News4U Online RSS Feed

Horrorscopes

Swami B2 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:43:47 GMT

They’re baaack! Move over Miss Cleo, Swami B2 answers all your questions on love, life and the pursuit of happiness.

_____________________________________________________

Aries

March 8-April 2

Your work week will be drawn out and "totally amazing" like the season finale of The Rock of Love 2. In other words, it will suck and leave you miserably unfulfilled. Tasks mount as you drone your way past vapid days. Hedge weekly spending for a weekend bender, and possibly bail.

This week: Fast food yields a touch of the pukes.

_____________________________________________________

Sagittarius

November 31-December 8

Your cats cooperate and figure out how to breach the refrigerator door. While they munch on your leftovers, the dog ravages your beer stash and yaks all over the kitchen floor. Don't let this rattle your cage. Tonight, relaxation is replaced with pine-sol.

This week: Your iPod is stolen and maliciously replaced with an awful Jon Secada mix tape.

_____________________________________________________

Leo

January 16-February 11

Congratulations, You'll be receiving a hefty check in the mail! Or... not. Actually, you'll just get bills, and a summons for jury duty. Bummer.

THIS WEEK: PAY BRANDON.

_____________________________________________________

Capricorn

June 4-June 29

The Yankees suck this season, loyal baseball fan. An obnoxious Red Sox faithful insults Derek Jeter to your face, forcing an immediate and electrifying scuffle. His stupid Kevin Youkilis replica jersey is ripped off his back, the cops are involved, charges are filed....ehhh, but at least you eradicated that muttonhead smirk from his face. Further indicating the apocalypse is among us, the Cubs have a WINNING SEASON. Disgusting.

THIS WEEK: DON'T FORGET TO WATCH MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL.

_____________________________________________________

Virgo

August 6-September 16

A Trading Spouses marathon lets you catch a break from your crap life and sneak a peek into someone else's. Revel the insanity and awkward tension as two contrasting families invert for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy the ridiculous humanity with some popcorn, although you'll probably burn it.

THIS WEEK: TELL AN OFFENSIVE JOKE AT WORK.

_____________________________________________________

Cancer

February 29-March 6

A clumsy tumble down the steps starts your day off on a sour note. Coworkers jeer and rudely point at your battered face and busted lips. Just because someone circulates a company-wide e-mail calling attention to the gaping rip in your pleated work khakis (with attached picture) doesn't mean you can't handle the heat. You shine through because you are a professional, and dammit, you have a job to do. No task is too mundane for you, worker bee.

THIS WEEK: INVEST IN NEW PANTS.

_____________________________________________________

Aquarius

December 1-December 25

The day erupts with a bang (literally) as you discover your porcelain throne has exploded. Rank toilet juice smatters every inch of your previously sanitized bathroom. Curious cats creep into the swampy fray and scatter mucky slime throughout your dwelling as you frantically shoo them away. An excruciating migraine adds to the fun.

THIS WEEK: GIVE UP.

_____________________________________________________

Scorpio

April 3-May 17

Escalating temperatures mean hairball season is in full swing. Prepare for battle with your shedding critters. Locate your grooming brush and perfect your stroke or else they'll be firing off hairballs left and right, leaving putrid surprises in your favorite sneakers. Ghastly hacking and revolting upchucking can be avoided with daily diligence.

THIS WEEK: WEAR FLIP FLOPS.

_____________________________________________________

Taurus

July 4-August 1

Your conservative girlfriend quits her job to pursue exotic dancing. Slathering on fruity lotion and gyrating for a filthy creep sporting an eye patch and Wild Turkey breath turns her crank more than crunching numbers and balancing budgets. It will be wise to concede your relationship, or her new found "passion" could leave you with more than you bargained for, like a nasty rash that requires medical attention.

THIS WEEK: YOUR eHARMONY PROFILE IS REJECTED.

Racing

Billy Egeler — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:36:52 GMT

Mother Nature must HATE racing....

Here it is, my 2^nd N4U racing article of the year, and it has become obvious that Mother Nature really does not like racing! Liquid Sunshine has been way too common on weekends and has forced a couple of tracks to push back opening nights.

Western KY Speedway was able to host the Bluegrass Bash 5 on the last weekend of March, but the weather was far from favorable for that event. Seventy-six cars showed up to battle but Kevin Weaver of Gibson City, IL, became the 5^th different winner of the race. However, some of the local drivers did shine. The $6,000 to win feature saw Clifty, KY's Randle Sweeney make a late race charge from the back of the field to finish 3rd, Rick Mallody of Harrisburg, IL, made the show, as did Tim Dierlam of Chandler, IN, Clayton Miller of Elkton, KY, and the overall fast qualifier – Jeff Parks, of Marion, IL, made the big show as well. Good job to everyone who attended the race. I must say a special thanks to all the workers at WKS for going above and beyond to get this race in. Tim Coble and his crew worked their tails off all weekend to get the track to a point where cars could get out there. We all know with rain, and snow, dirt tracks are going to be a handful! After the Bash, the regular season was slated to start and was pushed back after being rained out for two straight weeks.

Chandler Motor Speedway and the Chandler Dragstrip are another two tracks that were forced to push back opening night. This complex was among many other locations around the tri-state that suffered flooding and their crews are working like mad to get things dried up so they can put the wood to the mat.

Windy Hollow Dragway was slated to start their season the first of April but guess what... Mom Nature saw the red light when she took off from the tree at the 1/8 mile speed plant and made sure nobody was going to do any NHRA weekly drag racing. Phillip, Jessica and the entire crew are chomping at the bit to press a huge Jr. Dragster event. Good luck to all in competition.

Soggy Bottom Raceway in Morgantown, KY, has been the lucky one of all tracks in the tri-state! Don Adams has been able to get everything he has had scheduled in thus far and kicked off his season opener on April 12^th. Yes it was a tad chilly but the racing was great! They had over 100 cars in the pit area and for an opening night... everything went well.

