6. WFPK Live Lunch (Every Friday @ noon, 619 S Fourth Street)
WFPK seems to have it going on with top notch live performances and is truly a gem to the Kentuckiana community. WFPK Live Lunches are free weekly concerts featuring local and touring artists held at their studio at 619 S Fourth St. If you are a member at the $52 level or above you can even get a free box lunch from City Cafe.
7. Mayor’s Music and Art Series (first Thursday of the month @ noon, Mayor’s Gallery)
Also a new music series started by the Mayor in October 2012, the Mayor’s Music and Arts Series is a monthly showcase of musicians, artists, and performers held the first Thursday of the month, at 12 p.m. with music starting at about 12:10 and lasting about 45 minutes. This series takes place in the Mayor’s Gallery, 4th floor of Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St. The next show is February 7th with the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys. All shows are free to the public.
8. Classical Revolution (2nd Sunday of each month, The Bards Town)
Classical Revolution is a multi-city international organization. The main purpose of this program is to present live chamber music in accessible public venues such as bars and cafes. This event is open for all musicians to participate in a chamber music jam session / classical open mic. Classical Revolution Louisville is held on the second Sunday of each month at The Bards Town.
9. Kentucky Bluegrass Music & Burgoo Festival (August 31-September 2, Louisville Water Tower)
The Kentucky Bluegrass Music & Burgoo Festival is exactly what it sounds like, a bluegrass music festival with lots of traditional Kentucky burgoo, a seasoned stew of fowl, meats, and veggies. Each year the festival brings some of the best bluegrass musicians from across the country. A favorite of mine last year was the 23 String Band. This festival is the ultimate pickin’ and bowin’ party. Don’t miss it!
10. Louisville Irish Fest (September 27-29, Bellarmine University)
Louisville Irish Fest is a festival celebrating the Irish culture. The festival includes traditional Irish music and dance performances, workshops, and cultural exhibits. Last year the headlining bands were Dulahan and the Brock McGuire Band. Like the Irish quote says, “Lets all put on our dancin’ shoes and wear our shamrocks green and toast our friends both here and there and everywhere between” and get on down to this festival this fall.
11. Kentucky Reggae Festival (May 25-27, Louisville Water Tower)
Another great music festival during Memorial Day Weekend brings the Caribbean to Louisville’s backyard. This island flavored festival is energized with live reggae music, ethnic food, and a Caribbean vendor market. Savory dishes of Jamaica and the Caribbean are provided by The Jamaican Association of Louisville, along with other vendors. From spicy meat dishes to grilled chicken your taste buds will not be disappointed. What better way to enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend than by hitting two superb music festivals!
Forecastle Festival photo: courtesy of Forecastle Festival Facebook page
WFPK Live Lunch photo: courtesy of Anna Blanton
Mayor's Music and Art Series photo: courtesy of louisvilleky.gov
Kentucky Bluegrass Music & Burgoo Festival photo: courtesy of KBMBF website
Louisville Irish Fest photo: courtesy of Louisville Irish Fest website
Kentucky Reggae Festival photo: courtesy of Kentucky Reggae Festival website
