It is Derby Week, ya’ll! Let us rejoice and celebrate in all things Louisville! There are some big shows as well as smaller events at some of your favorite venues and bars in the city. If you are sticking around for the madness, support local business and get out to do something!
Monday (4/30) –
Steve Hofstetter
And They’re Off!
Check out young Louisville musicians. This show is free with a Pegasus Pin, because, duh, it is Derby week!
Waterfront Jam: Walker Montgomery
In Kentucky, the Montgomery name is pretty much country royalty. With plenty of famous and talented family members, Walker is set up to be pretty damn good.
Tuesday (5/1) –
Louisville Muse Cruise
Killswitch Engage with Hate Breed, and The Word Alive
Enjoy some Mass metalcore to get your Derby week jump started.
Chicano Batman, Amasa Hines
Waterfront Jam: Shiela E.
Shiela E. started as a percussionist in the 70s for other people’s bands. Since then she has made a name for herself in a variety of ways all on her own.
Jollys, The Kids Born Wrong, Blythe and Cookie Delight
Wednesday (5/2) –
Kentucky Derby Festival’s Waterfront Jam with The Lone Bellow and Billy Raffoul
Memba?
Watermelon Chiquen and Grtiz Release with Nappy Roots
Yazan, The Unwashed, Quality Cable
Thursday (5/3) –
Thurby at Churchill
Thurby has become the local day for us Louisvillians, although we have still never been. Thurby really kicks off the big weekend at the track, and there is live entertainment (including James Lindsey.)
Waterfront Jam: Judah & The Lion Featuring Brook and the Bluff
Judah and The Lion had a huge sell-out show at Headliners last time they were here. For one thing, they are definitely going to bring the energy and fun. Let’s hope the rain stays away!
Derby Soundstage: Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, K Michelle
It kind of sucks that Cardi B isn’t joining anymore (growing a baby and taking over the world and all) but this trio will put on a good show nevertheless.
Thurby with Derrick Carter
Derrick Carter has traveled the world DJing for huge parties. He is town to show PLAY what’s up for our biggest party of the year.
Post Animal, Town Criers, Quality Cable, White Whooly
Back 2 Mac: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, with The Long Lost Country Band
Formerly known as Rumours, Back 2 Mac provides all the Fleetwood Mac goodness you could ever want.
Thursday Turntables with Craig Pfunder, Sam Sneed, Silver and Gold
Gravely hosts these local DJs for some Thurby fun.
Mayor’s Music Series: Kori Black
If you’re not at the track, or work for that matter I guess, go check out this lunch time (and this time) outdoor concert downtown!
Hissing Tiles, R.E.P.E.T.I.T.I.O.N., Tramp
Butchertown Race Days
King Kong plays Thursday and Curio Key Club has the Oaks slot.
Friday (5/4) –
Dwight Yoakam
It is so fitting that this Kentucky gent is playing the Friday of Oaks. Tickets are close to sold out, so don’t sit on a night with these legendary musician.
King Kong
Derby Eve with The Old 97’s, Jericho Woods, Dave Ernst and The Early Favorites
We can speak from experience: Derby Eve at Headliners is fun. The Old 97’s will put on a great show, no doubt.
Oaks Night with Grackle
A 6 piece band and Derby drink specials at Goodwood.
Derby Eve jam with Lost Kings, Grandtheft
Oaks with Mama Said String Band + Star Wars Marathon
May the 4th be with you!
Mojoflo
Amber Knicole is an incredibly dynamic performer that you need to see at some point.
Sherby!
This Sherwood party has become an annual favorite for locals avoiding the craziness of Oaks Day.
Oaks Night Jamboree
Derby Eve Party – A Night of Voices
Head to Diamond’s for some voices that you might recognize from your favorite TV shows.
Winston on Wheels, Schwervon!, The Drowsy’s
With the announcement of the closing of The Cure Lounge, it is especially important that you get out to the slew of shows this week.