Tri-State Speedway kicked off their season with the annual World of Outlaw Sprints and UMP Mod's on April 19th. Let me tell you what, if you have never made a trip to the "Class Track" to watch some racing, YOU ARE MISSING IT! Tommy and Lois have a super racy little track and it is family friendly! This is one of the premier tracks in the country right here in our back yard!

Windy Hollow Speedway, High Banks Speedway, Rockport Raceway and Ohio County Raceway are all scheduled to start up in the very near future. Make sure to check their websites or tune into Radio Goes Racing live on Monday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Power Rock 93.9 WKTG for all the local racing updates and results!

Before I close this issue out I want to mention Jason Koger. He is a very good friend of mine who was seriously injured in a 4-wheeler accident over the winter and lost his arms. Jason has been home now for a little over a month and I was lucky enough to talk with him the other day. He is great! Hang in there buddy; you have tons of support from your family, friends and even strangers.

As I wave the checkered flag on this issue I want to remind everyone to support your local race tracks and racing sponsors. This is what makes motorsports go ‘round. Without the sponsors we won’t have anyone to watch. Without anyone to watch we won’t have tracks but the biggest factor in motorsports is YOU, the fan, and without you... well we would just be sitting on the couch every weekend!

Until next month, hold the pedal to the metal and keep it real!

PEACE!

First Bierstube of the Season

Melissa Kaiser — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:28:12 GMT

Kicking off the Summer with Music & Beer

Bierstube on the Ohio is back and kicking off its season at The Executive Inn with two fabulous bands: Goose Creek Symphony and BonePony! On May 31 at 8 p.m., you will have the opportunity to see these two entertaining bands perform their hearts out! Not to mention enjoy a couple of buckets of beer in the process! That’s right, I said BUCKETS of beer – served in the traditional German style. For only a $12 entrance fee & the price of beer, you can hang out under the stars, hear some great music, and drink beer in an all-adult environment (a strict 21 and up only policy will be enforced). Held at the outdoor McConnellPlaza that is saddled up against the beautiful Ohio River, you will also have a great view to enjoy. This is definitely the place to come to hang out, have a great time, and feel safe and secure – if you party too much, there’s always a room available just a short walk away.

Bonepony

If you are wanting a quite evening, then look elsewhere, because these two bands are definitely high energy! Goose Creek Symphony has their own unique sound: a mix of county and rock & roll, better known as Southern Rock. They released several successful albums throughout the 70s before taking a long hiatus until 1990, when they regrouped and began to record again. They are best known for their 1972 cover of Janis Joplin's song, Mercedes Benz. Goose Creek Symphony performed last year at the Bierstube and fans enjoyed them so much they begged to have them back!

Everyone around the area should at least recognize the name BonePony. They’ve lit up the Jim Bean Stage several times over the years and are always a rockin’ good time to hear. BonePony has been around since the late 80s and has performed with such great acts as Bob Seger and Santana. Over the years, their music has evolved from a hard rock band to a satisfying mix of country and rock, known as Folk Rock. They have also released several successful albums. As one fan said, “if they don’t make you get up and move then you are made of steel!” So, get ready to cut loose and kick off the summer at The Executive Inn with Goose Creek Symphony, and BonePony!

Goose Creek Symphony

Can't make it to the May 31 kick off? No problem! The E will host three more Bierstubes on the Ohio throughout the coming months, so keep checking their website for dates and information. Visit www.atthebige.com or call 1-800-626-1936 for more information, room rates and special show packages.

New Things to Do in OW

Ashley West-Albin — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:13:25 GMT

WHAT'S NEW 4U?

Check out these new places to P-A-R-T-Y!

Dallas Room

1308 Triplett St
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 684-4415

Photography | Mark McCoy

Want to go somewhere that is safe, clean and you and your significant other can go to dance without some drunk guy falling all over you? Check out the Dallas Room! Owned and operated by J.R. Bradford, this remodeled Subaru dealership is the perfect size for dinner and dancing or just listening to some music. Catered by Creative Catering, down-home meals are prepared and served for only $6.00. Thursday and Friday nights feature JR and Linda playing hits from the 50s, 60s and vintage country. “Baby Boomer stuff.” Friday night, a country western band called Right Country packs the house. Sunday night is hosted by the Ohio Valley Couple and Singles Club with DJs Steve Horn and Brent Gardner. You can bring a date or find one there! Oh, and if you plan on stealing Guido, the chef who proudly stands outside Creative Catering’s building, the police know him, will catch you and will take you to jail!

Bacchus Bar & Grill

119 E. 2nd Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 684-9880

Or, if you are feeling a bit jazzy, head on down to the old Zazu’s! Now named “Bacchus” (god of wine), it’s owned and operated by Mandy Jones. Bacchus exudes charm and charisma with a full selection of upscale wines and liquors and even entertainment. Come in Wednesdays for wine sampling, Thursdays are “Ladies Night” and check out the live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Bacchus opens at 11 a.m. except Friday when they open at 3 p.m. and are closed Sundays and Mondays.

Owensboro Symphony Orchestra: Lincoln's 200th Birthday

Melissa Kaiser — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:17:26 GMT

Lincoln Comes Home

Put on your walking shoes, because we are leaving Owensboro, crossing the river, and visiting the small town of Lincoln City, IN, for this next event. Lincoln State Park, Amphitheatre, and Boyhood National Memorial comes alive for the “Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration.” However, this is not just a one-night event; the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration will kick off this May and last thru August of 2009.

Several events will occur throughout this time, highlighting Abraham Lincoln’s life and journey to the Presidency in the Tristate area. Activities such as various educational programs, exhibits at various museums, Pioneer Days at the Boyhood Home, an interesting speaker series, and the Bicentennial Concert Series will occur all across the area from Springfield, ILLouisville, KY to the campus of USI in Evansville, IN.

Kicking off this yearlong celebration on May 24 at 8 p.m., will be concert one of the Bicentennial Concert Series: “An Evening for the Ages.” This unique concert will not only feature the beautiful voice of Suzy Bogguss, but also the music of our own Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. Under the musical direction of Maestro Nicholas Palmer, OSO’s assistant conductor, Joseph Choi, will conduct this colorful concert.

