Jeffersontown Magazine March 2026

LAYER BY LAYER

PUBLISHER COREY BOSTON corey@townepost.com (502) 407-0185

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

MELISSA GIBSON GAVIN LAPAILLE

CARRIE VITTITOE

Actors

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

EDITOR JOSH BROWN

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER ERIC NEER

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

SIMPLE BODY SHOP

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Simple Body Shop aims to keep car repairs easy and affordable. Owner John Thornton saw the hassle customers go through with what he considered simple repairs and wanted to remove that inconvenience as much as possible.

“I’ve been doing body work for 17 years,” Thornton says. “If you back up into a pole at a gas station, now you have to turn it into insurance and find a body shop. You have to pay the prices they’re asking for, wait on their time frame. It can be a confusing and complicated process. I wanted to take that and make it simple. I do all the small jobs, and all you have to do is pick your service and the day and time, and you’re set.”

At Simple Body Shop, customers can make an appointment online by uploading a picture of the damage and identifying the part of the car they want repaired — or replaced, if necessary. Simple completes projects on front bumpers, hoods, quarter panels, rear bumpers and more, with upfront pricing so customers know what to expect going in. Cars are returned the same day, making the whole process as fast and

easy as possible. Thornton says he keeps prices low by offering to repair impacted areas rather than replacing them, as many body shops do.

“Customers love the price and convenience,” Thornton says. “If I repair a bumper, you’re probably going to pay $350. At a typical body shop, you’re going to pay about $1,000 to $1,500. It’s much more affordable and much more efficient. We offer to repair rather than replace. It saves you part cost and all the teardown and build time. It’s more effort on our part, but that’s how we’re able to keep the cost down for the customer.”

Simple opened in J-Town in 2024 and has been a big success. Its location right off the Gene Snyder and Taylorsville Road at 3705 Hopewell Road provides convenient access and visibility while still maintaining a neighborhood feel. Thornton says his five-year plan is to continue expanding his staff so more dates and times are available,

and open additional locations.

Thornton works with customers to avoid insurance claims, Carfax reports and the long waits traditional body shops often require to complete repairs.

“It’s a totally new concept,” Thornton says. “There’s not another one in Kentucky that can do these jobs as affordably and efficiently. Everyone is amazed by the quick turnaround, and that translates to good word of mouth, which brings more people in.”

For more information on Simple Body Shop, call 502-510-9543 or visit them online at thesimplebodyshop.com.

CONNECT

502-510-9543 thesimplebodyshop.com

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

As we shuffle through the final weeks of winter— still brushing snow off our windshields while dreaming of sunshine—it’s clear the season is packing its bags, even if it forgot a glove or two.

The Irish are ready to bring their charm, cheer, and a little extra luck our way, while green shoots push through frozen ground, proving once again that new beginnings are right around the corner.

It’s the hopeful, slightly soggy, and wonderfully weird time of year when we trade shovels for garden tools, scarves for sunglasses—and finally wave goodbye to a long, dreary-winter stretch that’s tested our patience and our salt supply.

With spring on the horizon, we look forward to warmer weather and the return of outdoor activities across our community. One exciting sign of the season ahead is the upcoming 2026 Farmers Market.

Pancakes with the Easter Bunny

***NEW LOCATION***

Join us for a pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 28th from 9 am-12:00 pm at the Jeffersontown Senior Center located at 10631 Watterson Trail. $9.00 per person, children 2 and under are free, card or cash, taxes included.

Applications for vendors are now available online, and we encourage local businesses and growers to participate.

The Jeffersontown Historical Museum will be featuring a special exhibit honoring America’s 250th Anniversary, highlighting our shared history and heritage. Please visit and experience this exhibit firsthand.

March also marks the beginning of our annual city events. We are excited to kick things off with Pancakes with the Easter Bunny, followed by the Easter Bunny on the Square—both wonderful opportunities for families to come together and celebrate the season.

Looking ahead to April, the Gaslight on the Go Trolley rides will return and run throughout the summer, offering residents and visitors a fun way to explore local businesses, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

As always, thank you for being part of our vibrant community. I look forward to seeing you out and about as we welcome spring in Jeffersontown.

Easter on the Square

Come and take photos with the Easter Bunny as he visits the City of Jeffersontown on Saturday, March 28th from 12:30 - 2:00 pm in front of Jeffersontown City Hall, 10416 Watterson Trail.

Jeffersontown

Pavilion Rentals to Start March 2

Jeffersontown City Hall will now be accepting bookings to rent the six pavilions available in Veterans Memorial Park, 10707 Taylorsville Road.

The pavilions are adjacent to an all-accessible playground, bathrooms and the monuments in the park. Call (502) 267-8333 to book you date today!

Trolley Rides Return This Spring

Come and explore the Historic Gaslight District with the return of the Gaslight on the Go! Trolley Rides. Rides will run the last Friday of every month, starting in April, from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

The trolley is free to ride, but seating is limited. Routes will run twice each hour, but are subject to change.

For questions, please call Jeffersontown City Hall at (502) 267-8333 or email: social@jeffersontownky.

Your rivers are closer than you think...

GUSHER: A leaky faucet, shower or toilet can waste 50 gallons of water in just one day. And that’s a serious threat to our rivers. Much of our tap water comes from rivers. Wasting water depletes our rivers and costs you money. So please, fix the leaks.

