News4U Online RSS Feed

Local Ellis Park Announcer Luke Kruytbosch Passes Away

awa Photo Courtesy of: Jan Marie Wilson of Evanston, Illinois — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:19:12 GMT

Saturday, July 19:

There will be a special memorial on display at Ellis Park’s main gate.

A special memorial prayer service will be held at approximately 12:00 noon at the winners circle.

Labor Day Weekend:

Ellis Park will name a race in memory of Luke Kruytbosch.

Luke Kruytbosch, announcer for Ellis Park and the last 10 Kentucky Derbys, was found in his local apartment on July 14, 2008. Luke had passed away during the night of a corinary complication. Luke was a dear friend of News4U Managing Editor, Ashley Sollars. He spoke with N4U last year about his adventures on and off the racetrack. We remember Luke fondly. His infectious laugh, warm laugh and honest heart were only a few layers of this man. In honor of Luke's life, we are reposting his interview with N4U. We will miss you, Luke...

For more please visit: www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jul/14/ellis-park-announcer-luke-kruytbosch-dies/

The Voice of Racing Voices Off

by Ashley West-Albin

A year ago, while bartending at a local Evansville dive, a famously important man waltzed in, sat down and ordered up a drink. I didn’t recognize his name but his occupation is the only one like it in the world… He seemed normal-his face hardly ever identified but his voice and quick eye is worth a million bucks. I’m talking about Luke Kruytbosch; the man who calls the Kentucky Derby and announces the races at our very own Ellis Park. I chatted with Luke at Churchill Downs.

How long have you been calling the Derby and how long have you been at Ellis?

Luke: Nine Derbys, including this year, and nine consecutive years at Ellis Park.

What’s Derby Day like?

It’s really amazing….the first Derby that I called was the first Derby I had been to live, so I didn’t know what to expect. I got there and it was way more than I expected as far as the crowds, the stands shaking, the emotion when they played “My Old Kentucky Home” and how many people show up there. I’d been to big events in horseracing, like The Breeders Cup, but to have 100,000 people show up on a weekday [Friday] to the Oaks and 150,000 for the Derby, it actually made me feel good to be involved with horseracing, that it attracts this many people. Of course, you know the Derby always has the highest television rating of the weekend. It’s a pleasure to be a part of an event that is so highly thought of and watched.

What do you drink while you are in Louisville? Any Mint Julips?

I usually have one Mint Julip to commemorate the weekend. I’ll have one if they have it Saturday night or Thursday during the press party, but I don’t go to nearly as many parties now as when I started here; I take it easy. I want to be very fresh because I’m here at 7 o’clock in the morning and the races aren’t over until 7 at night. I drink my bourbon on Saturday night because there isn’t another race until Wednesday.

Do you bet on the races or is it a conflict of interest?

I’m allowed to bet whatever I want, but I haven’t bet the Derby because it’s such a big deal. I don’t want to be looking at a horse that I bet and not pay attention to the race. Before I came here, I bet the Derby every year whether I liked the horse or not because it was the Derby. I almost always go down after the races and bet the simulcast from other tracks like California when all their races are still going on. Normally, I have a lot to do upstairs and I’m like the air traffic controller. The horses are coming on the track for the next race and you are memorizing the form, so it’s not in my capacity to do my best when I have bets on every race. When you do have bets on the race your day goes by a lot faster because you have personal action on the races. But, that’s not my way of doing it. It’s not a conflict of interest, and I really don’t think anyone can truly tell when I have a bet going on. Some people say they can tell when certain announcers are betting, but I really don’t think I show any bias. I don’t cheer my horse on, if anything I go the opposite direction. I’m more comfortable doing it the way I do it.

How did you get into horse racing?

I’ve always been a big horseracing fan (from a gambling aspect). I went to George Mason University, then transferred to Arizona. Arizona has a racetrack industry program and Todd Fletcher who just won the Belmont Stakes went there, as well. Some trainers and racing officials went to this school, but they don’t teach you how to announce. I just happened to a go to a little track. A friend of mine, who was in school with me, his dad had a racehorse and they would ship him around and I’d go with him. Well, one of these little tracks needed an announcer and my friend volunteered me to go up and announced. Luckily, I had listened and paid attention to the announcer so I knew how it went even though I had never done it and they asked me to do it again, Then, after I got out of school I planned on doing something else, but I got a call from Albuquerque. They said they heard tell I was a good announcer on the Arizona fairs, so I resigned the job I had lined up before I even started, and went to Albuquerque.

You move around a lot…what’s your favorite place to call home?

I call Phoenix home, but I have gotten a little spoiled from moving. I leave Phoenix in late April when it’s getting hot, and get to Churchill when all the Derby hoopla is beginning. I get back here (Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY] in late April and then when racing slows down here, the heats almost over and people are leaving town, then I get to go to Ellis where the people are excited about the races coming back in town. This year is really exciting because they are under new ownership, and the Flaming Crown on August 4^th is going be a really big day.

Do you take any pets or girlfriends with you?

No, I don’t! I’ve taken some pets and I’ve taken some girlfriends in the past, but none now!

You have a Wikipedia page…how does it feel to be a celebrity?

My dad is a bit perturbed that I have more Google hits than him.

What do you do for fun?

I like to play golf, watch sports and go watch the races too. People say, you’re sick you go to the track on your day off, but it’s not the same. You can look at the form and look at the horses and you don’t have to memorize the form or answer the phones or announce the changes and the national anthem. I can just sit and enjoy myself. Although, I do enjoy it anyway. If I had a regular job, I’d be trying to get out early to get the races. I really do miss my job when I have a couple of weeks off. It’s a great job for me.

When will you be coming to the Tri-State?

I’ll start calling on July 11^th until September 3^rd. This is the first year Ellis overlaps with Churchill so I will be a week late, finishing up the races here.

Kenny Chesney Poets and Pirates tour:

Stephanie Day — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:53:51 GMT

I definitely think his tractor’s sexy, it really turns me on and so did Kenny Chesney during his stop at Roberts Stadium Thursday night. For those of you living under a rock for the past ten years, Kenny Chesney is a country music recording artist whose idea of a good time is sitting on a beach, shirtless, sipping a corona and playing his guitar. Now that’s my kind of man. The show was enjoyable but nothing I haven’t seen before. Chesney is a great performer but at times forgot the lyrics to his own songs. I guess at least we know he wasn’t lip syncing. Maybe he was just out of breath from running around the stage so much. I was kind of expecting a huge spectacle because the media kept reporting on the 15 semi-trucks at Roberts Stadium that were filled with stage equipment and show props. Instead there was a huge banner that had a “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme and no pyrotechnics. I at least wanted to see one flame or ring of smoke. Chesney did do a great job of keeping the crowd on their feet and the stadium rocking. He sang many of his classics like No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem, Shift Work, I Go Back and Keg in the Closet. He closed the show by signing one of his guitars and giving it to a kid in the front row who had braces on his legs. He also hung around on stage to sign t-shirt, programs and basically whatever else people brought. All in all I enjoyed myself screaming the lyrics to every song and trying my hardest to touch his tight little country butt. Oh yes, I am that person!

