Success Stories

Forecastle's primary goal is to bring people together from across the Midwest to share in common experiences and collective destiny. Of the hundreds of connections made, the following are some that stand above the fray, epitomizing the Forecastle mission.

Music.

Uniting bands from across the region and given them the opportunity to meet industry reps, media contacts, and like-minded musicians that can help further their career. Louisville's "Jamili Brown" is an example of such an artist. After being chosen among (600) submissions, the band has gone onto perform at numerous showcases and festival appearances, including CMJ Music Marathon and SXSW.

In March of 2008, Forecastle friend and sponsor JanSport launched a nationwide "Battle of the Bands" competition. Over 1250 bands submitted, with the top band awarded an all-expense trip to perform at both Forecastle 2009 and the "Halfway to Forecastle" concert in January.

Art.

In 2008, twelve Midwest universities participated in a regional student art competition. The top (30) artists were invited to showcase their work at the 7th annual Forecastle Festival, and entered into an awards program where the top (3) artists would receive compensation and recognition for their work in 2-D, 3-D, and mixed media. Patrick Collins of Cincinnati, OH, was one of the selected artists. He has since moved on to showcase at several prestigious galleries in Indiana and Ohio, and received further opportunities in other markets.

Activism.

Through a partnership with the Salvation Army Center of Hope Culinary Training Program, proceeds from food sales have funded scholarships for low-income men and women enrolled in the program. In addition, they earn an hourly wage with hands-on food prep and cooking experience while taking orders and serving festival attendees.

Inspired by a 2008 keynote speech from acclaimed environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Louisville native Phillip Gibson put up $3,000 to found the 1st Kentucky chapter of "Riverkeepers" - a non-profit organization designed to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Ohio River from polluters. His persistence led to support from the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, whose Board of Directors agreed to pursue the development of an Ohio Riverkeeper program with a $28,000 campaign.

Furthering the environmental mission of their brand, Forecastle sponsor Finlandia hosted a promotion inside the activism portion of the 2008 event. The winner, "Bicycling for Louisville", received a $500.00 donation which they used to promote bicycling safety in greater Louisville and southern Indiana.

If you have a success story through a Forecastle connection, e-mail the Captain!