The couple of PechaKucha presentations I have been smart enough to attend have been great fun, thought-provoking and full of energy, great ways to see what local people are doing and planning in our community. The next PechaKucha presentations will be Tuesday, April 14, at the Tim Faulkner Gallery, 1512 Portland Ave. The topic focus will be “Food for Thought,” and the 8 to 12 speakers, who each get to show and talk about 20 slides for 20 seconds eacha total of 6 minutes and 20 seconds–will all be involved in some way in the food system in Louisville.

The rapid pace is a challenge for both presenters and audience, for a lot of ideas are packed in tightly in each presentation. As soon as each speaker finishes, the next one begins their presentation immediately.

The organizers try not to prescribe too tightly what presenters can offer within the theme of the event. The goal of a PechaKucha Night to have people come away with a better sense of what their fellow citizens are thinking and doing  about problems and situations that affect the community, and what drives the speakers to do what they do.

The confirmed presenters for Food for Thought include Chef Edward Lee, Chef Gina Stipo, Bourbon Barrel Foods President Matt Jamie, Cellar Door Chocolates Founder Erika Chavez-Graziano and food writer Ashlee Clark Thompson (who is a frequent F&D contributor). Also Colin Blake of Flavorman, Steven Paradis of Fresh Start Growers Supply and Karter Louis of Hillbilly Tea, with late additions possible.

And you can pronounce PechaKucha either the American way (pe-cha ku-cha, or the way the Japanese who originated the concept do (peh-chak-cha).

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with presentations starting at 8.The event is free, but donations are accepted to support the series.