Capturing Bourbon, Horses, and Heart: The Art of Louisville’s Chasson Higdon
Louisville artist Chasson Higdon
Louisville’s art scene has long been tied to its cultural cornerstones — bourbon, horseracing, and the Derby spirit. Few artists embody those themes with as much energy and authenticity as Chasson Higdon, a local painter whose work can be found everywhere — from private homes to hotels and even surprise restaurants miles from home.
For Higdon, art is more than a profession. It’s a lifelong obsession.
Listen to the full Audience502 interview below:
From Necessity to Advocacy How Dee Dee Taylor Built Louisville’s Hemp Movement
When you walk into one of Dee Dee Taylor’s hemp stores — 502 Hemp in Middletown, 812 Hemp in Clarksville, or her newest shop inside Logan Street Market — you’ll notice something right away. The vibe is less about sales and more about education. Taylor, a longtime advocate for safe and responsible cannabis use, has built her business around one simple idea: these products can change lives if people understand how to use them correctly.
Listen to the full Audience502 Interview below:
Jim Gaffigan Taps Into Bourbon, Comedy, and Kentucky Charm for Louisville Shows
Eight-time Grammy-nominated comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan returns to Louisville October 7–9 for a three-show run at the Bomhard Theater at The Kentucky Center—and this time, he’s bringing something extra neat: bourbon.
In a recent conversation with Audience Magazine, Gaffigan offered a spirited preview of what fans can expect from his upcoming Louisville performances, which he’s dubbed his “Bourbon Set.”
In addition, he will also be appearing at the Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival on Sunday Sept. 14th for part of their Fork & Flask culinary and bourbon experiences.
Listen to the full interview below:
Audience Spotlights: Leaders of Louisville’s Arts Groups
Louisville’s vibrant arts scene thrives on the vision and passion of its leaders, each shaping the city’s creative landscape in unique ways. To celebrate the kick off of Audience Magazine in print, we caught up with seven trailblazing leaders of local arts organizations to explore their inspirations, challenges, and hopes for the future. From fostering community engagement to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, these visionaries reveal what it takes to keep the arts alive and flourishing in Louisville.
Each interview is available to read or listen to in its entirety below. Enjoy and see you at a show soon!
Audience Spotlight: Kim Baker – Kentucky Performing Arts – A Legacy of Bringing People Together
Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA) is the nucleus for performing arts and entertainment in Louisville. Hosting over 400,000 visitors annually for Broadway in Louisville performances, Louisville Orchestra concerts, headlining entertainers and more, the organization is also a big proponent of Kentucky’s cultural and economic growth, contributing millions to the local economy, as well as an advocate for arts education with programs like the Governor’s School for the Arts. KPA champions accessibility, nurtures young talent, and strengthens communities through artistic expression.
KPA owns and oversees The Kentucky Center, Brown Theatre, and Old Forester’s Paristown Hall, which all host a variety of performances each year under the direction of CEO Kim Baker. Kim was in the first class of the Governor’s School for the Arts. She also received her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Kentucky’s College of Fine Arts and has navigated the group through its many peaks and valleys since 2014.
Listen to the full interview below.
Audience Spotlight: Leslie Broecker – Broadway in Louisville – Putting the Pieces Together
Broadway in Louisville has been bringing the best Broadway productions to Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center since the early 1980s, including hit productions of Hamilton, Wicked, CATS and more. Each season seems to outdo the previous one. Still on the schedule for this year is Come From Away (Jan 11 & 12), Moulin Rouge! (Feb. 18-March 2), Peter Pan (March 25-30), &Juliet (April 22-27), Shucked (May 13-18) and The Wiz (July 29-Aug 3). You will always find a wide selection of performances on the schedule, ranging from adult-oriented productions to ones geared more toward families and children. Plus, there is always a beloved classic sprinkled into the line-up, which always makes it exciting!
Listen to the full interview below.
Audience Spotlight: Graham Parker – Louisville Orchestra – From Hip Hop to Pops: LO Has Something for Everyone
The Louisville Orchestra, founded in 1937, has a rich history of innovation and excellence, known for its commitment to contemporary music and premieres of new works including a recent concert compilation with Louisville’s own Jack Harlow. Under the leadership of Music Director Teddy Abrams, it continues to push boundaries and receive countless accolades.
The upcoming season promises a vibrant mix of classical masterpieces, groundbreaking premieres, and community-focused programs, showcasing the orchestra’s dedication to engaging and inspiring audiences across Kentucky and beyond.
Listen to the full interview below.
Audience Spotlight: Leslie Smart – Louisville Ballet – A Legacy of Performance, Education, and Collaboration
Founded in 1952, the Louisville Ballet is Kentucky’s official state ballet and is a cornerstone of the city’s performing arts scene. Renowned for its innovative choreography and compelling storytelling, the company presents a diverse repertoire ranging from timeless classics to bold contemporary works. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, the Louisville Ballet inspires audiences through its performances, education programs, and collaborative initiatives. The creative process delivers moving art that respects tradition, encourages innovation, and fosters life-long learning.
We caught up with CEO Leslie Smart, who shares insight about the company, her background, and the benefits of dance for both physical and mental health.
Listen to the full interview below.
Audience Spotlight: Robert Barry Fleming – Actors Theatre – Telling Stories of Value and Importance
Actors Theatre of Louisville has been a longstanding pillar for theater in Louisville since 1964. Located in the heart of downtown, Actors is known for its innovative productions and commitment to new works, garnering national attention and awards for its various works. It continues to be a vital hub for contemporary American theater today. We caught up with the theater’s Executive Artistic Director, Robert Barry Fleming, to hear more about his outlook on the arts community, his roles and responsibilities, biggest accomplishments, and more.
Listen to the full interview below.
Audience Spotlight: Matt Wallace – Kentucky Shakespeare – Breaking Down Barriers
Kentucky Shakespeare may be most known for its world-class Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park, but there is so much more to the organization. The group also provides education programs for schools, public performances, and community outreach programs. In fact, it’s the most comprehensive in-school arts education provider in the commonwealth. The group serves schools throughout the region with interactive educational programming directly tied to academic standards, helping to impact student achievement. Many of the programs explore conflict resolution, empathy building, and communication in a range of settings from preschools to senior centers.
We caught up with Producing Artistic Director, Matt Wallace, to hear more about what it takes to maintain excellence in the Shakespeare space, the programs they offer, and the importance and results of how said programs benefit students in the schools they visit. Be sure to visit KYShakespeare.com for an updated schedule of events and more information.
Listen to the full interview below: