Check out These Five Iconic Concerts Elvis Held in Louisville in Honor of the King’s Birthday

As the new year rolls around, there's another date approaching that has some Louisville residents "all shook up."

Every January 8th, Elvis Presley fans around the world remember the King's birthday. For Elvis lovers in Louisville, there's plenty to reminisce about. The King of Rock and Roll made many stops in Louisville throughout his career, playing sold-out shows and singing his way into the history of Louisville and the hearts of its residents. As we remember the King's birthday this year, let's take a look at the five concerts Elvis played here that have stood the test of time.

1956 at the Jefferson County Armory: A New Superstar Appears on the Scene

Although Elvis Presley's first official Louisville concert was held in 1956 at the Jefferson County Armory (which is now known as the Louisville Gardens), he had actually played in Louisville before. In 1955, prior to his appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and his break into stardom, Elvis had played a private function at Louisville's Rialto Theater, appearing third on the bill. A year later Elvis headlined this sold-out show at the Armory, which has been preserved in part by silent video footage.

1971 at Freedom Hall: The King Returns

In part because of family connections, Elvis returned several times to Louisville throughout his career. Elvis' grandparents, Jesse and Vera Presley, lived in South Louisville - and whenever the King came to town he made sure to visit them. His next performance in Louisville wouldn't come again until 1971, however, when he played these three dates at Freedom Hall.

1974 at Freedom Hall: "They Can't Stop Lovin' Elvis"

Elvis would return once again to Freedom Hall in 1974. A newspaper review from 1974 with the headline "They Can't Stop Lovin' Elvis" said that "About 20,000 Presleyites turned out for the rock 'n roll king's return to Louisville after four years. A majority of those were squirming, squeaking, heart-clutching women - young and old. Just the thought of him or the mention of his name evoked squeals of adoration."

1976 at Freedom Hall: "Still Their King"

Two years later Elvis was back at Freedom Hall again for another memorable performance. As Elvis' career approached its final years, one newspaper review from the Louisville Courier-journal with the headline "Still Their King" said that Elvis was once again greeted with "moans and screams of ecstasy" from fans as he took the stage.

1977 at Freedom Hall: A Final Farewell

1977 would mark Elvis' final appearance at Freedom Hall and his final visit to Louisville. Elvis appeared in his final Louisville concert on May 21st, and three months later, passed away. His legacy, however, remains strong in Louisville to this day.

These five performances mark all of Elvis' official appearances in Louisville. However, Elvis may have visited Louisville at other times to see his grandparents, and local legend also claims that Elvis even once held an unannounced performance at Louisville's Colonial Gardens. For any Presley fan who had a chance to witness Elvis at any of these performances, the experience has been a memorable or even life-changing event, and each of these concerts has marked a special piece of Louisville history for rock 'n roll fans.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Incredible Hikes in Jefferson Memorial Forest

Just outside Louisville, Kentucky, the largest urban forest in the United States, Jefferson Memorial Forest, awaits hikers and nature lovers. The more than 6,000 acres of forested trails are managed as a memorial to U.S. veterans, inviting people to step out of the hustle and bustle of the city and contemplate the beauty of this great country.

Great Walks, Accessible to Everyone

The network of well-maintained trails in the Jefferson Memorial Forest range from really easy to strenuous. As an introduction, The Tulip Trail, at just a third of a mile, is paved and wheelchair accessible, and offers a perfect way for mobility-impaired and elderly folks to enjoy the beauty of nature. Other hikes for the entire family are the Caperton Swamp loop, at just less than a mile, and the Beargrass Creek path, a popular destination for guided night hikes, including the fabulously romantic candlelit Valentine's hike. Couples might also try the Kulmer Beach Trail that leads to a series of beaches along the Ohio River. Even on short excursions, a wonderful variety of topography will open up for a pleasant and refreshing experience.

Ramping It Up a Notch: Fresh Air Workouts

Want to work up a sweat? The Siltstone trail leads walkers up and down a series of inclines to a ridge that offers panoramic views of Louisville. At 6.7 miles, it's extendable to 10 miles with the addition of the Scotts Gap Loop. The Blue Trail is another hike billed at “moderate” that has intermediate moments, including some steep ascents and descents, if a more intense workout is what you're after. The trail leads through open hardwood forests. The Yellow Loop Trail also offers challenges to more experienced hikers, with two serious climbs along its strenuous 8.9 mile route.

