The event begins with a Vinyl Swap Market starting at 6 pm with raffles of classic Louisville albums. DJ sets with Cal & John, hosts of WCHQ's 'Monday Night On The Hill' on 100.9FM Radio. Against The Grain Brewery will be serving up some of Louisville's finest brews and 502 cafe will be serving a variety of beverages including Coopers' Craft Bourbon. Heine Brothers' Coffee Airstream will be on hand as well. Free and open to the public. 319 S. Shelby st. 6-11pm.
As many long time supporters of Louisville Zombie Attack know, They have been battling against an imposter walk over the last couple years that has a very similar name and hosts it's walk 3 days before Zombie Attack traditionally holds theirs (8:29pm on 8/29) at Eastern Parkway & Bardstown rd (where Zombie Attack has always held theirs). A lawsuit against the new zombie walk is ongoing and the original Zombie Attack has had to be creative to continue their long standing tradition in Louisville, while being forced out of their traditional walk path.
So Louisville Zombie Attack has decided to turn their event into a funeral, stating on their website ''If you want to destroy a cherished Louisville Holiday on 8/26, we'll throw you a funeral 3 days later''; so on Tuesday, August 29th (Zombie Attack Day), at Zanzabar will be the
LOUISVILLE ZOMBIE ATTACK PRESENTS: A FUNERAL FOR INDECENCY!
Events start at 6 pm at Zanzabar with the Never Nervous Presents the George A. Romero Tribute Double Feature Matinee and dinner specials (under 21 permitted) followed by Michael Hartman’s Walking Dead Split Flipper Pinball Tourney at 10pm. Live entertainmentstarts at 9pm in the Dead Forest room by Clownvis, Tony Robot, Season Of the Witch, and Sick Little Things (Alice Cooper Tribute Band).
There will also be a Costume Contest at 11pm. Categories include: 'Best Funeral Attire' 'Best Couple In Mourning' & 'Best Looking Corpse' (prizes provided by Ratterman Funeral Home).
5 years ago Joan Jett graced the Kentucky State Fair on my mother's birthday, August 19th, and when I asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday there was only one answer: Go see Joan Jett! Of course! it was great show, even when Joan was having health issues and had to take a brief break, she powered through, playing a masterful hour and a half set, read the review here.
So when it was announced that Joan Jett and the Blackhearts would be playing again at the Kentucky State Fair, this time on my birthday, August 29th, it was a no-brainer, even though as many of you know for the last decade I have hosted the Louisville Zombie Attack on that day. The truth on that is, I had been coming up against internal disputes with the co-organizer over logistical aspects of Zombie Attack, so why be where you aren't wanted, when instead you can be with your loved ones at a Joan Jett show? I have heard that Zombie Attack this year didn't go smooth and all I can say about that is I wasn't involved, not really by choice, but still I was sorry to hear it wasn't what everyone expected, especially for the residents of the Highlands.
When we arrived at Cardinal Stadium I could hear my name echoed on the walkie-talkies of the crew, and was asked to follow a security guard to the stage. My girlfriend and I were then whisked onto the stage where 2 chairs were waiting for us on the left side of the stage! Joe Site the head sound engineer at Zanzabar had set up a wonderful birthday surprise for me, and we got to watch the entire show from the stage!
Joan Jett and company hit the stage promptly at 9pm starting with Bad reputation, from her debut solo album of the same name, followed by Cherry bomb, originally played by Jett's first band The Runnaways, written in 1976 by an 18 year old Joan Jett.
For the 3rd song, Do You Wanna Touch (oh yeah), originally by the infamous and disgraced Gary Glitter, Jett led the Audience in a build up of the chorus before the band kicked in. It was one of those guided audience participation moments that actually worked. The crowd sang the chorus for Do You Wanna Touch through the whole song, to much delight. The band followed this up with TMI, Soul Mates to Strangers, and You Drive Me Wild; The first song she ever wrote and originally preformed with the Runaways. Ambiguously sexy Joan Jett jumped all over stage with as much enthusiasm as ever, with no notice of her previous health issues.
Jett and Co. also played new tracks, such as Make it Back, written about living through hurricane Sandy and seeing so many people working together to survive, as well as old hits including Light of Day written by Bruce Springsteen as the theme song for a movie Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett stared in by the same name. Recorded by Jett and the Blackhearts it reached 33 on billboard in 1987; credited as The Barbusters, the band name from the movie.
