The Forecastle Festival’s renowned Port Stage, presented by WFPK, will take on a whole new vibe in 2018, dedicated to local musical acts, special Fireside Chats, presented by Liquor Barn, featuring the rock stars of the bourbon industry, and up-close experiences with select national artists.
Acclaimed Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams has curated an all-local lineup for Forecastle’s WFPK Port Stage, featuring an array of performances by prominent Louisville musicians across multiple genres.
Embarking on its 16th year at sea this July 13-15, 2018 at Waterfront Park, Forecastle will continue to celebrate the unique spirit of Louisville, Ky. through equal parts music, arts and activism®, and for the first time, the WFPK Port Stage will be located in the Kentucky Landing area, paying homage to the Commonwealth with a variety of craft breweries, local food trucks, Louisville-based non-profit organizations and craft vendors with Kentucky-made goods.
“I’ve programmed the Port Stage to demonstrate the diversity of music here in Louisville, with performances that include everything from our hip hop stars to innovative music education programs that were born in our city, plus sets that feature Bluegrass, folk, rock and much more,” said Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams. “I am very grateful to be a part of the Forecastle Festival this year, supporting the seriously creative and innovative energy of this Festival and of our city.”
The full breakdown of the local talent lineup for the 2018 WFPK Port Stage, curated by Teddy Abrams, can be found below.
Friday
- The Thrills with Teddy Abrams, featuring Carly Johnson and including Scott Moore, Jacob Duncan, Danny Kiely and Paul Culligan
- Wax Fang
- Louisville Leopards Percussionists
Saturday
- Forecastle Symphony performs Terry Riley’s minimalist masterpiece “In C” for cosmic unity
- West Louisville Showcase, featuring Jecorey “1200” Arthur, Chanson Calhoun, DJ Always, DJ Out Here, Lance Newman, Metez, River City Drum Corporation and A.M.P.E.D.
Sunday
- Covers set with Teddy Abrams and Friends, featuring Matt Myers of Houndmouth and Ben Sollee
- The Maiden Radio Hour, featuring appearances by and collaborations between Joan Shelley, Cheyenne Mize and Julia Purcell of Maiden Radio, Tyrone Cotton, Tyler Lance Walker Gill, Sean Johnson, The Other Years, Joe Manning, Daniel Martin Moore, John Pedigo, Walker Shepard and Ben Sollee
- Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper
More information on the 2018 WFPK Port Stage lineup can be found at ForecastleFest.com.
Fireside Chats, broadcast live from Port Stage, will take ‘Bourbonism’ to the masses
Forecastle’s Fireside Chats, presented by Liquor Barn, will put the rock stars of bourbon center stage both with Forecastle attendees and bourbon fans around the world as for the first time, the spirited talks will move to the WFPK Port Stage, where they will be live streamed globally.
These intimate living room-style talks give fans access to in-depth educational panels, speakers and demonstrations with industry icons and experts, including Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott, Old Forester President and Managing Director Campbell Brown, Heaven Hill Master Distiller Denny Potter, Maker’s Mark Maturation Specialist Jane Bowie, Mitcher’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson and more.
Moderated by Whisky Chicks Founder Linda Ruffenach, author, writer, and spirits lover Steve Coomes, Liquor Barn Category Director Brad Williams, Steve Akley and Jeremy Schell of Bourbon Daily and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Director of Mixology & Spirits Education Joe Daily, the Fireside Chats allow fans to engage with bourbon’s best and brightest.
The full schedule of Fireside Chats, presented by Liquor Barn can be found at ForecastleFest.com.
This year’s Forecastle is headlined by Kentucky native and Grammy winner Chris Stapleton, Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse.
General Admission, Yacht Club and VIP weekend and daily passes, as well as Bourbon Lodge memberships are available at ForecastleFest.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. For the latest updates from Forecast Festival, fans can visit ForecastleFest.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and sign up for the Forecastle newsletter.