BALD GIRLS DO LUNCH: COPING WITH ALOPECIA

TC — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:49:17 GMT

ATTN ALOPECIA PATIENTS:

RSVP required to info@baldgirlsdolunch.org or 914.584.7662
$45 with $ 20 of that a tax deductible contribution to non profit Bald Girls Do Lunch Inc
For women 18 and over with some form of alopecia areata. No vendors, please.
PayPal accepted to account info@baldgirlsdolunch.org

July 15, 6:30 pm
Bristol Bar and Grille
1321 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY

SNAPSHOT of THEA CHASSIN, FOUNDER OF BALD GIRLS DO LUNCH

In 1997, Thea Chassin lost nearly all of her scalp hair, body hair and eyebrows permanently. Chassin has alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss among people of all ages.

So, the Connecticut native decided to go bald. And she also made another life-changing decision: using her dedication to quality of life skills to help women deal with the everyday challenges of alopecia areata. She began harnessing her skills as a private practice physical therapist trained at Columbia University.

Early on, Chassin saw that women like herself with alopecia areata felt completely alone. Many women would shy away from a formal discussion group that included children and men, but were eager to bond with other women over lunch. From that beginning, Bald Girls Do Lunch took shape as a nonprofit support organization devoted to the practical needs of women with alopecia areata.

No woman should ever feel alone with this condition, she believes. A keen listener and educator, Chassin understands the healing process that women travel when dealing with alopecia areata. She offers creative, forward-thinking advice, helping women explore their options.

“I’m devoted to doing my part to help break down the taboos about being bald,” she says. “In our society, it’s okay for men to be bald, but not women.”

“Who’s in the driver’s seat?” is her call to action. “If women with alopecia areata are going to live successful and contented lives, shouldn’t they be holding the wheel?” Chassin’s mission is to speed this acceptance of a changing self-image.

For more information, contact Thea Chassin at thea@baldgirlsdolunch.org, 914.584.7662 or visit www.baldgirlsdolunch.org

Dynamite Dolls Get Dirty

Dynamite Dolls — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:42:38 GMT

Visit the girls as they clean cars for a good cause!

What’s Cookin’ Germania Männerchor

Ashley Sollars — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:58:02 GMT

Being the editor of News4U definitely comes with some cool perks. I get to throw the first pitch at an Otters game, I get to interview some very interesting and sometimes even famous people, I get to toss weenies… Err! Back that train up! Weenie tossing?! Yep, this year, I will attempt to catch weenies at the Volksfest Celebrity Weenie Toss! Sharon Tindle, N4U business manager, and I will stand back to back. She will throw weenies over her head while I attempt to catch them in my smock. This is one of the many duties I inherited from Dylan Gibbs, former managing editor. He used to always catch weenies, and from what I understand he was quite good at it. Last year, we ranked second – coming in only one weenie under Fox 7.

Volksfest is in August, but this month’s What’s Cookin’ will rev up the salivary glands and prepare you for the pot of kraut that lies at the end of the regenbogen.

The N4U gang joined the Germania Männerchor patrons for a preview of the feast presented at Volksfest. This is the food of my heritage… I grew up on pork roast and potato dumplings; I have even journeyed to the land-o-sausages, but the food we devoured at Germania was some of the best, most authentic German fare I have ever tasted.

First off, the sauerkraut. I am not a fan, to say the least. Ick. I thought I would at least try it for the review. Worst case scenario – wash it down with a gulp of beer… Now, maybe it’s because I’m no longer 10-years-old at a polka dance in Northern Wisconsin (where I spent my summers with my German grandmother), but this sauerkraut was actually really good. It wasn’t as… krauty as the sauerkraut I’ve had in the past. You know, it didn’t have that harsh vinegary taste. It was sauerkraut, but it wasn’t “knock you over” sauerkraut. It had a pleasant flavor and paired nicely with the accompanying food; the smooth white beans and sweet German potato salad toned it down even further.

The bratwurst were grilled perfectly.

The bratwursts and ham hocks (sometimes called “pig’s knuckles”) were something that weren’t new to me. The ham hocks were so meaty, I could only eat one and the grilled brats melted in your mouth. I even put some kraut on mine, but there was a whole range of condiments to choose from.

The best part of the meal, however, was the kraut balls. I really didn’t know what to expect when I heard the word “kraut balls.” My mind quickly diverted to thoughts of Rodney Carrington and his fish balls, but were immediately dismissed. Out came small fried balls that look like hush puppies. One bite and I was HOOKED. The secret recipe only Jim Kluesner and a handful of other Germania gents know was something you will have to experience for yourself! They were creamy inside, and though that kraut was definitely in there, it was simply delectable. And guess what, you can’t get kraut balls at any restaurant or pub, especially not the original Germania recipe. 10,000 are made, rolled and fried for the Volksfest. That is a heck of a lot of kraut balls! I would eat all of them if I could! But alas, I can not…

Rachel cheers on the News 4U Weenie Tossing Team in an authentic oktoberfest hast: "Look out Fox 7, News 4U is coming 4U!"

Come celebrate Evansville’s German heritage with singing, dancing and plenty of fun – including seeing me catch weenies on Friday, August 15 at 7 p.m.! Volksfest will be held at Germania on Fulton Ave. off the Lloyd from August 14-16. Enjoy kraut balls and all the wonderful food prepared at Germania, the Rhine Valley Brass polka band (yes, they play the beloved “Chicken Dance”) and of course the BIERGARTEN!

Beer

Misc. — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:48:53 GMT

SPRECHER BREWING - MAMMA MIA! PIZZA BEER (Michigan, USA)

Sharon: 1

Smells like garlic breadsticks. Too much like garlic breadsticks. It tastes like someone dumped a cup of that garlic butter stuff you dip your breadsticks in my glass while I wasn’t looking. GROSS! You have to plug your nose just to get it close enough to your mouth to take a drink. I hate this more than I hate a fruit flavored beer.