GUZZLER: When you let the water run while burshing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes, you’re swallowing up our rivers. Rivers are the primary source of tap water and wasting it depletes our rivers and costs you money. So please, turn off the water. You’ll save over three gallons each time you brush your teeth.

...thanks for keeping them flowing!

Jeffersontown Farmers’ Market to 2026

The Jeffersontown Farmers’ Market is returning for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 25, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, located at the Jeffersontown Farmers’ Market Pavilion, 10434 Watterson Trail.

Come enjoy over 20+ booths of local produce, meat, florals and so much more from local farmers and businesses across several counties!

If you have questions about these programs or the Jeffersontown Farmers’ Market, please call Jeffersontown City Hall at (502) 267-8333.

New Museum Exhibit

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the Jeffersontown Museum has a special exhibit dedicated to local veterans who have so selflessly served our great country since the American Revolution. A broad range of military artifacts – from Peter Miller’s Kentucky long rifle, to an actual piece of Civil War hard tack, to a World War II Eisenhower jacket worn by the man dubbed the nation’s “Typical G.I. Joe” – will remain on display throughout the year.

To see these items and much more, please visit the Jeffersontown Museum Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., in the back of the Jeffersontown Library. Admission is free, and we look forward to seeing you!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

NALLEY’S LAWN SERVICE AND LANDSCAPING LLC

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

For most high school and college students, a summer job is a temporary bridge to a “real” career. But for Jody Nalley, a small push mower and an electric trimmer weren’t just tools for a season; they were the foundation of a life’s work. He started at just 10 years old with the help of his grandfather, tending his grandparents’ neighbors lawns. Now celebrating 39 years in business, Nalley’s Lawn Service and Landscaping LLC has evolved from a solo neighborhood route into a powerhouse operation with a fleet of six trucks serving Louisville, Simpsonville, Prospect, New Albany, Jeffersonville, and surrounding communities.

ROOTED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

“I did not realize this was what I was going to do when I was in college,” Nalley says.

He started at just 10 years old, tending his grandparents’ neighbors’ lawns.

“I do not like to be stuck inside, and I’ve always had an entrepreneurial side,” he says. “It just hit me one day that this is what I need to do.”

That epiphany proved to be a win for Kentuckiana. Over nearly four decades, Nalley has cultivated a reputation built on flexibility — not just for his customers, but for his family. In the early years, that work-life balance allowed him to build a business while being present for his children, a value that remains at the heart of the company culture today.

A FULL-SPECTRUM PORTFOLIO

Today, the business offers much more than a standard mow. Nalley has expanded the company into a full-service outdoor solutions provider. Using full-color landscape design software, he allows customers to visualize their dream projects before a single plant is installed. Once the vision is set, his team handles everything from flower planting, seeding, and sodding to complex tree work, paver patios, and the hauling of aggregates.

The commitment to a neat and clean property extends to hard surfaces as well. Nalley’s team performs pressure washing for houses, driveways, curbs, and sidewalks. Even as the seasons change, the work doesn’t stop. The company transitions into leaf removal, professional Christmas light installation, and reliable snow removal services.

THE “CLEAN & GREEN” PHILOSOPHY

In an industry often scrutinized for its environmental footprint, Nalley has integrated sustainable practices that prioritize the health of the local ecosystem. He recognizes that “picky” service should also be responsible service. Unlike many companies that rely on synthetic lubricants, Nalley uses high-quality biodegradable two-cycle oil to protect the air and soil.

He has also declared war on the plastic bag. By utilizing a professional debris loader, his team vacuums up leaves directly into trucks, diverting thousands of plastic bags from local landfills every year. Even equipment

maintenance reflects that mindset. Nalley operates an in-house professional blade sharpener. By extending the life of mower blades through precision grinding, he reduces metal waste and ensures a cleaner cut for the grass, promoting faster healing and natural disease resistance.

A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

Nalley’s success is largely due to his refusal to cut corners. While other companies might subcontract some services, Nalley keeps his full-year treatment plans and services inhouse, ensuring every application meets his personal standards.

“We do great work,” Nalley says. “That is the only way we do it. I am very picky. We have a great team of guys that work for us who are just as picky as I am.”

As he looks toward the future, Nalley’s goal is simple: to keep growing while staying honest. He encourages customers to hold him to the same standard he has set since those first days in his grandparents’ neighborhood.

“We are not perfect, but if we make a mistake, we will correct it,” Nalley says. “I did not get here by doing the job halfway. We have built an excellent reputation, and I want to keep it.”

CONNECT

John Timmons

ear X-tacy

LONGTIME RECORD

STORE OWNER HOSTS POPULAR RADIO SHOW

Writer / Carrie Vittitoe

If you lived in Louisville in the late 1980s and 1990s — and especially if you were a teenager or young adult heavily into punk, grunge or college alternative radio — you were likely spending an inordinate amount of time in the Highlands. You may have grabbed a bite to eat at Twice Told Coffeehouse or Another Place Sandwich Shop. Dessert was probably at White Mountain Creamery.

Depending on where you began your journey along Bardstown Road and how far you went, you almost certainly followed a path of shops that included The Great Escape and Electric Ladyland. But a trek wasn’t complete without perusing the latest

albums and CDs at ear X-tacy.

