Time to trade the Easter bonnets for your Derby hat. And while we have our own Derby Festival, there are some other festivals around that you won't want to miss.
Kentucky Scottish Weekend
General Butler State Park is the place to be on May 9-11 for the Kentucky Scottish Weekend. Band and solo piping and drumming competitions are held at almost every Scottish festival in the world to give serious pipers the opportunity to measure themselves against others of their expertise and to get evaluations, advice and suggestions from the judges who are among the best pipers in the world and this is one of the highlights of the festival. Music groups performing are Alex Beaton, who has performed at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend for more than ten years. Also performing is the Glengarry Bhoys, who are known as the "band that prevents you from being still." They blend Celtic traditional and contemporary music into their own style.
Art in the Arbor
On May 10-11 the Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, 4936 Brownsboro Road will once again host the Art in the Arbor festival. With more than 90 artists, this festival is a juried art exhibit as well as a craft/knickknack kind of show. This year also features two stages of live music and a free shuttle service. Call 425-6943 or visit www.tjuc.org.
Galloglas Performs
On Saturday, May 17 is the Art on the Square Festival in Corydon, IN. You will find arts and crafts booths, live music, artisan and craftsman demonstrations and a festive food court. Louisville's own Galloglas will be performing from 1:30 to 3 p.m.. And while you're there, make sure to pick up a copy of Galloglas' newest CD Turning Colors. That same day you can find Galloglas performing again from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Blue River Cafe, 128 Main St., Milltown, IN reservations required:(812)633-7510.
Dulcimer Jam!
Out at Locust Grove on Saturday, May 17 10 AM - 2 p.m. Maureen Sellers, a celebrated teacher of Appalachian dulcimer, will instruct novice and more experienced players how to contribute to a jam session. Slow and fast tunes will be included along with "jam" time. Loaner instruments are available. Reservations are required. Bring a sack lunch. Cost: $30 Call (502) 897-9845 for more info or to make your reservation.
Glasgow Highland Games
Mark your calendar for the 2003 Glasgow Highland Games Thurs. May 29 - Sunday June 1, 2003. This is a wonderful event for anyone with a drop of Scottish blood! The honored clan this year is Clan MacLeod. Musical groups performing are Father, Son and Friends, a traditional Scottish, Irish and American folk band that has been performing together since 1980. The group consists of Father, Joey Hall, Son, Shawn Hall and Friends: Mark Covert and, Timmy Hess as well as an ever changing array of friends that share their love of traditional Celtic Music. Also performing is Clann An Drumma Role, a group from Glasgow Scotland with a strong emphasis on the drums!