Group Excursions Bring Sociability and Learning

Aside from the very special Valentine's event, evening hikes are very popular at Jefferson Memorial Forest. The Louisville Hiking Meetup organizes hikes to Wallace Lake, where they light campfires and roast marshmallows before heading back to the Welcome Center by 11:30 PM. Another sociable outing is the "Howl at the Moon" dog walks that happen all summer long. Dogs need to be on leashes and have up-to-date vaccination records. Led by forest staff, the hikes are a great way to meet other dog owners and share tips about adventuring in the wild with four-legged friends. Beginner and intermediate hikers can also enjoy free, guided hikes on the last Saturday of every month. The volunteers who run these excursions are full of knowledge of the forest’s natural history, and will help you uncover fossils and hone your orienteering skills.

If you are looking for something different to do and enjoy getting out and stretching your legs, the Jefferson Memorial Forest is for you. A park with plenty of free educational opportunities, this beautifully maintained recreation area has a variety of options for visitors. The guided hikes are designed to bring people together, whether it's couples out for a romantic stroll or dog lovers wanting to head for the hills in packs. The crisp air, and the lovely views by the river, lake, and on the high ridges, will reward visitors willing to step out of the concrete jungle and into the pristine forest. 

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

Get Your Blood Pumping With AMSOIL Arenacross - In Louisville for Two Nights Only!

Living in Louisville, Kentucky, you're not short on opportunities for fun and engaging events. You may, however, be interested in experiencing an exhilarating event that will get your blood pumping. If you happen to be a motorcycle fan, the AMSOIL Arenacross is just the event for you. The event will be held on January 18th and 19th at Freedom Hall. An experience that will free all of your inhibitions, AMSOIL Arenacross in Louisville is a premier sporting event of enclosed off-road motorcycle racing on unique man-made dirt tracks.

Ricky Carmichael: A Success in Motocross

Inspiring kids and teens alike who aspire to become successful racers, Ricky Carmichael is likely one of the most well-known names and success stories in the industry. Born in Clearwater, Florida, Carmichael endeavored in a successful amateur career in motorsport before joining the Kawasaki team in 1997. His many wins and unrelenting career in the industry have given him an illustrious and sought-after name, which many young racers look up to.

Aspiring motocross racers who look up to Ricky Carmichael, who has been nicknamed the GOAT for "Greatest of All Time"—will be overjoyed to attend AMSOIL Arenacross in Louisville this year. This event features Ricky Carmichael himself in the Ricky Carmichael's Road to Supercross, which was established in its first year of running in 2013. This program sets out to build an official feeder system for Monster Energy Supercross, and, ultimately, to ensure that aspiring teens of the sport will showcase their talents at AMOSIL Arenacross.

New Playing Ground for AMSOIL Arenacross

Last year AMSOIL Arenacross introduced a new competition format that has been carried through to the 2014 season. This new format includes Main Events during each competition that pay in points, and the added inversion rule brings a wild card to the second main event. On this night, anywhere from zero to eight, or even the entire 16-rider field, will have their gates inverted before the final race of the evening. The championship will be given towards the overall total. The Race of the Championship commences thereafter, which is a race towards the gold amongst the top ten riders after the conclusion of the first six rounds. The scores of the top ten riders are restarted, allowing each racer to battle on new playing ground for the AMSOIL Arenacross title.

If you're an aspiring motocross racer or simply someone who enjoys being a part of the blood pumping action, pick up your tickets for Louisville's AMSOIL Arenacross event on January 18th and 19th. The first show will commence at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 18th, and you will have a second opportunity to enjoy the action on Sunday, January 19th at noon. Tickets range from $20 to $30 dollars for adults on Saturday, and tickets for children from ages 2 to 12 are only $5. General admission for Sunday's event is $5 for children and $10 for adults. 

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

The Countdown is on for 4th St Live! Check Out This New Year’s Spectacular Schedule

If you are spending New Year's Eve in Louisville, Kentucky this year, you are likely to come across several great and popular events where residents ring in the coming year. Although there are many different options for celebrating the New Year in Louisville, there is one particular event that stands out from the crowd. The Fourth Street Live event is Louisville's largest New Year's Eve party, and the one that most Louisville locals will suggest to other locals and visitors alike. Here’s what to expect this year.

The Largest Party Any Tuesday Has Ever Seen

As what will likely become the largest party you'll ever attend on a Tuesday evening, this event will stand strong in comparison to your other New Year's Eve experiences of the past years. Bud Light hosts this event, which has been a favorite among Louisville locals and visitors in its past years. Ringing in the New Year and welcoming 2014 at Fourth Street Live in Louisville means watching the ball drop in New York's Times Square on the large LED screen, being showered with balloons and confetti at midnight, and enjoying the open bar from 9 PM to 1 AM. You can dance the night away to the on-stage live music that will fill your evening with great moves.

