Join WTTS bloggers Rob Humphrey and Jim Ritter this weekend at the Forecastle Music Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. They’ll share stories, pics, and more right here in the Forecastle Festival blog, courtesy of Brothers Floor Covering.
SATURDAY – 3:31PM
Here we are. Ready for Day Two at Forecastle 2016.
Day One was eventful and hectic. It all started with the festival being evacuated, due to weather, a little over an hour after it started. Forecastle was evacuated last year on the first day as well. That happened late in the evening during Sam Smith’s headlining set. Both evacuations went smoothly and without incident, this years was a little more confusing because no one was sure when we would be let back in and how the lineup was going to be affected. Turns out they reopened the gates after an hour and a half or so. All of the performers played with a slightly modified schedule.
On the topic of the performances, if the festival is being scored like a competition, Bully won the first day. The relatively new band from Nashville took the Port Stage right around sundown and delivered a blistering set. Other highlights included the headlining set from The Avett Brothers and Dr. Dog’s late night show.
Can’t wait to see what today has in store.
Saturday – 6:26
It’s been an amazing day and a half of music. After being evacuated last night (due to weather) it has been show after show of jaw dropping. Hands down the best show so far was Bully. They played last night at 8:45 and as the sun went down the band kicked it into another gear. The veracity of Alicia Bognanno howl is perfectly complimented by the aggressive playing of the band.
I just got done watching The Arcs and the Dan Auerbach led group knows how to entertain a crowd. Dan had the aura of a Rock star from the moment he took the stage and he even tried to moon walk. It’s been so much fun to see all of these amazing musicians and I’m looking forward to catching Nothing, Local Natives and Alabama Shakes tonight!
Jim
SUNDAY – 1:13PM
The heat arrived in Louisville for Day Two of Forecastle. It wasn’t the punishing heat that was here last year but it was hot enough. Staying cool and hydrated was the order of the day.
Highlights from Day Two included a solid set from Shakey Graves during which he brought Kelsey Wilson of Wild Child on stage to sing “Dearly Departed” with him. The set from Philadelphia band Nothing was without a doubt the loudest that I have ever heard at a festival and Local Natives were great on the Mast Stage.
The best performance of the festival, so far, came in the middle of the day from The Arcs. When Laura Duncan spoke with Dan Auerbach about the band, he was hesitant to call it a new band because they have all been playing together for quite awhile, which showed when they were on-stage. Festivals are full of distractions for the audience. You have four stages of music going at once, food trucks, tons of vendors and booths (this year you can literally do everything from buy a turntable to take a virtual reality adventure), the heat beating down and the beautiful setting of Waterfront Park. If a band can take the stage and make me forget all of that and focus solely on them, they are killing it. I didn’t move an inch while The Arcs were on-stage.
The headliner last night was Alabama Shakes. If you were at WTTS Rock On The River last year, you know how great they are live. Last night was no exception and they would have been a strong contender for the best show of the day but their set was marred by a bit of a sound issue. The band was tight but their set was quiet. The Mast Stage sits at the front of a massive open park area, the interstate runs right behind the back of the park. Even halfway back, I could hear the traffic on the interstate as the band was playing. I’m not sure why they didn’t crank it up a bit louder.
One final thing about yesterday and then it’s off to enjoy the shows. This is the third straight year I have attended this festival and every year I’m surprised by at least one band. I found that band yesterday. I had heard about Nashville’s All Them Witches a couple of times but wasn’t super familiar with the band. I had an open spot on my schedule for the day and saw that they were getting ready to play on the Port Stage. I walked over there and saw the largest crowd that I have seen at that stage. The band came out and I realized why everyone was there. They put on an energetic live set and I can’t wait to dive into their music further. Short notice but I did see on their schedule that they will be playing the Hi-Fi on Tuesday. If you want to see a great show, get on it.
Time to go see what there is to see today.
Rob
Sunday – 4:15
This has been the best three days of my life. The music and atmosphere of Louisville has been so positive. Every time I come to reflect on the performances it gets better and better. Last night, Big Gigantic won my heart. Every time the singer/saxophones told the crowd to throw your hands up, the crowd put their hands up. Every time he told us to jump, the crowd went wild. For being a duo they defiantly knew how to involve the crowd and get a big sound.
Alabama Shakes was a close second. They brought members of the Louisville’s Orchestra up on stage to perform songs from their second album Sound And Color. I could not believe how in sync they were. If you saw them last year at our first Rock On The River you know the spectacular sound they produce. It was the perfect way to end the night.