Other songs included Fragile, Love is Pain, Hard to Grow Up, Sick Friends, and Any Weather written with Dave Grohl. After an hour Jett brought out the heavy hitters including I Love Rock n Roll and Crimson and Clover, in which the band drops out so the crowd can sing chorus before jumping back in for an explosive ending to their signature cover of the Tommy James song, before ending the set with Hate Myself for Loving You. After the band leaves the stage. The crowd chants Joan - Jett - Joan - Jett until she returns for the encore. The drummer, Thommy Price, comes out first to lay down a drum beat before the rest of the band joins him to play several songs in quick succession including Different and Real Wild Child before concluding the night with her cover of Everyday People.
The 11th annual Louisville Zombie Attack is due this August 29th, drawing thousands of participants to the Highlands area and with them comes hundreds of thousands in estimated revenue for area bars, restaurants, and shops. With numbers estimated near 40 thousand participants it may be surprising that the event it's self struggles to pay the permits and fees associated with keeping thousands of people safe. The event organizers rely on donations and sponsors to pay the estimated $10,000 needed to put on the event. In 2013 Zombie Attack put on a crowd funding campaign to help pay the bills, that astoundingly received less than a dozen donors and generating less than 1/3 of the money needed.
The organizers have decided to try again this year, and after the first week of campaigning, have still not received a single dollar. For a town that prides it's self on 'keeping Louisville Weird' as well as cherishing home-grown events, this seems a little shocking, especially for an annual event that is continually listed on top 10 regional events and attractions.
If you enjoy unique Louisville events, it may be time to pony up a buck or two, as well harass friends and gore fans to do the same.
Find more information at the Louisville Zombie Attack crowd funding page here
or donate directly at Louisvillezombieattack.org/donate
This coming FRIDAY THE 13TH at Haymarket Whiskey Bar will be the 'Halfway to Zombie Attack' dance party & fundraiser. Films sponsored by The Louisville Gore Club 8-10pm, Zombie Costume Contest at 10:30pm (winner receives a $50 Giftcard to Caufield's Novelty). DJ sets by Randy of Better Days Records and Zombie Attack organizers John King & Lyndi Lou 11-3am.
After unexpected bills from the city government ranging in thousands, Louisville Zombie Attack is throwing a fundraiser that will be FREE, but will be taking donations and selling limited edition Zombie Attack Anniversary T-Shirts for just $10. Also Door Prizes & Raffles include a $25 giftcard from Guestroom Records, a giftbox from Ultra Pop, and more.
The 10th annual LOUISVILLE ZOMBIE ATTACK will commence this friday August 29th at 8:29 pm. Due to this being the Decade mark, the starting point will be at Bardstown & Eastern Parkway (where it all started 10 years ago) as well as a second starting point at Mid City Mall (like last year) for large groups & families. There will be a pre-party starting at 6 at The Back Door with make up artist Steve-O The Phenix, and booths and 'family friendly' activities in the parking lot sponsored by Mid City Mall.
The End Point will be at Highland Taproom with 2 outdoor stages and an indoor stage. Main Outdoor Stage: Dead Halos, Vice Tricks, & Nülydedz. Indoor stage- DJ Steve Vessell, Dead Dick Hammer, Trophy Wives, & We Are Hex. Live Art, performance, & Costume Contest will be on small outdoor stage. More information at LOUISVILLEZOMBIEATTACK.ORG
The 10th annual LOUISVILLE ZOMBIE ATTACK is August 29th. Due to being the 10th year, the start of the walk will be where the very first walk started, Bardstown & Eastern Prkwy. The walk ends at Highlands Tap Room with Bands, costume contests and mayhem. Bands include Vice Tricks, Dead Halo, Trophy Wives, Nuly Dedz & We Are Hex. More information at www.louisvillezombieattack.org
The End is Nigh once again, on Aug. 29 the largest and longest running annual zombie walk
in the region will bring thousands of undead into the streets for this totally free event: LOUISVILLE ZOMBIE ATTACK!
From 6 - 8 p.m. will be a movie and make up pre-party at The Back Door, located in Mid-City Mall.
At 8:29 p.m. the walk will begin in the Mid-City Mall parking lot and go north down Bardstown Road and Grindstead Drive (becomes Winter Ave) to Barret Ave.
