Thursday, May 23

Brown Hotel

335 W. Broadway • 873-4400

Free; 6:30 p.m.

Celebrated author appearance: As part of Spalding University’s semi-annual Festival of Contemporary Writing, Tim O’Brien, author of the classic Vietnam War story collection “The Things They Carried,” will give a reading/signing at the 16^th-floor gallery of the Brown Hotel. Sena Jeter Naslund — no slouch herself — will introduce O’Brien, whose works also include the National Book Award-winning “Going After Cacciato.” “The Things They Carried” earned recognition by The New York Times as one of the 20 best books of the last quarter-century, and O’Brien’s books have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. The festival will continue on Friday and Saturday afternoons with readings of works by alumni of the Spalding MFA in Writing Program (all events are ticketless, but locations vary). —T.E. Lyons

Local resident Kris Applegate is currently compiling a book of legendary locals of Louisville and is looking for your help. She is assembling images of the newsworthy and noteworthy individuals and groups who have built and shaped Louisville and the stories that go with them to include in an upcoming book to be published by Arcadia Publishing in their new Legendary Locals imprint. To share your photographs and stories, please contact Kris Applegate at 812-725-2723 or kris@louisvillelegendsbook.info by August 31. If you’d like more information about the book please visit www.louisvillelegendsbook.info.

Joe Autry

•GARDENZART

Saturday, May 18 

Hidden Hill Nursery & Sculpture Garden

1011 Utica-Charlestown Road, Utica, Ind.

812-282-0524 • hiddenhillnursery.com

Free; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

I’m stating the obvious when I say gardens consist of plants, flowers and shrubs. But any respectable garden should have a bit of stone, metal or glass for decoration … in addition to gnomes, of course. Hidden Hill has an 8-acre abundance of the former as well as a good amount of work by area artists. In celebration of local art, they are holding GARDENZART. The highlight of the day will be an onsite chainsaw sculpture by Joe Autry. He’s transforming a lightning-killed oak tree into a flower that will be unveiled at 2 p.m. during the festival. There will also be glass by Chad Balster, ceramics by Jennifer Martin and Caren Cunningham’s garden-worthy stone sculpture, just to name a few of the other works to be on display. —Jo Anne Triplett

Bianca Spriggs

•KY Women’s Book Fest

Saturday, May 18

U of L Ekstrom Library

2301 S. Third St. • 852-6083

louisville.edu/womenscenter/kwbf

Free; 9:30 a.m.

The seventh annual Kentucky Women’s Book Festival at U of L will have more than a half-dozen authors, representing a diversity of successful voices. All workshops and readings, as well as the luncheon (only non-free item on the agenda), take place at the Ekstrom Library. The opening session has Judith C. Owens-Lalude describing how she drew upon sources to compile the stories that inspired her Underground Railroad novel, “The Long Walk: Slavery to Freedom.” Other presenters include journalist Sarah Garland and poet Bianca Spriggs. Through the day to the concluding poetry slam, the presenters will be looking to inspire fellow writers as well as readers — so that women’s voices might find themselves on the published page instead of being, as Spriggs’ verse describes, “What slumbers in an attic or basement/beneath several layers of dust, dreaming/of what it means to remember the light.” —T.E. Lyons

•Bardstown Bound

Saturday, May 18

Highlands

bardstownbound.com

Free; noon

To celebrate its 10^th anniversary of encouraging people to frolic up and down Bardstown Road in the Highlands, the folks behind this month’s Bardstown Bound are going all out with an official Bambi Walk, a sanctioned chicken dance, and a beer and music fest on Saturday. As always, the stores and restaurants along Bardstown Road will offer sales and samples, and there will be a trolley running from 2-10 p.m. The Bambi Walk starts at 1 and is celebrating anyone who graduated high school in 1983, but all are welcome. The chicken dance begins at 5 p.m. at Bardstown and Eastern Parkway. And the beer fest is hosted by Valumarket from 5-9 p.m. Ladies and gentlemen, start your livers. —Sara Havens

Jeff Walz

•Gilda’s Night of a Thousand Laughs

Saturday, May 18

Actors Theatre

316 W. Main St.

gildasclublouisville.org

$75-$125; 6 p.m.

