How exactly do you sum up a city whose unorthodox culture has bred an equally diverse music scene? Like this: Louisville is named after King Louis XVI, the beheaded French tyrant, whose concrete likeness still graces the city square. It’s a city that manufactures the wooden weapons for America’s greatest pastime. It’s also the host the world’s most decadent and depraved equine sporting event, The Kentucky Derby, which also brings through some of the year’s best live shows.
It’s a city that gave birth to a man simply known as “The Greatest” and another one simply known as “Gonzo.” From Muhammad Ali to My Morning Jacket, Darrell Griffith to Days of the New, Rick Pitino to Nappy Roots or Hunter S. Thompson to, umm, FLAW, this is Louisville.
VENUES
HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL
1386 Lexington Rd.
Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 584-8088
WWW.HEADLINERSLOUISVILLE.COM
— The city’s best room sound-wise, it also plays host to many of the nation’s best touring acts that frequent Louisville.
THE MONKEY WRENCH
1025 Barret Ave.
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 582-2433
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MONKEYWRENCH1
— Part tribute to Louisville’s art scene and Hunter S. Thompson, this bar hosts a crazy array of musicians and patrons with a multitude of personalities, just like HST would’ve probably expected.
THE RUDYARD KIPLING
422 West Oak St.
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 636-1311
WWW.THERUDYARDKIPLING.COM
— One of the longer established live music joints, “The Rud” as many locals call it, is still frequented by a number of long-time area favorites.
UNCLE SLAYTON’S
1017 E. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 657-9555
WWW.UNCLESLAYTONS.COM
— A small downtown club that hosts one-man bands to five-man bands (comfortably) and has made itself known for supporting the local indie music scene.
ZANZABAR
2100 South Preston St.
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 635-9227
WWW.zANzABARLOuISVILLE.COM
— On the northern fringe of Germantown, you’ll find this hip little bar where loud rock and roll and PBR reign supreme. Usually.
*Venues to avoid: Phoenix Hill Tavern, Jim Porter’s, 3rd Street Dive & Wick’s Pizza
RECORD STORES
BETTER DAYS
2600 West Broadway
Louisville, KY 40211
(502) 774-9909
— Somehow, this little record store stays open with virtually no website or digital storefront for its patrons. Just the brick and mortar on Broadway.
UNDERGROUND SOUNDS
2003 Highland Ave.
Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 485-0174
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/UNDERGROUNDSOUNDS
— Known for hard-to-find vinyl, this low-key landmark has survived the digital age while staying true to its nostalgic business model.
GEAR
GUITAR EMPORIUM
1610 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville, KY 40205
(502) 459-4153
WWW.GUITAR-EMPORIUM.COM
— This specialty shop boasts a wide selection of strings and is frequented by many touring artists who’ve got a gig in the Highlands.
UNCLE SAM’S JAMMS
1209 Durrett Ln.
Louisville, KY 40213
(502) 368-4300
WWW.UNCLESAMSJAMMS.COM
— Owner Jeff Gomez and company provide a full-service repair and support department for musicians in addition to new and used equipment sales.
PRESS
LEO WEEKLY
301 East Main Street, Suite 201
Louisville, KY 40202
pberkowitz@leoweekly.com
WWW.LEOWEEKLY.COM
— Founded by Congressman John Yarmuth in 1989, this little weekly alternative pub still reigns supreme for music lovers of the weird and other liberal radicals of all sorts.
91.9 WFPK
619 S. Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
WWW.WFPK.ORG
— As one of Louisville’s only thriving radio stations, this little public FM station has built a reputation for supporting the independent music scene. It’s a refreshing alternative to what’s traditionally been dominated by the corporate Clear Channel radio market.
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Louisville Scuttlebutt 
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