Todd: 2

Seriously, this one's not as bad as you might imagine, but it is an odd and unusual beer that's probably best described as a novelty (or 'extreme' beer). This golden ale infuses oregano, basil, tomato, and garlic into the mix for a 'pizza' kind of flavoring. The aroma (basil and oregano) is appealing, and the taste (more of the tomato and

garlic) is strange, but drinkable. Nonetheless, not something you'll be chugging anytime soon. Worth a try, at least, and points for, umm, originality!

Tom: 1

Pizza and beer go well together, just not in the same bottle. It smells like it’s described – like a pizza. The dough is the strongest scent along with tomato, basil, and garlic. The smell is hard to get past. If you hold your nose, it tastes better, but is still pretty wimpy and bland. A hint of the pizza flavors come on at the finish, just enough to be annoying. I might make it through a bottle with a couple slices of pizza, but I wouldn’t recommend it under any other circumstance.

Brad: 4

Reading the label, I did not think I would enjoy this one at all. “Ale brewed with Oregano, Basil, Tomato & Garlic” just did not sound at all appealing to me. But the flavor is actually better for the ware with all those extra ingredients, which, after tasting, seem more functional than novel. The bouquet is like you might expect – beer with a hint of tomato sauce, kind of weird, but kind of interesting at the same time. The taste is smooth and bold, without being bitter or strange. This actually could be the Holy Grail – the perfect companion beer to pizza. This brewery is onto something, I think.

BODDINGTON'S PUB ALE (Ludon, England

Sharon: 2

Wait… running for the paper towels. I followed the directions on the can and it still fizzed all over the table. When poured it looks like a cream style ale but settles clear. Not a full flavored beer. Kind of tastes watered down. The finish is much nicer than the initial watery taste. I’m a little disappointed I thought it would have more flavor.

Todd: 1

The novelty of the pressurized can wears off as soon as this ultra-fizzy, bland, plain beer hits to palate. Ugh. The weak, artificial taste just kills this one. Nasty stuff.

Tom: 3

I’ve had Boddington’s several times before, usually as something light to finish off a long night of IPAs and stouts. It is a lighter than expected, creamy pub ale. The can actually contains a nitrogen charge to ensure proper creaminess and a thick, foamy head. A very mild smell and flavor, which is un-offensive, but too mild to rank higher.

Brad: 5

Referred to in ads as the “cream of Manchester,” first thing I notice about Boddingtons is that the cans come in pint sizes, not this crappy 12 oz. size Americans have been trained to accept. The pour is perhaps the most intriguing thing about this English ale, besides the taste. It is said to be best drought, which is undoubtedly true, but in order to import it and serve it to home consumers and replicate the air/beer mixture necessary to produce the smooth, creamy head, the can contains an innovative pressurized Droughtflow® System insert you might mistake for a chunk of ice rattling around in your beer can. The insert aids in the production of the millions of bubbles necessary to form that thick swarm of head that shortly becomes a deep amber colored beer when poured, a process which is fascinating to watch and doubly pleasurable to drink. Despite all this head formation at the outset, this beer is surprisingly devoid of gas, not inspiring a single burp out of me – a welcome change for those with stomach issues, or who are planning on necking at some point. Tasting more like a lager than an ale; Boddingtons has a smooth, distinct flavor that sits in the mouth for a moment, and is actually welcome doing so. Not at all bitter or punchy like some ales are prone to be, Boddingtons is one of those rare beers that manages to be exciting yet comfortably ordinary at the same time. Quiet an excellent beer.

MICHELOB HONEY LAGER (St. Louis, USA)

Sharon: 3

Smells sweet like honey and looks like it too. Good flavor with just a touch too much honey. But not enough that I don’t want to finish it.

Todd: 3

A nice, sweet bouquet, and a crisp, clean appearance. Prominent honey infusion. A palatable and agreeable lager, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Tom: 2

Not surprisingly, it tastes and smells like Michelob with a touch of honey. Like you’d expect from a macro brew, this one is a little thin and watery. It has a sweet, almost syrupy honey finish. Not terrible, but I probably wouldn’t drink more than one.

Brad: 1

An attractive honey-colored lager that has a non-descript, almost watery initial taste, with an aftertaste that, while not particularly impressive, is not particularly offensive either. I think this one may have suffered in this review by being next in line after the Boddingtons. Just about anything would have paled by comparison to that beer.

NEW HOLLAND LUCID KOLSCH STYLE (Michigan, USA)

Sharon: 5

Light yellow and cloudy. Yum! It has a little bit of a bite at first but finishes nice, with no unwelcome aftertaste. One of my favorite Kölsch style beers. Can someone please tell me why there is the word “the” printed on the underside of the bottle cap?

Todd: 4

This cloudy, but well-balanced beer is smooth, with a very even, consistent follow through. A Kölsch is kind of a middle-ground between ale and lager, so this one would be a good 'beer tour' type for someone looking to branch out from mainstream lagers. A solid mix of hops and malts, and a tasty drink.

Tom: 4

I have never been a huge fan of the Kölsch style, but maybe I just haven’t tried the right ones. I opened the Lucid convinced that I wouldn’t be impressed. I was wrong. It has a golden color and a nice head. It has a clean smell and smooth, medium body. It had a very balanced taste with nothing exceptional to point to other than a maybe a hint of lemon. This is good summer beer. I could sit in the backyard and drink several of these.

Brad: 3

Color is a nice, deep, translucent, wheaty yellow, characteristic, I’m told, of Kölsch style beer, while the bouquet is similar to a Weiss. The taste, however, is definitely hoppier, less sweet than most Weiss beers, but not anywhere approaching overkill. It seems to be recommended with the Kölsch family of beers you drink it drought, but unless you’re prepared to travel to one of the handful of micro-breweries outside Cologne, Germany that make this style of beer, you’re stuck with bottles. If you pick up a sixer of this, you’ll definitely want to pour it into a glass. Don’t waste it by drinking it out of the bottle. The traditional glass for this beer is a tall, straight cylindrical one, but just about any style glass would have to be better than leaving it in the bottle. Much better after a breather in a glass, I found. Comparing sips from a glass and from a bottle was no comparison. Glass wins, hands down. This beer needs to breathe.

CLIPPER CITY HOLY SHEET UBER-ABBEY ALE (Maryland, USA)

Sharon: 4

Holy Sheet is right! 9% alcohol content! Brown nutty color. Almost too much yeast for me with a slight caramel flavor. I never thought I’d say this, but they need to decrease the alcohol content to improve the flavor.

Todd: 5

Wow. This is a hella-potent (9% ABV) brew that pours a deep, bourbon-like amber. Definitely not the usual Belgian-style here, as this strong and sturdy brew has a very sweet, malty taste (kinda fruity) that attempts to mask the strong alcohol presence. Good stuff for the experienced drinker.

