•Powered With Pride 5K

Saturday, June 15

Cherokee Park (Rugby Field)

poweredwithpride.com

$30 ($25 adv.); 8 a.m.

Sometimes those of us with pride just can’t sit still. As if marching in a parade wasn’t enough, now there’s a 5K run/walk titled Powered With Pride that takes place Saturday morning before the Kentuckiana Pride Fest starts downtown. Participants will literally bring the rainbow to Cherokee Park — a free pair of rainbow tube socks will be given to each runner, along with a T-shirt. During an after party at the Monkey Wrench, participants can quench their thirst appropriately with a free mimosa. Register on or before June 12 for $25, or wait and pay $30 — it’s still a bargain. The only downside in my mind is the 8 a.m. start time, but fatigue can be combated with the proper amount of pride, Red Bull and shiny, happy people holding hands. —Sara Havens

•‘Eat It! A Celebration of Joe Gandansky’

Saturday, June 15

The Bard’s Town

1801 Bardstown Road

thebardstown.com

$10 ($20 w/ buffet); 5 p.m.

In April, the Louisville culinary scene suffered a major loss with the death of Joe Gandansky. On Saturday, his family and The Bard’s Town (he was their inaugural chef) will throw a fundraiser to help Gandansky’s young family with expenses while paying homage to one of the unsung heroes of the culinary scene. Talent like Java Men, Emily’s Garden and Ray Rizzo are donating their time for the evening, as well as the sketch comedy of Derby City Dating Scene. While The Bard’s Town will provide the “Joe-inspired” buffet and bourbon specials, J. Shepard Cigars will be on hand with some of the city’s finest stogies. It’s going to be a good time for a good cause, and there’s no better way to spend a weekend. —Brent Owen

•Jack Oblivian

Saturday, June 15

The New Vintage

2126 S. Preston St.

newvintagelouisville.com

$6; 9 p.m.

Jack “Oblivian” Yarber has made it in Memphis, but now he’s trying to shake the label of being just a “Memphis artist.” Yarber and his group The Oblivians have released their first album in 16 years, Desperation, though he is touring with the Tennessee Tearjerkers. Yarber does indeed have a distinctly Memphis sound, combining elements of rock ’n’ roll, punk and R&B together in the music. He has been an influence on numerous groups, including the White Stripes. The Oblivians will be joined by local rockers The Ladybirds and Memphis-based band The Sheiks in what is sure to be a hard-rocking show. —Charles Bowles

•Marbin

Sunday, June 16

Hideaway Saloon

1607 Bardstown Road • 485-0114

hideawaysaloon.com

$3; 10 p.m.

Marbin is two bands in one: a prog band, as showcased on their third album, 2013’s Last Chapter of Dreaming, and a funky fusion band, based on their performances. Guitarist Dani Rabin and saxophonist Danny Markovitch explains to LEO: “Even though we love our albums, they don’t represent our live show well. The albums are pretty and neat, but our shows are all about rocking out (we think our show is like a Led Zeppelin show on steroids more than anything else). That’s exactly why we recorded a live album and are already mixing it!” Rabin and Markovitch, originally from Israel, now call Chicago home, at least when they are not on the road for some 300 concerts a year. Together with bassist Jae Gentile and drummer Justyn Lawrence, Marbin stretches out, creating loose-limbed, engaging music with an edge. —Martin Z. Kasdan Jr.

Alex Newell

June 14-15

The Belvedere

kypride.com

Fri.: Free; 8 p.m.

Sat: $5; noon

There’s more talent at this year’s Pride Fest than you can shake a rainbow-colored stick at. The parade on Friday kicks things off as community organizations, businesses and people roll down Main Street in the name of pride, equality and acceptance. The route leads to the Belvedere, where an after-party with live music ensues. On Saturday, an entire day of entertainment is planned at the Belvedere, highlights being God-des & She, Penny Tration (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Neon Hitch, and Alex Newell, who plays Unique on “Glee.” Newell has been visiting Prides throughout the country and says every state has different pride levels. “People can expect to have a lot of fun and (see) a show that’s gonna keep them on their toes,” he says about his 8:45 p.m. performance. —Sara Havens

June 7-9

The Belvedere (Fifth & Main)

louisvillegreekfest.com

$2 (under 9 free); 4-11 p.m. (Fri.), 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sat.), noon-6 p.m. (Sun.)