John Timmons, who founded the store, didn’t intend to create an iconic place that anchors thousands of people’s good memories. He would probably be the first to tell you he didn’t have a plan at all.

Although he was born in Evansville, Indiana, his family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where John spent much of his childhood. During those years, he listened to a lot of music — either 45 rpm records or a transistor radio that was in his hands wherever he went.

“I was burning out those nine-volt batteries

like crazy,” he says.

When he wasn’t listening to music, he was playing baseball. In 1955, his parents purchased a Motorola console stereo, and he remembers spending hours lying on the floor with his head between the speakers, immersing his brain in sound.

His brother Mark, four years older than John, exposed him to a lot of new music. While John’s first purchase was a Monkees record, his brother introduced him to bands of the British Invasion, including The Kinks and The Rolling Stones. One of John’s clearest memories is of The Beatles performing on television in 1964, a moment

when he fully understood the power of music by seeing fans’ reactions. Another turning point came when he and a group of grade school friends went to see The Beatles movie “Help!” at the theater.

“It was at that point I decided I wanted to be in a band,” he says. “I was probably in sixth grade. Somehow I convinced my mom to buy me a $50 set of drums at Woolco.”

He continued to play drums through high school and into college, eventually also learning to play guitar. His family returned to Evansville around 1969, and John headed to college, where he says he “minored in everything and majored in nothing.” He didn’t land on anything that thrilled him, so he decided to sit out a year.

He had been working at a local record store called Karma, where his depth of knowledge and interest in music soon earned him the job of buyer. Still, with three years of college under his belt, when he developed

an interest in photography, he returned to Arizona to major in it and finish his degree.

After several months, it became clear to John that he didn’t like the program at Arizona State University, but he had stayed in contact with management at

Karma. When they offered him a job at a Karma store in Louisville, he packed up his belongings and drove across the country. In 1976, with his first apartment on Cherokee Road, Louisville “felt like home from day one,” he says. “I landed in the right place at the right time.”

10,000

After several years at Karma, he moved to Vine Records and then Phoenix Records until it went out of business. He began selling music out of his apartment and created a mail-order catalog. On weekends, he traveled regionally to record collector shows in Columbus, Cleveland, Nashville, Chicago and St. Louis. He made the rounds, but it got old quickly, so in 1985, he says, “I took my record collection and a cash advance on my Master Charge” and opened his first store on Poplar Level Road.

After six months, when space on Bardstown Road next to The Great Escape became available, John moved there. He named the store ear X-tacy in homage to one of his favorite bands, XTC, though one can’t help but think he was also inspired by the ecstasy his young ears experienced sandwiched between thumping bass notes, crisp hi-hats and wailing guitar riffs on the Motorola stereo. Drawing from his experience in record stores, he took the best of what he had seen others do and applied it to his

shop. Still, he had never taken a business class, so his expertise was limited at first.

“My business plan was to stay in business one more day,” he says.

For many years, ear X-tacy was the place to find alternative music in Louisville.

“We were carrying a lot of music that people wanted but other stores weren’t carrying, like imported records from Europe and Japan,” he says.

Over time, the store expanded beyond the niche of punk and alternative music. But it wasn’t just the music that made ear X-tacy special. The shop had an aura of coolness, even for people who felt like misfits. For many young people, it was a store of possibility.

As the owner, John admits he saw ear X-tacy differently than anyone else, particularly the stresses and negatives of entrepreneurship,

which worsened with the rise of Amazon and Apple Music. When the store closed in 2011, John took it hard.

“There were numerous reasons why it had to close, but I feel better about it now because it hasn’t died,” he says. “People still talk about it.”

He even brought back ear X-tacy bumper stickers and shirts due to demand. “It still amazes me that there’s this much talk about the store,” he says.

What do people say about ear X-tacy? They might recall the time the Foo Fighters played at the store.

“They were early in their career and in town for the Fourth of July,” he says. “Dave Grohl had shopped the store when he was with Nirvana. It was an all-acoustic show, and the store was packed. The fire marshal was not happy.”

Others may remember when My Morning Jacket held an album release show there, or when John Mayer or Tenacious D met fans at the store.

Or their memories may have nothing to do with famous musicians, but with the bands that formed within the walls of ear X-tacy. It was a place for musically minded people to hang out, explore new sounds and feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

While we can’t go back in time — and John wouldn’t want to recreate the store — he does give listeners a taste of ear X-tacy through his radio show on 91.9 WFPK called, what else, “ear X-tacy.” For 12 years after the store closed, John worked at the station doing a daily show, but he recently switched to a three-hour slot on Saturday nights in an effort to slow down after turning 70.

“It’s music from the 1980s and ’90s,

alternative and college rock. I have free reign to play whatever I want to play,” he says.

It isn’t a stretch to say John Timmons created a legacy with ear X-tacy, even if he would rather focus on the fact that he never

decided what he was going to do with his life. But to the people who worked for him, the customers who browsed the bins and the listeners who tune in each week, what he began in 1985 has only become a more beloved Louisville institution.

LAYER BY LAYER

AN ARTIST’S LIFE TOLD THROUGH TEXTURE, TRAVEL & COMMUNITY

Writer / Melissa Gibson

As a child, Licia Priest spent a lot of time at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville while she and her mother waited for her father, Sam Neal, to finish his day teaching at the University of Louisville. Exposed to many different art mediums at a young age, Priest took sewing in her home economics classes, along with acting and art classes in the community, which continued to expand her creativity and passion for art.

