenable, danceable and playable. Their momentous sound and infectious onstage energy keep the crowd moving.

Discount Guns is the brainchild of John Ford & Edward Vincent. The two grew up in Central Ill. and met in 2006 working at a farm machinery store. The men both ended up in Louisville, Kentucky and Discount Guns was born. In the summer of 2010, they started writing music together. After failed attempts of finding a drummer, the two decided to learn to play the drums and become a 2-piece, switching off on guitar and drums.

Fly Golden Eagle is currently touting their latest, psych-funk release, "Swagger", wherever they go and are done with their follow-up, "Quartz", to be released soon. In the past year the band has toured with Alabama Shakes, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Dr Dog, Arctic Monkeys, Clear Plastic Masks and Chrome Pony. See them outside and in the sun.

San Fermin is the work of Brooklyn composer and songwriter Ellis Ludwig-Leone. After finishing his musical studies at Yale, Ludwig-Leone wrote the album in six weeks while holed up in a studio on the mountainous border between Alberta and British Columbia. He focused on lifeʼs top-shelf issues – youth, nostalgia, anxiety, unrequited love – and tied these vast themes to different characters through vocal contributions from longtime friend Allen Tate, as well as Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius.

This event is produced by Louisville based buyers Production Simple, Concerts & Events and radio sponsorship is being provided by 91.9 WFPK.

BicenPk acts for Friday in July: Dave Moisan, Bodeco, Violet Knives, Kaleidico & Daniel Ellsworth.

For complete descriptions, go here.

"Full June Lineup for Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series Announced."

I still favor Mix at Six, but it doesn't matter. Let's have a beer and listen to music in Rent Boy Park this summer. The eventual goal is to have NABC's Houndmouth (the beer) and Black & Blue Grass on tap for all 12 of the Friday night shows scheduled for June, July and August. 

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PRESS RELEASE – Full June Lineup for Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series Announced

May 20th, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Hall

Mayor Jeff M. Gahan and the City of New Albany are pleased to announce the full June lineup for the Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series. Each show will be held on Friday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer in historic downtown New Albany’s Bicentennial Park, located at the corner of Spring Street and Pearl Street.

June 7th – Ranger (rangertunes.bandcamp.com) with Riverboys (riverboys.bandcamp.com)

Two up and coming hometown bands will kick off the series at its opening on June 7th. Ranger will bring their original indie folk rock to Bicentennial Park, coming off their recent outstanding performance opening for local sensation Houndmouth at Iroquois Amphitheater. Ranger will be supported by fellow Southern Indiana newcomers, Riverboys.

June 14th – Lucius (ilovelucius.com)

This five-piece group from Brooklyn, NY just recently played a wildly successful set at 2013’s SXSW music festival in Austin, TX, and is bringing their own brand of Indie Pop into the heart of downtown New Albany. Their music has been described as “catchy, distinctive indiepop tunes” by Rolling Stone magazine, and the New York Times’ Paul Krugman describes them as “something special, and their songs keep rattling around in my head.” This will be Lucius’s last tour date before they play in this year’s Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN.

June 21st – Ballroom Blitz (ballroomblitzdance.com)

The concept is simple: an all-star supergroup that can play anything, from the hottest Boston song to the most intricate Queen, with dance grooves stretching from the B-52s to Michael Jackson - and vocals as huge as the Bee Gees. Drawing on the richest musical era of the past century, The Blitz brings a staggering body of musical experience, creativity and energy into the moment - lighting the fire, bringing the magic back.

June 28th – Quiet Hollers (quiethollers.com)

Based in Louisville, KY, Quiet Hollers have found their niche following a paradigm shift in musical direction from Hardcore Punk to Roots and Americana. They have forged a brand of Roots music equally reminiscent of Springsteen and the Replacements as it is Townes Van Zandt or Uncle Tupelo, yet still with a sound all their own. Their talent with many instruments allows members to shift between vocals, guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, cello, accordion, banjo, harmonica, and other instruments seamlessly.

