Fork, Cork, & Style

Sunday, September 12, marked the “Fork, Cork & Style” show at Churchill Downs.

Fork, Cork & Style banner

Less than two months ago, I was here to review the first annual HullabaLOU music festival, and now… well, now I’m here to talk about food.  And wine.  And music.

What a job.

Fork, Cork, & Style is another event that is transforming the stereotype of Churchill Downs as “just a racetrack.”  Over the past few years, it has become anything but.  Bon Jovi and Emeril Lagasse being here within 60 days of each other should tell us so.

Fork, Cork & Style at Churchill Downs

The event has brought in world class chefs, top notch wine companies, and my obvious connection: music.  The band is “Big Slick,” (www.bookbigslick.com) and they have been hired to lay a soundtrack to this shindig.

Big Slick vocalists

Out in the paddock enjoying incredible food and fine wine? Add audio-stimulation to your list via Big Slick.  The band covers hit songs from a grand span, finding something for everyone’s taste.  In between Big Slick sets, Casey Williams (http://www.myspace.com/caseyclintonwilliams) of Evansville, IN kept the mood set with his acoustic performances.  He was a fantastic soul-laden singer, and I am sure big things are coming his way.

Casey Williams

It appears that Churchill Downs is as good at picking bands as they are at picking horses.

Big Slick featured a six-piece group (keyboard/sax, drums, male vocals, female vocals, guitar, and bass) capable of bringing the rock to any listener.  They provide entertainment for corporate events, private parties, wedding receptions, etc… pretty much anything that requires a variety band.

Big Slick full band

The groups hails from abroad, but centers around Kentuckiana.  They perform in a 6-state area, and have quite a repertoire of music, making them capable of saying “yes” to a multitude of gigs.

The group played a ton of songs over their sets, but some that I happened to bear witness to (among others) included “Jailhouse Rock,” “Give Me One Reason,” “Working for the Weekend,” “Addicted to Love,” “Soul Man,” “Brick House,” Don’t Stop Believing,” Authority Song,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and a HullabaLOU throwback, “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

The band’s strongest suit (yes, a bad poker pun) is flexibility.  It seems that they could adapt to any situation if need be.  The ability to be chameleon-like in your musical endeavors is paramount to being a working cover band.  Reading a room is pretty important, to say the least.  The band should have had more adoring fans than they did; they were quite good.

Maybe it was the wine tasting that took people away from the Paddock.  After all, they did press 23,000 custom wine glasses for the event, so somebody had to use them!  There were 34 booths and over 150 wines to choose from. I sampled a few.

Wine Tasting Area

Terry Meiners and I... This guy is EVERYWHERE!

Perhaps it was Emeril who stole the crowd… he was the rock star of the evening.

Emeril Lagasse

I managed to catch his question and answer session following his 1st cooking lesson, as well as his meet-and-greet.  He was a really nice guy, as expected… thanks for the autograph!

Jennifer, Zade, and Kasey Mutwalli meeting Emeril Lagasse

Leigh Ann and Michael McLaughlin after meeting Emeril Lagasse

Maybe it was the food from the incredible restaurants… I happened to pick up the best ribs I have ever tasted.  Thank you Central BBQ (Memphis, TN- www.cbqmemphis.com), you made my stomach very happy with your tasty goodness.

I had a great time at Fork, Cork & Style.  The good people at Churchill Downs really know how to treat a fella.  Thanks to Carolyn McLean and the CDE staff for putting on such a great affair.

You can catch more of Big Slick on Myspace at: www.myspace.com/bookbigslick