She loved designing clothes, sitting up by the light of the sewing machine many nights while in high school, preparing a new outfit to wear the next day. Then, people who noticed her unique designs began commissioning their own fashion requests for pieces they could not find anywhere else. She made hand-beaded wedding gowns, hand-painted garments, and loved mixing

textures and patterns.

Her college days in the art department jumped from fiber to painting and sculpture, and she had plans to transfer to Parsons School of Design in New York City. But like many young brides and mothers, art took a back seat to raising a family.

“You imagine your life unfolding one way, with very minimal change, but the time you pour into raising your children is a sacrifice you never regret, and life unfolds in a very different manner,” Priest says. “I decided to homeschool them, and we’d do projects together. I even taught art projects through

the Louisville Visual Arts, one of which was completed in 1995 and is a three-panel mosaic mural that still hangs on the side facade of Kenwood Elementary School.”

During homeschooling, Priest taught her son and niece African American history, focusing on the Underground Railroad. While their son gave an oral report on Harriet Tubman, her husband, Mark Priest, a narrative figurative painter and professor at the University of Louisville, was inspired to make that history the center of his artistic practice. For many years afterward, Licia supported his work through archival research, conversations with historians, and walking routes believed to have been used by those escaping on the Underground Railroad.

Priest traveled to West Africa in 1998 through Parsons School of Design, where she studied weaving and fabric dyeing in Mali and Cote d’Ivoire. In 2012, after finishing homeschooling her son, she returned to the University of Louisville

and completed her degree, concentrating on painting, fiber art and sculpture, with a minor in art history. By 2014, the family’s first trip to Zimbabwe opened a new chapter in her artistic practice.

“I’ve been to Zimbabwe two times since then, and prior to going to Africa, you mostly hear stories about people starving, war, and the lack of modern technology. If you just watch the news, you’d think there was constant gunfire,” Priest says. “Don’t get me wrong, there are challenges across the 54 countries that make up Africa, just as there are everywhere in the world, but there’s a lot of beauty and positivity, too.”

She began taking photographs that celebrate what makes Africa unique: a bicycle vendor selling his produce as he cycles down the street, the beauty of the Ivory Coast, rolling hills and landscapes, and the intricate patterns on a woman’s skirt. Returning to her Louisville home and using paper tole, a three-dimensional decoupage art form created by cutting, shaping and layering

pieces together, Priest set out to bring others on her journey through her art.

Early this summer, she received the 2025 Bill Fischer Award for Visual Artists through the Community Foundation of Louisville and Louisville Visual Art, which includes a $10,000 award she is using to further develop and expand her artistic practice.

Her recent solo exhibition, “I Am We,” at the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts came with a six-month residency supported by a South Arts grant, allowing Priest to meet visitors, discuss her practice and art form, and share the stories behind the work.

“I loved the residency,” Priest says. “People came to my studio almost daily, and I’d teach them how to do paper tole and paper beadmaking during their visit. I worked on projects that would be exhibited in the museum and would go out and talk to every person who came in, from school groups to adult visitors.”

HOW LONG DOES EACH PIECE TAKE?

Priest is not sure because she gets so absorbed in a project and does not keep track of time. But when calculating the many hours it takes to create up to 40 to 50 layers of a subject and then paint it, each piece could take months to complete.

More important to Priest is that visitors are able to have a collective experience that affects each person individually.

One piece in the “I Am We” exhibition depicts Priest wearing a dress with one-eighth images of individuals who have shaped her life.

“The concept behind it is that all the people who cross our paths become a part of who we are and how we process experiences, whether negative or positive, can make us a better person,” Priest says. “There are images of people in my life as well as images of everyone who came into my studio. They look like a pattern in the skirt, but look closer.”

Welcome to Gustavo’s Mexican Grill—more than a dining venue, it’s a heartwarming community. Our unique edge? Personal touch. Often, you’ll find Gustavo himself welcoming you. At Gustavo’s, we’re a family-oriented environment where you’re not just a customer but a valued part of our extended family. Join us for an authentic, delicious and fun dining experience.

“I’m a family person and we want everyone to feel like they’re part of our family.”

—Gustavo Reyes

Priest will not stop there. The artist, with a background in fashion, painting, photography, glasswork, sculpture and other mediums, has more planned for the future, and the sky is the limit.

In May 2026, Priest’s paper tole work will be displayed at the Art Center of the Bluegrass.

“They saw the glasswork I’ve done, and they want to show the paper tole work to share the variations and changes an artist can take with their work,” Priest says.

In October 2026, she will have an exhibit at the Moremen Gallery that is in the planning stages of a new, thought-provoking idea.

“I am going to develop portraits and incorporate mirrors,” she says. “People love to see themselves, and I’m going to use mirrors as the back layer of the works so the viewer becomes a part of the scene. I want people to enjoy my work and to be a part of it.”

Looking forward, Priest hopes to get involved in public art space projects, commissioned work and more.

“I’d love to do projects in public art spaces I want the public to interact with the work and for people to be moved and impacted by what they see,” she adds.