From 9 p.m. to Midnight- there will be a street party on the 1000 block of Barret Ave. with a concert from Squeezebot and Vice Tricks and a costume contest on the main stage.
The Monkey Wrench will host performances from The Revenants, All Dead, Pelts, DJ Count Gronzy and DJ Rev. Spook from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Barret Bar & Grill will host zombie bike polo with the Louisville Hardcourt Bike Polo Club on the Barret Bar hardcourt from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
and if your still looking for something to do after all this, you could walk on down to Headliners for a late night Daft Punk Tribute show called One More Time with OK Deejays $12adv/$15door
John king: You said it. I moved to Berea Ky in 2011.
37: just after the end of the Louisville Is for Lovers Valentine’s series. Was that on purpose?
John king: somewhat. I was really hoping to stay in town and continue doing projects full force. But even after a decade slinging records and putting on events I still couldn’t figure out how to make money. I’ve never been much of a business guy, so I always had to work on the side. After the economic crush of 2008 finding work got tough. At the end I was doing temporary work in warehouses, 7pm-5am. It was rough. So I decided apply for work across the globe and take the first thing that came along.
37: what types of work did you apply for?
John king: I looked for work in my skill set, which there isn’t a whole lot out there, but lots of people wanting the work. I applied for music industry jobs, mostly writing. There was a job producing for a record label in Australia. But they decided in the end that bringing in an American was risky. They said in the past Americans tended to go back home. But they represented a lot of US bands including Louisville bands like My Morning Jacket and Bonnie “Prince” Billy, so that might have helped me from being too homesick.
The first solid YES I was offered was a full scholarship to Berea College. I was also given a job at the Berea College Sound Archives. They have the largest collection of non-commercial traditional music, and I work mostly in that.
37: So in some way you are still working in music?
John king: Oh, yes. It’s actually not so different from what I did with the Valentine’s series. I go through the recordings and pick out a good sampling and create specific collections along with biographies I write and put it on our online library.
37: and how are you adjusting to school life?
It’s tough. I’m a Louisville boy, you know. But I’m starting my 3rd year in the fall so it’s slowly getting easier. I didn’t expect college to completely alter my life, but hoped it would at least give me a few years of gainful employment until I figure out how to pay the bills. The school it’s self is interesting. It’s been around since before the civil war, and has always been free to Kentucky and Appalachian students that show promise but without means to attend to school. But they can only accommodate about 13% of applicants so I’d say my biggest complaint is that they aren’t pulling a DMX and opening up shop all over the country.
37: The Ruff Ryders’ Anthem. Classic.
John King: Yeah, “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” is one of my favorites. “How’s It going Down” is always a great go-to tough guy love song.
37: agreed. What’s that guy up to these days I wonder?
John King: I don’t know. I think since his jail stints he has been performing some. I sorta met him once. In 2004 I was living in Brooklyn and was walking down the street with a friend and he said “look it’s DMX” and there he was standing in the road wearing only a pair of rubber wader overalls. It was interesting. I said ‘Hey DMX!’and He might have nodded back us intentionally.
37: So, what have you been up to this summer?
John King: Good question. I have been in Louisville mostly. It’s really the first time I’ve spent any amount of time here since I left. I was here for a few weeks to get Zombie Attack together last year in between summer school, but this year I opted to do an internship based in Louisville so I could be home for a while.
37: What’s the internship entail?
John King: I am working with Magnolia Photo Booth Co. along with a grant from Berea College to travel across the Southern Appalachian Mountains with my buddy and Magbooth founder Daniel Sanders taking portraits for the College Archives. They have a Volkswagen Westfalia that we sleep in and is also outfitted with a photo booth and printing station. It’s pretty fun and we document it on our travel blog. We have been all over; Asheville NC, Appalachia VA, New River WV, Black Mountain KY, Clinch Mountain Tenn. To name a few..
Hatfield and McCoy fest in WV
37: Seems like fun. And quite amount of work. Anytime for Louisville?
John King: Ha, yes. Since I haven’t been back in so long, I wanted to make good use of my time at home and do as much as possible. We have been cooking up some new exciting releases at Louisville Is for Lovers including a new full length album by Team Totoro in August and a ‘Louisville Is For Covers’ album for the 20th anniversary of the Palace Brothers ‘There Is No-One What Will Take care Of You’ in the fall.
37: That’s quite a lot.
