The Forecastle Festival :: Press and Media

"Unique and engaging, the event turned out a large, diverse, and eclectic crowd for a day of whimsical art, passionate issues, and enthusiastic music."

~ Howard Creech / Eopinions.com

"Traveling from Florida, and I am so glad I decided to go to Forecastle instead of Lollapalooza. I've been to a lot of festivals, and this was one of the best."

~ Bob King / Festival Enthusiast

"In the past fifteen years I have produced over 1,000 festivals and events across the United States and Europe. JK McKnight's Forecastle Festival stands shoulder to shoulder with the most inspired of those happenings."

~ Ron Whitehead / Nobel Prize nominated poet, author, and producer

Press Coverage

December 15th, 2008: "Off the Record" by 91.9 WFPK

Forecastle Captain JK McKnight chooses (5) of his favorite songs and explains their significance. Listen>>

December 11th, 2008: "Favorite Concerts Of 2008" by Each Note Secure

I got to go to four great festivals this year (Lollapalooza, Monolith, Forecastle, MidPoint) and saw loads of great shows in those weekends alone. Read more>>

November 19th, 2008: "Forecastle Announces Halfway Line-up" by Louisville.com

Although slightly less than eight months away, the 8th annual Forecastle Festival will once again satisfy anticipation with the 2nd annual "Halfway To Forecastle" mini-fest taking place Saturday, January 17th at the Green Building. Read more>>

November 17th, 2008: "JanSport Announces the Eight Finalists for Battle of the Bands" by Reuters

JanSport, the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel, today announced the eight finalists in its online Battle of the Bands competition, in partnership with The Forecastle Festival, the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and environmentalists in the Midwest. Read more>>

November 17th, 2008: "JanSport Announces the Eight Finalists for Battle of the Bands" by MSN Money

November 17th, 2008: "JanSport Announces the Eight Finalists for Battle of the Bands" by Yahoo!

November 17th, 2008: "JanSport Announces the Eight Finalists for Battle of the Bands" by FOX News

November 17th, 2008: "JanSport Announces the Eight Finalists for Battle of the Bands" by SNews

November 14th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle Announced" by Backseat Sandbar

JK has announced the details of this year’s Halfway to Forceastle mini-festival which is set to take place on Saturday, January 17th at the new and incredibly exciting venue, Gill Holland’s The Green Building. Read more>>

November 14th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle lineup announced; tickets on sale Nov. 15" by LEO Weekly

Line-ups announced for this year’s Halfway to Forceastle. The show will also feature an appearance by the winner of the JanSport “Battle of the Bands” competition. Proceeds will go to establishing the Ohio Riverkeepers chapter. Read more>>

October 12th, 2008: "The Forecastle Festival: Audio Release" by WOXY

Audio release of the June Preview show from The Futurist. Features clips from Dr. Dog, Snowden, and Catfish Haven, along with an interview with producer JK McKnight. Read more>>

September 15th, 2008: "The Forecastle Festival" by Performer Magazine

Featured Review by Performer Magazine. Read more>>

August 10th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival: Saturday Night" by MetroMix

Review by Metromix. Read more>>

August 5th, 2008: "Dr. Dog: LIVE at Forecastle" by BuzzGrinder

Dr. Dog LIVE at Forecastle. Read more>>

August 3rd, 2008: "Pomegranates LIVE at Forecastle Fest" by Ear Candy

The Seedy Seeds LIVE at Forecastle. Read more>>

August 2nd, 2008: "The Seedy Seeds at Forecastle Festival" by Farmout

The Seedy Seeds LIVE at The Forecastle Festival. Read more>>

August 1st, 2008: "REVIEW: Del at Forecastle" by You Ain't No Picasso

I got to Forecastle just in time for Del to take the stage. I knew very little of his stuff, but still absolutely loved his set. He dedicated “Mistadobolina” to George Bush, compared Louisville to San Fran (because we don’t have any haters, apparently) and even treated us to his Gorillaz collaboration on “Clint Eastwood.” Read more>>

July 31st, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Day Two" by BUZZGrinder

We're still recovering from a very hot, very fun Forecastle Festival last weekend. Here is a gallery of some shots from Saturday, day two if the festival. I'll post some Sunday shots over the weekend. Enjoy! Read more>>

July 31st, 2008: "Pomegranates LIVE at Forecastle" by BuzzGrinder

Pomegranates LIVE at Forecastle. Read more>>

July 31st, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Festival" by Louisville Music News

Review by LMN's Jason Ashcraft. Read more>>

July 31st, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Day Three" by Backseat Sandbar

Each day of Forecastle had a distinct vibe, and Sunday’s was most definitely the AAA/NPR crowd. Read more>>

July 30th, 2008: "INTERVIEW: Dr. Dog at Forecastle 2008" by LEO Weekly

Exclusive interview with the band at Forecastle 2008. Read more>>

July 30th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival" by Cincinnati Citybeat

This past weekend in Louisville was filled with music, beach balls, near riots, and kazoos. First up was Friday & the Forecastle Festival downtown. I love the mission behind Forecastle—music, art, activism. Read more>>

July 30th, 2008: "Margot and the Nuclear So and So's" by BuzzGrinder

Margot and the Nuclear So and so's LIVE at Forecastle. Read more>>

July 30th, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Day Two" by Backseat Sandbar

Saturday at Forecastle was a constant assault of great band after great band & for those that missed Saturday, in my eyes, you missed Forecastle. Leading up to Forecastle, when JK asked me who I was most excited for, without a moment of hesitation I replied Snowden. Read more>>

July 29th, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Day Two" by Backseat Sandbar

July 29th, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle 2008" by Paste Magazine

LIVE Photos from Forecastle 2008, featuring The Disco Biscuits, Dr. Dog, Del McCoury, Robert Kennedy Jr., GZA, and more. Read more>>

July 29th, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Friday" by Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa

July 29th, 2008: "The Seedy Seeds: LIVE at Forecastle" by My Old Kentucky Blog

So, continuing my pleasant Forecastle Fest suprises that hailed from the 'Nati, The Seedy Seeds absolutely blew my gourd. Their sound has been somewhat hilariously labelled as "Appalachitronica" (via). Basically combine up-tempo folk/banjo-driven music with electronic elements...I KNOW!! Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Friday Night" by Metromix

Del The Funky Homosapien played live Friday night at the 7th annual Forecastle at the Belvedere. Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "REVIEW: Forecastle Day One" by Backseat Sandbar

Forecastle got underway Friday evening with the hip hop heads and made it’s way to co-headliners Del the Funky Homosapien & GZA/Genius. By the time Del came on, people were coming out of nowhere to absolutely jam-pack the Belevedere. Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "RFK Jr. rips revolving door to environmental damage" by Politico

During remarks in Louisville on Saturday, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., framed the environmental movement in dramatic terms, arguing it was an effort with motivations similar to those that inspired the foundation of the United States."This is a battle for the values that define our country," Kennedy told an audience of about four hundred on Sunday afternoon. Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "How to save gas, RRK Jr., and Forecastle" by The Courier-Journal

Plan your trips so you take fewer left hand turns at stop lights, which often results in more idling. That's one way shipping giant UPS saves fuel for its large fleet of trucks -- and reduces air emissions. Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "REVIEW: The Seedy Seeds at Forecastle" by BuzzGrinder

The Seedy Seeds LIVE at Forecastle. Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "The Buddha Den @ Forecastle" by The Buddah Den

The Buddha Den was invited to this year's Forecastle festival in Louisville this past weekend. In addition to spreading the word about the blog and the Dayton music scene, a number of local bands were gracious enough to supply us with artifacts to give away to festivalgoers. We handed out over 350 copies of Dayton releases and made some great contacts with other cities that will hopefully further spread the word about our local scene...Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "Rah Rah for RFK on the Environment" by The Ville' Voice

It has hot and sticky, so the fans who had come to listen to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speak at the Forecastle Festival were trying to stay cool, but they weren’t missing a minute of the impassioned environmentalist’s speech. Read more>>

July 28th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival: Day 1" by My Old Kentucky Blog

This weekend's Forecastle Festival actually yielded a couple great new discoveries for me. We'll be giving you the play-by-play and some great video down the road, but for now, I wanted to touch on this first of two Cincinnati-based discoveries... Read more>>

July 27th, 2008: "RFK Jr. speaks at Forecastle" by The Courier-Journal

The idea that environmentalists are merely “radical tree-huggers” is ridiculous, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a crowd at the seventh annual Forecastle Festival this afternoon. “There’s nothing radical about the idea of clean water and clean air for our children,” Kennedy said in his nearly hour-long speech. “The reason we protect the environment is not so much for nature’s sake but for our own.” Read more>>