Suzy Boguss will sing several songs from her country albums Aces & Swing.

As apart of the Prairie Home Companion Rhubarb Tour, Suzy Bogguss will add her unique touch to the evening while singing several songs from her country albums Aces and Swing. With nine other albums produced and several radio and TV appearances in her repoitre, you can expect this will be one entertaining evening! Tickets are $10, $15, and $20 per person; children under 12 are half price. For more information, including ticket sales, visit www.lincolnsfire.com or call 1-800-999-9873.

“An Evening to Remember” is a major part of the Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration planned for the Spencer County area to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 200^th birthday. President Lincoln is one of the most influential people in our history: he issued the Emancipation Proclamation leading to the freeing of slaves, brought us through the most difficult time in our nation’s history: the civil war, and was apart of several other important historical events. Take this opportunity to honor this great man of history and enjoy an evening of entertainment in the process.

For more information on other Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration events, visit www.lincoln200.gov, www.in.gov/lincoln, www.nps.gov/libo or call (812) 937-4541 .

On the Road: August Christopher

Ashley West-Albin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:04:53 GMT

So, you probably know Criss Cheatham of August Christopher… You think you might know all there is to know about this skinny, in your face rockstar but I’m here to tell you, he does have a few tricks up his sleeve. Like, did you know he is killer on a basketball court? Or that he played a pimp in a country music video? Or, that a certain N4U editor spent “seven minutes in heaven” with CC at a doctor’s Halloween party once, and she can personally vouch for his “dancing” abilities… You might find out a few more things about CC you weren’t previously privy to.

_________________________________________________________________

Hey will you answer a few short ?? for me?

No. I mean, yes!

How long has AC been together?
Eight long, hard, dreary, melancholy, morbid, tasteless, vulgar years.

How did you get started?
Original bass player, Joel Edwards, and I figured chicks would like us, we were wrong. Originally, I had some songs and booked our first show at the Springwater in Nashville before we even had a drummer and guitarist. Kinda threw the show together and really enjoyed it, we had no idea it would still be alive and doing well today – and even more fun than ever (although I’m still looking for a GOOD drummer and guitarist, you know any???).

Members of the band?
Steve “The Bone” Sheroan, Steve Price, Corey Boise and myself. These guys are honestly some of the baddest musicians I’ve ever met, and very good people too, which is important when you’re together way too often.

Past members include Joel Edwards, William “I Don’t Want No” Scruggs, Matthew Stevens, “They Call Him Shea Titanium, but his real name is” Shea Gold, “Drummaster Jay” Lessert, Billy Hendrickson a.k.a. “Hillbilly 25,” Danny Hamelin, John Martin and JR Horn. I am still very good friends with ALL past AC members, many I still jam with on a regular basis.

How did you develop your sound?

Sound is very important. It has to come from YOU and no one else. I spent years not developing my sound, but avoiding trying to sounding like everyone else. I always tried to sound like someone I admired until finally I realized that I have to sound like ME! A message to all the young artists out there: BE YOURSELF!

AC’s sound simply came from each of us dialing in the tone we like, meshing it together, arguing over parts, and playing shows. You almost have to play 100 shows before you really develop your sound. Lots of trial and error, ya know? Tone is important, but feel is also a big deal. Ten people can pick up the same exact guitar with the same settings and sound completely different. I can hit a snare drum 15 different ways, depending on what I’m trying to get out of it. You can’t be scared to try something new. Even when I play covers in CC3, I always try to interpret a song my own way. I very rarely play a song the same way twice.

Hypothetically, what would you do if a fight were to break out in front of you?
Uh… hypothetically? Fights break out in front of us all the time. A guy just got tasered at an AC show literally on stage just two weeks ago. What do we do? We bust out “Bottle of Rage” off the first record, play as loud and as fast as we can and get out of the way! A good entertainer always has to play to its audience, right? Most fights are usually chicks trying to get to Steve Price anyway…or maybe those are guys…

What if someone were to sukkur punch you?
I’d bleed. Unless it was someone from RUKKUS, than I’d smile and say hello, cause those guys are cool.

Besides being in a band called August Christopher, what has been your worst job ever?
It doesn’t get any worse than this.

Actually, I have been lucky enough to have many a blue collar day job, and have learned that even a bad day in AC is never worse than the best days at my old gigs, and I cherish the knowledge of that. I have also parlayed AC into tangent stuff, doing videos with Trisha Yearwood, Trent Tomlinson, Brad Paisley, Bomshel, and Cledus T Judd. I’ve been in some cheesy movies and worked with CBS, Fox/Sports, ESPN, WCW, as well as others, even set a world record for the troops which was fun. Pursuing my dreams has been a blast, yet the other opportunities that have come from it have been an unexpected huge blessing. I must maintain that NOTHING has been (nor ever will be) as awesome to me as August Christopher itself.

If this band were a popsicle flavor – what would it be and why?
Cherry, bright red. The kind that makes your whole mouth and face a different color after eating it. We stick with you, no matter how hard you try to wash us off.

Who would win in a fight – Muhammad Ali or Superman?

That’s easy, Superman, because he’s still 23 years old, just like me.

What is the perfect prom slow dance?

“Chariots of Fire”

Who is the hottest Miller Light girl?
No clue, have no idea – Lindz Frey is the hottest girl I know.

The most interesting tattoo in the band?
Not a big tattoo band, at least not to my knowledge, and I ain’t going down there to look…

________________________________________________________________

Did You Know?

August Christopher is looking for a good drummer & guitarist?

Check them out at www.myspace.com/augustchristopher

________________________________________________________________

Say you are going out for a drink in Owensboro, what band would you go see?

