Though John Cosper is from Southern Indiana, his work details many experiences that happened in Louisville. | Photo by LOUtoday
What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor (or former neighbor).
The holiday season is here and we think a good read is one of the best gift options — whether that’s for yourself or for others is up to you. So today, we are sharing 20+ books, ranging all ages and numerous genres, that were written by authors with roots in Louisville.
“Fly” by Brittany J. Thurman | Release date: January 2022 | A young girl named Africa follows in her grandmother’s skipping footsteps to become a double Dutch legend in this book perfect for kids ages 4-8.
Fiction
“Sister” by Sarah Anne Strickley | Release date: January 2021 | A woman named Sister attempts to make a family out of the wreckage of her youthful indiscretions in rural Southeastern Ohio.
Trivia Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | Butchertown Brewing | Cost of purchase | Flex your knowledge at this weekly competition + enjoy pizza, wings, and discounts on pitchers and flights of beer.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
A Charlie Brown Christmas Trio | Wednesday, Dec. 18-Sunday, Dec. 22 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Whiskey Thief | $50 | This nostalgic holiday show features music from Vince Guaraldi’s classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Thursday, Dec. 19
Phil Hanley | Thursday, Dec. 19-Saturday, Dec. 21 | Louisville Comedy Club | $120+ | Prepare to laugh at this 18+ show with a comedian who has been dubbed the “master of crowd work.”
NCAA Women’s Volleyball | Thursday, Dec. 19 + Sunday, Dec. 22 | KFC YUM! Center | $235+ | Cheer on the Cardinals in their match against Pittsburgh + stick around to watch Nebraska and Penn State — a place in the national championship match is on the line.
Friday, Dec. 20
The Everybody Band | 7:30 p.m. | Headliners Music Hall | $12 | This local holiday concert is back featuring a band that spans 30 members.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Flea Off Market | Saturday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Dec. 22 | 11 a.m. | Mellwood Art Center | Free | Shop all weekend at the 13th annual holiday bazaar with offerings from artists, farmers, DIYers, and small businesses.
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop | 2-4 p.m. | Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | $75+ | Experts will guide you through creating a wreath using items found around the garden.
Give the gift of the “Jeff Ruby Experience” this season. | Photo provided by Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Now through December 25, Jeff Ruby gift cards are 20% off.
The best gifts are experiences, so we suggest treating friends + family to a downtown evening out at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, including USDA Prime steaks, fresh sushi + raw bar, and live entertainment (plus, your great company).
This limited-time offer is available in-restaurant or online. (Need a last-minute gift? Send a virtual card for immediate delivery.)
The 151st Kentucky Derby mint julep glass is out of the gates. This year’s commemorative cup features red and gold horses running around the top of the 12-oz glass + they’re on sale for $19.99 a pair. Shipping will begin at the start of the new year.
Community
The Sylvania Park Community is seeking local opinions on future changes to the public park. Stop by a public meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Conway Middle School Library for discussion. Those who RSVP to attend are entered to win a $50 gift card.
Sports
Danny Cruz, head coach of LouCity, signed a multi-year contract extension with the local soccer club. He’s the winningest coach in LouCity history and the reigning USL Championship Coach of the Year. The upcoming 2025 season will be his fifth at the helm.
Film
“Gremlins” was ranked as the top anti-Christmas movie for Kentucky, based on survey data from HostingAdvice. The full top five includes other films like “Krampus.”
Award
CURED Restaurant earned a 2024 Diners’ Choice award from OpenTable. This distinction recognizes restaurants who are consistently busy and highly reviewed by trusted OpenTable users. The Butchertown spot serves cured meats + cocktails, daily.
Listen
Miller Moss, ranked the No. 3 transfer quarterback in the portal, committed to Louisville football, according to multiple sources. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Going the EV route could save you more than just gas money. Many auto insurance companies now offer up to 10% off EV and hybrid vehicle premiums, rewarding your eco-friendly choice with additional savings. View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to find coverage tailored to your ride (and wallet).*
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🎓 Not your average art school
This piece was featured at KyCAD’s Senior Thesis Exhibition in 2024. | Art by Jesenia Avila-Ugalde, Photo by Marty King
You know what they say: You gotta give credit wherecredit is due — or in this case, accreditation.
This month, Louisville’s Kentucky College of Art & Design (KyCAD) earned institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It’s the first time in ~30 years that any new art college has received this recognition — and it’s the only one of its kind in Kentucky.
So, what is accreditation? Accreditation is awarded to colleges that have quality programs while still excelling and pushing to new heights. It’s an extremely rigorous process completed via peer reviews, and an achievement reserved for the best of the best.
Located in Old Louisville, KyCAD was founded in 2009 with the goal of becoming an accredited, independent college of art + design. Mission accomplished, KyCAD. The school offers a four-year, Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Check out the full academic catalog including what classes are offered.
The Buy
The Buy
Whether you’re hosting or simply showing up to this year’s festive gatherings, cultivate holiday cheer with these lighthearted additions.
Just like Santa, I’m back in the 502 for the holidays. But in case Jolly Saint Nick has a bit more notoriety than me, I’ll introduce myself again.
I’m Mitch and I’m a Senior National Content Editor. I help out from time to time with the newsletter, but don’t worry — I still run things by Jeff and Declan for those signature LOUtoday updates you’ve come to rely on.
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