By Lyndsey Gilpin

Love was in the air on the night of Saturday, Feb. 13. There was love for local venues, love for the city of Louisville, love for musicians and especially love for John King and his Louisville is for Lovers albums.
Ten years ago, King decided he wanted to showcase the musical talent in Louisville. He compiled songs that he thought deserved attention and made an album with the help of his friends. The second volume he produced made it into a chart in Rolling Stone Magazine. This inspired him to continue producing these albums. The albums were known as Louisville is for Lovers albums. Each year, he told everyone it would be the last. But after a decade of local music, he officially decided to end the series.
To celebrate the 10th and final album, entitled “Anniversary,” King put together a Valentine’s Day weekend concert at the Vernon Club, a music venue and bowling alley on Story Avenue.
People were directed to enter through the basement double doors and soon walked into a dimly-lit, chilly room, clad with Cupids, hearts, red lights and disco balls hanging from the ceiling. The trademark heart-shaped doilies that grace the covers of the Louisville is for Lovers albums topped the tables. And seated at these tables were the alternative youth that the club typically attracts.
“It was amazing to see the amount of people who came out in the cold to show support for our project,” said King. “Without the tireless support of the bands and caring friends, this little dream of mine would have never made it this long. Ten years ago I would have never imagined this project would have blossomed into such a wonderful pastime.”
Indeed, the Louisville is for Lovers albums, along with local concerts from the musicians featured, have become a favorite pastime for many.
Two stages were set up at the Vernon Club: one in the basement and another directly in front of the bowling alley lanes. There was hardly any downtime between performers. Saredren Wells, Trophy Wives, The Invaders and Extra Shine all played within the first half of the night.
The theme of the concert was “Enchantment Under The Sea,” from the film “Back to The Future.” A best-dressed contest allowed two winners to obtain tickets to see Jim James, lead singer of My Morning Jacket, on Sunday, Feb. 14. Tickets went on sale for this portion of the weekend concert many weeks ago, and sold out within 45 minutes. During the intermission, King got on stage to address the crowd.
“It’s not every day you get to attend your own funeral,” said King. “But these have been 10 amazing years. Thank you for your support.”
The second half of the night held perhaps the most anticipated bands: The Deloreans and Second Story Man, both who have been on several Louisville is for Lovers albums.
Second Story Man pulled King on the stage to dedicate a song to him. King had actually written the song several years ago. Lead singer Carrie Neumayer told the fans about how they silk-screened the first album cover.
“We broke into my college in Cincinnati to do it, and ended up getting caught,” said Neumayer. “But it was so worth it.”
It seemed as though the fans agreed, feeling that the end justified the means within the Louisville music scene. The sense of gratitude for the city and its music was almost overwhelming to many.
“I think it had a lot to do with the whole ear X-tacy thing too,” said David Thomas, a sophomore business finance major at the University of Louisville. “Everyone feels that they should come together to support Louisville.”
Whatever the circumstances, King’s decade-long endeavor, with the help and support of many, has left a lasting impression on the face of Louisville music. Finally, through the heartache, tears, stress, joy and accomplishments, it can be said: Louisville is a place for lovers.