First and foremost I am proud to say that I do not drink and have not for quite some time; I am way too focused on enjoying life to spend it drunk (the way I used to). I feel it’s important for me to use this AC platform as an example to young kids who look up to us as a band. I play guitar/drums at Victory Fellowship Church in Nashville and have been so positively influenced there that I feel the need to reciprocate via example to my audience whenever possible. OK, I’m off my soapbox now…

That being said… I would go see The Michael Gough Group when it’s a three-piece and everyone is playing well – it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Music is very sensitive and extremely mood-conscious. With spontaneous, improvisational groups like MGG there can be good nights and bad nights, but that’s what makes it sincere and authentic; those ups and downs are what make MGG real and heartfelt. When it’s great, it’s absolutely untouchable. As far as instrumentation, I really dig the rawness of the group as a trio, especially when John Martin is on guitar (that’s not to say that it’s not brilliant as a big band with dobro, keys, sax, harp, BGV’s – just a matter of taste). Some of my most memorable musical moments were when I played drums with that group.

I also think Shawn Brashear by himself is amazing, although I’ve never seen him with a band.

Best road story.

This can be dangerous. We actually have a notebook we’ve been working on in the van with road stories. We started it about a year ago and already have about 50 pages of notes… I’ll have to save that one for lata.

If you could play for any musician, alive or dead, who would it be?

I love Hendrix, Phil Collins, B.B. King, Madonna, recently started digging John Mayer – I always dreamed of playing drums for Stevie Wonder. Frankly, I have been lucky enough to play with some of the greatest musicians already. I have been blessed throughout my life to have shared musical moments with many of my favorite players. I tend to admire people with heart and feel, not as much technical chops - although you must learn to speak musically - you can’t fake it. I love playing with people who know the big syllabic words but don’t always choose to say them. People who can sweep pick and metrically modulate in 7/8 are great, but they sound best sometimes when they only play 3 notes.

What guitar would win in a fight, Fender or a Gibson?

Fender, hands down, no comparison (although Sheroan would swear on his Tom Anderson)

________________________________________________________________

Check out August Christopher at the BBQ Fest!

Thursday - May 8 @ 7- 11 p.m.
"A Night with August Christopher":
7 p.m. - Queen City Romance (Clarksville, TN)
8 p.m. - Kaptain Crunch and the Cereal Killers (IN)
9 p.m. - AC
10 p.m. - TBA

Saturday, May 10
August Christopher's Criss Cheatham Video Shoot:
5:30-6:45 Miller Stage
on Frederica and 2nd Street. Criss solo on acoustic
playing all your favorite AC songs with a live film
crew...

Kid's Page

MomKat — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:50:14 GMT

FRIDAY AFTER 5

Food Vendors and Fun Inflatables
May 18 & 25, 2008 5 pm
Visit the food vendors for some good cookin' and then let the kids jump around on the air inflatables located near the gazebo at Smothers Park. There also will be "Corn Hole" activities on the lawn at Smothers Park if you are interested in brushing up on your game skills.

INTERNATIONAL BBQ FESTIVAL

Thursday, May 8, 2008 5:00pm
Carnival Rides and Midway Games on Veterans Blvd.

Friday, May 9, 2008
Carnival Rides & Midway Games
5:00 pm

Cruise-In (Car Show)/Sock Hop
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Motorsports
5:30 pm

Pageants
Executive Inn Rivermont, International Room
Little Princess Pageant 5:00 pm
Miss Bar-B-Q Teen Pageant 6:45 pm
Miss Bar-B-Q Festival 8:30 pm

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Carnival Rides & Midway Games (2^nd St)
11:00 am 5K Run/Walk
7:30 am (Jr. Achievment Bldg)

Car Show Registration
8:00 am - Noon (2nd Street under Bridge)

Bench Press Competition 8:00 am Sign Up (Executive Inn Rivermont)
Weigh-In & Warm-Up 8:00 - 9:30 am
Competitors Meeting 9:30 am
Competition Begins 10:00 am
Strong Man Tire Flip (following competition)

Horseshoe Pitching
10:00 am (Frederica & 2nd)

Motorsports
11:00 am

Car Show Awards Ceremony
3:30 pm

Pageants
Executive Inn Rivermont, International Room
Baby Pageant 8:30 am
Toddler Pageant 12:30 pm
Youth Pageant 3:00 pm

What's Cookin'

Mathew Gregory — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:42:20 GMT

While it seems that every day our lives get more and more hectic and we are forced to move at a feverish pace, sometimes eating drive thru fast food meals on our way to work, it is nice to know that there are still places where we can sit, relax, and have a home cooked meal within driving distance. If you have not found such a place, allow me to introduce you to Lambert’s Diner.

            Lambert’s Diner is located just 10 miles southeast of Owensboro on highway 231 in Pleasant Ridge, KY. Lambert’s Diner was opened less than two months ago at the urge of the people of Ohio County toward its owner, Mike Lambert. It seems that the people of Pleasant Ridge were in need of a place to meet, greet, and just relax in a home-like atmosphere while still being able to eat great home cooked made from scratch meals in the process. As soon as he had the support of his masterful cook, Carol, Mike did just what they urged him to do. In the past four weeks, the diner has had a steady stream of business and has been sending once hungry people home, extremely full.
            Open daily for breakfast from 5 to 10 a.m., Lambert’s serves up mouthwatering traditional home cooked items for prices even cheaper than most fast food restaurants. The breakfast special at Lambert’s Diner includes two eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, toast or 1 biscuit and gravy for less than $4.00. Other breakfast items can be ordered a la carte and include pancakes, grits, oatmeal, and omelets.
            From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lambert’s Diner serves up a very diverse lunch menu. Lunch items include sandwiches such as hamburgers, ham and cheese, egg sandwiches, Manhattan
            When you have a menu stocked full of flavorful items everyone enjoys, a cook that everyone talks about, and people asking for the diner to be opened, it seems that Lambert’s Diner is looking to be a staple in Ohio County for a long time to come. sandwiches, tuna, and patty melts. Lambert’s Diner also serves lunch specials which include meat, two vegetables, and a choice of roll or corn bread. I highly recommend stopping by on Tuesday to try the fried chicken special.

What to do on Fridays

Brad Linzy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:14:09 GMT

DOWNTOWN FRIDAYS
Owensboro and Evansville Get Out of the House this Summer

Spring and summer are a time of activity – a time to look for ways other than vegetating in front of a television to feel relaxed or entertained after a long workweek. Fortunately, for the cities of Owensboro and Evansville, the spring and summer months see the downtown riverfront districts come alive with things to do that won’t make you feel like you’re wasting your life away indoors …or breaking the bank.