Elegant and intimate: Ben Sollee at the Carnegie Center, December 6.

Hoosier Daddy and Vessel, Friday night at NABC's Bank Street Brewhouse.

Friday's always a big day at Bank Street Brewhouse. This Friday (March 23), we have two added attractions, later in the evening.

"JUST ANOTHER BASKETBALL GAME"

Right. Indiana plays Kentucky in the NCAA tournament at 9:45 p.m. Bank Street Brewhouse will stay open for the game; NABC's official Cream and Crimson Ale, Hoosier Daddy, will be flowing; there'll be very limited food menu after the usual kitchen closing time; and what's more ...

A SPECIAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

On the north (side) patio, Vessel. Members from the band played during the recent Saturday afternoon "Welcome Back Sherman Minton" celebration in downtown New Albany.

About Vessel: The Vessel has been around for 5 years, playing a swath of major festivals and clubs, delivering a unique sound that blends blues, bluegrass, funk, rock, electronic, and jazz. Our goal is to get in the zone, and make everyone around us happy and inspired. We love playing, thinking, and encouraging positive vibes in all those around us.

The music will begin after the normal dinner hours, but before the game, and last until 11:00 p.m. - midnight. The band will be charging a cover for this performance, probably $5. It's something we haven't tried in the past, but there's a first time for everything, so please be patient as we work out the kinks.

In which the Riverfront Amphitheater calendar is examined.

The New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater's schedule of events appeared a few days ago, and the season opened last night with Henry Lee Summer.

Several of you have asked about craft beer availability at the concessions area. Here is what I know.

As exclusive craft beer vendors with requisite catering permit, NABC expressed interest in two events, Celts on the River (June 18) and Strassenfest (September 17). The understanding last year was that other caterers would offer a craft component, whether through NABC or another local brewer, but since I don't know who the other vendors are in 2011, this has yet to be codified for 2011. Your best bet is to tell the "committee" that you'd like a craft option.

Scanning the entertainment booked for this summer reveals the following genres. What do you think about the demographic balance therein? It's highly white, isn't it?

Heritage Festival Series
Celts on the River (Irish/Celtic)
Fiesta Latina (Latin American)
Strassenfest (German)

Cover bands/nostalgia acts
Kudmani
Louisville Crashers
Lunar Beach House (Jimmy Buffett tribute band)
Monarchs
The Rigby’s (Beatles tribute band)

Country and Western
Hugh E. Bir
Joe Diffie
Aaron Tippin
Sammy Kershaw
Confederate Railroad

Jazz
Bobby Falk Band
Jamey Aebersold
The Unlimited Band (jazz/funk)

Rock/Pop
Henry Lee Summer (Indiana native)
Midnight Outlaw (Hair/Sleaze/Glam/Progressive/Heavy Metal)
Cabin (Louisville band)

Can’t locate information:
Circus (with Midnight Outlaw)
Scott Kirby (Key West-based singer or jazz artist?)

Celts on the River Performance Schedule (June 12, 2010).

As we get closer to the event, I have a goal of getting the information pertaining to the Kentuckiana Celtic Fest and Celts on the River concert published here, and handy for searching.

Today, the musical schedule. For a glimpse at the posters for the festival and golf scramble, go here: Save the date: 2nd annual Celts on the River music fest, June 12, 2010 ... and here: Save the date: Charity Golf Scramble sponsored by Covered Bridge and Celts on the River music fest, June 11, 2010.

Celts on the River Performance Schedule

June 12th at the New Albany Amphitheater
2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION

Kick-off – 2:00 p.m.

Liam’s Fancy – 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cloigheann – 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Keltricity – 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Guilderoy Byrne (with McClanahan Dancers) 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. (extra 15 minutes to allow time for plenty of dancing!)

Louisville Pipe Band 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Introductions (Mayors England and Abramson, Stan Curtis (or another rep from Blessings in a Backpack), singing of national anthems: 7:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Headline Band – direct from Dublin , Ireland – The BeerMats – 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

“Celtic jam session” (ALL musicians are welcome to participate 9) p.m. - 10 p.m.

