Louisville has a storied musical tradition featuring rough-edged rock and dark bluegrassy folk. Piano ballads might not be first on anyone’s expectation for a Louisville group on the cusp of being a household name (assuming that household has a sizable Aimee Mann collection). Natalie Felker, the voice and keys behind The Fervor took the time to tell Ghettoblaster all about the cheaper side of Louisville dining and drinking as well as the best place to find home-cooked art works.

Why do you live there?

My family moved to Louisville when I was in the 8th grade. At age 12, I noticed a striking difference in the kindness of people here from other places I’d lived, which is both fucked up and awesome. Also, a quarter buys more than 6 minutes on a parking meter and a “value meal” is actually priced at a value.

What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?

Churchill Downs. I love to play the ponies. We also have several gorgeous parks here, like Cherokee.

What is your favorite local event/festival?
Although this year was the very first one, I vote Stark Bier Zeit at Nachbar, also known as the “Strong Beer Festival.” No cover and great selection, including some Louisville-area breweries’ finest creations. (NABC, I’m looking at you.)

What is the best time of year to be there?

Autumn, although it can be short-lived depending on how quickly the year turns from summer to winter. Plenty of fall festivities, beautiful surroundings, and bitchin’ thunderstorms.

Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Thursdays are $2.25 pints at Bluegrass Brewing Company on Main Street. (Used to be $2, till somebody rudely decided to raise the alcohol tax in KY.)

What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?

Even though drinks are on the pricier side and the parking situation is suspect, Headliners has great sound and all kinds of acts that come through there. My favorite show there was probably My Morning Jacket and Swearing at Motorists in 2002.

What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
El Mundo is delicious. I favor the Q plate, because it contains everything that’s good in the world: spicy black beans, guacamole, salsa and rice.

What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?

Ear X-tacy has a great selection of new & used cds and vinyl, and it’s easy to navigate. We once got a Beach Boys Greatest Hits record that had most of Pet Sounds on it for a dollar.

What is your favorite local shop?

WHY Louisville has a strange and wonderful assortment of goods, including t-shirts and such designed by local artists like Bill Green & Kathleen Lolley.

What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
We’re big fans of LEO, Louisville’s alternative weekly, which our drummer also happens to be the music editor for, and Backseat Sandbar, an awesome Louisville music blog.