Tom: 5

This is a Belgian strong dark ale. I debated on my top choice, but 9% ABV won out in the end. This pours a nice dark amber, almost burgundy color. The smell is fairly complex with a sweetness, hints of dark fruits, and maybe even a little rum. The taste is also sweet with a subtle fruitiness. Holy Sheet is aptly named as I suspect that some variation of its name will be uttered by those first experiencing its quite evident, perhaps a little hot, alcohol presence. It’s a quite drinkable beer, but it is powerful both in flavor and in effect, so after one or two you’ll probably be ready to move on to something a little lighter.

Brad: 2

Pouring a distinct burgundy color, just like the label says, Holy Sheet, seems promising enough. The bouquet is almost flowery – muted, yet promising of something interesting to come. The overall taste does not disappoint on the “interesting” front. It is almost like a wine in its fruity, flowery richness. It’s bold, punchy, rich…and any number of other adjectives meaning roughly: “curious to sample, impossible to chug.” Holy Sheet is an uninhibited, explosive, punch in the taste buds, and I’d dare anyone to try and finish an entire six-pack of it without turning a deep burgundy color yourself by the end. While the chug factor is not my only criteria here, I cannot give more than a 2 rating at this time given my lack of immediate desire for a second glass.

Hororscopes

Swami B2 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:24:04 GMT

Capricorn

December 22-January 19

Your overweight property manager assures you the maintenance man will relieve any and all problems with your air conditioner during his seventh visit to your apartment to check the Freon levels. He is heating/cooling certified, and wields a mean screw driver, which qualifies him as the right candidate for the job. Never mind he is a boob in a dingy wife-beater with limited vocabulary and communication skills. You’re going to have some real cold air now.

THIS WEEK: Consider moving.

Aquarius

January 20-February 18

Shoot for a promotion at work. Convey you are the right candidate for increase by growing a thick mustache, which translates professionalism and authority, at least in your opinion. But in reality, you are still a douche.

THIS WEEK: Start growing an intimidation beard.

Pisces

February 19-March 20

Have a blast playing recreational softball with your co-workers. Line drives are being sprayed everywhere, including your face. The object is to catch the ball with your mitt, not your teeth, Chris Sabo.

THIS WEEK: Shield the dent in your face and watch the game from the stands.

Aries

March 21-April 19

You’ve run out of post-it notes, bringing household communication to a screeching halt. The days swirl in confusion and your world crumbles.

THIS WEEK: Don’t leave the house.

Taurus

April 20-May 20

Wake up at 3 a.m. and head out to collect the orange barrels clogging up the roads and killing your commute. Quit before dawn or you’ll be arrested and made to place orange barrels on roads and highways for punishment.

THIS WEEK: Road rage reaches critical levels.

Gemini

May 21-June 20

Your summer slim-down hits a snag as you discover you’ve gained 10 pounds. Perhaps your steady diet of Mountain Dew, corn dogs and Laffy Taffy might be to blame. Or it could be the fact that you are a lazy sack that doesn’t exercise.

THIS WEEK: Take the treadmill out of the box. Assemble. Use.

Cancer

June 21-July 22

The NASCAR race is rained out this weekend, disrupting your routine of getting belligerently drunk and spewing hatred for Jeff Gordon at the television while clutching a large bowl of Cheetos.

THIS WEEK: Refrain from watching that logger-headed Larry the Cable DVD for the 4th time.

Leo

July 23-August 22

To your disbelief, the Cubs have still have the best record in baseball.

THIS WEEK: Overcome your ulcers and continue cheering for Yankee wins, and a return to normalcy.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Enjoy the nice weather with a trip to the zoo. A few monkeys jeer and throw their poop at you, so you throw poop back at them. You are escorted from the premises and turned over to the cops.

THIS WEEK: Cope with your lifetime ban from the zoo.

Libra

September 23-October 22

You order a new cell phone from Amazon and they send you a JITTERBUG by mistake. It comes with coupons for Bob Evans, a pamphlet on how to drive your vehicle erratically and painfully slow and an autographed picture of Wilfred Brimley.

THIS WEEK: Give the JITTERBUG to your grandmother along with detailed instructions.

Scorpio

October 23-November 21

Your dirty-mouthed cat gets into your Orbit supply and makes a holy mess. Have fun spending three hours cutting that crap out of Frisker’s fur, the carpet and the couch.

THIS WEEK: Cat-proof the cabinets.

Sagittarius

November 22-December 21

One of the neighborhood kids super glues a dead squirrel to the hood of your car. Brutal, unsightly and the topic of conversation among your coworkers.

THIS WEEK: Coworkers fill your desk drawers with acorns.

Bulletpoints

Brad Linzy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:21:33 GMT

As the weather heats up, so do the opportunities for outdoor summer enjoyment. Here are your Bullet Points for the month of July.

• “Little” Sturgis Rally for Charity [July 17-20]

Each year, near the end of July, the tiny town of Sturgis, Kentucky (Pop: 2,030) experiences a population explosion unlike anything America’s seen since the last Irish potato famine, as approximately 25,000 bikers roll into the Sturgis Municipal Airport and Lake area from all over the country to enjoy a weekend of music, motorcycle racing, and camping. Already in its 16^th year, the rally has raised over $2 million for local charities and placed “Little” Sturgis, Kentucky on the motorcyclist’s destination map alongside that better-known Sturgis in South Dakota. Although not officially condoned by the rally organizers, less mentionable activities have included lewdness, nakedness, drunkenness, and all around debauchery; in other words, it’s a very large, very wild, 4-day-long Mardi Gras-like party with 24-hour parades. Trolleys carry revelers around the campgrounds in a non-stop circuit that, by the end of the night, become more like slow-moving parties on wheels than transport vehicles.

Beginning Thursday, July 17^thand lasting until Sunday July 20^th, bikers from every walk of life will compete for the best camping spots (and the best camera angles on scantily clad fellow bikers), while the bowel-shaking rumble of Harley Davidson engines fills the July air. This is definitely no place for children, and no one under 18 years of age is allowed. Admission is $40 per person and $40 per support vehicle inside the camping grounds, although there is plenty of free parking available outside the gates. Live bands will jam out in the indoor arena on Friday and Saturday nights and plenty of other activities like mud wrestling, poker runs, and bike shows will round out the schedule of events. A $15,000 door prize will be awarded to some lucky attendee, so hold on to your bracelets!

