It’s the week that music junkies like us wait for all year here in Louisville: Forecastle! There are events related to the weekend festival going on throughout the week as well tons of other options. For location, time and cost, click on the links for each event. Be sure to check back at livemusiclou.com after for our full reviews!
Sunday (7/14) -
The weekend long “festival for the rest of us” will be closing out with some big names, including Forecastle performers Twin Limb. Head on down to Apocalypse Brews for a beer (or a few) and local tunes.
This sounds like an amazing combination, especially if the rain stays away. The Friday to Sunday event will be wrapping up, but some Sunday barbeque may be exactly what you need after Friday and Saturday’s adventures.
Monday (7/13) -
If you are into the female-led punk rock scene right now (think Bully or Speedy Ortiz) then you should check out Monsoon. The Athens, Georgia band will be playing at The New Vintage with Beat Awfuls, who hail from Lexington.
Tuesday (7/14) -
Candy Claws is a highly creative project out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Their songs are focused on presenting the natural world and literary works through varying musical ventures, and also include fascinating video components.
Thursday (7/16) -
Talk about a legend. It’s not everyday that Pat Benatar graces Louisville with her Grammy Award-winning presence. Any seat that you can find at the Brown Theatre will be perfect for this performance.
Forecastle and Four Roses Happy Hour
With guest DJs Mark Evans and Houndmouth’s Shane Cody, as well as Four Roses Bourbon, this should be a quality way to start off what is set to be a memorable weekend. Plus, this event is a fundraiser supporting the Forecastle Foundation and all of the amazing things they do for our city!
Rye Back Porch Session with Young Widows, Jonathan Glen Wood and Cereal Glyphs
Rye’s FREE Back Porch Session is back with Louisville rockers Young Widows, and is sure to wow another great crowd. The ever-evolving Jonathan Glen Wood and Cereal Glyphs will round out the evening. This summer’s series has been a blast so far with delicious food, thirst-quenching drinks and a plethora of local music on display.
The Bronx with be playing as part of Mariachi El Bronx at Forecastle on Saturday. The two bands, though overlapping in members, have completely different sounds - Thursday will be pretty heavy punk while Saturday will be the mariachi style. The ever prideful Louisvillian Brad Magers will be playing with both bands, so expect some friends to be there in support for both.
After the Waterfront with The Ravenna Colt and Tender Mercy
Haymarket Whiskey Bar will be hosting events throughout the weekend for those who make it out after a day at the Waterfront. This first evening includes Americana band The Ravenna Colt, a band that is just south on 64 in Shelbyville. Their upbeat sound has been getting a lot of attention as they have began touring nationwide, so I’d come check them out while they are still on the lowdown. Louisville’s own Tender Mercy will sweep you up to start with their soothing sounds.
Friday (7/17) -
After the Waterfront with The Deloreans, Sonny & The Sunsets, Sketching
Night two of Haymarket’s post-Forecastle shows includes a couple of Louisville bands and an out-of-towner. If you listen to WFPK and have jammed along in your car to the song “As Long As It’s You,” then you’ve heard The Deloreans. This band is definitely one on the rise and you’ll be glad to have seen them live now. Joining The Deloreans are Sonny & The Sunsets, a band visiting from San Francisco - their sound definitely matches the name. Sketching, another local band, will be getting the night started at 9pm.
Forecastle Late Night: Talib Kweli with Fat Tony, Lord Huron with San Fermin
Forecastle’s first night of Late Night shows are ones you should definitely not miss, especially since your stamina should still be high this early in the weekend. Talib Kweli will be at Mercury and we should expect to hear lots of new stuff from his super surprise album dropped this week. We’re even more excited about the Lord Huron and San Fermin show at Headliners. Lord Huron’s Michigan roots will be on display with the amazingly funky San Fermin to open, both sure to bring down the place.
Saturday (7/18) -
After the Waterfront with The Pass and 1200
Haymarket’s Saturday after party includes two of the city’s heaviest hitters. The Pass just shared that they are hard at work on their first full length album since 2012 and this late night show will be a great chance for them to share their new stuff. Similarly, 1200 has had a huge summer thus far, especially after the recent 4th of July show that was quite literally a blast.
Forecastle Late Night: White Reaper and King Tuff, Jamie XX with Ellie Herring
Like Friday night, you can’t really go wrong with any of the Forecastle Late Night shows. Personally, it is hard to miss out on a White Reaper set that is sure to be insane - their last Headliners show was ludicrous. If Jamie XX and Ellie Herring are more of your style, the Belle of Louisville show is also going to be a killer way to end Saturday.
Friday-Sunday (7/17-19) -
DUH. We’ll definitely be there and if you like the eclectic yet reflective (of Louisville) lineup that Captain JK McKnight and crew have put together, then you should be there, too! All three days are can’t miss in our eyes, but if you have to choose one, it is hard to pick something other than the 2½ hour set from My Morning Jacket on Saturday evening.
Photo courtesy of Forecastle Festival