13th Annual Forest Fest Music Festival May 20 At Jefferson Memorial

A spectacular day of Bluegrass and Americana music, food and beverages, craft vendors, and youth activities in a scenic environment awaits those who visit Jefferson Memorial Forest’s thirteenth annual Forest Fest on Saturday, May 20.

Forest Fest has been known for providing a great variety of bluegrass music; this year’s event expands on that tradition with six musical acts in the lineup. The music starts at 11:30 a.m. in the forest’s Horine Section, 12408 Holsclaw Hill Road.

The lineup starts off with the Jon Stickley Trio, followed by The Wooks (from Lexington). Louisville’s own Misty Mountain String Band and Mipso play next. Four-time IMBA award winner Flatt Lonesome and former Carolina Chocolate Drop Leyla McCalla round out the evening.

The event is free, but parking is $10 per carload. Bring a blanket or chair. Food, wine, and beer will be available for purchase along with items from various crafters. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome, and their owners are asked to be considerate of other patrons.

The event is made possible through the financial support of presenting sponsors, Metro Councilwomen Vicki Aubrey Welch (District 13) and Cindi Fowler (District 14), in whose districts Jefferson Memorial Forest is located, as well as assistance from Councilpersons Marianne Butler (District 15), Rick Blackwell (District 12), James Peden (District 23), Madonna Flood (District 24), David Yates (District 25), Jessica Green (District 1), Pat Mulvihill (District 10), Glen Stuckel (District 17), Mary C. Woolridge (District 3), Barbara Sexton Smith (District 4), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (District 5), David James (District 6), Angela Leet (District 7), Brandon Coan (District 8), Bill Hollander (District 9), Dan Johnson (District 21), and Robin Engel (District 22).  Also sponsoring the event are: LG&E, WFPK Radio Louisville, Forcht Bank, and LeafFilter.

A variety of entertainment options for children, including live nature demonstrations and a climbing wall, will take place during the day, beginning at noon and ending at 5 p.m. Workshops by performers will begin at 12:30. Artists from across the region will demonstrate their skills as part of a craft fair, and food and beverages from Comfy Cow Ice Cream, Shack in the Back Barbeque, Lil Cheezers and DakShin food trucks, Brooks Hill Winery, Heine Brothers Coffee, Mr. G’s Kettle Corn, and local craft beer from Falls City will be available for sale.

Forest Fest Band Schedule:

• 11:30 a.m. Jon Stickley Trio
• 12:45 p.m. The Wooks
• 2:00 p.m. Misty Mountain String Band
• 3:30 p.m. Mipso 
• 4:45 p.m. Flatt Lonesome  
• 6:00 p.m. Leyla McCalla

Forest Fest Schedule of Activities:

• 10:30 a.m.      Booths open to the public; food areas open; Forest Nature booth opens for children
• 11:30 a.m.      Music begins; Children’s activities begin (until 5 p.m.)
• 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.     Band Workshop: Misty Mountain String Band
• 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m.       Band Workshop: The Wooks
• 2:30- 3 p.m.               Band Workshop: Mipso
• 3:30 -4 p.m.               Band Workshop: Flatt Lonesome
• 4-4:30 p.m.                Band Workshop: Leyla McCalla
• 7 p.m.                         Forest Fest concludes