The Executive Inn in Evansville is offering a rally special of $79 per night for a limited time, with a $5 donation going to the rally charities. Those with aircraft can even land their planes at the adjacent Sturgis Municipal Airport if they want to beat the traffic on the ground. Call 270-333-4487 for details on that. In the event you start feeling guilty about all the wantonness and depravity you participated in Friday and Saturday, the Red Cross will host a blood drive during the rally you can check out, and a biker’s church service will be held on site on Sunday. Visit www.littlesturgisrally.net for an official rally flier, a map, and more information, and have a great rally, Little Sturgis!

• Bob Dylan Coming to Mesker, August 24^th

Songwriting legend and 20^th Century icon, Bob Dylan will be performing at Mesker Amphitheatre on August 24^th. The last time Dylan was in Evansville was May 1, 1997, shortly before his near fatal bout with histoplasmosis, a rare and potentially fatal infection of the chest, transmitted via bat guano (that’s bat sh*t to you and me). What was Bob Dylan doing with bat sh*t in 1997? Going batsh*t crazy, perhaps? God only knows, but thankfully, he survived his brush with the boatman and, barring anymore sudden, life-threatening illnesses, will be gracing the Mesker stage with a lifetime worth of timeless songs that probe the depths of the human condition.

Last time he was here, he played at The Centre, and tickets were $29.50. I was actually in the audience for that show and remember it well; I was disappointed he didn’t play much, if any, of his early acoustic stuff off the eponymous Bob Dylan, Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and The Times They are a-Changin’ albums.

It looks like he will, again, be heading up another full band, not playing the concert I’ve always longed to see him play – the one with just him, a guitar, and a harmonica strapped ‘round his neck. I’ll settle for just a 15-minute segment of that, Bob. How ‘bout it?

Seats for the show will be $50.50, $37.50 and $20.50. Tickets can be charged by phone by calling (812) 423-7222 in Indiana and (270) 926-6661 in Kentucky or on the Internet at Ticketmaster.com.

• First Saturdays Art Walk & Art Market [July 5^th]

Last month’s Art Walk and Art Market didn’t make it in before press time, so this will be our first printed mention of these twin events. The Haynie’s Corner Art District is inviting the public along every first Saturday of the month throughout the summer for an “Art Walk” through the various galleries in the downtown arts district. This month’s Art Walk if from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 5^th.

Maps can be picked up at Penny Lane at the corner of 2^nd and Mulberry all month long so you don’t get lost on your walk. Stops will include Art Colony Tea House, ArtWorks Gallery, Poet Pad & Art Emporium at 106 Adams, and the basement art studio at Penny Lane among others. There will also be a simultaneous art market at Penny Lane where all the local artists will show off their works and offer them up for sale. This is a prime opportunity to experience the burgeoning art movement at Haynie’s Corner, Evansville up close and personal, to get to know the artists, themselves, and to support their creative endeavors.

• Ellis Park Opens Season

Ellis Park kicks off another season of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. In addition to the racing, the park will host a bevy of other live entertainment, including wiener dog races and live bands July 11, 18, and 25. Called their “Friday Parties at the Paddock,” each Friday between July 11 and August 29 with feature a 2:40 post time, allowing most patrons time to enjoy the races after work. After the races end, the live music starts. If you enjoy fresh air and great entertainment, you should definitely check out Ellis Park this summer.

• Black Widow, Kimberly Locke’s Former Band, Plays Hoosier’s Lounge

Hailing from Nashville, this band is one of the best I’ve ever seen play the Hoosiers Lounge. A blend of funk and soul featuring many hits from the Motown era, this band, who once included former American Idol star Kimberly Locke on vocals, can flat out jam! The bass player, in particular is one of the most amazing bassists I’ve seen, and that includes Les Claypool from Primus and Flea from RHCP. The energy at the show, and the band’s playing just get better and better as the night wears on, (whether you’re drinking or not), and they have 2 female vocalists with them now that make Kimberly Locke look like – in the oft-used words of Simon Cowell – “a cabaret singer.” These women can wail! Don’t miss your chance to see one of the best regional bands around before another of their vocalists gets famous.

The Hot Seat with DJ Jared D

Kara Shepherd — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:16:50 GMT

I had the pleasure of chatting with Evansville’s premier DJs, Jared D, aka Deezy. Jared D. hails from Mt. Carmel. Jared D can be found at Icon and has helped build several nightclubs in the area. He and his wife, Meagan, will be celebrating their one-year anniversary in August. This homebody found out she had a lot more in common with a DJ – from taste in movies, to politics, to a passion for blowing stuff up. Jared D. was more than congenial and I loved how his wife, aka Baby Girl, was there to help him out.

How did you end up in Evansville?

I started working at VR8 nightclub as security. I went from security to dj under the training of Tommy D.

What is the strangest job you’ve ever had?

Definitely DJing at Oxygen. It’s hard to explain. It wasn’t the music that made it strange; it was how we presented the music. We would show up in costume – one night I wore a toga with nothing under it and every time I bent over I gave the crowd a show.

What are three things you would never leave home without?

Clothes, wallet, Ritalin. Most of my friends know I’m pretty hyperactive.

Best thing about living in Evansville?

The people for sure. Evansville is still a simplistic community but they don’t care about the gossip.

Favorite movie?

The Breakfast Club.

What is an embarrassing moment not many people know about?

(Chuckles) The toilet paper incident for one. Tommy D somehow got a case of toilet paper up on the roof of Icon. So I had to pay him back. I put five 55 gallon bags of confetti in the back of Tommy D’s truck. The police stopped him; that was a little embarrassing. Most people know all of the embarrassing things that I’ve done. I also asked to my wife to marry me in front of 1,000 kids. It’s really pretty hard to embarrass me. My wife is probably the best person to ask that question, anyway.

Favorite time of the day?

Nap time.

Name a city that you love to visit but could never live in.

Panama City Beach. After I got married & DJed there and loved it. I’d love to go back, but they drive crazy there and the prices were stupid.

When you are out and get recognized how does that make you feel?

I don’t think that I am aware of the recognition. I’m just friends with everyone.

When your great-aunt asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ how did you answer?

Well, I wanted to be an astronaut.

I have no desire to ever go to outer space.

(Laughs) Well, my mind’s already there, so why not….

Would you rather pay $4 for a gallon of gas or a gallon of ice cream?

I would rather not pay anything for either of them, because I like them both.

We commenced into a 10-minute conversation about the stupidity of gas prices.

Can you identify the Indiana state bird?

I’m a Cardinals fan, so I’m going with a cardinal.

What’s a favorite childhood memory?

Mobile DJing at 11. My dad would help me set up at middle school and high school dances. Other kids had regular curfews but I was out DJing parties.

Did your dad stay for the dances?

No way. It was too loud. He came back to help pack up.