As for today, The Suffers got it all started for me. I had never heard of them but they brought funk and soul to the festival. Also performing at the same time was Anderson East. I jumped over to catch the second half of his set and I have to say, he sounds exactly like he does on his album. If you haven’t seen him live, check out his performance last year in Sun King Studio 92. The rest of the day has another great lineup of music. White Denim is next followed by Unknown Mortal Orchestra, followed by Death Cab For Cutie and Ryan Adams. My only compliant about the festival is that the musicians can’t play longer.
WTTS has sent a lucky listener to Gulf Shores and another to Manchester, TN. Now we are sending Karla Ray over the river to Louisville, KY for Forecastle Festival. Karla won two weekend wristbands good for Friday – Sunday and 3 night stay in a hotel in downtown Louisville. Thanks to everyone who registered.
92-3 WTTS Forecastle Festival Giveaway Official Contest Rules
1. How to Enter the Contest:
a. The WTTS Forecastle Festival Giveaway contest will begin on February 6th, 2017 at 6:00am EST and end on February 12th, 2017 at 11:59pm EST.
b. To participate in the contest, log onto the VIP Room at www.wttsfm.com during the contest period to register to win.
2. Eligibility Restrictions:
a. The contest is open to all WTTS listeners who are 18 years of age or older and who reside in the greater Indianapolis and outlining areas. Employees of WTTS, Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., AC Entertainment, participating sponsors/promotional partners, other radio stations in the Bloomington and/or Indianapolis metropolitan area and the members of their immediate families are ineligible to participate or win. Immediate family members are parents, children, spouses, those in spouse-like relationship, and siblings (including those in step- and half-relationships when living in the same household).
b. Eligible participants can win a WTTS contest only once every thirty days and a prize valued at $600 or more only once every six months. Only one winner per household is permitted in any contest.
3. Prizes:
a. One (1) grand prize: One room (double occupancy) for Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights 7/14-7/16 along with 2 VIP Weekend Passes to attend Forecastle Festival, July 14th – 16th. Grand prize is valued at $1,400.
b. All prizes or prize certificates may be picked up at the office of WTTS: 407 Fulton Street, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN. 46202. Any prize or prize certificate not claimed within 10 days of initial contact with winner will be forfeited by the winner. If any prize or prize certificate is forfeited, an alternate winner will be selected. WTTS is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate
c. Contest prizes are not transferable. Prizes may not be substituted for or redeemed for
cash.
4. Selection of Winners:
a. Decisions of station management with respect to the contest are final.
b. Winner will be selected on February 13th, 2017 by the following method: One finalist will be selected by random drawing from the online entries received via the VIP Room at wttsfm.com to become the Grand Prize Winner.
c. Winner need not be present to win; once the winner is chosen, they will be notified by WTTS by phone and email. If the winner cannot be contacted within 10 days after the prize winner is selected, an alternate winner will be selected.
5. Conditions:
a. Payment of all federal, state and local taxes is the sole responsibility of the winner.
Winners will be reported to the IRS on IRS Form 1099 or the equivalent.
b. By participating in the contest, the winner or winners (and their guest or traveling companion, if any) agree to allow their name, voice, and/or likeness to be used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest for a period of one year without additional financial or other compensation.
c. Contest winners are required to sign a Receipt verifying eligibility prior to acceptance of any prize of more than nominal value. Before claiming a prize, contest winners (and each of their guests or traveling companions, where applicable) are also required to sign a Liability Release and/or Travel Release if the prize to be awarded is valued at $600.00 or greater, if the contest or the prize entails dangerous or potentially dangerous activity, or if the prize includes the provision of transportation, whether or not such transportation is provided by WTTS. Pursuant to the Liability Release and Travel Release, the winners (and each of their guests or traveling companions, where applicable) will agree to hold WTTS, Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., AC Entertainment, and the respective officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of each of them harmless from and against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the contest.
d. WTTS, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the WTTS Web Site or who is otherwise in violation of the rules. The station further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort.
6. These rules are subject to the interpretation of WTTS. Any aspect of these rules, including the substitution of a prize or prizes of equivalent or greater value, can be changed at the discretion of WTTS, and such change(s) will become effective upon on-air or other appropriate announcement.
7. No purchase is necessary. The contest is void where prohibited.
8. Failure to comply with the contest rules may result in a contestant’s disqualification,
at the sole discretion of WTTS.
9. WTTS is not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the contest or in the announcement of any prize.
10. Copies of the written contest rules are available during regular business hours at the main studio of WTTS; 400 Once City Centre, Bloomington, IN. 47404 or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to WTTS at the address above.
11. A list of winners will be available after February 13th, 2017. To request the list of winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to WTTS; 407 Fulton Street, Suite 92, Indianapolis, IN 46202 within 90 days of the announced end date of the contest.
