If you’ve heard the recent news, you know that Abbey Road on the River may be leaving Louisville. This festival has been a part of our lives as Louisvillians for over ten years, but it’s not just about the money, tourism, or the big names it brings to our city. AROTR is about the music and the people who love it. Instead of focusing on the sad news announced today, I want to focus on my memories and the wonderful time I had this weekend.
At Abbey Road on the River, you can expect people to stop you and ask you where you got your shirt or even propose to you on account of your mod dress and go go boots. If someone finds out you’ve seen Paul McCartney, expect him or her to ask you about it and be genuinely interested in your lengthy story that has seemed mundane to everyone else. If you need sunscreen or a place to sit, the person next to you will offer it up freely. The doors will always be held for you with a smile, and Lady YaYa will always offer you streamers to dance with.
The bands will pose for photos sometimes for hours after their set has finished when their costumes are soaked with sweat. BritBeat even put their costumes back on for a photo with me. If you happen to catch The Jukebox at breakfast, they will graciously converse with you even though they are eating. If you compliment the bassist of the Newbees on his rocking bell-bottoms, he will grin and happily say thanks.
If you are a Beatles fan, you will be accepted no matter what, and that’s a beautiful thing. I really hope “we can work it out,” and Abbey Road on the River can stay in Louisville for a very long time.
For more information about Abbey Road on the River, visit their website www.arotr.com. See below for links to other articles about Abbey Road on the River on Louisville.com.
2016 Will Be Abbey Road On The River's Final Louisville Year
AROTR Sunday: A New Favorite Band
AROTR Saturday: The Orchestra Draws Huge Crowd
AROTR Thursday: Remembering Rachel
Photos by Jenna Foster
