The 2016 Forecastle Festival set sail this past weekend (July 15-July 17) at Waterfront Park. About 65,000 attendees basked in the summer heat to hear headliners The Avett Brothers, Alabama Shakes, Ryan Adams, Death Cab for Cutie, Brandi Carlile and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals.
Produced by Knoxville-based AC Entertainment, Forecastle is known for presenting a diverse line-up, nautical themes and sense of humor, and this year’s fest didn’t disappoint. Four stages sprawled across the Great Lawn hosted a mélange of acts that showcased both up-and-comers and A-listers. Big Gigantic, Local Natives and Gary Clark Jr. revved up crowds on the larger Mast and Boom stages, which overlooked the Ohio River. While, the likes of indie darlings Sylvan Esso, the laser-light-show-loving Ghostland Observatory and hip hop/rapper Danny Brown performed for enthusiastic crowds on the Ocean Stage. Sandwiched between the docks of the Ohio River and a shaded picnic area, The WFPK Port Stage offered great sets from Speedy Ortiz, Bully and Teddy Abrams and Friends “Forecastle Symphony.”
Ladies rocked body glitter, braids and micro-mini jean shorts. While, men sported U.S.A. bandanas, Hawaiian shirts, and yes, more body glitter. Purple sage, replaced the hula hoop as this year’s must-have accessory, as concert goers walked around either holding or handing out stalks, turning it into a make-shift party favor.
While Forecastle attendance represents almost every state in the U.S. (Forecastle founder J.K. McKnight admits someone from Idaho has yet to attend.), it remains true to its Louisville roots. The Bourbon Lodge gives bourbon aficionados and newbies a taste of our hometown elixir. Squallis Puppeteers brought larger-than-life local celebs “Col. Harlan Sanders” and “Hunter S. Thompson” to the delight of festival-goers. The new Pirate Cove pARTy area coupled art, DJs and drum circles in a scenic, shady nook. Friday, a couple even tied the knot at the Pirate Cove amongst friends new and old.
A TSA Pre Fast Pass Check-in was a welcome addition. For those who have yet to have TSA pre-approval, TSA Pre Fast Pass Check-in sign-ups were available onsite. As always, quality food options abound. Sure, fare favorites like funnel cakes and corn dogs were available, but so were falafel, broccoli rabe paninis and fresh fruit smoothies.
Unfortunately, a storm front on opening day caused for an evacuation during the Phosphorescent set. Not the ideal way to kick-off a festival, but props to the Forecastle team for handling it professionally. In all honesty, it’s nice to know that festival coordinators actually care about guests’ safety. The sets for Friday night got extended, so no one got bumped from the line-up. Guests got the bonus of watching fireworks during Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals set.
At age 14, it’s nice to see Forecastle become a teenager. The festival continues to improve and grow each year and remains an important economic asset to our city. The Forecastle Festival, its organizers and patrons pump more than $14 million into the Louisville economy. We can only imagine what will happen when Forecastle turns 21. Maybe than, someone from Idaho will realize what they’ve been missing.