Join WTTS bloggers Rob Humphrey and Josh Lantz this weekend at the Forecastle Music Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. They’ll share stories, pics, and more right here in the Forecastle blog courtesy of Karma Records, Indy’s place for vinyl, CDs and more since 1970.
Forecastle Blog: Day One
Rob
The early part of Day 1 started with rain. As soon as we got out of our vehicle…the rain started to fall.
The first stop after entering the gates was the Mast Stage to see Benjamin Booker. The crowd was sparse to begin with but it didn’t take long for him to grab everyone’s attention. For a three piece band, these guys know how to make some noise, the best kind of noise.
After seeing Benjamin it was a short walk over the the Boom Stage to catch The Black Lips. The crowd was into these guys from the moment they took the stage until the moment they left. The Black Lips bring a ton of energy in their live show.
After seeing The Black Lips it was off to the Port Stage to catch the last half of Foy Vance‘s set. The crowd was really into the Irish singer’s music, singing along and enjoying the more laid back vibe that he brought to the festival.
When Foy Vance finished I had the opportunity to talk briefly with Benjamin Booker. We talked about the excitement and nervous energy surrounding the release of his debut album.
After chatting with Benjamin it was back to the Mast Stage to see Gary Clark Jr. and then over to the Boom Stage where I was scheduled to talk with Jim Eno of Spoon.
Josh
While Rob was listening to music and interviewing bands, I was walking around soaking in the Forecastle atmosphere. From a giant boat being painted to row of art galleries the Festival is full of music, art, and all kinds of random sightings. Friday was full of different combinations of music. I was excited to see Outkast later on that night so I positioned myself near the middle of the crowd for the last part of Gary Clark Jr. on the main stage (Mast Stage). Thankfully I did. Just as expected when Gary finished I was able to move even closer for Twenty One Pilots. Having never seen or heard their music, I was shocked by their set. A two piece band brought intense sound and crazy energy that eventually led to the entire crowd jumping and singing. Promising to give the crowd everything they had, the 75 minute set ended with a bang. Hoisted up by the crowd, the drummer and lead singer played separate drums that propelled liquid off of them.
Having grown up listening to Outkast, it was a show that I would not miss. Once Twenty One Pilots finished I quickly made my way through the crowd to the second row. In for the long haul like others around me I quickly made friends to create a “Great Wall of China” -like barrier. There would be no storming by to get closer from others behind us. What felt like an eternity quickly turned to heavy beats and guitar riffs. The set started with B.O.B. and ended with The Whole World with all the hits in between.
I am going to be completely honest. Making my way back into the media tent after the Outkast set and sitting down after a long day of standing and carrying equipment was heaven. It was the best 10 minutes that I could have asked for at that moment. 10 minutes quickly flew by before Rob and I realized that it was time to make our way to the late show at Headliners featuring Curtis Harding & St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
Forecastle Blog: Day Two
Rob
The second day at Forecastle has been all about music and interesting sights. Bands we’ve seen today: Boy & Bear, Spanish Gold, Lord Huron & Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings.
Boy & Bear put on a solid set this morning on the Boom Stage. Spanish Gold was the biggest surprise of the day for most of the crowd. They had everyone in front of the Mast Stage jumping and dancing. It was fun to watch the area in front of the Boom Stage fill up as Lord Huron starting playing and grabbing the attention of people walking by. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings put on an incredible show. Everyone was dancing and smiling the entire time they were on stage.
It’s off to the Mast Stage to see Band of Horses next….
Josh
Day 2 for me was a little bit different from Day 1. I was able to walk around and interact with a lot of people in attendance. Got a chance to meet a gentleman by the name of Joe who was a huge Dead Head. He and I talked music for almost half an hour after the Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings set. Found out that he and I attend another music festival at the same time earlier this year. Thanks to Joe, I have some new books to pickup to learn more about marketing, music and The Grateful Dead.
My second encounter was with a young lady by the name of Joy. Talk about a huge Jack White fan. She had been to Nashville and Third Man Records a thousand times. Literally had seen Jack White hundreds of times. I am pretty sure it was borderline between fan and stalker. That said, she was super friendly and nice. I respectfully declined the brownie she offered me.
After a quick stop at the media tent to reload on Red Bull (thank God for that this weekend), I was off to have my face melted off by Jack White. Rob took my strategy from Day 1 and positioned himself correctly to get close to the front as possible. Myself, I stayed back (helpful tip to all those who attend a music festival, ladies make the best blockers when moving through giant crowds). I feel bad but I did not get the lady’s names who helped me position myself in the middle of the crowd about 20 feet back from the stage. Having only listened to Jack White and the White Stripes, I became a huge fan in 2.5 seconds of the first song. Amazing musician and great performer. I don’t know about Rob, but I will definitely try to see him again the next time he is close to town.