July 27th, 2008: "Bikes Abound at Forecastle" by Bicycling for Louisville

This weekend's Forecastle Festival at the Belvedere in Louisville gave a glimpse of what "bike culture" could look like in Louisville. Read more>>

July 27th, 2008: "RFK to speak at 2:30 today" by The Courier-Journal

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak at 2:30 p.m. today in downtown Louisville as part of the Forecastle Festival. A lawyer and staunch defender of the environment, Kennedy will be at the west stage at the Riverfront Belvedere at 5th and Main streets. A video of the speech will be posted later tonight at www.courier-journal.com. Read more>>

July 27th, 2008: "Event: RFK, Jr. at Forecastle Fest" by GreenKY

Following the theme of Forecastle Fest’s commitment to sustainability and environmental activism, Kennedy will give this year’s keynote address on Sunday at 2:30. Read more>>

July 26th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival: This Weekend" by My Old Kentucky Blog

I'm heading down to the 2008 Forecastle Fest, in Louisville, KY at the Riverfront Belvedere today. Unfortunately had to miss Del and GZA kick things off last night. How were they? Read more>>

July 25th, 2008: "COVER STORY: Forecastle Takes step up in size, clout" by The Courier-Journal

The Forecastle Festival began in a small city park and now, six years later, looks out over a spectacular view of the Ohio River. The festival's upgrade in scenery mirrors its impressive growth from a nice little neighborhood get-together to an event with a national profile large enough to draw Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as its keynote speaker. Read more>>

July 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Kicks Off Today!" by WOXY

Today marks the first day of this years Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Kentucky and it promises to be a fun weekend. Here are a few things to whet your appetite for the weekend if you are headed there. Read more>>

July 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Calling" by The Musical Box

Time to hoist sail and head to Louisville. It’s Forecastle time again. The three-day outdoor festival, which prides itself in blending music, arts and activism, is staying put - at least, for now. After numerous home bases in parks around Louisville, Forecastle is spending its second year at the downtown Belvedere. There will be film screenings, symposiums, a keynote speech from environmental lawyer and activist Robert Kennedy, Jr. on Sunday and three days of deliriously diverse music. Read more>>

July 24th, 2008: "Getting ready for Forecastle" by 37 Flood

The 7th Annual Forecastle fest kicks off tomorrow on the Belvedere. Here are some music vids from a few of the artists that I'm looking forward to seeing this weekend. Read more>>

July 24th, 2008: "At the helm of forecastle" by The Musical Box

There is no mistaking the growth and visibility that continues to revolve around Louisville’s Forecastle Festival. Event founder JK McKnight started Forecastle in the community confines of Tyler Park with a budget of $500 and a lineup of six bands. This weekend, the event is expected to draw 10,000 patrons to the Louisville Waterfront with a diverse lineup that includes Read more>>

July 23rd, 2008: "The Weeklies Take on Forecastle" by The Ville Voice

So the Forecastle Festival is finally here. As far as local festival events go, there’s none bigger, thanks to what I hear is the sheer will of organizer J.K. McKnight. The festivities start Friday, and as most of Louisville knows by now, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will make a speech on Sunday. Read more>>

July 23rd, 2008: "Forecastle Festival this weekend in Louisville" by NUVO

It’s not an unlikely idea, bringing Midwest musicians, artists and environmentalists together for a weekend festival, but you’re not the one who thought of it; you’re not the one who has spent years trying to figure out how much an event as all-inclusive is possible, both musically and socially; you’re not the one who travels through the fall and winter networking in Midwest towns and colleges, and spends the spring and summer tracking down bands and speakers and delegating what you can’t do yourself. Unless you happen to be J.K. McKnight, the 27-year-old founder of Louisville’s Forecastle Festival who has worked since 2002 to build his event from a Louisville-centric rock concert to a hub for artists and activists from 10 Midwest towns (including Indianapolis) and all spots in between. Read more>>

July 23rd, 2008: "COVER STORY: Soldier of the Green War" by LEO Weekly

When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born he hit the jackpot — brains, looks, fame, opportunity and affluence were his to inherit. Many would say that he’s done well with what he’s been handed, that he’s etched out his own role in the Kennedy tribe as a steadfast and outspoken environmental lawyer. Read more>>

July 23rd, 2008: "Robert Kennedy Jr." by Velocity Weekly

Sound environmental policy is in our economic and security interest, the Forecastle keynoter says. Read more>>

July 23rd, 2008: "Auteur Theory" by Velocity Weekly

Compromise can be a beautiful thing -- when it's not frustrating and doesn't make you feel like you're losing control of the vision for your band. Read more>>

July 22nd, 2008: "New Model Festival" by Dayton City Paper

JK McKnight simply wanted to create a forum for Louisville musicians in his hometown of Louisville, KY. That basic idea has blossomed into one of the most renowed annual music festivals: Forecastle. Read more>>

July 22nd, 2008: "Forecastle Festival 2008" by The Courier-Journal

Don't forget this weekend's Forecastle Festival, a fine event that blends music, art and activism. Numerous environmental groups will be on hand, many of which periodically or regularly find their into the C-J or onto Watchdog Earth as part of our coverage of environmental issues. Read more>>

July 21st, 2008: "Friday: Forecastle Festival" by The Courier-Journal

The seventh annual Forecastle Festival, featuring GZA (Wu-Tang Clan co-founder) and Del the Funky Homosapien (Hieroglyphics founder and cousin of rapper Ice Cube), begins Friday and continues through Sunday on the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. The event focuses on music, art and activism. Read more>>

July 20th, 2008: "Forecastle plans for big names, big crowds" by Lexington Herald-Leader

There is no mistaking the growth and visibility that continues to revolve around Louisville's Forecastle Festival. Event founder J.K. McKnight started Forecastle in the community confines of Tyler Park with a budget of $500 and a lineup of six bands. Next weekend, the event is expected to draw 10,000 patrons Read more>>

July 19th, 2008: "COVER STORY: Forecastle Festival" by The Courier-Journal

Once the Forecastle Festival settled into a steady home on the Riverfront Belvedere, festival founder JK McKnight decided to turn the energy previously spent on shuffling between venues toward creating a more explosive festival. Read more>>

July 18th, 2008: "Forecastle brings diverse lineup" by Buisness First

Forecastle, an annual event aimed at bringing together music, art and activism, will offer an eclectic mix of programs when it is held next weekend in Louisville. One of the features of this year’s festival, which will be held July 25 to 27 on The Belvedere, will be an address by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Read more>>

July 18th, 2008: "Ain't no party like a Forecastle Party" by Courier-Journal

The kick-off and after-parties have been announced for the Forecastle Festival and here they are without editorial comment, other than to say how awesome it is that American Turners is involved. Read more>>

July 18th, 2008: "Festival: One Week to Forecastle 2008!" by 37 Flood

Paste magazine has listed it in it's top 33 festivals in the country; Spin magazine says it's one of the top 101 things to do in America... what are we talking about? Read more>>

July 18th, 2008: "Forecastle Kick-Off and After-Parties" by Louisville Music News

In case you are so inclined, here’s the publicist’s list of before and after-parties for the Forecastle Fest. Read more>>

July 18th, 2008: "Code Red eyes Forecastle and ESPN" by Velocity Weekly

To sports fans, Code Red is the University of Louisville's own hip-hop booster club. Sports fans -- hell, just bar regulars -- recall the group's ubiquitous tune "For My Cards," a version of their "For My People" retooled for ESPN. Read more>>

July 17th, 2008: "GZA, Tortoise, Del Do Forecastle" by Pitchfork

Back in January, we were Halfway to Forecastle, and now, we're just days away regular ol' Forecastle-- the fest so nice they hold it twice. Read more>>

July 15th, 2008: "Deltron 40202: Del Tha Funky Homosapien storms Forecastle" by LEO Weekly

Independence for a rapper can be a scary proposition. Rap has long been the hired gun of the major labels, easy money on the backs of young and naïve would-be entrepreneurs. Given the current woes of the music industry, if you took major label hip-hop money out of the equation, the lean times of 2008 would have been on us back in ’98. Read more>>

July 10th, 2008: "Louisville’s Forecastle Fest blends music, art & activism" by STL Today

Since we don’t have a major music festival here (will it ever happen?), consider jaunting across I-64 to Louisville, where they have put together a pretty strong lineup. The annual gathering is equal parts Music, Art, and Activism. Read more>>

July 8th, 2008: "Get into it: summer festivals" by IU Student Media

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acclaimed environmental attorney and activist will be making the keynote speech for a festival that is as eco-friendly as it is music-oriented. The event will also be one of the first Midwest fests Read more>>

July 4th, 2008: "GZA & Del added to Forecastle" by The Courier-Journal

The 2008 Forecastle Fest, in Louisville, KY at the Riverfront Belvedere on July 25th - 27th, has added GZA and Del The Funky Homosapian to the already impressive, eclectic lineup. Read more>>

