Louisville, Kentucky: Where the Bass Thumps and the Bourbon Flows (and My Ears Ring)
okay, so louisville. i didn’t really plan to be in louisville. touring gigs are weird like that. one minute you’re in portland, the next you’re…here. i’m a touring session drummer, you see. i just show up, lay down some beats, and try not to break anything. this particular gig was for a local band called ‘the rusty sprockets’ - apparently, they’re kinda a big deal around here.
and honestly? it’s…interesting. i just checked and it’s drizzling a bit, a sort of damp, persistent chill that seeps into your bones. not exactly beach weather, but hey, it’s not snowing. i’m staying in a little apartment near *NuLu, which is apparently the arts district. it’s got a cool vibe, lots of murals and quirky shops. i found a vintage record store there - ‘Spin Cycle Records’ - seriously, check it out if you’re into vinyl. https://www.yelp.com/biz/spin-cycle-records-louisville
I’ve been mostly eating takeout, which is probably not the healthiest thing, but when you’re on a tight schedule and your internal clock is permanently set to ‘showtime,’ it’s hard to argue. i did stumble upon this amazing little taco place, ‘La Chingona,’ though. seriously, the al pastor is chef’s kiss. someone told me that the owner’s grandma taught her everything she knows. apparently, it’s a family secret recipe. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60884-d1668888-Reviews-La_Chingona-Louisville_Kentucky.html
“Don’t go near the Slugger Museum after dark,” a guy at the bar mumbled to me last night, nursing a bourbon. “Things get…weird.”
weird? okay, noted. i’m not really into spooky stuff, but i’ll keep an eye out.
my neighbors seem…quiet. mostly. i did hear a lot of banjo playing coming from the apartment next door last night. bluegrass, i think? if you get bored, indianapolis and cincinnati are just a short drive away. i’m trying to find some decent coffee around here. i heard that ‘Quills Coffee’ is the place to go, but the reviews are mixed. https://quillscoffee.com/
gear list (because, you know, drummer things):
my trusty tama starclassic maple kit (obviously)
vic firth 5a sticks - can’t live without ‘em
shure sm57s - the workhorse of the drum world
noise-canceling headphones - gotta protect those ears
portable metronome - because timing is everything
pro-tip: if you’re visiting louisville, definitely check out the bourbon scene. it’s a big deal here. i’m not a huge drinker, but even i had to try a little something. i went to a distillery tour - Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. https://evanwilliamsexdistillery.com/
“The Ohio River? Don’t swim in it,” a waitress warned me, refilling my water glass. “It’s…industrial.”
right. good to know. i’ll stick to admiring it from afar.
overall? louisville is…a surprise. it’s got a gritty charm, a lot of music, and some seriously good tacos. i’m not sure i’d move here, but i’m glad i spent some time. now, if you’ll excuse me, i need to go find some earplugs. the rusty sprockets are warming up.
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