Best restaurant in Evansville?

I’d probably say Nagasaki. The Bubble Room on Sanibel Island had incredible food. But here it’s Nagasaki followed closely by Taco Tiara.

What’s the best thing about your job?

At the end of the night knowing that great people were having a good time…

Weird News from Around the World

Brad Linzy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:09:13 GMT

Weird News from Around the World

Reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction, and our newspapers, magazines, and the Internet are chock full of stories that, although deserving of more attention, never quite make the nightly news. Here are some of those stories, along with my unsolicited, cynical commentary. This is the Weird News from Around the World.

Papers Please! Police State a Reality in Nation’s Capital?

[www.examiner.com]

The Indianapolis Examiner has reported an executive order in the District of Columbia has given police Chief Cathy L. Lanier the authority to declare areas of the city of Washington “Neighborhood Safety Zones.” At least 6 officers, they report, will maintain cordons around those zones and demand to see ID from anyone entering or leaving to determine whether they live there, work there, or have a “legitimate reason” to be there. Anyone not meeting these criteria will be sent away or will face arrest.

Curious to know if this was really going on in the United States of America and not some Third World Police State, I called the DC Metro Police Department and spoke to Communications Director, Traci Hughes, who confirmed the report and told me to visit the mpdc.dc.gov website for a press release. The measure is intended, they claim, to crack down on violence and drug dealing in the city of Washington.

I’d just like to humbly take a moment to direct the DC Metro Police to the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States (aka, The Supreme Law of the Land), just in case they’ve forgotten them:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

“No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…”

Man, I feel like Matlock, Columbo, Al Pacino and Johnny Cochrane all rolled into one.

Fake Bus Stop Keeps Alzheimer’s Patients from Escaping

[www.telegraph.co.uk]

A recent article in the London Telegraph reported on an unusual method, employed by one German senior care association, for keeping Alzheimer’s-stricken residents from escaping the grounds. Lacking the authority to forcibly restrain the elderly tenants, Benrath Senior Centre in the western city of Düsseldorf employs a fake bus stop, complete with the recognizable German bus stop sign, to keep their Alzheimer’s-inflicted seniors from wandering too far when wanting to return to their homes or families (many of which, sadly, no longer exist).

“Our members are 84 years-old on average,” Chairman Franz-Josef Goebel explains. “Their short-term memory hardly works at all, but the long-term memory is still active. They know the green and yellow bus sign and remember that waiting there means they will go home.”

When a resident is spotted at the bus stop, they are approached by senior care staff, told the bus is coming later today, and invited back inside for tea or coffee.

This is one of the saddest things I’ve ever heard of, and upon reading the article I immediately informed my wife that if I ever reach that state, my personal wish is to be euthanized. Now, my dear readers, you’re all my witnesses.

Waitress Laid Off for Being Bald

[canadianpress.google.com]

A waitress at a restaurant in Ontario, Canada was recently laid off from her job for having a shaved head. Stacey Fearnall had just raised more than $2,700 for a cancer charity by shaving her head, but when her employer, Dan Hilliard, told her to wear a wig and she refused, he laid her off for the summer until her hair grows back. Hilliard cited restaurant standards requiring employees to keep their hair at a reasonable length, and while he agrees it is bad PR for his restaurant, he’s sticking to his decision. He says he's already heard from some customers who agree with him and say they would have been "appalled" to be served at Fearnall's table.

My take on this: there’s a time when sticking to your guns and being a hardliner is admirable, and there’s a time when it just makes you look like a total asshole. Dan Hilliard, and whoever said they would be “appalled” to be served by a bald waitress, could all use some Preparation-H, because they sound to me like a bunch of festering, hemmeroidally-infected a-holes.

Preparation-H: The New Club Drug

[abcnews.go.com/Health/SkinCare/story?id=4966867&page=1]

Speaking of Preparation-H and the a-holes who use it, a recent ABCNews.com report exposes the recreational use of Preparation-H use in nightclubs. It seems some of the vainer and buff club-goers are using the butt ointment on their tummies and other parts to prevent unsightly bloating and make themselves look “ripped.” This practice, long used by bodybuilders, actually has some scientific merit. Preparation H contains phenylephrine HCL that shrinks the swollen tissues of hemorrhoids. It works by constricting the nearby blood vessels that feed blood and fluid to the area. But the ingredient doesn't discriminate what kind of tissue it will shrink, hence the underground beauty tips of applying Preparation H under the eyes, on love handles or other places.

I say put it where you want, just don’t rub too much of it on “that certain part of the male body.” You know… Otherwise, (and this seems particularly true for bodybuilders), it will vanish completely.

4th Annual Bluegrass & BBQ at Angel Mounds

Katharine McKinney — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:00:15 GMT

At the fourth annual Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival the bluegrass doesn’t stop on the stage. Even the barbeque is prepared by musicians. The pulled pork is being prepared by David Donner of The Shade Tree Players, a local bluegrass band. The festival is held every year at the Angel Mounds State Historic Site in Newburgh, IN.

On Saturday September 6th and Sunday, September 7th enjoy bluegrass music starting at 2:00 pm. Here’s the schedule.

2:00 PM

Music from The WildMan and Randy Lanham Band. This acoustic duo has been performing together for the last six years. The band’s roster includes Jeff Hardesty, known to his fans as Wildman, and Randy Lanham. Lanham has shared the stage with such famous musicians as Alison Krauss and the late, great Buck Owens and has toured and performed with Tanya Tucker. Wildman, a veteran local musician for the last 15 years, provides vocals and guitar has been, while Lanham plays the fiddle, mandolin and sings harmony. “We throw in a few original songs but we do the old standards like Rocky Top, Man of Constant Sorrow, Blue Moon of Kentucky,” says Lanham.

4:00 PM

Husband and wife team Jerry and Gloria Glore and Tony Rothrock are the core of the River City Bluegrass. The three have been performing together for nearly 14 years and all have won various honors throughout their years of performance – individually and as a band. Jerry plays guitar and Gloria, the upright bass, while Rothrock plays mandolin. They all provide vocals with Rothrock joking “I sing the off-key parts.” They will be joined by Steve Mohler, former front man for Little Moe and the Atomic Two-Tones, on banjo and Randy Lanham on fiddle. Along with the standard blue grass fare Rothrock says “You never know what Jerry Glore is gonna do...he may cut loose with who knows what if he gets a wild hare!”

6:00 PM

Owensboro’s own River Bottom BlueGrass Band. Jeff Johnson plays guitar, Gary Evans picks the banjo, Rich Shauer plays mandolin, Bobby Lucas plays guitar, Roger Lucas plays upright bass and Aleatha Fuqua and the rest of the band perform the vocals. With influences from the past and present the band believes “Bluegrass should grow...it’s ok to sing a song written after 1950,” according to their MySpace page.

