Katie Molck, Staff Writer:
It’s like being a kid at the local swimming pool on the first day of summer. Energy and adrenaline pumping to jump right into the crystal blue waters and then the lifeguard blows the whistle. Lightning. Clear the pool for 20 minutes.
Forecastle it’s alright, we forgive you. A storm was a brewin’ and you were just being our lifeguard. Except 20 minutes was more like an hour. Still, the fest went on and here’s what the lightening held out for.
Bully was the shit. Let’s face it, Alicia Bognanno is cool AF. She not only dominates the stage with her resonating 90s grunge, but that coarse head-scream drills it into your head. The WFPK stage crowd was reiterating her vibes with a mosh pit and crowd surfing. Hands down my highlight for the day.
My favorite festivalgoer from Friday was the guy with the pineapple. I never saw his face just his pineapple waving in the area during Moon Taxi. You do you pineapple guy. I’m hoping for a watermelon tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, I’ll definitely be here early for Pokey LaFarge and then clearing my schedule for Sylvan Esso.
Image: John Miller
Michelle Eigenheer, Editor:
Look, I love a good weather evacuation. It breaks up the day, gives you a chance to lounge around downtown with a drink. And the breeze that blew that storm in was the second most refreshing thing to happen yesterday. What was the most refreshing? The Avett Brothers.
I’m a big Avett Brothers fan, and I saw a bit of the band’s 3-night stay a while back, but this was so much better. I love bands who come out on stage with all their energy there, right off the bat. The Avett Brothers delivered on that. Plus, kazoo symphonies really get me.
Another great thing I saw today? The amazing Louisville pride that 1200 was able to spark and pump up. I’m still thinking about how cool that crowd was and how purely excited they were to see this Louisville favorite on stage, not just performing, but including student musicians, defending Louisville and promoting the best of our city.
Saturday’s going to be even better than today: not only am I looking forward to Alabama Shakes, but I’m also really, really stoked to see what Teddy Abrams and friends are bringing to Forecastle. This guy, as Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra and a member of the Louisville community, has been able to bring together performers who are so rarely able to play on the same stage. Tomorrow's set not only includes members of the orchestra, but Matt Myers (Houndmouth), Scott Carney (Wax Fang), Joan Shelley (another performance to put on your Forecastle schedule!), 1200, James Lindsay and more. Don’t miss it at the WFPK Port Stage at 5:15. Also, grab a hot dog from Red Top on the way, because they look like this:
Image: Adam Mescan
Carly Garcia, Staff Writer:
My personal highlight for the first day of Forecastle 2016 was seeing Grouplove live! Even after waiting out the rain, the band still brought SO much energy. I also really enjoyed listening to Bully from the Gonzo Bar. Bully is one band that screams 1990's rock n roll.
For tomorrow, I'm most looking forward to Alabama Shakes. Talk about a good set of pipes! No wonder they've headlined this festival twice in the last four years. I'm also hoping and praying for beautiful weather tomorrow, fingers crossed for a day free of evacuations!
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