To learn more about artist Licia Priest, visit layeredimages.com.

April 18, 2026

April 18, 2026

LIVING THEATRE

ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE HAS BEEN A CREATIVE HOME FOR GENERATIONS

Writer / Melissa Gibson

The Actors Theatre of Louisville has been offering groundbreaking performances and a unique cultural environment for more than five decades.

Founded in 1964 during the rise of the American regional theatre movement, Actors Theatre was created from a merger of two young local companies with the shared belief that Louisville could be a home for professional, nationally significant theatre. It was a big dream, but over the decades it has gained international recognition as a leading incubator of new work, launching hundreds of productions — including multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning plays — that went on to shape American theatre.

Whether creating reimagined classic works for contemporary audiences or inspiring young thespians, the goal has always remained the same — fostering a sense of belonging for all.

It has continued to grow from there, expanding performance spaces, investing in education and community engagement, and building a culture and home on Main Street in Louisville.

“I still feel like a parent and it is my child,” says Richard Black, co-founder and producer-director from 1965 to 1969. “[We want to continue] caring for the history and looking toward and planning for the future of this wondrous, living, treasured home of

human experience, exploration, enrichment, humor and joy.”

Today, Amelia Acosta Powell, Artistic Director for Actors Theatre of Louisville, says the theatre still sits at the intersection of national artistic leadership and deep local responsibility.

“For decades, we’ve been a place where world-premiere plays are developed and launched into the American theatre to be seen around the country,” Powell says. “Artists, audiences, volunteers and neighbors are in genuine relationship with one another, brought together by unique shared experiences.”

Theatre has long been a catalyst for creativity and imagination, often providing a “home” for those who have a passion for the arts.

Adults and youth alike can gain skills that benefit them on and off the stage, including listening across differences, creative problem-solving, disciplined collaboration and civic imagination.

“We don’t just produce theatre in Louisville, we help model how the arts can strengthen community, reflect the complexity of this

• Group Training

• Small Group Training

• Personal Training

• Heart Rate Monitoring

• Body Composition Scanning

• Red Light therapy

• Nutrition support

• High-End Equipment

place and invite people to see themselves as part of a shared cultural life,” Powell says.

The remainder of the 2026 season promises to be just that.

In March, Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors takes the stage in collaboration with New York-based company Fiasco Theater and The Saunders Collective, a family of multi-talented performers, singers, composers and producers.

“This performance is especially exciting

due to the original music composed for the show by Heath Saunders,” Powell says. “It will also be unique because the two sets of identical twins from Shakespeare’s story will be portrayed by two real-life sets of identical twins from the Saunders family.”

The Comedy of Errors runs March 4-15, 2026.

Later this spring, the Storytelling Revolution Festival will feature the world-premiere production of Wave After Wave by Benjamin Benne over two weekends, April 2-12.

Research shows that play is essential for your child’s development. It sparks curiosity, boosts motivation, and nurtures creativity. Through play, children explore, experiment, and develop key cognitive and emotional skills for lifelong success. Join us at Providence CCPS to see how our professionally facilitated, play-based program for infants to prekindergarten can unlock your child’s full potential.

“The festival offers a range of storytelling modalities, including readings, short plays, sketch comedy, puppetry and more,” Powell says.

In the spring of 2026, Actors Theatre will announce its 2026-27 season. Outside of upcoming shows, other programs and opportunities continue to inspire artists.

The Learning and Creative Engagement (LACE) programs for lifelong learners of all ages include initiatives intended for professional skill development in theatre as well as fun and play.

Student matinees serve thousands of young audience members from elementary school through university each year.

In addition, adult scene study classes with professional acting instructors are offered, along with a monthly series, Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse, in partnership with the Louisville Tool Library, which focuses on artsbased tools for survival, sustainability and joy.

“We also offer in-school or in-community residencies where our teaching artists

provide hands-on workshops in playwriting, poetry, comedy, music, movement and more,” Powell says.

This summer, Actors Theatre will host its first summer camp for middle school and high school students.

“We’re very excited,” Powell adds. “Each week has a different theme, so participants can engage in one week of their favorite topic or attend the full month for a robust dive into all of the different disciplines.”

Summer camp will run throughout the month of July. Week One’s theme is Audition Techniques for Theatre. Week Two features Epic Voices/Epic Battles — Stage Combat and Vocal Production. Week Three focuses on playwriting, and Week Four’s theme is Technical Theatre and Design.

Powell says it is important for the theatre to foster creativity at all ages, especially for the next generation.

“We know that participation in the arts builds social skills, increases self-confidence, improves mental health and opens the mind to new ideas,” Powell says. “We also believe that investing in future generations of arts enthusiasts is an investment in our city and our region, as data shows that communities with thriving arts ecologies also thrive in other ways, such as health outcomes, economic growth, technological innovation and social connectivity.”

In addition to fostering creativity and inspiration for Louisville and far beyond through groundbreaking performances, music and innovation, the staff and volunteers at Actors Theatre know they are offering something special to the community.

“The most meaningful way to support Actors Theatre of Louisville is to show up with curiosity, openness and a willingness to engage,” Powell says.

Buying a ticket, becoming a member, inviting friends and family and sharing experiences with others not only helps sustain the theatre’s work but also helps lead and direct it.

