From a city most often associated with rock legends Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain, Seattle's Zoe Muth instead became a folk music aficionado, inspired by the songs that chronicled the lives of rural people, hard times, and heartbreak.

Not being a particular fan of the new brand of "modern" country music, I decided nevertheless, to give the Brad Paisley show a try. An "arena" country show is one of those things I've never really experienced, so it was interesting to compare the crowd with a rock show on the same scale. Other than boots and cowboy hats predominating, the energy and excitement seems about the same, and certainly a roar went up when Brad Paisley hit the stage after Darius Rucker's opening act, which featured his new country songs, blended in with classic Hootie and the Blowfish tunes like "Let Her Cry."

Last week, Kentucky Opera previewed the upcoming double bill of Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci on WUOL's Lunch and Listen program. Among other things, I learned that baritone Michael Mayes, who will be playing Silvio, “the other man” in Pagliacci, is from the small town of Conroe, Texas. So naturally, my first question when I got the chance to interview him about his dramatic role was about...football.

Starting Thursday, August 19th the Kentucky Fair kicks into gear. Truthfully, it's one of the greatest spectacles to come to town the entire year, and what better place to truly check out all that our state has to offer.  If you're a non-believer, and think that I'm completely full of crap, then please just hear me out.