Evansville’s “Fabulous First Fridays”

If I say “FFF,” that’s not a way of censoring myself and shielding my readers from an outburst of dirty language, it’s a reference to Fabulous First Fridays, which, from May 2^nd through the end of September, will bring a fun and unforgettable array of activities to the downtown and riverfront on the first Friday of every month.

Those who take advantage of FFF will enjoy free activities such as a “Movies By the Water,” which offers the public an opportunity to take in family-oriented films and share in a romantic and fun experience with friends, neighbors, and family under the stars and beside the Ohio River. Spring and summer revelers will also want to check out FFF’s “Cruise Ins,” which showcase antique and classic cars from bygone eras on Main Street. Also of interest are the live music shows and the new Multicultural Festival on June 7^th, which will introduce tri-staters to the menagerie of cultures that all call the River City home.

May will also witness the arrival of the annual Farmers Market, which, every Friday through summer, occupies the area near the corner of 2^nd and Sycamore from around 7 a.m. ‘til around 2:30 p.m. and features fresh produce booths, arts and crafts, flower vendors, herb growers, and just about anything else produced by the capable hands of area residents. Those interested in obtaining space for a booth should call Jocee at Downtown Evansville Inc. The number is 424-2986. Space is free but limited, so call now and book your spot.

Enjoy fresh produce from the farmers market.
Photography | Kirk Kirkpatrick

As always, check your News-4U for updated FFF summer event schedules or visit www.downtownevansville.org. See you there!

Owensboro’s “Friday After 5”

When a weary Owensboro workforce punches its Friday time clock signaling the end of a long workweek, something magical happens to help jumpstart a fun and rejuvenating weekend downtown. “Friday After 5” (FA5) was started in 1996 by Downtown Owensboro, Inc. as a 10-week summer festival to help revive the downtown riverfront as a prime entertainment destination and, thanks to sponsors like Coldwell Banker/Image Builders, has grown from there into a 16-week-long celebration of summer.

The weekly festivities kick off May 23^rd with a concert by The Velvet Bombers and will run through August 29^th. They feature performances on the RiverPark Center patio from some of the area’s most accomplished and seasoned regional and local acts like Bonepony, Black Widow, and more. Each week’s entertainment schedule is rounded out with a street fair activity focusing on something like motorbikes, pets, farming, or the annual chili cookoff, and a roundup of alternative courtyard entertainment. Some weeks will also see special events featuring even more local acts and live entertainment!

Jam every Friday next to the river with Fridays After 5.
Photography | Kirk Kirkpatrick

Friday After 5 is a massive logistical undertaking that many Owensboro residents agree improves the quality of life in the city and achieves its stated goal of enriching and enlivening the downtown area. We at News-4U are excited to continue covering it and look forward to this year’s events.

For a complete schedule of FA5 events, check out the website at www.fridayafter5.com, or keep picking up your News-4U all summer long!

Executive Inn Rivermont’s “Sprint Sunset Series”

And finally, proving that capitalistic competition is the heart beat which drives creativity in commerce, the Executive Inn Rivermont’s “Sprint Sunset Series” also features an exciting lineup of free summer entertainment every Friday just down the street from FA5 at the Mitch McConnell Plaza. This is a win-win situation for the public as The Sunset Series provides yet another alternative to sitting in your underwear eating corn chips in front of the boob tube on a beautiful Friday evening this summer. The Series kicks off on May 16^th with a concert by Flat Stanley and Wildman and continues the following Friday with a show from Evansville rockers Gonzo’s Toybox. Check www.executiveinnrivermont.com/SunsetSeries.html for more on who’s playing each week, or call 800-626-1936.

Photography | Executive Inn Rivermont

Send in the BBQ!

Melissa Kaiser — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:38:42 GMT

My favorite event of the year has arrived: The International Bar-B-Q Festival! And that deliciously fa.m.iliar smell fills the air on May 8, 9, & 10! The scent is sweet and tantalizing, beckoning you to come and taste. A medley of sounds rise to meet you: the sizzle of delicious meets grilling on the open fla.m.e, the glub-glub-glubbing of the burgoo simmering in huge iron kettles. As you venture toward the Riverfront, the sites and smells take over and you enter into a place unlike any other, where the only thing that matters is who’s mutton tastes the best and how much burgoo you can eat!

Over the course of three days, 60 to 85,000 people are expected to converge on our fair town to sa.m.ple and taste our most delectable Bar-B-Q and burgoo we can create! With more than 10 tons of mutton, 1,500 gallons of burgoo, 5,000 chickens prepared and sold during the festival, not to mention the usual fair treats: corn dogs, polish sausage, candy apples, fried oreos, and so much more, you will most certainly find something to satisfy those hunger pains! If you’re looking for a bargain, check out the Mutton Glutton held at the RiverPark Center, where you can feast on “the finest cuisine that Owensboro has to offer.” This weekend of feasting begins on Thursday night at 5:30 when food booths open to the public! Friday, the feast begins at 5:30-11 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

When your stomach can hold no more, take a stroll along Veteran's Boulevard and 2^nd Street and visit some of the Arts and Crafts booths- everything from woodcarvings to beaded bracelets are found here. Booths are open Friday from 5:30 to 11 and Saturday 10 in the morning to 11at night. There will also be a Cruse-In/Sock Hop on Friday night from 5 p.m. to11 p.m., featuring restored “old-time muscle cars.” Sponsored by The Sunset Cruisers Car Club, the Classic Car Show continues on Saturday, with judging for the best car in the afternoon.

Four different beauty pageants will take place this year in the International Room at the Executive Inn, starting with the Little Princess Pageant on Friday at 5, followed by the Miss Bar-B-Q Teen Pageant at 6:45p.m. and the main competition: Miss Bar-B-Q Festival at 8:30! Saturday begins with the Baby Pageant at 8:30a.m., followed by the Toddler Pageant at 12:30, and the Youth Pageant at 3p.m., all in the International Room at The E. Visit www.bbqfest.com for deadlines and general information on the various pageants.