July 3rd, 2008: "GZA & Del the Funky Homosapien added to Forecastle Fest" by Alta (UK)

Forecastle is thrilled to announce the addition of Wu-Tang Clan founder GZA and Heiroglyphics founder Del the Funky Homosapian as co-headliners of the festival’s opening night, July 25th at the Riverfront Belvedere. Largely viewed as the masterminds behind two of hip-hop’s most influential dynasties Read more>>

July 3rd, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Adds GZA and Del The Funky Homosapien To Impressive Lineup" by ALARM Music

GZA and Del the Funky Homosapien have been added to this year’s Forecastle Festival, which will take place July 25-27 in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more>>

July 3rd, 2008: "GZA & Del added to Forecastle Festival" by The Courier-Journal

Forecastle is thrilled to announce the addition of Wu-Tang Clan founder GZA and Heiroglyphics founder Del the Funky Homosapian as co-headliners of the festival's opening night, July 25th at the Riverfront Belvedere. Read more>>

July 3rd, 2008: "GZA & Del replace Method Man at Louisville’s Forecastle Fest" by You Ain't No Picasso

Method Man is not longer playing Forecastle this year (boo), but his spot will be filled by co-headliners GZA and Del tha Funky Homosapien (yay!). Read more>>

July 2nd, 2008: "GZA, Del The Funky Homosapian Added To Forecastle" by Plug-In Music

July 1nd, 2008: "Forecastle Preview - Day 2" by Backseat Sandbar

All We Seabees are playing the 12:30 spot on Saturday at Forecastle. These guys have had an exciting year, getting a deal with Cephalopod Records, getting some tracks on John David Wynne’s film “Bent Back“, the release of Lady Alaska and getting both that album and Anne the Snake on iTunes. Read more>>

July 2nd, 2008: "Method Man out at Forecastle; GZA and Del the Funkyhomosapien in" by The Courier-Journal

Wu-Tang Clan member GZA and Heiroglyphics founder Del the Funkyhomosapien will replace Method Man as Forecastle's opening-night headliner, the festival announced this morning. Read more>>

July 1st, 2008: "Forecastle Update!" Rama Rama Fa Fa Fa

THIS JUST IN! A very reliable source tells me that Method Man is out of this year’s Forecastle Festival on the Belvedere in Louisville. In his place it’s gonna be GZA the Genius & none other than Del the Funky Homosapien. Read more>>

June 30th, 2008: "Forecastle fires up for number 7" by Friends of Lou

The Forecastle Festival is proud to announce the complete music.art.activism® line-ups for the seventh annual event, July 25th – 27th at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, KY. Among the headliners for the expanded three day festival are are Method Man, leader of the Wu-Tang Clan and HBO hit “The Wire”, Philadelphia’s trance-fusion jam band the Disco Biscuits, and Grammy Award winners the Del McCoury Band. Read more>>

June 24th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Preview Show" by WOXY

Last Thursday we played the Forecastle Festival preview show on WOXY.com and I have already gotten some great feedback about the show. It ran again over the weekend but if you missed out. Read more>>

June 24th, 2008: "Forecastle Preview - Day 1" by Backseat Sandbar

Local Hip-Hop heads Jamili Brown are going to be playing this year’s Forecastle, on the first hip hop night from 6:10 to 6:40. Read more>>

June 22nd, 2008: "Forecastle" by Nashville Mixed Tapes

An order you won’t hear at the July 25-27 Forecastle Festival: “Two corn dogs, cheesy fries and a funnel cake, please.” That’s because the three-day event featuring music, art and activism has worked out a deal to serve locally raised produce and meats, thanks to a partnership with Slow Foods Bluegrass. Read more>>

June 20thth, 2008: "Hold the Funnel Cakes at Forecastle" by WOXY

Last Thursday we played the Forecastle Festival preview show on WOXY.com and I have already gotten some great feedback about the show. It ran again over the weekend but if you missed out. Read more>>

June 15th, 2008: "Robert Kennedy Jr. to keynote Forecastle" by Plug-In

The Forecastle Festival is proud to announce that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., well-known environmental attorney and activist, will deliver the keynote address at the seventh annual event, July 25 - 27 at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more>>

June 13th, 2008: "Forecastle announces lineup: Method Man, Disco Biscuits, Z-Trip, Del McCoury, Ekoostik Hookah to Headline" by The Amplifier

The Forecastle Festival is proud to announce the complete line-ups for the 7th annual event, July 25th - 27th @ the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, KY. Read more>>

June 12th, 2008: "Kennedy to Address Forecastle" by PlaybackSTL

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. will give a keynote speech during the seventh annual Forecastle Festival on Sunday, July 27. Presented by The UPS Foundation and Olmstead Parks Conservancy, Kennedy is scheduled to address the audience at 2:30 p.m., at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more>>

June 10th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival returns in July" by Greater Louisville

Founded in Louisville , KY , the seventh annual Forecastle Festival is a symposium for musicians, artists, and environmentalists. The event has created a truly distinctive cultural entertainment medium, equally showcased in a scenic, outdoor environment. Read more>>

June 9th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival" by Fibre 2 Fashion

The 7th Annual Forecastle Festival will be held on the Belvedere July 25-27, 2008. The festival offers music, art, and activist information. Founded in Louisville, KY, the gathering is described as "a symposium for musicians, artists, and environmentalists. Forecastle connects the progressive Midwest." Read more>>

June 7th, 2008: "RFK Jr. to speak at Forecastle" by Velocity Weekly

Environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will give the keynote address at the upcoming Forecastle Festival, organizer J.K. McKnight announced today. Read more>>

June 6th, 2008: "Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to give Keynote at Forecastle Festival" by Backseat Sandbar

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is going to deliver the Keynote speech at this year’s Forecastle Festival. RFK, JR has countless badges to wear, including being one of Time Magazine’s “Heroes of the Planet”, Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper organization, President of The Waterkeeper Alliance. Read more>>

June 6th, 2008: "CONFIRED: RFK Jr. at Forecastle" by LEO Weekly

LEO just received the official word from the Forecastle Festival: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will provide the keynote address on Sunday, July 27 at 2:30 p.m. This brings the environmental component of the festival to a new, prestigious level. Read more>>

June 6th, 2008: "Robert Kennedy Jr. to speak at festival" by The Courier-Journal

Robert Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmentalist, will be the keynote speaker at this summer's Forecastle Festival. Organizers of the three-day festival of music, art and activism by the Ohio River in downtown Louisville July 25-27 also will use the sun to power event stages. Read more>>

June 5th, 2008: "Forecastle Fest lands Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as keynote speaker" by The Courier-Journal

Environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be the keynote speaker at Forecastle Festival on July 27. Kennedy, who was named one of Time magazine's "Heroes of the Planet," will address attendees of the Louisville-founded fest, which takes place on the Belevedere July 25-27. Read more>>

June 5th, 2008: "Travel Gear Brand JanSport sets stage" by Fibre 2 Fashion

JanSport, the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel, announced its partnership with The Forecastle Festival, the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and environmentalists in the Midwest, to create an online "Battle of the Bands" competition. Read more>>

June 4th, 2008: "JanSport signs on as Forecastle sponsor" by Buisness First

JanSport, the maker of outdoor gear and collegiate apparel, has signed a deal to become a major sponsor of the Forecastle Festival, an annual gathering in Louisville of musicians, artists and environmentalists. Read more>>

June 2nd, 2008: "JanSport Sets the Stage for an Online Battle of the Bands Competition " by Earth Times

May 2nd, 2008: "The Forecastle Festival" by The Weekly Town Crier

Here, my firends, is the lineup for this year's Forecastle Festival. Read more>>

May 1st, 2008: "Forecastle Festival" by Headie Links | Live Music Blog

The Forecastle Festival announced its lineup, which I'd say is definitely in the running for "most random festival lineup of 2008." Read more>>

May 1st, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Announces Line-up, Tickets" by WOXY

Late last week the good folks from the Forecastle Festival announced their lineup for 2008. Forecastle takes place just down the road from us in Louisville, Kentucky and is a great celebration of music, art, and activism. Spin Magazine called Forecastle “One of the Top 101 Things To Do In America” and their regional attention to detail is something we certainly appreciate here at the Future Of Rock N Roll. Read more>>

April 30th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Line-up Arrives" by Pollstar

Disco Biscuits, Method Man, Del McCoury Band and Ekoostik Hookah are just a few of the names on the roster for this year's Forecastle Festival. The newly expanded three-day event will take place July 25-27 at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, Ky. Read more>>

April 29th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Line-ups Announced; Tickets Tomarrow" by the Nashville Scene