This year’s festival fundraiser supports the Bluegrass Creek Dulcimer Festival, which in turn is a fundraiser set up to support Camp Reveal. Admission is free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Coolers are allowed, but no alcohol and everyone is encouraged to purchase the barbeque.

We are Doomed!

Brandon Kaelin — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:58:41 GMT

Life is anything but great. Sure, great moments and people and ideas exist and will continue to come along, but the great things in life aren’t granted much time to shine before the suck things come along and snuff out the brightness. Every good and wonderful occurrence in life (like babies and cats) is accompanied by something dreadful, dumb or despised--usually two or threefold (like meth-related crimes, the joke known as health insurance and the fact people actually care and gossip about celebrities). Perhaps in my few years of habitation in society I’ve allowed myself to become jaded and bent toward negativity, or perhaps things really are sliding down the pipes on this planet.

To better explain my occasional (okay, often) skeptical view of life, I’ll explore a few things that contribute to the dank mirage of life.

CELL PHONES

Hi. I’m a person of little or no standing in my community, yet I walk around with this stupid thing strapped in my ear, resembling a stripped-down Borg drone assimilating to another ridiculous and “innovative” fad. I am so busy throughout my day that I don’t have the extra 4 seconds to reach into my pocket or my handy belt clip to grab my phone and lift it to the side of my head to converse like the rest of you dinosaurs. No way, that’s for losers and I’m anything but that, just look at my ragged jeans and stretched out, stained t-shirt. That’s right, I’m so busy I don’t even have time to dress appropriately in clean, tailored clothes. Nor do I care, because I have a phone in my ear. So what if it appears I’m wandering around aimlessly talking to myself; I’m handling important business, like rehashing last night at the bar when I drank 11 Budweisers and puked on myself, discussing the finer points of Dale Junior’s latest race, and how hot I think Pamela Anderson (Lee) (Richie) (Soloman) (Anderson, whatever...) is. The point is, you are primitive and I am better than you. Ha, I bet you still listen to music on CD, caveman!

KOBE BRYANT

What’s up. I’m Kobe Bryant, multi-millionaire, MVP, all-star NBA shooting guard, adulterer, and accused rapist. Kids all over the world have posters of me plastered on their walls doing various athletic, bad-ass poses. Lakers fans worship me, because I’m the chosen one to carry the team to triumph in the the finals, where I can win a big shiny trophy, piles of money, endorsement deals, diamonds, cars, admiration from fans across the world (especially hot women that I am not married to) and plenty of other neat things. I am one of the most complete and skilled basketball players to ever play the game, so that gives me the right to be selfish and complain incessantly. Yeah, I might act like a diva, but I’m Kobe Bryant and you’re not. You’re just some low-rent hack that watches me score a sick amount of points and totally POWN other players on TV. I can cheat on my wife and purchase her forgiveness by way of a six million dollar Lamborghini with converted automatic transmission, made special just for her. I have power. I have money. Jack Nicholson gives me the thumbs-up. I can get away with pretty much anything, and you can’t.

RETAIL SHOPPERS

Hello there, I’m here to look at all of the neat products you’ve got for sale--hell, I might even buy something! But first, I’d rather fondle 90 percent of your merchandise, even if it doesn’t interest me or I can’t afford it. I just like to touch things because I’m so curious. Everything is organized and faced so neatly on shelves and fixtures; boy, you guys really did a fantastic job merchandising. All the shirts are even folded exactly the same! That must have taken a lot of time and effort. It’s too bad people like me come through and mess everything up. It’s just so hard for me to pick something up and put it back appropriately where it belongs. I find it easier to throw it on the floor, or rip the package apart so no one else will buy it, then throw it on the floor. Sometimes I’ll pick something up and hold on to it because I think I might want it, and then I’ll set it down in another area of the store because I decide I really don’t need it. I’m just too lazy to walk a few steps and put it back in the correct department. No worries though, I see you standing there, salesperson, so I’ll just assume you can put it back in the correct place for me. After all, that’s your job right? I enter your store, browse around and tear up your departments like a rabid 4 year-old jacked up on Pixie Sticks and leave everything scattered about for you to pick up. Sometimes I even go into your restroom and lose control of my bodily functions on your toilets, walls and mirrors.....I don’t know how it happens either! Once I even crapped my pants, so I just left my mud-caked drawers right there on the floor for you to scoop up with a shovel and dispose of. I felt kind of bad about that, but it was just so gross--it almost made me puke! I knew you would take care of it though, most likely with a smile on your face, because in America, customer service is KING.

R. KELLY

ACQUITTED! That’s right bros and hoes, I, Robert Sylvester Kelly, don’t see nothing wrong with a little bump n’ grind...even if it is with “alleged” underage girls! Six long years of scrutiny, twenty-one counts of sexual intercourse with a minor and soliciting a minor for child pornography can’t keep me trapped in the closet, or a jail cell! Suckers! Damn, I am smooth. So what if I briefly married Aaliyah when she was 15, I am a legend. I’ve even compared myself to Muhammad Ali, Marin Gaye and Martin Luther King, because they were great and so am I. I craft fire R&B that makes GIRLS melt, so much so, that sometimes I’m forced to hose them down! Freedom!

And that’s just four putrid things; barely enough to brush off the tip of the colossal crap-berg plowing mercilessly through the sea of life, churning wretchedness and irreversibly polluting the earth. There are loads more, which I might divulge in the future. Cheers!

HARD ATTACK

AWA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:34:47 GMT

The Rollergirls of Southern Indiana will be taking on the SLAUGHTER SCOUTS from the Bleeding Heartland Rollergirls in HARD ATTACK .

Bout will be held at Swonder, 209 S. Boeke, Evansville, IN .

Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. Kids 10 and under are FREE!

Click on the flyer for larger version.

Hard ATTACK

AWA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:34:10 GMT

The Rollergirls of Southern Indiana will be taking on the SLAUGHTER SCOUTS from the Bleeding Heartland Rollergirls in HARD ATTACK .

Bout will be held at Swonder, 209 S. Boeke, Evansville, IN .

Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. Kids 10 and under are FREE!

Click on the flyer for larger version.

Arts & Etc.

Misc. — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:02:42 GMT

ART & EXHIBITIONS

• July 5: Haynie’s Corner Arts District – First Saturdays Art Walk. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., join a walking tour of Evansville’s Downtown Arts District and the numerous studios and galleries therein. Maps of the walk can be picked up at Penny Lane Coffeehouse at the corner of Mulberry and 2^nd St.