Light Up the Sky with Fireworks

The fireworks display put on by the Fourth Street Live New Year's Eve event has become well known and popular among Louisville locals, and is the largest and most prominent fireworks show in downtown Louisville. Families, couples, and singles can visit the event free of charge to watch the fireworks, which take place at the central part of the city on 4th Street near Liberty Street. Drawing thousands of Louisville locals every year - and some lucky visitors as well – this is one event you can’t miss. You can enjoy the fireworks from the main event itself or some lucky nearby vantage points.

Locals and Visitors: Tickets for the Main Event

The cost of the New Year's Eve main event at Fourth Street Live hosted by Bud Light is $90 for singles and $170 for couples. If you are visiting Louisville for the holidays and need a place to stay, the Hyatt Regency Louisville offers a package that includes access to the Fourth Street Live event. For an extra $100 per adult, you'll receive luxurious accommodations, entry and open bar at Fourth Street Live, as well as an all-access pass to PBR Louisville, the Sports and Social Club, Marquee Bar, Kill Devil Club, and Tengo Sed Cantina.

The positive reviews for this event are long and detailed. With such a wide variety of options that suit all kinds of locals and visitors, it is no wonder Fourth Street Live has quickly become the city's most sought-after New Year's Eve event. Ringing in the New Year has never looked better, with options for enjoying the fireworks with your family free of charge, or partying the night away to confetti and live music with an open bar.

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

The Ultimate Guide to Pubs in Germantown

Whether you're vying for a place with good food and great beer or you're just looking for a Louisville pub for a night out with your friends, there are more than a few options for getting a sip and whetting your appetite in Germantown. Here’s everything you need to know about Germantown’s best pubs.

Hammerheads

Located at 921 Swan Street in a building that has been home to a variety of bars and eateries since its beginning, Hammerheads recently opened in Germantown in 2013. Owned and operated by Adam Burress and Chase Mucerino, Hammerheads is the space's latest incarnation and may be one of its most culinary. While the room has been left much the same, the menu is what makes the difference. Featuring affordable options like hand-cut fries with truffle oil, potato chips fried in duck fat and even a smoked catfish fried fish sandwich, Hammerheads kicks up the notch on the local food scene and even adds an impressive offering of bottle and draft beers from all over the country.

Four Pegs Beer Lounge

Owned by Smitty and Becky Smith, this Germantown spot brings inexpensive fun to the mix of drinking establishments in the area. Formerly the Germantown Cafe, the space was renovated with lamps, bistro tables, booths and soft light to give it a casual, laid back vibe. Whether you're a beer aficionado or you're just looking for a casual drink, Four Pegs is a great place to hang out with friend and have a few sips. Featuring a classic, concise pub menu and a great selection of rotating beers, Four Pegs is ideal for those on a budget, because every menu item is under eleven dollars!

Nachbar

Located at 969 Charles Street and housed in a building that dates back to the 1930's, Nachbar still features a lot of the decor of the past in addition to the updated signage and stained glass windows. With small, wooden tables and a selection of carefully chosen craft beers, Nachbar has an eclectic and extremely casual atmosphere that's perfect for a younger crowd that is just looking to have a drink. Hosting many unique events and featuring live jazz once a week, this hipster hangout has a great beer selection with a no-fuss flare.

Coach Lamp Restaurant and Pub

Like most buildings in the area, the Coach Lamp Restaurant and Pub building dates back to 1872 when it was used as a coaching inn. Having gone through many different incarnations, the Coach Lamp still alludes to its old history by serving the same prime rib and mashed potatoes as the olden days. Currently owned by Gail and Billy Darling, the Coach Lamp now features an eclectic dining experience with items ranging from seared scallops to catfish to fried chicken and the beers to match it. With reasonable prices and quality food, the Coach Lamp interior surpasses its unassuming exterior.

If you're in Germantown and you're looking for a good beer and a meal to go with it, one of these pubs might suit your fancy. Whether you want something casual and cheap or a unique pub experience, there's an option in Germantown that might be exactly what you're looking for.

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

Orchestrating Greatness: Four Things You Never Knew About the Louisville Orchestra

To some, the Louisville Orchestra may seem like any other American big-city orchestra. But for those in the know, this orchestra has a rich history full of surprises and one-of-a-kind achievements. Today the Louisville Orchestra continues their legacy by performing classics as well as newly commissioned pieces. Here are four facts about the Louisville Orchestra that might surprise you.

The Orchestra Started With a Flood

The Louisville Orchestra first started in 1937, not long after a major flood ravaged the city. While the city was still recovering from the flood damage, and while the country was struggling to deal with the effects of the Great Depression, an ambitious young conductor named Robert Whitney decided that Louisville would be the best place to build up the world's next great orchestral ensemble. Whitney soon became known as America's hardest working conductor, as he took the group from dingy back-room rehearsals to fame on the world stage.