“Audiences help shape the theatre by being present and in conversation with us. It’s important to check out the theatre because Actors Theatre of Louisville is where professional theatre is being created right here in Kentucky,” Powell says. “Unique stories are being shared, and they reflect the wonder in our world and the spirit of this community. It’s not just entertainment. It’s an invitation to connect and to participate in a cultural institution that belongs to and is strengthened by the people who choose to be a part of it.”

To learn more about upcoming shows and other opportunities, visit actorstheatre.org.

Chenoweth Appliances is locally owned and operated by Danny & Wayne Lyons

Our sales team: Steve Combs, Mark Cain, Rodney Kistner, Mary Kay Head and Kristen Lyons

IRISH ON PARADE

LOUISVILLE’S BELOVED ST. PATRICK’S DAY TRADITION RETURNS

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Louisville streets will once again turn green for the annual Ancient Order of Hibernians’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade is set for its 53rd year celebrating Irish heritage in the local community March 14.

“Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, wherever you live,” says John O’Dwyer, Kentucky AOH president and parade coordinator. “Anyone can come that day and feel part of this big group of friends they’ve never met before. That feeling is what continues to let the parade grow.”

The parade will take place on its familiar route in the Highlands neighborhood, traveling up Bardstown Road from the corner of Broadway and Baxter Avenue and ending at Windsor Place. Hundreds of

groups participate from across the country, marching down the streets playing music while throwing candy and other goodies to thousands of attendees. The parade showcases many local businesses and brings a festive energy to the area, making this the “people’s parade,” O’Dwyer says.

“Baxter and Bardstown Road are the mom-and-pop corridor for the city,”

O’Dwyer says. “We work with a lot of those businesses all year-round to support them, and the parade is one of their biggest days. The parade has moved around a little over the years, but we went back to that corridor and we’re not going to move it.”

The theme for this year’s parade is “Built Kentucky Irish Strong,” which aligns with

the AOH’s passion to advance Irish culture both locally and nationally. Established in 1966 on the principles of friendship, unity and Christian charity, the AOH is one of the country’s leading Irish Catholic fraternal organizations, with deep roots in Louisville. The parade is presented by the Hibernian Cultural and Charitable Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for the AOH of Louisville. The HCCA promotes Irish culture through fundraising events and charitable giving, and the parade helps fund many of its goals.

“Anytime we can make money throwing that parade, we are able to take care of those in need in Louisville and the surrounding region,” O’Dwyer says. “We will help anyone who is in need, anywhere in the

country. I’m not aware of another privately run parade for charity. We like to raise money and spend it wisely to get the biggest bang for our buck.”

O’Dwyer says he expects 2026 to be the biggest parade yet. Those who have attended in the past can expect to see many familiar faces taking part, with some new additions sprinkled in.

“It’s most heavily attended by people in Louisville, but we get visitors from other states,” O’Dwyer says. “We’re one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the region. You generally will see 115 to 135 units each year. A lot of the same groups like to come back, and some have been here every year. They do a really good job of dressing up and meeting the theme of the parade. We always get newcomers, and it’s neat to see how others put their own twist on it.”

The parade is annually set for the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. O’Dwyer says the date helps local businesses capitalize on both the parade and the holiday itself.

“If we shut down a street on a weekday, it would hurt some businesses, and that’s not something we want to be part of,” O’Dwyer says. “A lot of our sponsors are restaurants and small businesses, and they use parade day in their yearly planning. That trickles down to workers getting a really good day that weekend and benefiting from St. Patrick’s Day as well.”

While the parade is the most publicfacing event the AOH hosts, many other activities throughout the year help further its mission. The Wearing O’ the Green Gala has become a premier pre-parade event, featuring live music, dancing and food. The Blessing of the Beer and Tapping of the Keg kicks off the festivities at Goodwood Brewing & Spirits on Market Street, where

a priest blesses special kegs of beer brewed specifically for the parade each year. The organization also hosts an Irish for Kids Golf Scramble in September, which includes a hole-in-one challenge for a chance to win a free trip to Ireland.

Another way the community can get involved is through the St. Patrick Coloring Contest, open to area students in kindergarten through fourth grade. The top submissions from each grade receive a monetary award and an invitation to take part in the parade. Each child colors the same drawing, originally created by one of the AOH’s past presidents, and submissions must be delivered two to three weeks before the parade.

“It’s a way to teach kids about St. Patrick and what he stood for,” O’Dwyer says. “When the national convention was here in 2018, we challenged the rest of the country to take part, and now we’re in six states with the coloring contest. The kids who win attend a

EXPERT ELECTRICIAN & LIGHTING SERVICES

Reliable electrical systems are the backbone of any commercial setting, ensuring that all operations run smoothly and efficiently. From powering essential equipment to providing lighting and security, the importance of a well-installed and maintained electrical system cannot be overstated.

Mass each year, receive awards and get to be in the parade.”

O’Dwyer credits current AOH President John Favier with helping move the organization forward while making the parade bigger and better. He says it fills him with pride to see people lining the streets, decked out in green and enjoying the celebration.

“I start my day when there is no one out there,” O’Dwyer says. “As the day goes on, you see people filling the streets. Everyone is just having fun with each other. The brothers of the AOH work very hard to make the parade happen, and when you see it come to fruition, you feel proud of everything that went into it. It’s a feel-good moment and a day to celebrate our Irish heritage and what the Irish have brought to Louisville.”