Lucky for you, one of the top 33 festivals in the country is only three hours away. Louisville's Forecastle Festival, held July 25-27, has announced its lineup, and it includes the likes of Tortoise, Margot & the Nuclear So and So's and Nashville's own All We Seabees. Read more>>

April 28th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Tickets On-Sale!" by Imagine Louisville

Each July the Forecastle Festival brings a diverse group of musicians, artists and activists to Louisville. This year's festival should be no different with performers such as Method Man, Dr. Dog, Del McCourry Band, The Photographic and a boatload of others. Read more>>

April 28th, 2008: "Forecastle Fest: July 25th - 27th" by Partyin Peeps

The initial lineup for this Summer’s Forecastle Festival just came out. The lineup includes the Disco Biscuits, the Del McCoury Band, Method Man, Tortoise, Dr. Dog, Ekoostik Hookah, Groovatron, the New Mastersounds, and others. Read more>>

April 27th, 2008: "2008 Forecastle Fest Lineup Finalized" by My Old Kentucky Blog

The complete lineups for the 2008 Forecastle Fest have been announced. You can find out not only all the musicians, but also the artists and activist groups that will be involved. Read more>>

April 27th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival" by antiMUSIC

The Forecastle Festival is proud to announce the complete lineups for the 7th annual event, July 25th – 27th at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, KY. Read more>>

April 27th, 2008: "2008 Forecastle Fest Lineup Finalized" by Ear Candy

The lineups for the 2008 Forecastle Fest have been released. You can find out all the musicians, artists and activist groups that will be involved. Read more>>

April 26th, 2008: "Tour Tracker: Forecastle Festival" by Rolling Stone

Louisville, Kentucky's Forecastle Festival reveals one of the stranger lineups of the summer, with Method Man, Disco Biscuits and Tortoise headlining. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "The Forecastle Festival: 'Music, Art, Activism" by CNET

With a handful of festivals lined up for the next couple months (Rock the Bells, Mutek, Warped Tour, San Francisco's Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival) I almost forgot about Kentucky's smokin' three day event held at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, KY. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Dr. Dog, Del McCoury, Method Man, more go Forecastle!" by Paste Magazine

This is the seventh year for Forecastle in Louisville, Ky., and the festival has broadened its range accordingly. The fest announced a new venue last June, and has booked Method Man, Dr. Dog, Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, Disco Biscuits, Morning State, Z-Trip and Del McCoury to headline. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Louisville’s Forecastle Festival Announces Full Lineup" by You Aint No Picasso

Louisville’s Forecastle Festiva just announced the complete lineup for this summer’s event. The headliners are an eclectic bunch, so be prepared to spend the weekend of July 25-27 with hippies, hip hop-ers and hipsters. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Line-up Finalized" by The Courier-Journal

The lineup for Forecastle Fest 2008 at the Belvedere is set. It expands to three days this year, from July 25-27. Here is the music lineup: Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Lineup Announced" by Cincinnati Citybeat

Coachella. Lollapalooza. Bonnaroo. Pitchfork. Sounds like a lot of work. And money. But a quick drive down south this summer will put you smack dab in the middle of the Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Ky., for a fest featuring an eclectic bill. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Line-ups Announced" by Plug-In Music

The Forecastle Festival is proud to announce the complete line-ups for the 7th annual event, July 25th - 27th at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, KY. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Louisville, KY - The Forecastle Festival" by Jackola

Forecastle is a music, art and activism festival held in Louisville, KY. The lineup has been announced and I’m on it. Check it out! Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Line-up Finalized: Disco Biscuits, The Photographic and More Added!" by Backseat Sandbar

With three months to go before the Forecastle Festival in Louisville, the line-up is finalized and is twice as big as last year’s fest!! Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival Reveals 2008 Line-Up" by The Music Slut

Here's whom to expect from this year's Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Forecastle Fest ‘Final’ Lineup Announced" by Louisville Music News

Three months out and the lineup for Forecastle Fest has been announced. This means there shouldn’t be more than five to ten changes between now and then as circumstances interfere. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Forecastle: Bisco, Dr. Dog, Del" by Jambase

The Forecastle Festival is proud to announce the complete lineup for the 7th annual event, July 25 – 27 at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, KY. Among the headliners for the expanded three day festival are Method Man, leader of the Wu-Tang Clan and cast member on HBO's acclaimed series "The Wire," Philadelphia's trance-fusion jam band The Disco Biscuits, and Grammy Award winners the Del McCoury Band. Read more>>

April 25th, 2008: "Louisville's Forecastle Festival announces line-up" by Electronic Voice Phenomenon

It is festival season, after all. But don't let Forecastle Festival fool you--it's more than just a musical festival headlined by acts as diverse as Method Man, the Disco Biscuits, and the Del McCoury Band (if this were Bonnaroo, they'd take the stage together). No, Louisville is about art and activism as well and Forecastle reflects the sea change in the youth of the midwest. Read more>>

April 14th, 2008: "My Morning Jacket and Forecastle" by Imagine Louisville

Summer 2008 is lining up to be a great one for music in Louisville. Between the release of the new My Morning Jacket album and the August show Forecastle Festival will provide all the music, art and activism you could possible need to get you through the long, hot days of summer. Read more>>

April 12th, 2008: "West Virgina and Kentucky" by Jansport

We made it through the rest of the state, hit some bad weather, but finally made it to Kentucky and into Louisville. We met up with a good friend of JanSport, JK McKnight. JK is the captain of the Forecastle Festival and a local to Louisville. Read more>>

April 10th, 2008: "Unwed Sailor confirmed for Forecastle 2008" by LMN

The Backseat Sandbar guys are keeping a close eye (and a running tab) on who’s confirmed for the Forecastle Fest. The most recent additions noted at Prizzy Prizzy Please and The Seedy Seeds. Read more>>

April 9th, 2008: "Unwed Sailor confirmed for Forecastle" by Backseat Sandbar

Unwed Sailor have confirmed for Forecastle 2008 - an incredible band heavily influenced by Radiohead and melancholy. Read more>>

April 9th, 2008: "Seedy Seeds confirm for Forecastle" by Backseat Sandbar

Of all the bands announced for Forecastle so far, I am perhaps the most excited about Cincy’s The Seedy Seeds. Their debut album, Change States, was released last year and was named one of the top albums (#30) of the year by WOXY. Read more>>

April 9th, 2008: "Prizzy Prizzy Please for Forecastle" by Backseat Sandbar

Prizzy Prizzy Please have confirmed for Forecastle 2008. Prizzy Prizzy Please, despite having one of the worst band names in history, have been ripping Bloomington, IN apart since they burst onto the scene with two self-released albums. Read more>>

April 8th, 2008: "Dr. Dog confirmed for Forecastle" by Backseat Sandbar

Dog is spending a lot of time in KY & they’re coming back for Forecastle. In the last 6 months or so, they’ve been here with Wilco, and solo. They owe Louisville a little loyalty though, as touring with My Morning Jacket what put them on the fast track to success. Read more>>

April 7th, 2008: "Snowden confirmed for Forecastle 2008" by Backseat Sandbar

Snowden has confirmed for Forecastle 2008. This, for me, is the band I may be the most excited for at this moment. I only learned of Snowden last year, and I’ve been dancing to them continuously ever since. Read more>>

April 5th, 2008: "Forecastle reveals Initial Lineup" by Consequence of Sound

The seventh annual Forecastle Festival, set to take place between July 25 and 27 in Louisville, Kentucky, revealed its initial lineup yesterday. Read more>>

Mar 29th, 2008: "Top Festivals in the Country" by Paste Magazine

The staff of Paste Magazine has selected Forecastle as one of the "Top 33" festivals in the country. Other events include Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and more. Read more>>

Mar 28th, 2008: "Forecastle Festival hits the Road" by Louisville.com

The 7th annual Forecastle Festival takes to the road in April, visiting cities throughout the Midwest to spread the gospel of music, art, and activism. Forecastle will have a presence at a series of events within the festival’s participating markets, designed to promote and network with potential festival goers and industry professionals alike. Read more>>

March 18th, 2008: "Method Madness" by The Louisville Courier-Journal

Method Man will kick off this year's Forecastle Festival. The 37-year-old member of the Wu-Tang Clan will perform July 25 on The Belvedere at the Louisville Riverfront. The annual event was founded in Louisville by JK McKnight, and is an annual extravaganza of music, art, and activism.