It’s always refreshing when the rich and famous can take a joke at their own expense. Ratchet that respect up a few notches when said VIPs intentionally put themselves in the line of comedic fire for a good cause, which is exactly what Gilda’s Night of a Thousand Laughs is all about. Comedian Tom Mabe will lead a crew of local celebrities in an array of onstage antics to raise money for Gilda’s Club of Louisville, a nonprofit that provides support and services for those battling cancer. In addition to a live comedy show, the event includes an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and after-party. It’s a fitting fundraiser for a charity whose namesake is the great Gilda Radner, the “Saturday Night Live” comedian who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. —Sarah Kelley

•‘More from the Street’ 

Through May 18


Galerie Hertz


1253 S. Preston St. • 581-8277

billyhertzgallery.com

Post-Derby, as our city fades out of the sports spotlight, there is something left behind: garbage. Thankfully, after seeing the show at Galerie Hertz, you may see the refuse from a new and charming angle. Tom Pfannerstill creates detailed paintings on carved wood, replicas of rubbish found by the artist. Simultaneously, you’ll admire Pfannerstill’s painting expertise and the power of packaging design. An entertaining way to question value, Pfannerstill’s striking results will have you yearning to take one of these treasures home. —Mali Anderson

•WonderFest 2013

May 18-19

Crowne Plaza Hotel

830 Phillips Lane

wonderfest.com

$25; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Perhaps it’s the “Big Bang Theory” effect, or perhaps it’s just natural selection, but whatever the case, nerd culture seems to be at its zenith. Suddenly, it’s cool to be uncool. (Shame this couldn’t have happened when I was in seventh grade.) WonderFest, which happens this weekend at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, is a shining example of nerd culture at its best. From artists to writers to designers to actors, you can rub elbows with folks such as visual effects artist Lee Stringer, who has worked recently on “Iron Sky” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” Also scheduled to appear are Lee Meriwether, who played Catwoman in 1966’s “Batman: The Movie,” and Sara Karloff, granddaughter of Boris Karloff, will show rare home movies and behind-the-scenes footage of the man who brought Frankenstein’s monster to the big screen. There will also be vendors, workshops and much more. —Kevin Gibson

Catherine Irwin

•‘Vera Causa — From Nick With Love’

Sunday, May 19

Irish Rover

2319 Frankfort Ave. • afsp.org

$8; 3 p.m.

The fourth annual “Vera Causa” (“true cause”) fundraiser to benefit suicide prevention, education and awareness features some great music, food and drinks, in addition to a silent auction and raffle. The music starts at 4, with performances from Oscar Parsons, Scott Carney, Catherine Irwin, Silver Tongues and the Junk Yard Dogs (and sound by Zanzabar’s Joe Seidt). Money raised will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which places educational materials and programs in Kentucky schools, in tribute to the life of Irish Rover server Nick Weisen. So head down to your local tavern to enjoy some of the finer things while also making an impact on this otherwise uneventful Sunday afternoon. —Peter Berkowitz

•Mary Gauthier

Sunday, May 19

Uncle Slayton’s

1017 E. Broadway

uncleslaytons.com

$15; 8:30 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier counts the likes of Bob Dylan and Tom Waits as fans of her work, and with one listen you know why — her music carries incredible emotional weight, often speaking to us collectively as much as individually. And then there are her characters: “nuns in blue jeans” (“Drag Queens in Limousines”), murderers (“Karla Faye”), orphans (“Blood is Blood”) and bums (“The Last of the Hobo Kings”), all of whom are featured on her latest release, Live at Blue Rock. She’ll have the whole lineup with her, along with her own searing voice, topped off with some “Mercy Now.” Just be sure to bring your hanky (and an extra for the poor wretch next to you who forgot his) — and better make that G&T a double while you’re at it. —Jason Howard

Friday, April 26

Carmichael’s Bookstore

2720 Frankfort Ave.

carmichaelsbookstore.com

Free; 7 p.m.

