If you’ve been a resident of the ‘Ville for any time at all, the experience of reading David Domine’s “A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City” will bring to mind a number of recognizable sights, sounds and facts about my hometown, not the least of which is in the title. It references the obscure fact that Louisville is home to the only disco ball maker in the U.S. But that’s not all you learn as Domine’s reporting of a 2010 Old Louisville murder unfolds. In 2010, a body was found in an old mansion’s cellar. It happened to be a home Domine, the city’s unchallenged expert on Old Louisville lore, had considered buying.
The trial took place in 2013, and in our interview Domine tells me about the painstaking process of writing his first (he’s the author of more than a dozen books) true crime story, in which Old Louisville is a primary character. If you were here in 2013, you’ll recall news stories of the gruesome crime. Domine, a Bellarmine professor of languages and creative writing, is also your go-to for popular tours of Old Louisville.
He was among the Rusty Satellite Show’s first guests, (Show #25, Dec. 2013), and i n that interview mentioned the book project based on the case.
My meeting with Jamar Mack, founder of the organization KOBBE (Kentucky’s Original Black Bourbon Enthusiasts) was fascinating, as Mack explained how his idea for it came over a glass of bourbon with friends, the way all good ideas get started. On Dec. 11, KOBBE will host an event at Mint on Mellwood that will seem like heaven for bourbon lovers of any type called Bourbon & Benevolence, featuring rare bottles, new experiences, all to raise money for APRON Inc., the charity that assists restaurant workers.
Mack, born and raised here, says membership in KOBBE is invitation-only, and the current roster of 42 individuals includes prominent locals who are black, white and female.
We met at the building a First and Washington, which in 1996 was the site of the Business First newsroom on my first day as a reporter, so there was some nostalgia in my visit. It also house the Roots 101 African American Museum, one of the city’s top tourist attractions.
This was the week for the Breakfast of Champions with Metro Council president David James, and I have some interesting tidbits about the city from David’s presentation.
Thanks to my friends at Hectare’s CBD and Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill, along with my own eXp Realty, for sponsoring the show. If you have ideas for future guests, call me at 502-439-6391.