March 17th, 2008: "Method Man to headline Louisville's Forecastle Festival" by You Ain't No Picasso

Big, big, big happy awesome news in the Kentucky front. No ifs, ands or buts, Method Man is going to be playing Louisville’s Forecastle Festival this year. And from what I’ve heard from discussions on this year’s festival, this is probably just the tip of the iceberg. Read more>>

March 17th, 2008: "Method Man to play Forecastle" by Velocity Weekly

Hip-hop artist Method Man will anchor the first evening of Forecastle 2008, the festival has announced. The Wu Tang Clan member and actor - whose credits range from the weepy indie film "Garden State" to the tense HBO crime drama "The Wire" - is slated to perform on July 25. Exciting stuff. Read more>>

Feb 23rd, 2008: "Forecastle puts out call for entries" by The Courier-Journal

It will surprise no one that music is largely what has fueled the now-famous Forecastle Festival, which was founded in Louisville's tiny Tyler Park in 2002 on $500 and a grassroots effort to combine music with art and activism.
Read more>>

Feb 14th, 2008: "Forecastle Submission Deadline" by The Courier-Journal

Last month's "Halfway To Forecastle" was a packed, sold-out success, and it's now time to start thinking seriously about "All The Way To Forecastle."
Read more>>

Feb 7th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle" by 37 Flood

Additional coverage from the sold-out "Halfway to Forecastle" concerts at Headliners Music Hall. Read more>>

Feb 5th, 2008: "Forecastle" by Louisville Music News

JK McKnight does like to talk about his baby, The Forecastle Fest, sometimes to the point of - well, he’s into it, really into it. Backseat Sandbar blog has more than a few words with McKnight. Read more>>

Feb 4th, 2008: "A Few Words with JK McKnight" by Backseat Sandbar

I had the chance to sit down with JK McKnight this weekend to discuss Forecastle 2008. JK is doing wonderful things for this city to help put it on the map. Last year he brought in Read more>>

Jan 30th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle" by Velocity Weekly

Concert review with photo galleries. Read more>>

Jan 29th, 2008: "Cass McCombs at Forecastle" by You Ain't No Picasso

Concert review with photo galleries. Read more>>

Jan 28th, 2008: "Band of Horses at Forecastle" by Critical Acclaim

This show was amazing. The concert was all part of the Halfway to Forecastle Benefit for local BMX rider Jimmy Levan. Read more>>

Jan 28th, 2008: "Band of Horses LIVE @ Forecastle" by Each Note Secure

This humble little festival that began in 2002 has certainly grown up. When head man JK McKnight began to book more regional and national acts, people started to take notice. Read more>>

Jan 27th, 2008: "LIVE Report from Forecastle" by Cincinnati Weekly

Blogcasts and photos by Cin Weekly reporter Rich Shivener. Read more>>

Jan 27th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle" by The Musical Box

”You want to dance? Well, you can try,” said Band of Horses guitarist and solo songsmith Tyler Ramsey (above) during the mammoth Halfway to Forecastle celebration last night at Louisville’s Headliners Music Hall. Read more>>

Jan 25th, 2008: "Tomarrow in Louisville: Halfway to Forecastle" by My Old Kentucky Blog

I’ll be heading down tomorrow to my hometown for Louisville’s Halfway To Forecastle Fest. Band Of Horses, Cass McCombs, Catfish Haven, VHS Or Beta, How I Became The Bomb, Early Day Miners, tomorrow’s show at Headliners. Read more>>

Jan 25th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle reigns in Band of Horses" by The Courier-Journal

If J.K. McKnight isn't careful, his Halfway to Forecastle festival might become more popular than its bigger brother, The Forecastle Festival, which is dedicated to music, art and activism. Read more>>

Jan 24th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle Sold Out!" by Random Acts of Perpetual Motion

A killer lineup and some amazing exposure (I wonder who does the press?) brings about a sold out evening of music, art, and activism this weekend in Louisville... Read more>>

Jan 24th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle is SOLD OUT" by Velocity Weekly

Apparently, sticking an ubber-hot national act like Band of Horses atop a bill with a local favorite like VHS or Beta and selling tickets for just $15 is a safe way to sell out Headliners. Read more>>

Jan 24th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle: SOLD OUT" by Louisville Music News

JK McKnight is one promotin’, publicizin’ dude. He’s taken his Forecastle Fest up the ladder to major status (at least in Louisville) and now he’s doing a big event to promote the big event. Read more>>

Jan 24th, 2008: "A Band Apart" by Velocity Weekly

Having avoided the sophomore slump with the heralded 2007 release, "Cease to Begin," Band of Horses is a rarity among modern indie bands. Down-home but tinged with indie edge, the music can turn on a dime from from haunting to rocking. This time, the band is headlining the "Halfway to Forecastle" Read more>>

Jan 23rd, 2008: "Citybeat: To Do List" by Cincinnati Citybeat

When you think "music festival," you almost certainly think summertime, but this winter organizers of the growing Forecastle Festival in Louisville (which is in the summertime) are presenting "Halfway to Forecastle," featuring an impressive lineup Read more>>

Jan 23rd, 2008: "Forecastle's Helping Hand" by LEO Weekly

Jimmy Levan built a career on defying gravity. His path to worldwide recognition as a professional BMX rider began as a teenager in Louisville in the early 1980s, when he’d practice religiously on wooden ramps in his backyard. Kentucky Read more>>

Jan 21st, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle" by Cincinnati Weekly

Organizers of the "Halfway to Forecastle" mini-fest say the show is almost sold out. The lineup is stacked with touring acts and Louisville dance machine VHS or Beta. Are you making the trek? Read more>>

Jan 14th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle January 26th!" by Babbletrain

Louisville, KY should embrace this unique festival. As like the previous summer festival, this 1/2 way festival is suppose to uphold to its rep. There are going to be many special effects and a fun scene to make your night Read more>>

Jan 10th, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle mini-festival" by The Lexington Project

Remember those two days last week that were like 60 and 70 degrees? That was pretty awesome, right? Like having a little bit of summer right in the dead of winter. Ahhh.... But wait! You can bring back that lovin' feelin' once again with a mini-fest to hold you over until a time when it won't snow a couple days later. Read more>>

Jan 7th, 2008: "Band of Horses, McCombs Play Halfway to Forecastle" by Pitchfork - Paul Thompson

We're just a little more than six months away from Louisville, KY's seventh Forecastle festival, the Derby city's yearly rock'n'roll throwdown that brought Girl Talk and De La Soul to Louisville late last July. But that's half a rotation of the Earth from now, simply too long for some folks to wait around for their moment to rock. Read more>>

Jan 1st, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle" by The Highlander - Cindy Lamb

Band of Horses will headline the first ever "Halfway to Forecastle" mini-fest on Saturday, January 26th, at Headliners Music Hall. All ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville BMX legend Jimmy Levan, currently recovering from serious injuries sustained after a skate-boarding accident in New Jersey. Read more>>

Forecastle 2007 Press Coverage

Dec 27th, 2007: "Forecastle Update" by The Courier Journal - Tamara Ikenberg

Louisville's Halfway to Forecastle Festival, scheduled for January 26th at Headliners Music Hall, has added a new band to its roster: Kentucky-based alternarockers VHS or BETA. Read more>>

Dec 21st, 2008: "Halfway to Forecastle" by Louisville.com

For those of you who may still be in the dark concerning Forecastle, it all began in 2002 when musician-turned-event producer, JK McKnight, put together a small music festival in Tyler Park and was encouraged by its success. With its roots firmly planted in the camaraderie of like-minded folks, the festival has evolved Read more>>

Dec 19th, 2007: "Band of Horses, Cass McCombs to play Halfway to Forecastle" by Paste Magazine - Mark Krotov

Festivals just aren’t as impressive as they used to be. That is, of course, unless said festival is Louisville’s Forecastle Festival. Why single out this particular event? Because it’s the only festival that holds a concert to celebrate the fact that it’s still six months away. Read more>>

Dec 16th, 2007: "VHS or Beta joins Halfway to Forecastle Roster" by Velocity Weekly - Joseph Lord

Halfway to Forecastle keeps sounding better. Word came today that VHS or Beta was added to the Jan. 26 benefit for seriously injured BMXer Jimmy Levan. Read more>>

Dec 14th, 2007: "Levan gets help from Band of Horses" by The Courier-Journal - Jeffrey Lee Puckett

Louisville's Jimmy Levan, an internationally known veteran of the BMX and skateboard scenes, was in a horrific accident last month that left him with a fractured skull, bruised brain and several days in a drug-induced coma. To help out, the Jan. 26th "Halfway to Forecastle" concert read more>>

Dec 13th, 2007: "Halfway to Forecastle benefit concert for Jimmy Levan" by LEO Weekly - Matt Herron

Forecastle is proud to announce that "Band of Horses" will headline the 1st ever "Halfway to Forecastle" mini-fest Jan. 26th @ Headliners Music Hall in Louisville. All ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville BMX legend and FBM-owner read more>>

