The Maestro of Louisville Festivals: A Conversation with Event Producer & Entrepreneur Trevor Cravens
Louisville’s festival season never really ends — and if you’ve ever wondered who’s behind many of the city’s most energetic, eclectic, and wildly fun community events, look no further than local entrepreneur and event producer Trevor Cravens. As co-owner of HB Productions and Crowler Catering, Cravens and his business partner, Tish Gainey, have spent the last decade shaping the city’s cultural calendar with beloved traditions like Tailspin Ale Fest, NuLu Bock Fest, Germantown Oktoberfest, St. Matthews Summerfest, the Bowman Aviation Festival, and nearly 30 other vibrant experiences.
We caught up with Cravens to hear about the in’s and out’s of making great events for the Louisville community. Listen to it here:
A Homecoming and a New Vision: Ben Robinson Takes the Helm at Kentucky Opera
When Ben Robinson stepped into the role of General Director and CEO of Kentucky Opera this fall, it felt less like a new hire and more like the closing of a very personal circle. “Kentucky is where I got my start,” he said during a recent interview.
Back in the 2008-09 season, Robinson was a studio artist at the Kentucky Opera — fresh out of school, singing five productions in five different languages. “It was like being shot out of a cannon,” he laughs, “but one thing was crystal clear: this is a town that really has a great investment in the arts.”
Listen to the full interview here:
A Homecoming in Motion: New Artistic Director Anthony Krutzkamp Reimagines Swan Lake for Louisville Ballet
When Louisville Ballet announced that Kentucky native Anthony Krutzkamp would become its new Artistic Director, the excitement was immediate and well-earned. A celebrated former principal dancer and a rising leader in the national ballet world, Krutzkamp brings with him not only extraordinary artistic experience but a deep personal connection to the state he still calls home.
We caught up with Krutzkamp to hear about his career and what he is looking forward to about his new role at the Louisville Ballet. Listen to the interview here:
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.