For more athletic individuals, check out the Bench Press Competition and the Strong Man events. Hosted by Valhalla Fitness, weigh-in and registration begins early Saturday morning at 8a.m., with the Bench Press Competition starting at 10 a.m. and Strong Man events at 1p.m. These events will be held at the Executive Inn’s Exhibition Center. The annual Horseshoe Tourna.m.ent will be held at 10a.m. at Frederica & 2^nd street. There will also be a 5K Run/Walk, Motor sports activities, and a Keg Toss competition. For more information on these events and competitions, visit www.bbqfest.com.

As the night wears on there are several outdoor stages throughout the festival area featuring several local and nationally known bands. The Jim Bean Stage at the Executive Inn will play host to several fantastic acts over the weekend, including August Christopher on Thursday night, Shawn Brashear and Mustang Sally on Friday night, and The Beat Daddys, Carla Gover & Wicked Polly, and Rukkus throughout the day on Saturday. The E will add even more fun and excitement to the weekend as they host the Beer Plaza, which surrounds the Jim Bean stage. So not only do you get to listen to some fantastic bands, but you get to enjoy some tasty adult beverages as well! The Beer Plaza will be open Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5p.m. all three nights.

In addition, what would a festival be without the many carnival rides! Beginning Thursday night, you can spin, flip, and scream until your hearts content! Rides open Thursday and Friday at 5:30p.m. to 11p.m. and Saturday, 10a.m. to 11p.m..

Let’s not forget about the real reason all this delicious food is being prepared: the cooking competition. Teams from all over the tri-state gather to compete with their secret barbecue recipes, all vying for a shot at best chicken, mutton and burgoo titles, as well as the coveted Governor's Cup for the "Best Overall Bar-B-Q Cooking Team." Competition is fierce, and this year is no different with eight cooking teams signed up to smoke, stew, and grill their way to a win! Also, the Backyard Cooks’ Cook-Off is back again this year, giving locals a chance to compete with their own special sauce. Just bring your grill and get to cooking!

Whether you come for the competition, food, entertainment, arts and crafts, or just because you have nothing better to do, we hope you have a fantastic visit, stuff yourself to the gills, and make this a family tradition each year! Have fun and see you next year!

For more information on the International Bar-B-Q Festival, please call the Festival Line at 270-926-6938 or visit www.bbqfest.com.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2008
Golf Scramble – Summit Golf Course
8:00 am Registration, 9:00 am Start
Open to Enter (day of scramble)
Jim Beam Stage @ Executive Inn
7:00pm – 11:00pm – A Night with August Christopher

FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008
Burgoo Relay 2:00 pm (Smothers Park)
Cruise-In (Car Show)/Sock Hop 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Motorsports 5:30 pm
Pie Eating Contest 5:45 pm (Swedish Match Stage)
Cooking Team Balloon Toss 6:00 pm (Smothers Park)
Mutton Glutton 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Hot Food served until 9:00 pm)

Pageants
Executive Inn Rivermont, International Room
Little Princess Pageant 5:00 pm
Miss Bar-B-Q Teen Pageant 6:45 pm
Miss Bar-B-Q Festival 8:30 pm

ENTERTAINMENT
Miller Stage
TBA

Swedish Match Stage
TBA

RiverPark Stage
TBA

School Age Stage
TBA 6:00 pm

Mutton Glutton Stage
TBA

Jim Beam Stage @ Executive Inn
6:30pm – 9:15pm – Shawn Brashear

9:30pm – 1:30am –Mustang Sally

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008
Titan Backyard Cook-Off Set Up 6:00 am
5K Run/Walk 7:30 am (Jr. Achievment Bldg)
Bench Press Competition 8:00 am Sign Up (Executive Inn Rivermont) 10:00 am
Strong Man Tire Flip (following competition)
Horseshoe Pitching 10:00 am (Frederica & 2nd)
Motorsports 11:00 am
Titan Backyard Cook-off Judging 1:00 pm
Keg Toss Registration 2:00 pm (VFW)
Car Show Awards Ceremony 3:30 pm
Titan Backyard Cook-off Awards 6:00 pm (Jim Beam Stage)
Cooking Team Award Ceremony 6:00 pm
Mutton Glutton 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Hot food served unitl 9:00 pm)
Serving Line 4:00 pm (Smothers Park)
Cooking Team Serving 4:00 pm

Pageants
Executive Inn Rivermont, International Room
Baby Pageant 8:30 am
Toddler Pageant 12:30 pm
Youth Pageant 3:00 pm

ENTERTAINMENT
Miller Stage
TBA

Swedish Match Stage
TBA

RiverPark Stage
TBA

School Age Stage
TBA

Mutton Glutton Stage
TBA

Jim Beam Stage @ Executive Inn
2:30pm – 5:45pm – The Beat Daddy’s

6:00pm – 6:30pm – 30^th Annual International BBQ Festival Awards Presentation

6:30pm – 9:00 pm – Wicked Polly with Carla Gover

9:15pm – 1:45am – RUKKUS

It's HOT Don!

Ashley West-Albin — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:37:14 GMT

Long before Paris Hilton uttered the infamous words, “That’s Hot!” Don Moore sealed up the sizzling sayings. If you are from Owensboro or anywhere close to Owensboro, and it is hotter than a mug outside; and you feel the beads of sweat slowly dripping down your forehead, past your nose, down your neck, into your shirt and finally past the land of no return…there are only three little words that can begin to convey the extreme temperature of not only the outside climate, but also our own bodily heat. “IT’S HOT, DON!”

We all know Don Moore from the antics of his car dealership commercials; from horseback riding to baby pools and basketball, Don Moore is almost as much of an Owensboro staple as BBQ.

N4U: How long have you been “Don Moore?”