Dec 12th, 2007: "Band of Horses to Headline Louisville’s Halfway to Forecastle" by You Ain't No Picasso

The great folks behind Louisville’s Forcastle Music Festival are throwing a halfway-there party on January 26 at Headliner’s in Lville. All ticket proceeds are going to benefit Louisville BMX-er Jimmy Levan, who was injured in a skate read more>>

Dec 12th, 2007: "Forecastle Foreshadowed: Band Of Horses, Cass McCombs, More!" by Harp Magazine - Kara Rose

Music, Art and Activism come together to form the “Forecastle Festival” in Louisville, Kentucky every year. With the main event over 6 months away, founder JK McKnight has arranged “Half Way to Forecastle,” set for Jan. 26, a mini-festival read more>>

Dec 12th, 2007: "Halfway to Forecastle Already?" by Louisville Music News - Paul Moffett

JK McKnight is really riding the Forecastle Fest tiger for all it’s worth. He’s set up a Halfway To Forecastle benefit event for January 26, 2008 at Headliners read more>>

Dec 12th, 2007: "Band Of Horses, Cass McCombs To Play Halfway To Forecastle Party" by PlugIn Music

Although slightly more than six months away, the 7th annual Forecastle Festival will be satiating audiences anticipation with Halfway To Forecastle taking place Saturday, January 26 at Headliner's in Louisville KY. All ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville BMX legend Jimmy Levan. read more>>

Dec 12th, 2007: "BOH / Halfway to Forecastle" by Music 'n What Not

Band Of Horses, Cass McCombs, Catfish Haven, How I Became The Bomb, Early Day Miners, Ferdinand Fox, Coltrane Motion, Tyler Ramsey and Jesse Jamz will fill out the bill for a January 26th show at Headliners. You can see all of them read more>>

Dec 11th, 2007: "Halfway to Forecastle" by AntiMUSIC

Although slightly more than six months away, the 7th annual Forecastle Festival will be satiating audiences anticipation with Halfway To Forecastle taking place Saturday, January 26 at Headliner's in Louisville KY. All ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville BMX legend Jimmy Levan. read more>>

Dec 11th, 2007: "Band Of Horses Play Cincinnati, Forecastle Halfway Fest" by Each Note Secure

So, you probably have already noticed this booking, but Band Of Horses are coming back to our fair city early in the new year. And the night before, well, that might be an even better night to catch Band Of Horses if you don’t mind heading south to Louisville read more>>

Dec 10th, 2007: "7th Annual Forecastle Festival" by Music Emissions

Although slightly more than six months away, the 7th annual Forecastle Festival will be satiating audiences anticipation with Halfway To Forecastle taking place Saturday, January 26 at Headliner's in Louisville KY. All ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville BMX legend Jimmy Levan. read more>>

Dec 10th, 2007: "Band Of Horses, Cass McCombs To Play Halfway To Forecastle" by Jambase

Although slightly more than six months away, the 7th annual Forecastle Festival will be satiating audiences anticipation with Halfway To Forecastle taking place Saturday, January 26 at Headliner's in Louisville KY. All ticket proceeds will benefit Louisville BMX legend Jimmy Levan. Read more>>

Dec 7th, 2007: "Halfway To Forecastle Fest" by 37 Flood

To mark the halfway point until Forecastle 2008 J.K. McKnight has put together a benefit concert to supports local BMX legend Jimmy Levan. Read more>>

Dec 7th, 2007: "Band Of Horses Headline Halfway To Forecastle" by Rock Sell Out

Although slightly more than 6 months away, the 7th annual Forecastle Festival will be satiating audiences anticipation with Halfway To Forecastle taking place Saturday, January 26th at Headliners Music Hall, Louisville KY. All ticket proceeds will benefit read more>>

Dec 6th, 2007: "Halfway to Forecastle MiniFest hits Headliners on Jan 26th" by Backseat Sandbar

Line-ups were announced today, with all ticket proceeds benefiting Louisville BMX hero and FBM owner Jimmy Levan, currently recovering from serious injuries sustained after a skate boarding accident in New Jersey. read more>>

Dec 6th, 2007: "Band Of Horses Headline Halfway To Forecastle" by Velocity Weekly - Joseph Lord

Band of Horses will headline Halfway to Forecastle, which is a benefit for BMXer Jimmy Levan, who was injured recently in a skateboarding accident. Cass McCombs, Catfish Haven, How I Became The Bomb, Early Day Miners, Ferdinand Fox, Coltrane Motion and read more>>

Nov 26th, 2007: "Forecastle secures mark, plans 2008 festival" by Business First

The Forecastle Festival recently secured a federal trademark for its title and "Music.Art.Activism" slogan. Organizers announced last month that the festival will grow to three days in 2008. It will be held on the Belvedere on the Louisville Riverfront, July 25 to 27. The event will feature read more>>

Nov 16th, 2007: "Forecastle Festival 2008 Opens for Business" by PlugInMusic.com

The 7th annual Forecastle Festival in Louisville, KY is expanding to 3 days, July 25-27, and is now accepting submissions for its three separate but equal disciplines of music, art and activism. Previous performers have included Apples in Stereo, Sleater-Kinney, De La Soul, Particle, Chicago Afrobeat Project and Girl Talk. Read more>>

Sept 19th, 2007: "Best Festival in Louisville" by LEO Readers Choice Awards

Forecastle was voted third behind The Kentucky Derby and St. James Art Fair (both of which draw over 325,000+ annually). Read more>>

August 22nd, 2007: "To Believe in a Dream, what Sacrifice Means" by LEO Weekly - JK McKnight

One-page editorial by Forecastle Founder JK McKnight, reflecting on a year's worth of work and sacrifice. Published in LEO Weekly, the column also documents the environmental movement in the United States. Read more>>

August 2nd, 2007: "Kain-tuck-ee kicks" by The Nashville Scene

Multi-page festival review by the The Nashville Scene. Read more>>

August 1st, 2007: "Forecastle Saturday" by Velocity Weekly - Walter Smith

21-page photo gallery by Velocity Weekly. View gallery>>

July 29th, 2007: "The Forecastle Festival" by The Village Voice - Marc C. Austin

Sweaty, wet set by headliner Girl Talk closed the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the American Midwest -- the Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Ky., July 27 and 28. Published in 17 major US Newspapers. View gallery>>

July 28th, 2007: "Festival has a Green Side" by The Courier-Journal - James Bruggers

There are no elephant ears or cotton candy or hot dogs and no mass-produced beer. Instead, people attending this weekend's Forecastle Festival will find gourmet dishes like summer squash and goat cheese, locally brewed beer -- and a heavy dose of environmental activism to go along with the music and art. Read more>>

July 27th, 2007: "Forecastle Finally Lands at Riverfront" by The Courier-Journal - Jeffrey-Lee Puckett

Every year, JK McKnight dreams a little bigger and, every year, reality follows suit. This weekend marks the sixth year for McKnight's Forecastle Festival, a celebration of music, art and activism that has drawn participants from across the country. McKnight has finally gotten the festival to his dream location, on the waterfront, and expects as many as 10,000 people on the Belvedere tonight and tomorrow. Read more>>

July 26th, 2007: "Forecastle Festival" by Lexington Weekly - Samantha Herald

I promised more on The Forecastle Festival this week, so here it be: The Forecastle Festival is an annual event that takes place in Louisville, Ky. It’s a conglomeration of art, music and activism. Seriously, I went last year and in one day checked out a ton of local sculpture and paintings, learned about Kentucky waterways, and then danced the night away. Read more>>

July 25th, 2007: "FORECASTLE TO THE RESCUE: Can a Music Festival Save the World?" by Velocity Weekly - Joseph Lord

Do music festivals really help save the planet, or are they just an excuse to have a good time? Forecastle Festival founder J.K. McKnight is convinced that you can do both. Read more>>

July 25th, 2007: "FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The chefs and cooks feeding Forecastle are on a mission" by Velocity Weekly

It's hard to walk along Bardstown Road in the Highlands without noticing the ubiquitous posters for the Forecastle Festival plastered across the windows of trendy bars, shops and restaurants. On the other hand, the dining room at the Salvation Army Center of Hope at 831 S. Brook St. seems an odd place to advertise an event with the theme "Music. Art. Activism." Other notices remind residents of the shelter's bath towel policy, advertise job openings and offer details on Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Read more>>

July 24th, 2007: "JK McKnight: Forecastle Festival" by LEO Weekly - Matt Heron

Full-page interview with Forecastle Founder JK McKnight. Read more>>

July 24th, 2007: "De La, Girl Talk play Forecastle Festival" by Pitchfork Media - Paul Thompson

