On Saturday Big Four Lawn welcomed a new wave of excitement, curiosity, and eclectic spirit as Louisvillians celebrated the life and work of Hunter S. Thompson.
This year marked the 5th anniversary of GonzoFest Louisville an event created by local poet and friend of Thompson, Ron Whitehead. It was also the festival's first year on the Waterfront. A move made in order to accommodate a growing crowd and awareness of the Gonzo spirit.
The festival included a series of musical performances by Small Time Napoleon, Twin Limb, Thirty Spokes, Graffiti, and 1200 interjected by powerful and demanding spoken word performances. The Squallis Puppeteers also made an appearance with their giant rendition of Thompson most notably seen at Forecastle 2014.
The festival was enclosed by vendors providing everything Gonzo from witty tee shirts to wood burnings of Thompson. Local sculptor, Matthew Weir, also presented his designs and miniature version of what will become the life-size bronze statue of Thompson. The festival is still raising money for this piece of commemoration. You can donate here!
A concluding highlight of the event was Ron Whitehead's keynote speech which included anecdotes about Thompson and provided a passionate understanding about Gonzo culture. Whitehead also presented GonzoFest producers with official documentation to become Kentucky Colonels. He had documentation for Bill Murray too just in case the fest's efforts to "Bring Bill to the Ville" followed through. Unfortunately Murray didn't make it, but Whitehead was adamant that Murray would have to come to Louisville to receive the honor.
Photos by Aaron Mikel
