CONNECT at Bernheim, the nature preserve and research forest’s big annual event, is Saturday, with organizers expecting expanded music offerings and events to draw record crowds.
Just what CONNECT is takes some explaining, so here’s the blurb from the Bernheim release:
Bernheim’s collision of art, music, science and nature. CONNECT, which takes place all around Bernheim’s Lake Nevin at night (beginning two hours before sunset, and ending two hours after sunset) has food, beer, eclectic music and creativity. CONNECT is an event created by the community, with various “happenings”. It will be totally deconstructed afterwards so that the land is returned to its natural state, leaving no trace of the event.
There will be music and different activities and displays at multiple points all the way around the 32-acre lake, said Susan Ritter, public relations and marketing officer at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
Along with the music, other experiences at CONNECT include kinetic ice sculptures, multi-media performances, a jeeter music show, solar bugs and solar balloons with the Louisville Science Center, visual art and sound art.
But the music is a major draw, Ritter said.
This year’s lineup includes an eclectic mix of experimental, indie, folk and more on two stages.
While mostly based in New York, all bands have a connection with the Louisville area and all have a loyal, local fan base.
Both The Phantom Family Halo and Cheyenne Marie Mize have recorded with Louisville cult hero Bonnie “Prince” Billy, aka Will Oldham.
Mize and Elephant Micah have been featured on National Public Radio.
The sound of Fielded is described on its Facebook page as “’swimming through the woods’ music.”
Ritter recommends bringing a flashlight because with a new moon Saturday night, light away from the specific events will be minimal.
About 5,000 people came in 2009 for the inaugural event, with the crowds down slightly last year because of iffy weather, she said.
“The first year, we had 5,000 people, and that’s a huge number for a few short hours. But with everyone spread out, it doesn’t feel crowded. We have room for 5,000 more.” Ritter said.
To document what she predicts will be a huge crowd, CONNECT will include a number of photographers doing documentary coverage, “taking pics of everything,” she said. “Then runners will take data cards and put (the images) on screens so people might see themselves.”
The $5 per person suggested donation for CONNECT also includes a pre-event bourbon tasting at the nearby Jim Beam Distillery from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
About CONNECT.
The date: Saturday, August 27
The times: 6:21 p.m. – 10:21 p.m.
The fee: $5 per person suggested donation
Location: Bernheim Forest is about 20 minutes south by car from the Louisville airport at exit 112 on Interstate 65. Turn east on Highway 245 and the entrance is one mile on the right.
Sponsors: CONNECT at Bernheim is sponsored by Wilson and Muir Bank. The music sponsor is Jim Beam. Other supporters include: Bluegrass Pallett, Kentucky Ale, louisville.com and Louisville Magazine, Salt River Electric, Sara Lee and WFPK 91.9FM Radio Louisville.
Terry Boyd has seven years experience as a business/finance journalist, and eight years a military reporter with European Stars and Stripes. As a banking and finance reporter at Business First, Boyd dealt directly with the most influential executives and financiers in Louisville.