Louisville, Kentucky's sixth annual Forecastle Festival-- which has far less to do with meterology or medieval times than it does with rocking the crap out of you-- runs this weekend, July 27 and 28, at the Derby City's eight-acre Riverfront Belvedere. De La Soul, Girl Talk, Mucca Pazza, the Impossible Shapes, Odawas, Aloha, Early Day Miners, the High Water Marks, and many more will play, and the event will also host an art show and read more>>

July 20th, 2007: "Forecastle Festival - Music, Art, Activism" by The Bloomington Herald-Times

The sixth annual fest features more than 60 bands (including some Secretly Canadian acts), 25 artists and 46 environmental organizations. Highlights include hip-hop trio De La Soul, sampling wizard Girl Talk, West Coast rock/jazz/electronica pioneers Particle, plus an Eco-Film showcase and Outdoor Extreme Sports Park. It takes place at the Belvedere in Louisville, Ky., and nearby locations. For more, see www.forecastlefestival.com. Read more>>

July 18th, 2007: "As Forecastle’s ship sails on, this year, it’s a Soul party" by LEO Weekly - T.E. Lyons

Year after year, like a prepubescent kid eating lots of spinach, the Forecastle Festival just can’t stop growing. Every edition brings a different venue and one or more kinds of expansion among the Music/Arts/Activism smorgasbord. The Belvedere down by the Waterfront is home to this year’s fest, which is two days (Friday and Saturday, July 27-28) plus a kick-off party (Thursday, July 26) at the Monkey Wrench (1025 Barret Ave, 582-2433). Founder J.K. McKnight has once again roped in an army of volunteers and brought in three-dozen musical acts. The buzz around read more>>

July 16th, 2007: "Forecastle Festival in Louisville, KY!" by The Nashville Music Scene - Suzzann

Just in time for a mid-summer road comes Forecastle Festival in Louisville, Ky–just right down the road. This looks to be a great time for all, offering a killer line-up of bands, art (a regionally curated art exhibition), and environmental activism events and speakers, as well as an outdoor extreme sports park. This event features national artists, but is also heavy on regional acts, and includes talent such as De La Soul, The Features (fresh off their Nashville gig this past week), How I Became The Bomb, Particle, Girl Talk, Wax Fang, De Novo Dahl, The October, and Ghostfinger. Read more>>

July 1st, 2007: "Forecastle Festival" by Backpacker Magazine - Get Out More Tour 2007

Music, arts, and civic mission highlight this waterfront festival, along with tons of demos. On the eco-activism stage, don't miss the keynote address by Skip Yowell, co-founder of Jansport and Big City Mountaineers, and be sure to stop by the BACKPACKER booth to meet the Get Out More Team. Read more>>

June 25th, 2007: "JK McKnight: Founder, The Forecastle Festival" by Louisville Magazine - Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman

JK McKnight doesn't look like your typical captain. He doesn't dawn a sailor's cap and he's more likely to discuss environmental activism than wind patterns. But captain - or rather, Forecastle Festival captain - is exactly how McKnight describes himself. Read more>>

June 23rd, 2007: "Born in the Highlands, Forecastle Grows Up" by The Highlander - Cindy Lamb

Afternoon sun bathes the pavement in dusky tangerine hues. The road that climbs beside Tyler Park and continues on a plateau is Windsor Place, a street cradled from the hum of engines, brakes, and sirens by tall trees and architecture. I'm on my way to a combination business meeting and dinner party hosted by Kelly and Ellen McKnight, for thier son, JK McKnight. JK is the creator and producer of the Highlands-born Forecastle Festival read more>>

June 19th, 2007: "Forecastle Festival Details Announced" by Paste Magazine

The hotel that usually hosts the Kentucky Derby kickoff party is an unusual place for a “grassroots music, art and activism festival,” but Louisville’s Forecastle Festival has outgrown its previous public park locations and gone urban. Now in its sixth year, the event’s main attractions will center on read more>>

June 14th, 2007: "Crooning for A Cause: Summer Festival anchored in Charity" by The Missourian - Quinn Kelsey

When JK McKnight needed a name for his grassroots summer festival, he wanted something nautical, and he had recently returned from seeing castles in Ireland. Then he stumbled upon Forecastle, which is the space at the bow of a ship that houses the crew. Read more>>

June 8th, 2007: "De La Soul, Girl Talk, The Features, De Novo Dahl, Particle Sail To Kentucky for Grassroots Festival" by Harmony in my Ears

De La Soul, Girl Talk, The Features, De Novo Dahl, How I Became the Bomb, and Particle are among the artists sailing to Kentucky to support the nautically-themed, grassroots festival Forecastle. What started as a $500 community event, has quickly grown into the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the American Midwest. Read more>>

June 1st, 2007: "Road Trippin' USA" by The Discovery / Travel Channel - Andre Legaspi

If sitting through nine innings and watching guys spit tobacco and scratch their nether regions isn’t your ideas of a perfect Sunday afternoon, a little music may purge those searing images from your memory. Your salvation lies to the southeast. Read more>>

May 23rd, 2007: "Fun under the Stars and Sun" by Indianapolis NUVO - Jack Shepler

In late July, just 114 miles south of Indy, Forecastle will turn Louisville into a big meeting ground for music, art and activism. This year’s musical talent includes Long Island Jazz Rap trio De La Soul, the “I’m not a DJ and I’m not a mashup artist, so what am I?” performer Girl Talk and electro-jazz jam band Particle. Read more>>

May 21st, 2007: "Girl Talk, De La Soul, and Particle to Go Green at the Forecastle Festival" by Tiny Mixed Tapes - Kyle

The Forecastle Festival is taking place July 27th-28th in Louisville, KY at The Riverfront Belvedere. If you haven’t heard of the festival, essentially it’s a huge collaboration between musicians, artists, and activists coming together to ‘go green.’ In light of the whole global warming issue, it’s perfect a time for a festival like this to gain a foothold in our country.
Read more>>

May 15th, 2007: "Forecastle Festival" by Billboard - Jonathan Cohen

De La Soul, Girl Talk and Particle lead the lineup for the 2007 edition of the Forecastle Festival, to be held July 27-28 at the Riverfront Belvedere in Louisville, Ky. Also on the bill are Early Day Miners, Parlour, Aloha, the Impossible Shapes, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Wax Fang, the Features, De Novo Dahl and Cheer Accident. Read more>>

May 15th, 2007: "Fest Mania: My Old Kentucky Fest" by Prefix Magazine - John Zeiss

The weekend of July 27 and 28 will find the Forecastle Festival taking over the waterfront of Louisville, Kentucky. Artists who will appear at the fest include read more>>

May 12th, 2007: "Forecastle is Bigger than Ever" by The Crimson Record - Emily Jenks

SPIN Magazine named it "One of the "Top 101 things to do in America. LEO Magazine deemed it "A scene where cultures converge and the people come together." It is also known as "the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the American Midwest." For the 6th year in a row, The Forecastle Festival will take place in Louisville and once again unite three different aspects of cultural expression: music,art, and activism. Read more>>

May 10th, 2007: "Interview with JK McKnight" by Louisville Music News - Paul Moffett

Live interview taped for the "Player's Club" ~ a monthly showcase of Louisville musicians. See footage>>

April 24th, 2007: "The Forecastle Festival, Louisville, KY" by The Community Arts & Media Project

July 27th-28th @ The Belvedere (5th and Main Streets) Louisville, Kentucky All Ages The Forecastle Festival is the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the American Midwest. Read more>>

April 24th, 2007: "The Forecastle Festival, Louisville, KY" by My Old Kentucky Blog

For you Louisville (and surrounding cities) readers...This year's Forecastle Fest, an all-ages event, will be be headlined by De La Soul. The festival is Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July 28th at The Belvedere. This should be pretty great as it's in this newly beautified area of town and right on the river. I'm looking forward to it. Other great bands that will be playing are read more>>

April 23rd, 2007: "Forecastle Tix" by The Courier-Journal - Angie Fenton

Tickets for the 6th annual Forecastle Festival go on sale @ 10AM Friday. Organizer JK McKnight has announced the complete line-up for this year's event at forecastlefest.com. Tickets are available through Ticketweb and Ticketmaster.com, ear-X-tacy Records in Louisville, Indy CD & Vinyl in Indianapolis, Shake-It Records in Cincinnati, and Grimey's New and Preloved Music in Nashville. The festival boasts the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the Midwest.

April 7th, 2007: "2007 Festival Guide: Forecastle Festival" by The Courier-Journal - Carla Carlton

De La Soul will perform with 40 other bands at the 6th annual Forecastle Festival. Skip Yowell ~ author, activist and entrepreneur, will be the keynote speaker. Also included is an eco-business expo and outdoor extreme sports park.

