Squeeze-bot to perform at Mayor’s Music and Art Series today

From Squeeze-bot’s Facebook page
(Photo by Amber Estes Thieneman)

At lunchtime today, the curious quartet Squeeze-bot will grace Louisville Metro Hall with its quirky stylings when they perform for the Mayor’s Music and Art Series.

According to Mayor Greg Fischer, via Louisville Metro’s website, the series is designed to be a “showcase for a diverse mix of performers and artists.”

In remarks before a previous performance, the mayor called Metro Hall “the people’s hall,” and informed the audience how excited he was to share “live local music” with them.

A local favorite since forming in 2006, Squeeze-bot fits the bill. It’s an unusual mix of instruments and musicians including Todd Hildreth on accordion, Mick Sullivan on banjo, Brandon Johnson on tuba, and Megan Samples on toy drums.

Their Facebook page claims they spend most of their sets “kickin new school jams,” but fans know that nothing is off limits as Squeeze-bot reinterprets tunes from all over the musical spectrum, with exciting results.

Squeeze-bot will join a long list of local favorites to have graced Metro Hall, including Justin Paul Lewis and Billy Goat Strut Review.

Upcoming artists in the series include Troubadours of Divine Bliss on March 6 and Small time Napoleon on April 13.

The Music and Art Series delights downtown audiences on the first Thursday of every month, doors open at 11:30 a.m. and music starts at 12:10 p.m.

Mayor introduces new Public Art Administrator Sarah Lindgren

Firefighter’s Eternal Flame photo by Louisville Metro

Earlier today Mayor Greg Fischer named Sarah Lindgren as Louisville’s Public Art Administrator.

Lindgren will be responsible for a variety of duties geared toward maintaining Louisville’s existing public art and administering grants that will help create new public works. According to the press release, she will also “identify potential funding sources for the creation and care of public art.”

Lindgren will work closely with the Commission on Public Art (COPA) as outlined in the Mayor’s Public Art Master Plan. The master plan, authored by Creative Time and adopted in 2010, called for the creation of Lindgren’s position.

Lindgren is the first to take the office, but other positions in COPA with similar sounding titles have existed on and off, including public art consultant, a position held by Yasmeen Siddiqui from July 2011 to October 2012.

Lindgren is no newcomer to Louisville’s art scene. She most recently served at The Speed Museum as their director of Principle Gifts and Membership and director of Corporate and Foundation Development.

Mayor Fischer stated in a press release that this appointment will “elevate the role of public art,” adding that Lindgren is “a great addition to our team.”

Lindgren’s first day on the job is Jan. 6, 2014.

To catch a glimpse of Louisville’s public art you can check out Metro Government’s growing online database, take a virtual tour, or take an actual stroll around downtown.