The Orchestra Became World Famous in the 1950s Thanks to a Grant From the Rockefeller Foundation

Thanks to Whitney's hard work, and the willing partnership of Louisville's arts-loving mayor Charles Farnsley, the Louisville orchestra grew in popularity during the 1940s. Then, in 1948, Farnsley had a novel idea - one that would eventually put Louisville on the map in the international music scene. Farnsley decided that, instead of relying on older pieces, the orchestra would focus on commissioning new works from contemporary composers around the world. This impressed the Rockefeller Foundation, which gave the orchestra a grant of $400,000 in 1953 (the equivalent of $3.5 million today, an unprecedented figure at the time). Thanks to this grant, the Louisville orchestra was able to commission 156 new pieces in over the next three years. From then on, Louisville became known as the "house of new music" in the classical world.

The Orchestra Played a Part in the Cold War

With the threat of war with the Soviet Union looming in the late 1950s, Louisville played its own role in creating "detente" with the Soviets. Thanks to the ongoing commissioning project, the orchestra was able to bring Soviet composers like Dmitri Shostakovich and Dmitri Kabalevsky to America in 1957. The famous composers saw for themselves what the U.S. was like, and also provided the American audience with a thrilling taste of their passionate and fiery Russian compositions.

The Orchestra Was Locked Out From May 2011 to April 2012

Despite its success and popularity, the Louisville Orchestra has struggled with finances over the years, just as many other orchestras have. In May 2011, the Louisville Orchestra Musicians' Association (LOMA) officially began strike action in protest of layoffs and other cuts by the orchestra management. This led to the cancelling of several performances, but fortunately for classical music fans in Louisville, the LOMA reached an agreement with the orchestra management in April 2012, and the orchestra is now back on track delivering great performances all year round.

Nowadays, the orchestra continues to please audience with classic pieces such as Brahms' Violin Concerto, pops favorites with hits from movies like "Gone With the Wind" and "the Wizard of Oz," and modern twists like their take on Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." Come see for yourself what this orchestra, which has been around for over 75 years, has to offer.

About the Author:  Joe Hayden is the Team Owner and Manager of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team - Your Louisville Real Estate Experts!

Visions of Tibet at the Muhammad Ali Center

The Muhammad Ali Center is holding a temporary exhibit featuring photographic work of Sonam Zoksang. Born in Kyirong, Tibet in 1960, Zoksang lived through the brutal Chinese invasion. His parents escaped to India when Zoksand was one month old. He grew up in refugee schools, earned a degree in Buddhist Dialects and taught himself photography. Zoksand moved to the United States in 1985 and began Vision of Tibet, which specializes in selling the finest handicrafts from Tibet, Nepal and India.

Zoksang is active in the Tibetan Community as an advocate for human rights and political change. He sits on the Board of Directors of the US Tibet Committee and has been president of the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey. His mission is to tell the story of his homeland through photography. His photos document Tibetans and Tibetan life, both in and out of Tibet. Whenever he can, Zoksang returns to his homeland to continue to document the conditions in his Chinese-occupied homeland.

To find other events in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

Louisville's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Starting October 10th and running through November 2nd, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is taking place at Louisville's Iroquois Park. This tradition began in Oxford, Massachusetts in 1988 and is entertainment for the whole family!

Guests can expect to be impressed with 5,000 carved pumpkins lining a 1/4 mile trail, illuminated at night as an "art-show" and carved into veritable works of art. Proceeds benefit the Louisville Metro Parks Foundation and Kosair Charities. Tickets can be purchased online or buy calling 502-363-7766.

To find other events in the area, please visit our Louisville Homes website.

Aimee Mann to Perform at the Clifton Center

Aimee Mann is performing at the Clifton Center on Sunday, October 6th at 7:30 p.m. with special guest Ted Leo. Mann rose to stardom in the late 90s, following the release of her soundtrack to the movie Magnolias, which included the Academy Award nominated hit single, Save Me. Since then, Mann has recorded several critically acclaimed albums, including her most recent effort, Charmer.

 

To find other concerts and events in the area, please visit our website at www.JoeHaydenRealtor.com.

NuLu Festival 2013

As Idea Festival 2013 wraps up in Louisville, locals can look forward to the NuLu Festival on Saturday, September 28th! NuLu is hosting the street festival celebrating the revitalization of Louisville's East Market District and invites guests to come enjoy live music by Sonablast Records, micro-brewed beers by Louisville Beer Store, and numerous food and retail booths by local vendors.

This area in Louisville has undergone a total transformation in the past several years and is best known for its art galleries, unique specialty stores, antique shops and a growing number of upscale restaurants. In addition, the neighborhood is home to two LEED certified commercial buildings, many historic restoration projects, as well as several restaurants offering organic and locally sourced ingredients.

To find other great events in the area, please visit the website of the Joe Hayden Real Estate Team.