March 12th, 2007: "Forecastle Headliner" by The Courier-Journal - Angie Fenton

Grammy-winning hip-hop group De La Soul will open the sixth annual Forecastle Festival. Skip Yowell, co-founder of Jansport and author of "The Hippie Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder and other Mountains," will be the keynote speaker at the River City based festival July 27-28 at the Belvedere. Forecastle is the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and activists in the American Midwest.

Forecastle 2006 Press Coverage

August 29th, 2006: "Forecastle Sets Sail" by The Courier-Journal - Angie Fenton

Next year's Forecastle Festival will be held July 27-28 at Louisville's Waterfront Park. The festival -- named "one of the top 101 things to do in America" by SPIN magazine -- will feature panels, speakers and films focusing on Midwest environmental issues, an expanded extreme sports park, and performances from dual national acts read more>>

July 28th, 2006: "Forecastle Festival" by The Lexington Herald Leader - Michael Tunis

It's named for the bow of a ship, the base structure where the crew is housed. But Louisville's Forecastle Festival has some pretty hefty goals for dry land. Namely, it wants to be Kentucky's answer to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. It hopes to be a Midwestern beacon for established indie bands and up-and-coming artists as well as a promotional vehicle for environmental activist groups read more>>

July 26th, 2006: "Forecastle Grows Up" by LEO Weekly - Michael Lichvar

The second Forecastle Festival, in 2003, was my first. I was 16 years old. Money was tight, as it is now, so the idea of seeing two of my favorite Louisville bands — Irina and Your Black Star — for free, in a park a block away from my best friend’s house, sounded like a better idea than Einstein’s theory of relativity. The festival is all grown up now, and it’s no longer Louisville’s little secret read more>>

July 26th, 2006: "Forecastle: Ready to Rock" by Velocity Weekly

J.K. McKnight might be a bit of an eccentric, but what he's done with the Forecastle Festival, Louisville's premiere music, art and activism showcase, should register as a major accomplishment read more>>

July 23rd, 2006: "The Best Nights Out This Month: The Forecastle Festival" by SPIN Magazine

Sleater-Kinney headlines a festival that also features popular local acts Your Black Star, Second Story Man, Ronnie Mack, Ayin, Follow the Train, Wolverine Brass, and more. Read more

July 22nd, 2006: "Full Steam Ahead: JK's McKnight's homegrown Forecastle Festival goes nationwide" by The Courier-Journal - Jeffrey Lee Puckett

JK McKnight walked away from last year's Forecastle Festival in a delirious daze. More than 5,000 people had come to Cherokee Park on a gorgeous July day for nearly 12 hours of free music, art exhibits and sociopolitical activism. The turnout set a park attendance record -- and firmly established Forecastle as a vibrant annual attraction with the potential to take its three-pronged message nationwide read more>>

July 19th, 2006: "Interview with The Forecastle Festival's JK McKnight" by The Lexington Project - Eli Riveire

Eli Riveire’s interview with Forecastle Captain JK McKnight. Read more>>

July 18th, 2006: "Charting the Couse: JK McKnight is determined to make Forecastle a major Music & Arts festival" by Velocity Weekly - Joshua Hammon

Hanging posters and stacking handbills at the University of Louisville a few weeks ago, J.K. McKnight's very hectic present collided with his very distant past read more>>

July 5th, 2006: "Forecastle: The Show will go on" by Velocity Weekly

If you just can't decide whether or not to attend the Forecastle Festival later this month, here's a slice a news that might light a little fire under your ass read more>>

June 27th, 2006: "Art, Activism, and Rock n' Roll" by Louisville Magazine

Equal parts musicians, visual artists and brochure-peddling activists, the fifth annual Forecastle Festival sails into the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center. The term "Forecastle" derives from read more>>

June 9th, 2006: "Summer Music Festivals: Forecastle" by Matt Jordan

If you hadn’t guessed, Kentucky isn’t exactly a hotspot for music. Sure, we’re currently home to My Morning Jacket, VHS or Beta, half of the Apples in Stereo and one Pavement member, but that doesn’t mean any bands ever want to play here. So to combat the lack of concerts, some masterminds in Louisville thought it might be a good idea to read more>>

May 24th, 2006: "Forecastle" by LEO Weekly - Stephen George and Ed Johnson

This homegrown festival has come a long way from its humble Tyler Park beginnings and handful of bands in 2002. This year promises to be the biggest yet, expanding to two days and featuring Apples In Stereo (Friday) and Sleater-Kinney (Saturday) as co-headliners. Tons of fine Louisville bands share the bill, like Scott Carney and Heavy Friends, Follow The Train, The Glasspack, ARCH, Cabin, The Photographic, and many more. Also, in keeping with the "Music.Art.Activism" tag, there will be a bunch of artists and environmental activism organizations on hand.

May 11th, 2006: "Forecastle Fest docking at Mellwood" by The Courier-Journal - Angie Fenton

All-female rockers Sleater-Kinney will headline Forecastle Festival 2006. Touted as “the largest gathering of musicians, artists and activists in the Midwest,” the celebration will take over the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center July 28 and 29. Sleater-Kinney – which frequently tours with Pearl Jam and the White Stripes and will play Lollapalooza following its debut in Louisville – will be joined by read more>>

May 10th, 2006: "Sleater-Kinney to play Forecastle" by Velocity Weekly - Thomas Nord

The Forecastle Festival has secured Sleater-Kinney as a headliner for this year's fest. The festival, which will be held July 28 and 29 at the Mellwood Arts Center, will also feature local acts Your Black Star, Cabin, Follow the Train, Fire the Saddle and many more read more>>

Forecastle 2005 Press Coverage

July 29th, 2005: "Forecastle 2005 Expands and Expounds" by The Courier-Journal - Jeffrey Lee Puckett

JK McKnight started the Forecastle Festival with less than $1,200 and a lot of generous friends in the music, art and activism communities. Dedicated to promoting ecological concerns through environmental activism, it flourished for three years in Tyler Park -- but McKnight wanted to see how far he could take it this year. "I wanted this year to be three times as big as last year's festival," said McKnight, who raised $60,000 in sponsorship money read more>>

July 27th, 2005: "Free Fore All" by Velocity Weekly

This summer has certainly been good to local music. First, Lebowski Fest entertained and informed with scores of local bands. Now comes The Forecastle Festival, which will continue the hot streak with gobs of local musicians and artists Saturday at Cherokee Park. With performances by Shipping News, Sean Garrison, The Children, Arch and more, the free festival will anchor two, 40-ft stages: one in Frisbee Field and the other at the base of Baringer Hill. Connecting the stages, artists and activists will peddle their wares and causes to the masses. In addition, there's an Ultimate Frisbee exhibition, highlighted by a Louisville vs. Lexington All-Star match. The madness kicks off @ 12:30.

July 25th, 2005: "The Proclaimer: JK McKnight fuels music, arts, and activism festival" by LEO Weekly - Sean Rose

It started as a bumpy ride down Broadway. The old Volvo, a grey 1985 740 sedan, was shaking on fumes, struggling to a five-mile-an-hour roll just 50 feet from a gas station. “Come on Volv,” implored its owner, JK McKnight. “I’ll never do this to you again. McKnight, 24, is a Louisville musician and the founder of this Saturday’s Forecastle festival, a one-day event that shines its light equally on music, art and activism. Forecastle has moved from Tyler Park, where it began three years ago, to Cherokee Park, and with its biggest-name musical headliner yet read more>>

July 20th, 2005: "From humble beginnings to a bona fide festival, Forecastle is about to hit stride" by LEO Weekly

In the summer of 2000, one of the bands I’d played with in high school and a little ways into college, Jake and the Rubber Band, played a show in Tyler Park on a sweaty Saturday afternoon. Also on the bill were Chester, a Lexington band fashioned after the Velvet Underground, and local punks the Cobalt. Our guitarist booked the show read more>>

July 20th, 2005: "All Hands On Deck for Forecastle 2005" by Louisville.com

Music, art and activism will share equal billing at the first major festival to be held in Cherokee Park in a decade. The Forecastle Festival will be held on Saturday July 30th from 12:30 to 10:30 PM with twenty-five bands from across the Midwest, forty regional visual artists, and thirty-eight activist organizations. In addition, the festival boasts a Louisville vs. Lexington game, as the Midwest Ultimate Frisbee Tournament All-Stars read more>>

June 6th, 2005: "Forecastle 2005" by Leslie Stewart

After four years of hard work and ever increasing crowds for his Forecastle Festival of music, art and activism, organizer JK McKnight has taken a quantum leap for this year’s endeavor. This year’s festival moves from Tyler Park to Cherokee Park, with enough acreage for two separate stages, a tree-shaded gallery for art exhibitions and activist organizations, plus the addition of the Ultimate Frisbee Tour, a rock climbing wall and read more>>

2002 - 2004 press coming...

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