“After Party” at the New Albanian Bank Street Brewhouse – please stop by for the fun – last year we had a packed house ... 10:00 p.m. until the sun comes up (kidding … sort of!)

Save the date: 2nd annual Celts on the River music fest, June 12, 2010.

Before or after the opening prayer?

With apologies to the writers of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," from which this showstopping performance by Snoopy is lifted.

---

Dan Coffey (spoken):
*growl* My grandstanding clock just went off. It's Coffey Time, and Mayor England forgot to prompt me. Here I am, a withering hollow shell of a ward heeler, and there sits my Coffey cup ... EMPTY! But that's alright. He'll remember. When no hypocritical populist comes to bash him after the council meeting, then he'll remember, and he'll rush out here past the DVD place but it'll be too late. There will be nothing left but the dried carcass of the hometown boy made good who used to disassemble so happily with him. Nothing left, but the bleached councilman’s bones ...

Mayor England (spoken):
Hey Danny, are you asleep or something? I've been standing here a whole minute with a sewer rate increase.

Coffey (sung):
Coffey Time?
It's Coffey Time!
Behold the vital outrage
Now brought forth to charge my anger
Behold the flowing sewage moist and sweet
Which has been sent to slake my thirst!

Mayor England (spoken):
Okay, there's no need for a big production. Just get off the porch of that crappy shotgun house and pontificate. (exit)

Coffey:
Doo doo
Doo doo doo doo.
Doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo.

It's Coffey Time.
Yeah, it's Coffey Time.
Oh, it's Cof-Cof Coffey Time, the very best time of day.

It's Coffey Time.
Yeah, it's Cof-fey Time.
And when Coffey Time comes can grandstanding be far away?

Bring on the cops, bring on an Aw-Dit,
Bring on the firemen and gimme some EDIT.
'Cause it's Coffey
Coffey, Coffey, Coffey Time.

WHISTLES (first four measures)
da-doo-m-ba-dah
za-doo-buh ya-ba-doo-ba
Coffey Time

Doo doo doo doo dot doot.

Br-r-ing on the zoning, bring the cell phones
Bring on the builders and their patio homes
'Cause it's Coffey
Coffey, Coffey, Coffey
Coffey
Super, pepper upper
Coffey
Super duper Coffey Time

'Wintertime's nice with the bile and snow
Summertime's hot with Birdseye to show
Town hall, overtime, lawyer-time too
But they can't hold a novelty lighter to'
My
Coffey Time
Ohhh yeahhh!

'Hello home listeners ... how are ya?'

B-r-r-ring on the finger, I’ll point it at you
Copperhead's out to get the Sewer Board, too
'Cause it's Coffey
Coffey Coffey Coffey
Coffey
super pepper upper
Coffey
super duper Coffey Time

Gospel chorus: Coffey (scat style):
Coffey Time! Whoo!
Coffey Time! Whoo! Yeah!
Coffey Time! Bring on Kay Garry!
Coffey Time! It's time for Shane Gibson.
Coffey Time! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Coffey Time! hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Coffey Time! Oh Yeah!
Coffey Time! Bring on Carl Maaalox.
Coffey Time! bring on, bring on the
Pergessives
Coffey Time! Bring on, bring me
some of Them People
Coffey Time! Bring on, bring on the
little people's subsidies!

Coffey (wild riffling improvisation):
bring on bring on
gimme a sidewalk gimme a patio gimme somethin’ to chew
gimme Larry gimme Bill gimme somethin to do

Steve Price:
TWANG … Why can't we just dig some ditches and send that sewer stuff right down the middle of the road past the mayor’s house? Heck, be cheaper that way.

Coffey (very softly):
Exactly, so let’s make Coffey Time a joyous occasion!

(boldly, broad tempo, full voice):
Coffey,
Coffey, Coffey,
Coffey Time!!!