History fans take note, David Dominé, Louisville’s only (that I know of) author, college instructor, entrepreneur and ghost tour guide will be speaking about and signing his brand new book, “Old Louisville: Exuberant, Elegant, and Alive” at Carmichael’s Friday evening. The beautiful 248-page large-format book is filled with hundreds of glossy photographs, illustrations and maps. “Old Louisville” is more than just eye candy, though. Dominé details the history, architecture and current state of 50 homes in the historic neighborhood. A second appearance that will include the photography team has been scheduled for May 10 at the Barnes and Noble on South Hurstbourne Parkway. —Sarah Duncan

Thursday, April 18

Louisville Free Public Library
301 York St. • 574-1611
lfpl.org
Free (tickets required); 7 p.m.

David Rohde has unique bona fides for authoring books on modern geopolitical conflict and its human cost. Not only has this journalist earned two Pulitzers, but he’s lived through months as a hostage of the Taliban. His kidnapping and escape were at the center of his 2010 book “A Rope and a Prayer,” and now he’s coming to the main branch of Louisville Free Public Library to discuss the just-published “Beyond War.” Rohde’s new book is a detailed look at recent events and possible futures for the Middle East and neighboring regions. What is to be made of the Arab Spring? What’s to become of the two countries that held tens of thousands of American troops for years of war, only to arrive at a “peace” that includes a continuing force of hand while drone strikes add tension to much of the populace? —T.E. Lyons

Thursday, April 18

Kentucky Center
501 W. Main St. • 584-7777
kentuckycenter.org
$39.50+; 7:30 p.m.

In advance of a book signing in Louisville a few years ago, humorist David Sedaris took the time to chat with LEO over the phone. And as expected, the conversation darted in unexpected directions, with the humorist rattling off absurd (yet weirdly believable) tales, like the time he sampled a woman’s breast milk via champagne flute at a yard sale. Such outrageous hilarity is par for the course with Sedaris, who will share his biting satire, hysterical stories and imaginative wit with fans at the Kentucky Center. The celebrated author will read excerpts from his collection of acclaimed written works, including his recent, “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary” — think Aesop’s fables, only funnier, and much more bizarre. —Sarah Kelley

The Carnegie Center for Art & History, 201 East Spring St. in New Albany, 812-944-7336 is hosting “Lunch & Learn: From Slavery to Civil War Nurse, Lucy Higgs Nichols” on Tuesday, April 16 from 12-1 pm. Author, dramatis and storyteller Judith C. Owens-Lalude will present her first-person interpretation of Lucy Higgs Nichols as part of the Carnegie Center’s Lunch & Learn series. Wearing period costume, she engages the audience as she takes on the persona of Lucy Higgs Nichols by sharing Lucy’s thoughts, fears, and feelings during the pivotal events of her incredible life. Owens-Lalude will also be signing and selling copies of her book “The Long Walk: Slavery to Freedom”, a harrowing but inspiring tale of Africans enslaved on a farm outside Louisville, KY who used the Underground Railroad to escape, and made “the long walk to freedom”. Lunch & Learn attendees are encouraged to view the exhibit “Remembered: the Life of Lucy Higgs Nichols” before or after the program. Bring your own lunch, drinks are provided. Free, but registration required (812-944-7336).

Saturday, April 13

Chao Auditorium, U of L’s Ekstrom Library
2301 S. Third St.
Free; 10 a.m.

“It’s not tyranny we desire; it’s a just, limited, federal government.” So said Founding Father Alexander Hamilton in 1787, the year our Constitution was adopted. The fight over federalism has been raging ever since, and on Saturday, a handful of local lawyers and political science professors will delve into the debate of national power vs. states’ rights at a symposium sponsored by the Alexander Hamilton Historical Society. Topics will include whether contemporary American politics reflect the Founding Fathers’ ideals; the impact of landmark Supreme Court cases (including the Affordable Care Act) on federalism; and the politics of fiscal federalism. It’s a lot to cover, and the panelists promise to leave ample time for questions and answers related to this perpetual point of contention in the United States. —Sarah Kelley

•Mighty Kindness Earth Day Hoot

Saturday, April 13

Waterfront Park
1217 River Road
mightykindness.org
Free; noon-6 p.m.