Put down that tiny little cup of Chobani or Oikos yogurt. The time has come to stuff your face with some authentic eats. Greek Fest returns this weekend for a three-day celebration of traditional food and dance from the country that gets credit for democracy, the Olympics and John Stamos’ genes. For your bellies: reasonably priced Greek beer, gyros, baklava and lesser-known dishes like souzoukakia (meatballs in tomato sauce, yum). For your ears, eyes and entertainment: live music and 14 performances from three dance troupes. The annual festival, which brought in a record number of attendees last year, raises funds for Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Free parking is available on Saturday and Sunday in the city garage on Sixth Street. —April Corbin

May 31-June 1

Check’s Café

1101 E. Burnett Ave.

Free; 6 p.m.-midnight

What Germantown lacks in physical beauty she makes up for with loads of personality, most notably a penchant for fun. In addition to an abundance of dive bars, the nabe throws some lively street parties, including this weekend’s Germantown-Schnitzelburg Blues Festival. Now in its fourth year, the music fest will take place outside the iconic Check’s Café on the corner of Hickory and Burnett, where an outdoor stage will feature three blues acts both nights, including headliners the Gordon Bonham Blues Band on Friday and Lamont Gillespie and 100 Proof on Saturday. It’s also worth noting that this year’s primary sponsor is Wild Turkey, so expect the rowdiness to be ratcheted up a few notches as the bourbon flows to the sound of the blues. —Sarah Kelley

•Instant Installation Invitational

Saturday, May 25

Swanson Contemporary

638 E. Market St. • 589-5466

swansonreedgallery.com

Free; 7-9:30 p.m.

This is the second “ready-set-create” Instant Installation Invitation organized by artist/curator Ezra Kellerman. Nicknamed the “iii Spring Meet,” the live art competition comes with hefty cash prizes totaling $1,000. So what do the artists have to do to get the loot? They have one hour to create an art installation using 10 unknown-in-advance items. Audience voting selects the winning sculptures. The artists in “iii Spring Meet” are Craig Bayens, Andy Cozzens, Valerie Sullivan Fuchs, Brandon Harder, Shohei Katayama, Thaniel Ion Lee, Sarah Lyon, David Metcalf and Michael Ratterman. It’s open to the public and will feature music by Matt Anthony and refreshments. The doors open at 7 p.m. with the competition starting at 8 p.m. The prizes will be awarded at 9:30. —Jo Anne Triplett

•Fucking Dyke Bitches

Saturday, May 25

Nelligan Hall

2010 Portland Ave.

facebook.com/nelliganhall

$5; 7 p.m.

How Seattle “prohomo” punks F.D.B. got their name is simple: A neighbor used the slur in reference to them and their friends, and they’re using it as their identifier to reclaim it and take the power back. In the band’s direct explanation of its origin (which you can find on their Bandcamp, where you should go to hear them fucking rock out righteously), they add, “It would be careless of us to not acknowledge that the name remains, as it was first perceived, an anti-gay slander.” Therefore, those who also identify in the same manner are encouraged to use their full name proudly. Those who have a different identity are kindly asked to use F.D.B. With Dick Binge (from Olympia) and locals Stabler, All Dead and Die Yuppie Scum. —Peter Berkowitz

•Beatersville

Sunday, May 26

Phoenix Hill Tavern

644 Baxter Ave.

beatersville.com

$5; 10 a.m.

Do you like slicked-back hair? Punkabilly? Other souvenirs of custom car culture? If yes, good news: For the eighth year, the annual Beatersville Car and Bike Show returns for their hotshot show of pre-1968 custom cars and hot rods, with bands, babes and booze to boot. Attendees (free for those under 12) can witness the marvel of the “Beater of the Year” and make as many Chris Brown jokes as possible. (Also, a pre-event show takes place on Saturday night at PHT). Live music will come from simpatico souls such as Hellfire Revival, Jane Rose and the Deadend Boys, Vice Tricks, King Wolf, 3GC and Nulydedz. It’s the most fun you can have while standing near six different guys who all look like Guy Fieri. —Peter Berkowitz

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

•Down & Derby

Saturday, May 4

The Pointe

1205 E. Washington St.

louisvilledownandderby.com

$40; 8 p.m.

Once again, the folks at Down & Derby want to you dance away your horseracing blues or celebrate your winnings after the big race. A fundraiser for Louisville Youth Group, this annual party features music by L.A. DJ Brynn Taylor, a performance by Roxxxy Andrews from season 5 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and an open bar stocked with the likes of Tito’s vodka and Four Roses bourbon. Best of all, they don’t care what you wear — keep the Derby garb on or throw something more casual together, and prepare to leave the stress of the week on the dance floor. Chances are you’ll spend more than $40 on a bar tab elsewhere, so you might as well do something more fun for a better cause. —Sara Havens

•Billy’s Burger Bash

Saturday, May 4

Varanese Restaurant

2106 Frankfort Ave.

varanese.com

Free; 11 p.m.