DM: First thing, I am so fortunate. My great grandfather and his two brothers were entrepreneurs. In 1919, they started an automobile business – a Chevrolet dealership in 1920. It is the oldest ongoing family-owned Chevy dealership in Kentucky. My dad was a dealer in the late 1970s. In the early 80s, the business dropped by about 20% and my dad, who had an Ag degree and wanted to farm his 100+ acres full-time, considered selling the business. I knew I wanted to take over the dealership, but had two years of school left. My father told me I had to quit school and come home, but being the “negotiator” that I am, I got one more year. I finished college in my junior year by taking 20+ hours each semester. I took over “Don Moore” 24 days before my 21^st birthday. On a Friday, my dad said, “I have one more issue to deal with.” I said, “I’ll see you Monday, Dad.” He said, “No, you won’t!” From that day on, I ran it.

Was that intimidating?

At that time, I had just graduated college in three years. I was the smartest, most self-confident guy in the world. But I soon figured out, I couldn’t just rely on what the book told me to do. I hired some real good friends to be good partners. They say, never hire your friends. Mine have worked out real well.

What’s been the craziest commercial?

My dad started doing commercials in the 1970s. The Lucielle Ball show was the most popular show at that time, and one night he bought a spot. So, we watched at 8:10 for his 10-second spot. He came out wearing a fireman’s suit and burning a sign. The slogan

was, “Burning deals! Come down and cool us off!”

Okay, so how did “It’s Hot, Don” come about?

In 1984, we went on TV again, H. Jackson Brown, Jr., author of Life’s Little Instruction Book, was hired to help us with the commercial. Now, we were doing 30-second spots. They were the “Sizzling Summer Savings Days” and we got done filming the spot and took it to the studio. It was only 25 seconds! So, we put my flowered shirt on Don Aldridge (it was a little too small), shined an orange light on him and asked him to tell me how hot it was. One of the particularly sad looking takes, he said, “It’s Hot, Don…” Well, that only took up a second or two so I filled in, “You can say that again!” So, it was originally a filler. Man, I’ve heard it everywhere! I’ve been in Florida on the beach and heard a girl passing by say to her friend, “It’s hot, Don.” She didn’t even know I was there. I went to a SEC basketball game and was screaming at the ref. I get real excited about basketball. Some guy behind me said, “Is it hot, Don?” My favorite though, was an intern at the Bob and Tom Show, from Owensboro, was walking around saying it, and Bob and Tom said, “Who the hell is Don?”

Who is your favorite OW icon?

Waitman Taylor. Mr. Public Relations, Waitman is my “Forever Mayor.” He is the symbol of what Owensboro is all about. It’s also cool to have Darrell Waltrip. He used to sell cars for me and his father-in-law called and asked if Darrell would be able to support his daughter selling cars when this race car thing fell through.

Who would Don Moore be if he weren’t “Don Moore?”

This may sound funny and I hate to admit it, but I’m not a gear head at all. I love cars but my passion is business. I’d have some sort of business. Another thing I had to admit, and you’ll never believe is the only D I ever got in college was…Marketing! What’s so funny is that the Toma Study found that Don Moore is the highest “top of the mind awareness” in any market. That’s pretty good for a guy who got a D in Marketing!

What is your all-time favorite car?

I’ve driven more Tahoes than anything. I have a Sequoia now because the frame is built in Owensboro but I’d have to say, the hallmark of American automobile making would be the Corvette. That Chevy bowtie symbolizes American muscle. 1961 red Corvette.

What do you do for fun?

I compete in racing and triathlons, but right now, because of an injury, I’ve been biking. I have been recording my miles since 1986. It’s my guilty pleasure… (As he turns around to show me the countless spreadsheets he keeps up with of the dates, times, and people he has ran with.)

Tell me about your family.

I have been married for almost 26 years to Marla. I’m fortunate because she is really my best friend. We run together and looking back, her encouragement and ability to run a great household has helped me so much to find my peace. Don Penn and Ashley, my kids, both attended SMU in Dallas. Don graduated last December and Ashley will this December. I don’t know if the 5^th generation will come back and run things; my daughter has expressed interest in it. She struggles in Marketing too! Our family is a family of brothers. I have two that own part of the dealership as well. David Moore runs the Hartford Branch, and John is my significant sounding board. He’s not a “yes” man. He has innovative decisions about the business. My sister, Cynthia, is also a silent partner. She lives up in Louisville. My family and I spend every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Sunday together and we have so much fun. We get in our fights too, but it’s a party all the time.

What are your plans for the future?

We have caught a lot of flack for moving from being solely a Chevrolet dealer to carrying many major brands, but in order for us to have survived and been able to give back to the community, we’ve had to expand. We have a passion for community growth, and we support so many local charities and organizations, but in order to do that we’ve had to sustain and continue to grow.

Tripodder: Become a Slacker

Tom Fischer — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:45:40 GMT

As you adjust the volume while you’re listening to your favorite song, a magic genie appears and grants you a specific wish: “I will create a radio station just for you that you can take wherever you go. You are completely in control the content. Your wish is my command, what would you like?”

The hours and cost of downloading music from iTunes (or Limewire) are now over and you may only want to use your iPod on rare occasion. The genie has made this fantasy into reality with Slacker.com.

With our focus on innovation, technology and music, Tripodder.com interviews Slacker Vice President of Marketing Jonathan Sasse to bring you a more detailed understanding of why Slacker is being called, “the iPod killer.”

“We got a chance to do all the things we’ve wanted to do over the past decade and we’re having a lot of fun doing it,” Sasse. Sasse joined the Slacker Team of seasoned digital music space executives with resumes spanning from the release the first portable mp3 players in the ‘90s to creating the MusicMatch which became Yahoo! Music.

Compare the following process to your current routine of gathering and listening to music and see which you’d prefer.

Visit Slacker.com and type in your favorite artist. An intuitive system gives birth to your personalized station putting songs into spin that you should like from your selected artist and similar artists. If you land on an artist or song that you love, you can “heart” it and hear it more often. Find an artist or song you hate, you can ban it forever.

To further the experience, you can select several artists to create a comprehensive playlist of your favorites within one station. Tweak your station with varying levels of “artist discovery” to hear new artists with similar styles that you’ve likely never heard of. Bios of each artist and the song the album comes from pop up on your screen and with one click you become an instant expert.