The night ended with Rob and I heading back to the hotel for a good night’s rest..NOT! While in Louisville it would be rude not to check out 4th Street. Talk about an area that is fun, loud, intense, energetic and full of passion for dancing. One could compare it to KOK (Kilroy’s on Kirkwood) and Broad Ripple times 10.
Last stop of the night, FOOD. Nothing like late night Steak N Shake to cap off a day/night of fun. Can’t wait for Day 3…
Here are some of the sites from around the festival.
Forecastle Blog: Day Three
We’re back for day three of Forecastle. Tonight’s headliner is Beck and we’re not leaving until he walks off the stage. We’ve been looking forward to this show all weekend long. Ray LaMontagne also plays tonight, along with Brett Dennen and Trampled By Turtles. It’s going to be a busy Sunday.
Last night we took in Band of Horses and Jack White. Band of Horses may have been the best show of the weekend, so far. Another highlight of the festival was Dwight Yoakam’s cover of Jackson Browne’s “The Pretender”. Jack White closed out last night’s festivities. His 90 minute set included songs from his new solo album Lazaretto as well as The White Stripes catalogue and The Raconteurs. He brought energy and excitement to the stage and he seemed to be enjoying it himself, I wouldn’t swear to it, but I think I saw him smile once or twice.
Lucius is starting…that means it’s time to hit the Mast Stage.
Josh
Well the sun finally showed it’s bright face today for the first time all weekend. HOT! Water was key for survival. I was able to bounce around again today checking out Lucius, Brett Dennen, Trampled By Turtles, Jenny Lewis, Nickel Creek, The Replacements, Ray LaMontagne, and Beck (heading there). My feet are cooking from all that walking. Of the 8 artists I was able to see, Trampled By Turtles was my favorite. It was the mandolin player’s birthday day (Erik Berry). Super cool to see and hear thousands of people sing “Happy Birthday” to him. Well, like I said, Beck is getting ready to start so I am hustling over to catch it. More of an update and photos to come later.
…Later Simply wow. Like Jack White, I was familiar with Beck’s music but had never seen him live. He was no disappointment at all. From start to finish he entertained the crowd and put on a tremendous show. The music, the crowd, the lights, the visual background screen behind Beck, the jokes that Beck told, were all just super cool. Sunday was a long hot day and it was well worth it once thousands of people started singing “Where it’s at. I got two turntables and a microphone”.
Photos of Day 3
Forecastle Blog: The Monday After
Josh
It’s lunch time on the Monday after Forecastle. Rob and I elected to make the drive back home Sunday night after the show. We were both really jacked up on adrenaline thanks to Beck so the first hour flew by. It wasn’t until I dropped Rob off in Bloomington that I got a chance to really collect my thoughts. The drive from Bloomington to Indianapolis is a peaceful journey at 2am. Thinking back over the weekend I was thoroughly impressed with the Festival. Not that I am a festival expert by any means. This one was different from other festivals I have been able to attend in the past. The music was great don’t get me wrong. Getting in and out was very easy. The crowd each day was friendly. Let me explain on that. I’ve been to festivals where people constantly push through because they HAVE TO BE upfront. Not the case here. People allowed you to move through the crowd until it was obvious there was no where else to go. People were happy. I never encountered the overly intoxicated drunk you normally see at shows. I also didn’t encounter too many people on drugs either (which was different). I got offered a brownie once (like I said before I respectfully declined), saw some young adults take a hit of acid, and some here and there were smoking (non-cigarettes of course). But overall that was it. This festival seemed more family friendly. Saw a ton of kids. Even little babies with headphones on which you can see in some pictures. I called the babies future rock stars in training all weekend. Which all of this leads me to the final ultimate question, “Would I attend again next year?” For the price of admission, cost of food and drinks, quality of music, crowd assessment, staff friendliness, quality of cleanliness, flow of traffic…Yes. Yes I would come back and encourage others to do the same. Bonnaroo is Bonnaroo. Hangout is on a beach but expensive. Coachella is a hike to try to get to from Indiana. Forecastle is a great festival for those looking to get a solid 3-Day music festival experience, and enjoy it!
Lastly I would like to thank the staff at Forecastle Festival for allowing me to attend and supplying me with Red Bull all weekend. Gracious hosts. I would also like to thank Karma Records who helped make this blog possible. I hope you enjoyed our coverage and photos of Forecastle Festival 2014. Thank you for joining Rob and I every step of the way this entire weekend.
Join WTTS bloggers Rob Humphrey and Josh Lantz this weekend at the 