John King: yeah, well I have to make up for lost time. I was hoping to keep more of a presence when I moved to Berea but quickly became overwhelmed with school and an office job. Before I went back to school I never liked when people said school was keeping them too busy for anything else, but now I’m eating crow over that. I totally get it now.
John King: It’s always crazy jumping through all the hoops and getting all the permits and keeping everyone happy.. And finding the funds to pay for it. Louisville Traffic Safety put last year’s total at 15,000. If we grow like we have in the past, then we expect this year to be around 18,000. We are looking for sponsors and have set up a crowd funding campaign through Rocket Hub to help raise funds: http://www.rockethub.com/projects/29156-louisville-zombie-attack-2013
37: Anything else?
John King: I’ll let you know when I remember. Oh, I'll try and post here more often, and we'll be covering Forecastle here too.
the 7th annual Zombie Attack Monday August 29th at 8:29pm at Bearno’s at bardstown rd. Entertainment by Va Va Vixins, Terpiscore, Ok Zombie, The Zombieland Marching Band DJ Seagal and more!
Costume Contests for: Hot Zombie, Gross Zombie, King & Queen Zombie, Golden Machete.
Zombie Movie Night sunday August 28th at 8:30pm viewing Night Of The Living Dead, with live soundtrack by Ok Zombie. both events are free and all ages.
now that 2010 (and for that matter, the first decade of the 21st century) is over, we have asked several friends of 37 Flood to share with us their favorite Louisville shows and local albums of 2010, and their favorite Albums, Books, Movies, TV, and other media events of 2000-2010. Over the next few weeks we will be posting the lists, and we hope you will share your own lists with us. just leave your lists in a comment and be entered to win one of several great prizes including a copy of the new Deloreans CD "American Craze" or a copy of the limited edition Louisville is for Lovers "Anniversary" signed by featured artists. winners will be picked at the end of January.
John's favorite 2010 Louisville shows list (in chronological order):
it has taken us way to long to compile all the video and photos to map out and count ZOMBIE ATTACK 2010, but with record numbers there was a lot to review.
after carefully reviewing the footage, our top scientists have concluded that on 8/29/10 at 9pm there were 5,400 zombies within the barricade on Bardstown RD. with a conservative estimate of 6-7 thousand total!
we would like to thank everyone who came out to help us break the world record (previous record: 4K) we will dot our I's and cross our T's and send our findings to the Guinness Book of World records, and hopefully we have met their guidelines and their counting requirements.
we will begin adding photos and videos to the official zombie attack page, if you have any to share please send them to zombieattack@louisvilleisforlovers.com
sorry it's taken soo long to get this stuff up, we've been desperately trying to count the crowd and hoped to have a solid number up by now. but we'll be posting videos and photos of Zombie Attack here. and please post your links to albums and videos from ZA 2010. here are some videos from Jeff Polk:
THE END IS NIGH. Very Nigh. This weekend the 6th annual LOUISVILLE ZOMBIE ATTACK tears onto Bardstown Road and into BEARNO'S Highlands Pizza.
Below is your guide to the weekend's events:
SATURDAY 8/28 ZOMBIE MOVIE NIGHT!
Double Feature DEAD SNOW (2009) & DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004). At Bearno's 8pm. FREE. all ages/both films Rated R.
SUNDAY 8/29 6TH ANNUAL ZOMBIE ATTACK!!
@ Bearno's on Bardstown rd. 8:29 pm FREE/ALL AGES with DJ JAKE, OK ZOMBIE, J GLENN, CHADWICK WILDE, THE LOUISVILLE BALLET SCHOOL. Movies, Music, Costume Contests. prizes given for Hotest, Grossest, King & Queen, and Golden Machete.
there are many philosophical questions we are faced with from time to time: where did we come from? where are we going? are we inherently good or bad? which is better Zombies or Pirates? as Louisivillians in the upcoming weeks we are faced with an interesting challenge.. On Sunday August 29th at 9pm at bearno's on Bardstown RD the 6th Annual ZOMBIE ATTACK is running for the Largest Zombie Gathering as sanctioned by THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS. The record to beat is just over 3,000, so they need everyone to come out and help bring the tittle to louisville (from England, America needs this during these uncertain times).
and Saturday on September 4, The Frazier International History Museum will be celebrating their Founder's Day by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest pirate gathering. the record here is 1722.
Luckily they are on different days, so you don't have to decide. you can do both.