“To sustain life as we know it, we must all act. We must all become a mighty kindness. Our planet depends on it.” This is the motto of Mighty Kindness, an outreach program of the Clifton Universalist Unitarian Church. For six years, the group has been hosting biannual “Hoots,” determined to encourage awareness and strength in the community. This year, the Earth Day Hootenanny boasts a slew of activities and partners — Turners Circus and the Taoist Tai Chi Society, alongside several local musicians. During this entertainment, however, you will also have the chance to browse and buy from local artists, as well as participate in free workshops built to encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle. The Hoot is a family-friendly event, built to bring out the best in the community. —Natalie French

•By-BUY-BYE Auction

Saturday, April 13

PUBLIC Gallery
131 W. Main St.
louisvillevisualart.org
Sale: Free; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Auction: $65-$75; 7 p.m.

The Louisville Visual Art Association prides itself on being a “catalyst for education and participation in the visual arts,” and the By-BUY-BYE Art Auction and Sale is designed to benefit their mission. The Art Sale is a free public event, featuring dozens of local artists and more than 200 works of art. It is the auction, however, where things get classy — tickets are $75 for the general public, but the evening will include a cocktail party and live entertainment, alongside the auction. All of the proceeds benefit the LVAA’s very own art education program, the Children’s Fine Art Classes, which caters to “visually talented” students between the ages of 9 and 18. —Natalie French

•Janna McMahan

Sunday, April 14

Carmichael’s Bookstore
2720 Frankfort Ave. • 896-6950
Free; 4 p.m.

Kentucky-born author Janna McMahan is coming to Carmichael’s to promote the release of her fourth novel. “Anonymity,” available in trade paperback, is a saga of young drifters and those who interact with them — whether for exploitation or with the hope that lending a hand can make a positive difference. The setting is the gritty district of Austin, Texas, known as The Drag — worlds away from the Appalachian foothills that were one of the autobiographical elements of McMahan’s debut “Calling Home.” The new work shows other significant turns from her previous work — for instance, “Anonymity” is in many ways a psychological thriller — but reviews indicate that McMahan continues to deliver the sort of quality that made her a finalist for the Flannery O’Connor Fiction Award. —T.E. Lyons

•The Last Bison

Sunday, April 14

Uncle Slayton’s
1017 E. Broadway
uncleslaytons.com
$8; 8:30 p.m.

This close-knit group of family and friends from the marshes of Chesapeake, Va., has wooed the hearts of many with their self-described “mountain-top chamber” music since the release of their independent debut album Quill in 2011. Spiritual, folk-inspired sonic and lyrical qualities pair perfectly with carefully crafted aesthetics. Appearing equal parts Victorian and early American homesteader, this septet’s American folk rock sound is often compared to Mumford & Sons, The Decemberists or Fleet Foxes. Six weeks after releasing their first major label album, Inheritance, The Last Bison will be at Uncle Slayton’s, along with the Appalachian country quartet If Birds Could Fly, donning long hair, long dresses and an impressive musical arsenal that includes banjos, bells and even Bolivian goat toenails. —Sarah Duncan

Thursday, March 7

Barnes & Noble
The Summit • 327-0410
Free; 6:30 p.m.

Long before the Waverly Hills Sanatorium became a haunted tourist destination, it was a haven for the sick. The hospital opened in 1910 to accommodate patients stricken with tuberculosis, a deadly bacterial disease that was rampant in Louisville’s swampy Ohio Valley climate. It’s in this capacity that Waverly Hills serves as the historic setting for Louisville native James Markert’s new novel, “A White Wind Blew.” The protagonist is Dr. Wolfgang Pike, a doctor and pianist who believes in the therapeutic powers of music, an unpopular notion among his hospital colleagues. On Thursday, Markert will sign copies of the novel, the latest in a writing career that includes penning the screenplay for “2nd Serve,” a film produced by fellow Louisvillian Gill Holland. —Sarah Kelley