For more information on the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the AOH, visit aohlouisville.com/st-patricks-parade.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AROUND

MARCH

View All Local Events or Submit Your Own

LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS

3

THE PARKLANDS WALKING CLUB (BIG BEECH WOODS TRAIL)

John Floyd Community Building, Pope Lick Park, Blue Moon Canoe and Kayak

8:30 - 11 a.m.

This walking club will meet almost twice a month, for a morning and an evening session, to trek all over The Parklands, exploring different trails each time.

5

CINDI SULLIVAN

Historic Nunnlea House at 1940 South Hurstbourne Pkwy 10:30 a.m.

Cindi Sullivan will be speaking on Louisville’s tree canopy and how to improve it. The event is free, will begin at 1030 a.m., and is open to the public. Ample parking is available and refreshments will be provided.

7

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK LOUISVILLE CHAPTER’S

“PACK THE SACK”

FUNDRAISER

The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Ave.

5 - 9 p.m.

Blessings in a Backpack Louisville Chapter, which helps feed local school-age children on weekends, will host its Eleventh Annual Pack the Sack event to benefit Louisville students.

INTRO TO VERMICULTURE WITH MASTER GARDENERS

KATE GREER & JOYCE BROWN

Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave.

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, March 7

Frances Newman Alden Learning Center, in the Ellen T. Leslie Building

THE LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ERIC WHITACRE IN

CONCERT

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St.

7:20, 7:30 p.m.

Grammy-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre leads the Louisville Orchestra in an evening of his own breathtaking works.

NOISE POLLUTION: THE AC/DC EXPERIENCE

Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th St. 8 p.m.

The Mercury Ballroom is an allages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.

TAILSPIN ALE FEST

Bowman Field

2700 Gast Blvd, Louisville, KY 2 - 7 p.m.

Tickets: VIP / First Class: $90 + taxes & fees

Gates open at 2:00 PM

General Admission / Coach Class: $60 + taxes & fees | Gates open at 3:00 PM. Designated Driver and Premium Restroom passes available. Visit: tailspinalefest. com for further info and ticket information.

14

LOUISVILLE CITY FC VS MIAMI FC

Lynn Family Stadium, 350 Adams St.

WHO’S

BAD: THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE

Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th St. 8 p.m.

The Mercury Ballroom is an allages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.

16

THE PHIL COLLINS STORY

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th St. 8 p.m.

Chronicling his remarkable chart-topping time with Genesis to his multi-Grammy winning solo career to his Academy Award-winning work for Disney, The Phil Collins Story brings the artist’s distinctive story to life.

TAKE IT TO THE LIMITTHE MUSIC & LEGACY OF THE EAGLES

The Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway. 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Eagles fans! Get ready to celebrate the music & legacy of the Eagles on March 16, 2026 when acclaimed tribute Take it to the Limit arrives in Louisville for the 1st time!

18

BERNHEIM FIRE TOWER TOUR & GUIDE HIKE

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Perhaps you and your family have memories of climbing Bernheim’s Historic Fire Tower and taking in the forest from its bird’s-eye cab.

19

FREE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT

The Arterburn, 310 Ten Pin Lane. 12 - 3 p.m.

The Chamber St. Matthews, Greenway Shredding & Recycling, and Z-JAK Technologies have partnered to host a free electronics recycling event. business.stmatthewschamber.com

20–29

CHOREOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE

Louisville Ballet, 315 East Main St.. 7:30 - 1:30 p.m.

21

BREAKFAST WITH THE BEASTS: BEARS

Louisville Zoo, 9 - 11 a.m.

SINCE

For 40 years, Zoom Group (ZG) has empowered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and belong across Kentucky. Our team connects individuals and families to the right supports at the right time—from day training and employment to creative arts, transportation, advocacy, and residential living. Every program finishes with Z, because it carries our promise: if it has a Z, it has our reputation behind it.

Discover how ZG’s LifeWorkZ, RideWorkZ, StudioWorkZ, ZoomWorkZ, TransitionZ, AVENUEZ, DiscoverU, LifeStyleZ, SupportWorkZ, StudioZ, and CareerZ help people explore their interests, create meaningful paths, and realize their goals. Partner with an accredited, community-rooted nonprofit that turns possibility into progress—one journey at a time.

Where Every Stroke Tells a Story, Empowering Abilities through Artistry! thezg.us ∙ 502.581.0658 ∙ hello@zoomgroup.org 40 YEARS ANNIVERSARY ENRICHING

Join us for Breakfast with the Beasts, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a morning meal while observing and learning about the fascinating world of bears. ZG |zoomgroup provides day training services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. thezg.us | hello@zoomgroup.org | Louisville, KY | 502.581.0658 A ZG entity

24

RIVERDANCE - THE NEXT GENERATION (TOURING)

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St., 7 - 9 p.m.

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

26–29

EURYDICE

Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Rd. Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice retells the Orpheus myth with a modern twist, centering its heroine in a fresh take on timeless love.

27–29

TATTOO FEST LOUISVILLE

Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 S 4th St.

1 - 10 p.m.; 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Join us for the 2nd annual Tattoo Fest Louisville!

29

ROBERT PLANT WITH SAVING GRACE AND SUZI DIAN PRES. BY 91.9 WFPK

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th St.