If you don’t want to fool with creating a station, opt to select one of the 100 professionally programmed stations like “’90s Alternative,” “Today’s Hits,” even “Comedy.” Ok, you’re getting the picture.

Slacker.com has agreements with all four major publishing houses (EMI, Sony/ATV, Universal and Warner/Chappell) and experiencing the music online in the above described process is a free service. This last step will cost you, but is worth the investment. Plug in your Slacker Portable Radio and up to 4000 songs will be sent directly to the personalized stations on the Portable for your take with you on the go. Later in the day when you are in WI-FI range, you can instruct your Slacker Portable to connect to your account and keep your station fresh.

Imagine hundreds of new songs flying across the office automatically storing them on your Portable for you to listen to on you way back home that evening. You’re receiving new music you’ll love and you’re not even working to make it happen. In fact, Slacker’s slogan is, “Your Music Without the Work.” The cost for a Slacker Portable ranges between $199 and $299 depending on the number of stations and memory you want.

If you have 4,000 songs in your mp3 player, it took time to download them, right? The name “Slacker” truly represents the convenience of having a service do the work and research for you.

“We appeal to an interesting group of people who like a radio experience, but they are frustrated with traditional FM radio, satellite radio and how stale their music gets on mp3 players,” explains Sasse. For music lovers who want to keep their favorites to hear wherever they go, the Slacker portable allows users to upload their own mp3s too.

While Slacker.com is free service, it will soon have a minimal number of advertisements on both the online player and the Slacker Portable. For only $7.50 a month, users can purchase Slacker Premium Radio. Premium makes the online player and the Portable commercial-free, provides unlimited skipping and gives listeners the chance the save any song from the radio onto a personal library for “on-demand listening.” Having Slacker without the Premium option still gives users the ability to skip six songs an hour, pause, and create an unlimited number of personalized stations. The only catch with either service is you can’t rewind, you can only pause and skip to the next song.

Slacker DJs across the country are constantly programming and hand-selecting the channels to keep the experience fresh. “You might even get songs that were released on an album that hit the streets that day and you didn’t have to go research or download them,” says Sasse.

For Myspace.com users, Slacker has a publishing widget that lets you add your personalized radio station to your Myspace profile. Or surprise your friends and send them a station with their favorite artists they can enjoy. It’s the “mix tape” of the future.

Listen to our Slacker.com podcast interview with Jonathan Sasse on Tripodder.com’s podcast channel and add us on Myspace.com/Tripodder.

Kentucky Round-Up

Dan Latini — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:42:36 GMT

May is already upon us, so hurry and finish taking down the Christmas lights to enjoy the last vestiges of spring before that famous River City humidity settles in for the summer. Music, motors, and much more are all coming this month, so be sure to get out and take advantage of what Henderson has to offer, even if it only means a stroll alongside the river. Here are a few unique things to do in this month as well as a few to look forward to once June rolls around:

Farmers Markets Opening Now

Feeling flustered with frozen foods lately? Canned goods becoming cumbersome? You’re in luck, because a plethora of area farmers’ markets are opening for the summer season. Come for the fruits, come for the ambiance or even come just to get away from television reruns but whatever you do, make sure you don’t let this seasonal opportunity pass you by.

The Dixie Farmers Market – no word on whether any similarly named country musicians will present – will begin running from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. beginning April 24 and continue every Thursday in Erlanger Baptist Church of Erlanger, KY. Get in touch with Rebecca Volpe at (859) 727-2525 to learn more.

For those in the Independence, KY, area, the Simon Kenton Farmers Market begins April 26. The market will run from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. every Saturday at Simon Kenton High School, allowing plenty of time for an afternoon siesta. Larry Butler at (859) 960-0218 is the man to call if you want more details.

Finally, Kenton County residents can also enjoy the Northern Kentucky Regional Farmers Market in Covington, KY. With the exception of May 17, the market will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on every Saturday beginning May 10. Again, no worries about your afternoon nap. Call Mary Lyons at (859) 486-0058 or email her at mlyons@covingtonky.gov for more information.

International Bar-B-Q Festival

Anyone so bold as to want to participate in a 5K run/walk and then eat as much mutton as possible in the same weekend needs to attend Owensboro’s International Bar-B-Q Festival. Those interested in multiple stages of music, a golf tournament, carnival rides, pageantry, and enough hickory-smoked goodness to make a grown man cry are also welcome to the event, which runs during second weekend of May. A complete schedule of events and much more information can be found online at www.bbqfest.com or by phone at (270) 926-6938.

Homegrown Bluegrass and Creative Arts Festival

Forget those reruns of Reba – music with real twang is going to be in Audubon State Park May 16-17. Local bluegrass acts will perform, and open microphone opportunities will be available for those interested. Several booths of arts and crafts will also be featured. Bring your picks, your knits, or whatever else comes to mind or call (270) 826-2247 for more details.

Fundraiser at Big Daddy’s Boathouse

Come enjoy good food, good music, and good times for a great cause along the Ohio River at Big Daddy’s on May 16 and 17. Always-entertaining bands Casper and the Huckleberrys will be performing in the charity event for River View School, which specializes in education for students with down syndrome. Join the party at the open air venue and help support River View School by attending or calling (270) 826-2443 for more information.

Ohio Valley Cruisers 22^nd Annual Downtown Car Show

Henderson’s favorite car show returns to the downtown between 3^rd and 1^st on Main May 17-18. The parade and cruise-in takes place on May 17, while the competition occurs on the May 18. Registration runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the day of the competition, so be sure to finish clean up your favorite classic, import, or custom and cruise Main Street with the other enthusiasts. More information can be found by phone at either (270) 826-5831 or (270) 869-4699.

City of Henderson Atkinson Park Pool Opens

Whether the calendar agrees or not, come and celebrate the beginning of summer at Atkinson Park Pool’s seasonal opening. Friends and family of all ages are welcome. Enjoy the L-shape main pool, wading pool, and mushroom waterfall seven days a week starting 11 a.m. on May 24. Those interested should call (270) 831-1230 for more information.