As I began this New Year I had one resolution: I promised myself to broaden my musical interests and attend as many concerts and music festivals as humanly possible. With the grand opening of The Mercury Ballroom in April, The Yum Center filled to capacity with talented artists and the local music scene growing rapidly; I should not have any difficulty fulfilling that resolution (like permitting myself sodas.. or alcohol).
This list is compiled based off of performances that are already confirmed in Louisville (Many of my most favorite artists are not performing in the near future or are miles away, tear.)
Performing at The YUM! Center on February 9th for their Mechanical Bull tour, this is one of many concerts that I am extremely excited for. Whether it is the lead singers awe-inspiring voice or my undeniable love of alternative rock, I will definitely be attending this concert. I also blame my mother for playing “Sex On Fire” on repeat in the house when I was in high school. I was destined to be a Kings of Leon fan.
2. Forecastle
Having been host to many sublime artists last year, I am eager to see the lineup for this year’s schedule. Last July our city had artists from The Avett Brothers, Big Boi, The Black Keys, BAAUER, and many more, and I have no apprehensions that they will let us down at this years festival on July 18th, 19th, and 20th. With the lineup being announced next month and the rumors that OutKast may be choosing our city as one of their reunion locations, I am particularly looking forward to Forecastle.
3. Billy Joel
I blame my grandparents for this, but I really wouldn’t mind seeing Billy Joel. I also thank them for giving me a comprehensive perspective on music. I would pay the $140 dollars to see him play “Piano Man” and “Only the Good Die Young”. I will also have to take my grandmother so I can see her dance around to her crush from the 70’s. "He's the piano man, of course I think he's cute," says my grandmother, as she lists the reasons why he is cute (making sure she reminded me he used to have long hair and pointing out his Bronx accent).
This Indie Rock band from Austin, Texas will be the host of the first announced concert thus far at the prepossessing Mercury Ballroom. Their eccentric tunes and sax and harmonica solos are sure to be a combination for a wonderful show. Their recently debuted eighth album, “The Silver Gymnasium” creates a visual element for the listener and got great reviews. This show will be a great one for Louisvillian rock lovers.
5. 2 Chainz, Pusha T, & August Alsina
I am a hip-hop fan before anything else, so finding out that this concert will be at The Louisville Palace was great news. Granted I am still on the fence about purchasing these tickets because I am not sure I can handle listening to 2 Chainz say “TRU” more than a few times, I am excited that Pusha T will be in the city. After Pusha T’s album, “My Name Is My Name” released in October of last year, it has been an album I consider timeless. August Alsina also performed at Jim Porters in early November of last year which had a great turn out. This should be a enjoyable concert by great artists.
With the recent announcement that Katy Perry will be at The YUM! Center in August and Christina Perri at The Mercury Ballroom in April, these two fantastic artists are on my list of must-sees, too!
Local venues, including Headliners, The New Vintage, and Tailgaters, along with many more venues will be host to numerous talented local artists.
If you have any shows you are looking forward to attending, please add them in the comments!