7:30 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30pm. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Everyone, regardless of age including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket.

30

FILTER, FINGER ELEVEN, LOCAL H - PRESENTED BY ALT 105.1

Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th Street. 7:30 p.m.

The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.

31

GWAR - PRESENTED BY ALT 105.1

Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th St.

7:30 p.m.

The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.

We test it out, make you an offer and CUT YOU A CHECK ON THE SPOT.

Artful Lives

LOCAL COUPLE BUILDS A LEGACY OF CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY

In 1975, Larry Shapin went on a date with a young lady who suggested they go to an art show. At the time, he wasn’t really sure what he was getting into, however, that evening launched a lifelong passion for art, artists and a future where local artists were recognized and appreciated for what they brought to Louisville.

“I saw a piece that I really liked at the show. It was $500, and I didn’t have $20 to spend on art at the time, but after thinking about it for a week or so, I called the artist,” Shapin says. “We became friends, and I ended up paying her $20 every month for years to purchase that piece. She became one of the most famous artists in Kentucky – Mary Anne Currier.”

Shapin says he’s tried all different mediums of art but sees himself as a collector more than an artist. Still, he had found his passion, and every few months, he continued to add to his collection. When he

Writer / Melissa Gibson

met artist Ladonna Nicolas and brought her to his home, she immediately recognized the bronze sculpture he had purchased nearly 10 years prior.

Nicolas was the model for the piece. The two quickly became the go-to for local artists. They were calling Shapin and Nicolas to visit their studio in hopes there would be a piece they’d want to add to their collection.

“I bought this house in 1975, and it was 3,000 square feet,” Shapin says. “Since then, I’ve added on nine times, and it’s now 20,000 square feet with more than 1,400 works of art displayed in the house.”

Not only is their home full of unique artwork and their own personal artistic style, but there is also a two-story art gallery built on from the main house with large windows for natural light. Another large, open addition to the home features a bar,

ping-pong table, pool table and fireplace, making the space perfect for hosting large community groups.

When it comes to collecting artwork, they don’t discriminate. Shapin says they have artwork from artists as young as 3 years old to 90 years old. Most are from contemporary (living) artists, but a few are deceased, such as Harvey Joiner and Pablo Picasso. Most are artists who have yet to hit their prime, however, many of the works in Shapin and Nicolas’ home are consistently increasing in value.

“It’s neat to have known them when they first started out and to see how they progressed,” Shapin says “There’s a number of artists we’ve worked with over the years, and now, they are teaching students in schools.”

Artwork is often subjective. How do they determine “good” work for their collection?

Shapin says for starters, they almost always come with a good story.

“Good art causes you to think,” he says. “These are not landscapes or portraits. Some might even call them weird. It causes you to think, and it’s interesting, and it moves you in some way.”

It was important to Shapin and Nicolas that the artwork was displayed and it was enjoyed by not only them but by the community too. Shapin says most museums keep 97% of their inventory in storage and

are only rarely shown.

At Shapin and Nicolas’ home, they want the work to be seen.

“We like to live with the art,” Nicolas says. “We like having groups over because so many people don’t know it’s back here.”

The pair get phone calls from local artists nearly every day of the week. They spend a day or two per week on what they call an “artist adventure,” seeking out the next budding artist and unique work they’re producing.

“We enjoy going to studio visits and inviting friends to come with us, and we like to partner with our local art galleries and the schools,” Nicolas adds.

In 2020, Shapin and Nicolas formed a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, the Shapin-Nicolas Art Project (S.N.A.P.) Foundation.

They want to be sure their life’s work is protected and the artists continue to receive support.

“We don’t have children, and we wanted to be able to keep these 12 acres of property, the house and the galleries the same so the community was able to enjoy it. We want this experience to be here for future generations,” Nicolas says. “The foundation was also created to help local artists. We want to give them a platform to showcase their work.”

As the nonprofit develops, Shapin and Nicolas says they intend to host art shows, fundraisers and events such as Cocktails and Conversations to bring the community and artists together.

“Most artists are poor promoters. They are shy about their work and don’t know the value of their work,” Shapin says. “We have more than 800 different Louisville artists in this house, and other than 20 or so, the rest all have second jobs to make ends meet. They need support. We have a guest house on the property and have talked about an artist-in-residence program and raising funds for an artist development grant. It’s a work in progress.”

Shapin and Nicolas are also supportive of many different art forms: hosting events for the local orchestra or theatre production

and plan to open their art galleries to the public in the future.

“We’re open to the public by appointment right now,” Nicolas says. “We often have groups of people come in, but hopefully, in the future, we’ll be able to offer public hours.”

Visit shapinnicolasartproject.com for more information.

gamechanging experts

Get back in the game of life faster.

The UofL Health Orthopedic and Sports Medicine teams are the go-to experts for advanced, tailored treatment plans with less recovery time. In fact, we lead the state in robotic surgical procedures that can minimize pain and improve quality of life in record time. We are renowned for high-level care and customized surgeries that treat everything from shoulders to toes, including spines. And as the official health provider for UofL Athletics, we provide that same VIP care to every patient. With access to specialists all in one place, it’s a win-win-win for the fastest journey to recovery. Visit UofLHealth.org today.

Jennifer Daily, MD Sports Medicine