News

BLINK, Frida & bourbon

COVINGTON, Ky. – While there are lots of events happening in The Cov this weekend, we decided to put the obvious one “front page, above the fold,” so to speak.

BLINK, that wildly popular outdoor public arts festival that includes light shows projected on the sides of buildings, interactive light sculptures, murals, and other art experiences spread out over 30 city blocks in the urban core, starts tonight and runs through Sunday.

We’ve got more than a dozen installations right here in The Cov. And, because we believe the best BLINK experience is the well-informed experience, we’ve provided some essential details below.

But we’ve got some pretty darn cool “beyond BLINK” stuff going on too, and it’s good stuff.

So, catch the cool lights, then stick around for more good times.

BLINK & drink

Braxton Brewing Company has two BLINK installations, so they’d like you to stop in for BLINK at Braxton Brewing, grab a beer, check out the installations, and – while you’re there – check out the perspective on BLINK in The Cov from the rooftop.

Lift One to Light in the Lumen Lounge in front of Braxton features an inflatable illuminated large bar on 7th Street with experiential music and seating. Maybe start there and ride the elevator to the roof for stellar views.

Light it up, Cov

If you’re not fortunate enough to live in The Cov, we suggest you utilize your ride app to visit this weekend. Why? Because BLINK.

There’s gonna be lots of people and less available parking, so, make your experience a good one from the start by letting a paid driver drop you off. (Plus, drinkin’ and all. You’ll have more fun). You can also do a free public bus ride.

Since the better informed you are about BLINK, the better your experience, we’ve got you covered with this nifty little navigating BLINK link.

And since we don’t want you to miss a single magnificent, colorful, creative, luminous creation in The Cov, we’ve got a BLINK map to show you where to find the fabulous installations at places like the Kenton County Public Library, the 6th Street Bridge Underpass, Mother of God Church, First Financial Bank, Hotel Covington, Braxton Brewing Lumen Lounge, the Gateway Center, the Ascent, at the Faile and London Police murals, and more.

Deep-sea discoveries

Underwater photographers Martha and John Lange have seen a lot of phenomenal beauty throughout their more than 1,000 scuba dives. Lucky for us, they’ve captured it in photographs.

On Saturday, the Faces of the Deep reception at Behringer-Crawford Museum presents an opportunity to meet the Langes, view their photography, and hear about their experiences.

There will also be aquatic arts and crafts for children, and attendees will be entered into a raffle to win free passes to the Newport Aquarium.

‘Bourbon Swami’ and a single-barrel release

Colonel Aaron and his crew at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar (OKBB) headed south to Danville a while back to visit the good folks at Wilderness Trail Distillery and enjoy their hospitality.

Their visit was a learnin’ one. Wilderness Trail’s master distillers explained their unique sweet mash process and, as one might expect, offered up a sip or two so Colonel Aaron and his crew might settle upon a barrel of their own.

The task was a tough one as all flavors were fine. But the OKBB sippin’ crew is a skilled one and they emerged with a winner.

You can sample this cask barrel pick for yourself on Saturday at OKBB’s Single Barrel Select Release and chat up “the Bourbon Swami” Macaulay Minton, who runs Wilderness Trail’s barrel select program.

Halloween block party

Don’t wait until Oct. 31 to debut that spectacular Halloween costume you’ve put together. Instead, head to Latonia Halloween Block Party at Ritte’s Corner on Saturday.

It’s a veritable Halloween season kick-off, with a costume contest, carriage rides, a petting zoo, games, trick-or-treat, and live music. Family-friendly and lots of fun.

A bold icon

Frida Kahlo was a bold and brilliant painter, her own mysterious muse who captured the difficulties and wonders of her life through her vibrant art.

Now, beginning Saturday, Kahlo’s story comes to life on stage at The Carnegie in Frida … A Self Portrait.

The production boldly captures the details of Kahlo’s life through her art and includes discussions of adult relationships, illness, and other mature themes. Best suitable for ages 12 and up.

‘In or out’

Remember that song?  “In or Out,” released back in the ‘90s? Then you’ll definitely want to be “in” for this concert Saturday at the Madison Theater.

How cool is it for Angela Maria “Ani” DiFranco to be in The Cov during BLINK? We hope she gets out and about and enjoys all the installations and dines at our fine venues during her time in our fair city.

And, seriously, how cool is it for us that this excellent folk rock artist that some of us first listened to in the ‘90s is here in our city? Way cool.

Live music

Tonight: Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant … Open Mic Night with Mara Moon at Pandemonium … Sonny Moorman at Smoke Justis.

Friday: Toadies “Rubberneck” Tour with Reverend Horton Heat at Madison Theater … The Rockne Show at Pandemonium … Satin Smooth Project at Smoke Justis … Chris Weiss at Frosthaus.

Saturday: Eisen Geist, Arrows of Apocalypse, and Desensitized at Pandemonium … Linus Tate at Smoke Justis.

Miscellaneous

Tonight: BLINK Drag Show at Braxton Brewing Company.

Friday: Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week starts at Smoke Justis … Blink Open House at 12 W. Pike St. … Fab Friday at The Cellar.

Saturday: Covington Farmers Market at Roebling Point … MainStrasse Village Food Tour …  Artist Talk with Ryan Hill at Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center … 2022 NAMI Steps Against the Stigma of Mental Illness at Pioneer Park … Scarlet Begonia’s Flower Truck Pop-Up at The Standard … Intro to Hand Spinning at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop … Tennessee vs. Alabama Watch Party at Frosthaus … The Cellar Halloween Rave at The Cellar. 

 

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