• "The process of replacing the Louisville Orchestra musicians has begun. Orchestra management declared their intention to hire new players Monday, after yet another failed round of talks with the musicians. The two sides were close. On Friday, orchestra management said the musicians had agreed to sign all the players who haven’t left town for other work, then cut the orchestra to 55 full-time musicians by 2013. But the musicians didn’t agree to that. They agreed to the concept of cutting the orchestra, but differed on how many players should be signed up front and how long it should take to make the cuts. They rejected the bulk of the management’s offer. Negotiating committee chair Kim Tichenor says there was hope the agreement on cuts could lead to more talks. But the management says it’s finished compromising. The players can agree to the final offer, or they can leave their colleagues and sign on individually to the new ensemble the management plans on putting together—one with 50 members. In a letter, the board’s attorney says the offer for 55 players was 'a stretch which was made in good faith to accomodate the efforts of the mediators to reach an agreement.'" [WFPL]
• Looks like the Left Bank of Louisville (aka the Highlands) is getting a Dunkin' Donuts. [Consuming Louisville]
• "There’s a new meat themed speakeasy/cocktail lounge called Meat coming, appropriately, to Butchertown. The new spot is located above The Blind Pig and is brought to you by the same beverage minds that take care of the wine and cocktail program at The Blind Pig.
  I visited Meat last Wednesday and Jeremy Johnson (of Meat and The Blind Pig) told me he hopes to open next Wednesday November 2." [Consuming Louisville]

Photo: Courtesy Owsley Brown Presents