• July 5: Penny Lane Coffeehouse – First Saturdays Art Market. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., check out original artwork at an evening art market.

• July 19-September 14: Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation Gallery – 15^th Annual Juried Exhibition: Working Together. Sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and the Evansville Museum.

• July 24: Willard Library – Jaycee, Kuku, and Kay the Elephant: The Early Years of Mesker Park Zoo. Library archivist Patricia Sides discusses the first decade of Mesker Park Zoo (1929-1939). Starts at 7 p.m.

• Continuing thru July 11: Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation Gallery – Art in the City.318 Main Street hosts this new exhibit by local artists. The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana’s new gallery at

• Continuing thru July 11: Central Library – Global Warming. Exhibit on climate change.

• Continuing thru July 13: Evansville Museum – “381 Days.” Story of America’s march toward black civil rights beginning with slave trade and moving through the movements of the 1960s.

• Continuing thru July 27: Evansville Museum – “Real Robotics”. Robots interact with visitors through a variety of mediums, such as light, speech, and remote control.

• Continuing thru July 31: Central Library – Janice Rae Greene. Mixed media art by Janice Rae Greene displayed on library’s 2^nd floor.

• Continuing thru July 31: Oaklyn Library – Robert Miller-Mendez. Sculptures by the artist.

• Ongoing at Willard Library – the Adele & Paul Torian Native American Leaders of the Mid-19^th Century exhibition. This permanent exhibit features three rare volumes of Thomas L. McKenney’s History of the Indian Tribes of North America, which was published in 1838, 1842 and 1844.

MUSIC

• July 10-13: The Centre – Summer Musical 2008: Peter Pan.

Broadway-style musical production of Peter Pan. Shows begin 7 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on the Sunday. Call 422-1699 for details.

THEATRE

• July 11-12, 18-20: Evansville Civic Theatre – Almost Maine. Civic Theatre performs this John Cariani romantic comedy, set in the mythical town of Almost, Maine.

• July 11-27: Murphy Auditorium, New Harmony – Crimes of the Heart. New Harmony Theatre reprises a 1981 Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway comedy by Beth Henley. Tickets are $10 to $22.

• July 25-26: Underground at the Annex – Sordid Lives. Merely Players of Owensboro perform this Del Shores comedy, which was nominated for over 30 awards during its long run in Los Angeles. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.

• July 25-27: The Pagoda – Shakespeare on the Riverfront: Romeo and Juliet. See an outdoor performance of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by the Evansville Riverfront. This event is FREE, performed by the Evansville Civic Theatre, and sponsored by Healthy Life Bread, Vectren, and Casino Aztar.

SPORTS

• July 1-3: Bosse Field – Evansville Otters vs. Southern Illinois Miners. Tuesday’s game is Ellis Park Night and a “Two For Tuesday.” Buy one $5 ticket for the game, get one free! Thursday’s game is “Thirsty Thursday.” Draught beers are $1 and fans get $1 off admission with coupon in News4U. There will also be an Independence Day fireworks celebration after the game. Game times are 7:05 p.m.

• July 4-6: Bosse Field – Evansville Otters vs. Rockford Riverhawks. The first game of the series starts at 3:05 p.m. The other games have a 7:05 p.m. start time. Friday is Deaconess/HealthSouth Night and Saturday is Edward Jones Customer Appreciation Night and Courier and Press Family Night.

• July 8-10: Bosse Field – Evansville Otters vs. Midwest Sliders. The final game of the series is Yellow Book USA Night and Bud Light Thirsty Thursday. Draught beers are $1 and fans get $1 off admission with coupon in News4U. Start times are 7:05 p.m.

• July 18-20: Bosse Field – Evansville Otters vs. Gateway Grizzlies. Game 1 of the series is Millennium Steel's Salute to the Negro Leagues w/ Post Game Fireworks and Chevy Night. Game 2 is Heritage Federal Credit Union Night. Game 3 is Hadi Shriners Night with the Skyy Dogs and Courier and Press Family Night. Start times are 7:05 p.m.

• July 27-29: Bosse Field – Evansville Otters vs. River City Rascals. Game 1 will feature a bonus performance by gymnasts from Mega Gymnastics. Game 3 is another Deaconess “Two For Tuesday.” Buy one ticket, get another free. Game 2 starts at 12:05 p.m.; Games 1 and 3 start at 7:05 p.m.

• July 30-August 1: Bosse Field – Evansville Otters vs. Kalamazoo Kings. Game 2 on July 31^st is Diamond Valley Federal Credit Union Night and Bud Light Thirsty Thursday. Drought beer is $1 and fans get $1 off ticket price with coupon in News4U. Game 3 is Deaconess Night, Henderson Chamber Night and Boy Scout Night.

MISCELLANEOUS

• July 4: Evansville Riverfront – 4^th of July Fireworks Display. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Thus began a new nation conceived in Liberty. Celebrate the 232^ndEvansville riverfront. The event will start around 9:15 p.m. anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a FREE fireworks display on the

• July 4: Old Lock and Dam, Newburgh – 4^th of July Fireworks Display. If you live closer to Newburgh, check out the display there at the Old Lock and Dam. Preferred seating is $3.

• July 4: Rapp-Owen Granary, New Harmony – Traditional July 4^th Celebration. Join community members and visitors for music and patriotic speeches at the Rapp-Owen Granary beginning at 10 a.m. Continue the celebration at Maclure Park with a traditional community picnic featuring music, food, games, contests and free root beer.

• July 14: Vanderburgh 4-H Center – Extension Homemakers Fashion Review. The Extension Homemakers host this fashion show that showcases homemade clothing and wearable art. For more visit www.ieha-families.org.

• July 19: Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden – Family Fun Day. Family oriented day of fun, including games, water activities, and more. Lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• July 21-26: Vanderburgh 4-H Center – Vanderburgh County Fair. Come out and have lots of good ol’ family fun at the county fair. General admission is $5. Additional info about attractions and entry into one of the many blue ribbon contests can be found by calling 477-3225 or visiting www.vanderburghcountyfair.com.

• July 25: Alhambra Theatre at Haynie’s Corner – 4^th Friday Film Series.

The Philadelphia Story (1940), starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart will be projected onto the outside of the Alhambra Theatre as part of its 4^th Friday Film Series. It’s like a drive-in theatre without all the cars. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and make a night of it.

We’ll publish your event for FREE. Just send notice by the 15^th of the month prior to the month of your event to brad@news-4u.com or fax toll-free to 866-463-9748. Please include “for arts guide” in your submission.