Klezmerfest tonight on the Bank Street Brewhouse patio.

Tonight is the long-awaited KLEZMERFEST, which I hope will become a permanent feature of Fringe Fest in the years to come. The musicians will be playing on the north patio, and the big tent goes up tomorrow. If you're not familiar with this music, it's vastly entertaining and goes well with beer (what doesn't?) Our old friend Misha Feigin opens at six, followed by Klezmer at eight.

6:00 p.m. - Misha Feigin

8:00 p.m. - Louisville Klezmer Orchestra

Here's an interesting and related link: Oktoberfest in Palestine (thanks J).

It's also First Tuesday, Develop New Albany's monthly mixer, which is being held this afternoon at Rodefer Moss & Co. at 301 East Elm. There'll be appetizers (from Sam's, I think?), beer from NABC and River City Winery vino, and it runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Readying for the weekend festivities at Bank Street Brewhouse.

And Hoptimus is back on tap ...



Disc golf will be the sporting pretext for the coming weekend's Bank Street Brewhouse tent party.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 6-11
Mick Sullivan
Adventure

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 6-11
The Outfit
Blood Turns Brown

Open to the public ... no cover charge.

Klezmer.

Readers, if you know of a good klezmer band available to play an event on the evening of October 3, please let me know at the e-mail address listed at my profile.

Saturday, August 22: Free concert at the Riverfront Amphitheater kicks off Kentuckiana Celtic Fest.

Certain aspects of the Kentuckiana Celtic Fest have yet to be determined, so much so that I feel like I'm the only one publicizing it at present, but it looks like the event itself is a go for Saturday, August 22, at the recently reconstructed riverfront Amphitheater in New Albany.

Permits willing and the Ohio don't rise, NABC will have the exclusive beer concession for this event. City hall and the organizers both have advocated for the virtues of local beer, and we thank them all. I'm trying to determine the exact legal nature of the riverfront alcohol concession, both for this and future occasions.

Two weeks ago NABC's Jared Williamson brewed an Irish-style Red at the Grant Line garage brewhouse. There may yet be time to squeeze in a batch of Stout, but if not, Old 15-B Porter should do the trick of covering something black for the Irish. NABC's Kaiser (pre-Prohibition Pilsner, and golden colored for those scared of the dark) also will be served, probably with Tunnel Vision, our rye wheat ale.

It is my understanding that the organizers are asking Louisville-area Irish pubs to purvey food for the day. I remain a tad annoyed that it's almost mid-July, and there isn't a web site for the event. Summer weekends are packed with activities, and people book well in advance. But hey -- I'm just the beer guy.

Here's the official press release:

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The Kentuckiana Celtic Fest’s inaugural event is a free concert to be held at the newly renovated New Albany Amphitheater on August 22nd from 3 to 11pm.

The “Celts on the River Concert” will feature five local and regional Celtic bands plus headliner Brendan Loughery from Donegal, Ireland.

“Bold and passionate, Brendan is currently based out of Chicago and is a truly professional entertainer who appeals to every crowd young and old alike. He has played at major festivals throughout the country and has opened for many celebrities including Chuck Berry, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Lorrie Morgan and more. Brendan has released 5 more CD's including "No Irish Need Apply" and "Last Set Of The Night" voted No.13 and No.12 Albums of the Year 2006 & 2007 respectively by Paddy Rock Radio listeners”.

The Kentuckiana Celtic Fest is a new organization founded to celebrate ‘All things Celtic’. The free concert is a way to introduce ourselves to public,” says President Peggy Baas. “What could be more Celtic than a concert on the banks of the Ohio?” she said.

The group plans to hold a festival every year and celebrate them on both sides of the river, alternating year-by-year between Indiana and Kentucky. Along with the music, Celtic food and libations will be on-hand as well as Celtic informational booths. There will also be the chance to do a “wee bit” of shopping.