As Kentucky Derby 139 winds down, Varanese plans to keep the party going with more eating, drinking and general merriment. The Frankfort Avenue restaurant is throwing a free late-night Derby bash that will last into the wee hours on Sunday, featuring live entertainment from Lamont Gillespie and 100 Proof, drinks specials, and a simple menu of bar bites, burgers and fries. Dubbed “Billy’s Burger Bash,” the event is named after Billy Rapaport, Emmy Award-winning field producer for NBC’s thoroughbred racing coverage; over the years, Rapaport and his media pals have been known to unwind after a long week at Churchill Downs over burgers and beers at various Louisville establishments, most recently Varanese. If they can muster up a little more energy on Derby Day, surely you can make it out for just … one … more … drink. —Sarah Kelley

•The Hungover Games

Sunday, May 5

Barret Avenue

Free; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The day after Derby isn’t often a pleasant one — if you didn’t pick the winning horse, you’re not only broke but broken-hearted. You have the shakes and you might feel like you’ve been trampled by a thoroughbred. No amount of sleep, vitamins or Tylenol can even touch this hangover. Might as well mosey up to the Barret Avenue corridor on Sunday for their first-ever Hungover Games, which will feature food trucks, drink specials, ping pong, prizes and contests. They’re shutting down East Kentucky Street between Brent and Barret for the festivities, and participating businesses include Regalo, Revelry, Monkey Wrench, Barret Bar, Nuts ’N’ Stuff, Meme Tech, and Artist & Craftsman Supply. If you’re used to going to Lynn’s Paradise Cafe after Derby, this is the next closest thing — literally. Re-hydrate with a mimosa or two. —Sara Havens

April 27-28

Cherokee Triangle

cherokeetriangle.org

Free; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Imagine a massive block party, crank it up a few notches, then throw in the joy of shopping for unique, creative wares. The result: Cherokee Triangle Art Fair, an annual spring tradition now in its 42^nd year. More than 200 artists will peddle goods ranging from screen prints and handmade jewelry to wooden bowls and tea-cup bird feeders. In addition to arts and crafts aplenty, the fair offers a plant booth, activities for kids, including a children’s parade that kicks off the festivities Saturday morning, live music, lots of tasty food, and, of course, beer! Note: This is a pet-free event due to poorly behaved pooches causing past problems, so leave the dogs, cats, ferrets and other domesticated critters at home. —Sarah Kelley

•Marriage

Sunday, April 28

The Rudyard Kipling

422 W. Oak St.

therudyardkipling.com

$5; 7 p.m.

No Wave, an early ’80s reaction to new wave punk, came and went in a few short years, and has, by my estimation, received very little praise in the interim. The Austin, Texas, band Marriage, though, proves that No Wave isn’t just an artifact of a bygone era but an ever-thriving approach to sound. Touring in support of their full-length For Brötzmann, available via Monofonus Press, Marriage creates music that gleefully blends noise with groove while skillfully managing to remain melodic. Also playing are Tropical Trash and Alcohol Party, both locals who also owe a bit to the No Wave scene. To top this off, Tropical Trash and Alcohol Party will have a new split-release cassette available. For fans of the stranger side of rock music, I’m not sure what more you could want. —Syd Bishop

Velcro Pygmies play May 1

Waterfront Park

kdf.org

Free (w/ Pegasus Pin); various times

On the count of three, everyone shout, “Chow Wagon!” Don’t deny your love for the Derby Festival event that serves up deep-fried corn dogs and buckets of draft beer and is set to tunes from bands both local and national. This year’s national highlights on the Kroger Fest-A-Ville stage include crooner Uncle Kracker (April 27), “Word Up” originator Cameo (April 30), trendy rockers The Features (May 1), and ’90s posterboys The Wallflowers (May 2). And beginning Thursday, local bands fill up the Miller Lite stage every day leading up to Derby. Highlights this week include J.D. Shelburne (April 25), Jefferson Tarc Bus (April 26), Kirby’s Dreamland (April 27), Eight Inch Elvis (April 30) and — my favorite — the Velcro Pygmies (May 1). Check our Plugged In listings for more info. —Sara Havens