News

Plogging, Bluegrass & guitars

COVINGTON, Ky. – As we sit here this Leap Day and ponder the vagaries and intricacies of the Julian and Gregorian calendars and all things intercalary, let us also appreciate things predictable: The diversity of fun in the Cov.

This weekend, join in on a Swedish-inspired event to help rid The Cov’s neighborhoods of trash … gather on Court Street for a new festival … sip some lemony beer … learn about vintage guitars … enjoy some Polynesian hospitality (and food) … make buttons for National Women’s Month … give salsa dancing a try … listen to lots of live music and more.

Time to plog

Plogging Across the Bluegrass … in The Cov on Saturday is the second-annual Keep Kentucky Beautiful cleanup event. Last year walkers and joggers joined in for an afternoon of movement and cleanup. Plogging, as you may recall, is the semantic merger of the Swedish verbs “plocka up” (“pick up”) and “jogga” (“jog”).

Register as an individual or a team, and then gather for an afternoon of camaraderie and community. Team leaders can get supplies (and inspiration) at the Hellmann Creative Center, where the non-profit Keep Covington Beautiful is partnering with the City on protecting The Cov’s neighborhoods from litter.

When life gives you lemons

Braxton Brewing Co. invites you to squeeze the day with them at Lemonpalooza on Saturday as they release a surprise beer collaboration just in time for spring.

In addition to the release of a citrusy burst of beer joy, there’s going to be a Graeter’s Pop Up Sundae Barn, and live music from the Positive Vibes Band.

Bourbon and Bluegrass

Once you’ve put in the good work on tidying up your neighborhood, make your way to Court Street, where Smoke Justis is transforming the area into center stage of the first annual Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival on Saturday.

Look for (listen for?) music from The Goodwin Brothers, Sister Saide, and Moonshine Drive.

Be quick about getting your ticket because they’re going fast.

In addition to blending two of Kentucky’s finest offerings – bourbon and Bluegrass – the festival is a bit of a history lesson – it’s named after the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bourbon purity law that passed in March of that year and was advocated for by Covington’s very own John G. Carlisle. There’s no denying that our region played a pivotal role in bourbon history.

Guitar summit

Sunday’s Vintage Gibson Summit at The Village Theater is a gathering of enthusiasts of The Vintage Gibson Guitar Group and anyone who might like to share a full day of guitar love.

The summit will include a Vintage Round Table discussion with some of the guitar world’s leaders in the field. There’s also going to be a Guitar Clinic with Greg Martin and an evening jam session that everyone can join in on. A sampling of the participants include Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters, Timm Kummer of Kummer’s Vintage Instruments, Mat Koehler of Gibson Guitars, and more.

Peace out

The only things missing at Kealoha’s Kitchen on Sunday will be a warm island breeze and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. Otherwise you’ll enjoy Polynesian hospitality with a full buffet of Hawaiian food, a cash bar, live Polynesian music, and a wide-reaching worthy cause.

Kealoha’s promises a fun-filled evening at its Peace Corps Week Celebration which supports volunteers who are making a difference worldwide.

Peace Corps Week commemorates March 1, the day President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps, an organization that fosters connections and contributes to meaningful change around the globe.

A portion of each ticket sold will directly support Peace Corp volunteer efforts overseas and here at home.

Live music

Tonight: The Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant … Angela Combs Duo at Smoke Justis.

Friday: Rhy! Presents “Like it Never Happened” at Madison Live … Kiego Hirakawa Trio at Juniper’s.

Saturday: An Evening with Sofaburn at Madison Live … Molly Hatchet with Desert Chrome and Ryan Snyder at Madison Theater … Windjammers at Juniper’s.

Miscellaneous

Tonight: ESL Conversation Group at Kenton County Public Library … Clases de Ingles/ESL Classes at Kenton County Public Library … Gin & Jive: Learn to Salsa at Juniper’s.

Friday: Women’s Month Buttons at Kenton County Public Library.

Saturday: Covington Farmers Market at Braxton Brewing Co. … MainStrasse Village Food and Culture TourFamily Storytime at Kenton County Public Library … Women’s Month Buttons at Kenton County Public Library.

Sunday: Women’s Month Buttons at Kenton County Public Library … Luxe Afro Caribbean Day Experience at Second Story.

 

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