The Kentuckiana Celtic Fest is also partnering this year to collect backpacks for the nonprofit “Blessings in a Backpack”. This is a relationship the KCF board is very pleased to have secured. Check out their website at http://www.blessingsinabackpack.com/

So put on your dancing shoes, round up the family, pack up the blankets and folding chairs, and join the Kentuckiana Celtic Fest for a day of food, fun, and wonderful music. We hope to see you on August 22nd!

Friday, July 10: Music by the riverside in New Albany.

And another event earlier in the day: Strippers wanted for an unwrapping party this Friday at Bank Street Brewhouse.

Sheryl Crow at Caesar’s: Wonderful music, creepy venue ... but at least it wasn’t Phoenix Hill.

Last evening was our first opportunity to view the setting for the summer's outdoor concert series at the casino soon to be formerly known as Caesar's. It seems to me that this year's slate of shows is being used to help re-brand the facility as the Horseshoe (Harrah's); be that as it may, it remains a non-essential edifice to this non-gambler's jaundiced eyes even if the music was pure excellence.

I'll never forget entering Caesar's Indiana for the first time in 2002. For me, it was (and remains) something almost unspeakably tacky, almost to the point of physically repellant. It's nothing against my many friends who have jobs there and profit from it … and nothing against the money that the casino has brought into the community under orders from the state as a precondition of doing business. Now as always, let the buyer beware, and the savvy divide the proceeds.

But watching the roving groups of the ill-dressed in their University of Kentucky jackets (hint: they didn't go to school there, if they can locate Lexington KY on a map at all) gawk and drool in amazement at the plasticized surface glitz designed to make it easier to part them from their cash made for a disquieting experience – and still does. Casinos may actually be just another entertainment option, yet there's something profoundly sad about the spectacle of people tithing scant wealth for even more elusive hope, when a standard certificate of deposit would yield greater dividends in the end.

Shawn Mullins opened Sheryl Crow's performance on Saturday night, introducing his 1998 number one single "Rock-a-Bye" as, "A medley of my hit." Roughly half of Mullins's new album, "Honey Dew," was performed by the singer-songwriter and a crackerjack backing band, and to this casual listener, the songs sounded truer to his Southern roots than previous, more mainstream efforts.

Sheryl Crow, on the other hand, is almost gloriously mainstream, combining sassy pop rockers with the occasional countryish ballad designed to jerk the occasional tear from female eyes. Crow shares with Mullins a band that boasts fabulous musicianship, as well as a new release, "Detours," which was amply previewed, obviously is the work of a mature artist, and includes a couple of songs protesting the idiocy of America's sitting regime … words almost surely lost on the casino crowd.

Of course, an audience composed primarily by people my age or older, most of them seriously swizzled on bad beer and watery cocktails, wanted the hits -- damn it! -- and far too many of them hilariously attempted to sing along with Sheryl as she obligingly threw out the radio tunes. Keep it in the shower, guys. It was painful.

Both Mullins and Crow were superb, and we richly enjoyed the evening in spite of my venomous preconceived notions about the nature of the gambling industry and my (accompanying) contempt for the cultural incomprehension of my aging brethren.

In particular, I'm constantly thankful for the many advances in technology that have combined to make concerts more enjoyable. The music was loud enough for a mild buzz in my ears afterward, but remarkably clear and undistorted all in all.

By the way, the venue itself is composed of bleachers, rather smallish plastic chairs and seats, and an indoor clubhouse (luxury box?) in the rear that faces the stage. I'm assuming the indoor facility exists to air-condition the wealthy and assorted high rollers during summer's mosquito-laden heat and humidity, although last night was cool, crisp and joyful in this regard. Plastic seats on the ground, center stage, are the more expensive ones, many apparently taken by members of the casino's "we lose here regularly" cadres.

All of it is located between the indoor casino complex and the looming, Ceausescu-esque hotel, adjacent to the housing unit's car park, which might someday be dry-walled in, given HVAC, and used to house the homeless from both Indiana and Kentucky. I'm sure they have money to lose, too ... right?

Originally posted at MySpace under Music.