Scene and Heard

The Kentucky Derby will always be the premier Spring event in Louisville,  but J. K. McKnight andNederlander Entertainment may have just added a Summer classic to the mix.

It’s taken nine hard years for McKnight to build on his dream of hosting a local festival that combined Music, Art and Activism in his hometown. With the help of the City of Louisville, and Nederlander Entertainment, The  Forecastle Festival transformed Waterfront Park into  a wonderland for the senses.

An estimated 30,000 fans, most arriving around sunset, was treated to three beautiful evenings of music. The venue layout was comfortable and clean, with enough space to roam and enjoy the many activities the festival had to offer.

Even in three days of covering this event it was impossible to take in all the music, exhibits and art. it was a quality event, well managed and family friendly .

Forecastle has become an event Louisville should be proud of. It may not reach the size of Bonnaroo or Lollapalooza which is not all bad.

The Best of Forecastle (based on what I saw)

Friday Highlights

The crowd was fashionably late most arriving in the middle of the Drive by Truckers set.   The West Stage lawn was 3/4 full by the time Widespread Panic began their set.

1. Manchester Orchestra- very impressive show, setting the mood for the night
2. Widespread Panic– the usual well played set filled with jams. Jimmy Herrings guitar gets better with each gig.
3. Drive by Truckers- Patterson Hood and company knows how to excite festival crowds.
4. Dead Confederate- strong show by these southern style rockers

Best surprise –

Cirque Berzerk

The Ocean Stage – DJ dance music was full  of dancers all weekend long.

Saturday Highlights

1. Cake– Had the crowd dancing during the show and talking afterword.
2. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals– “Ah Mary” brought chills !
3. Devo– Classic performance an set list
4. Smashing Pumpkins– Tight show including many hit songs which is rare.
5. Umphrey’s McGee- Very clean set, a shame it was on so early many people missed it.
6. Bassnectar- impressive sound even if you don’t like techno music

Best Saturday surprises

Macca Pazza- 30  people in this band – everyone can play!

Black Diamond Heavies- Keyboards and drums only- great sounds

March Madness Marching Band- fun to watch

Cake playing Black Sabbath

Sundays Highlights

1. Spoon– No fancy stage show just straight well played songs backed by horns from Louisville players
2. Flaming Lips– Incredible stage show,
3. Minus the Bear- solid performance despite some technical issues
4. She and Him– Zooey Deschanel and M Ward’s music enough said.
5. Sara Watkins- fine voice and music – but No Nickel Creek songs

  Best Sundays Surprise-

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

More Photos   Friday 2010 , Forecastle 2010   and Sunday 2010