12. University of Louisville New Music Festival (November 2013 specific dates TBA, UofL School of Music)
For those of you wanting a more refined, less rambunctious music experience the University of Louisville New Music Festival may be the thing just for you. The university started this festival over 10 years ago to celebrate the study and performance of contemporary music. The festival features music of the late 20th and 21st century presented by various ensemble combinations, such as Chamber Music, Electronic Music, Wind Ensemble, New Music Ensemble, Choir, and Symphony Orchestra. Don’t let the words ‘new music’ or ‘contemporary music’ deter you from attending. Much of this music is actually very beautiful and not just noise. Take a listen to Philip Glass’s work, Aaron Jay Kernis's Musica Celestis, or Karel Husa's Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra. Every year the festival selects a distinguished guest composer to share their work, knowledge and experience with audiences, faculty, and students. This festival is free to the public.
13. WorldFest (August 30-September 1, Belvedere)
WorldFest is the region’s largest international festival celebrating cultural diversity. 2013 will be the 11th year for the festival. The festival showcases world music on three stages of local and international talent. Along with the music, festival goers can enjoy authentic food from around the world, shop craft booths, and watch the parade of cultures on the second day of the festival. Louisville is more culturally diverse than ever before and this festival celebrates this diversity. This event is free to the public and offers free educational children’s activities.
14. Mighty Kindness Harvest Hootenanny (October 2013 specific date TBA, Waterfront Park Brown-Forman Amphitheater)
Voted 2nd Best Annual Festival in the LEO, the Mighty Kindness Harvest Hootenanny is a free daylong festival that celebrates kindness where you'll find local food, music, art, green businesses, neighborhood and social justice organizations, kids activities, the healing arts, the spiritual community, cultivating connection circles, free workshops and more.
15. National Jug Band Jubilee (September 21, Waterfront Park Brown-Forman Amphitheater)
The National Jug Band Jubilee is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve traditional jug band music. This festival gathers some of the nation’s best jug bands back to where it all started here in Louisville, KY. Believe it or not some of the world’s most successful rock bands started out as jug bands including The Grateful Dead ("Mother McCree's") and The Beatles ("The Quarrymen"), and many others. This event is free to the public.
Get ready for a great year of musical entertainment because as you can see there are plenty of events to look forward to.
Forecastle Festival photo: courtesy of Forecastle Festival Facebook page
WorldFest photo: courtesy of WorldFest Facebook page
Mighty Kindess Harvest Hootenanny photo: courtesy of Mighty Kindness Facebook page
National Jug Band Jubilee photo: courtesy of NJBJ website by Myron Koch
