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Fandomfest 2017 is ready to kick off tomorrow afternoon at the Jefferson Mall on Outer Loop. The event, which draws fans of many genres from sci-fi and horror to comic books and literary works to anime and other art. 2017 marks the 12th year for the event, which started out as Fright Night in 2005.
Fandomfest runs from July 28 through 30 at the Jefferson Mall Event Space which many may remember as the former Macy’s. Doors are open 4PM to 10PM Friday, 10AM to 7PM Saturday with after-hours events until 2AM, and 11AM to the 4PM close of the show on Sunday. This marks the third home for Fandomfest in as many years after the event moved from the downtown Kentucky International Convention Center due to construction and from the Kentucky Exposition Center due to contract issues.
The new venue brings two floors of vendors, celebrity appearances, fan group meetings, gaming activities and – in a welcome change from previous years – ample free parking for attendees and easy access to shopping and dining opportunities.
The 2017 Fandomfest features celebrities such as Matthew Lillard; Netflix hit Stranger Things’ Peyton Wich (Troy); Flash Gordon’s Sam Jones; Rogue One’s Princess Leia, Ingvild Deila; Original Starsky, Paul Michael Glaser, WWE stars Sting and Al Snow, along with many other voice, television, and movie actors, authors, artists, and more. A partial list of appearances is available on the Fandomfest website.
In addition to celebrity appearances, meet and greets, Q&A sessions, the event also plays host to a large marketplace where collectors can find both new and vintage toys, artwork, novels and more. On top of that, there are numerous panels that discuss topics like Science in Comics, games like Fandom Jeopardy, competitions like the Cosplay Contest, and helpful sessions like Writing Tips for Genre Writing. Attendees looking to relax can even participate in some free retro gaming sessions.
Find full schedules, hours, panels, and more in the official Fandomfest app for iOS and Android or on the event website, fandomfest.com.
Tickets are available at the event box office (cash only) and in advance online starting at $30.
Festival Cuisine and Spirits and Falls City Brewing Company are hosting the inaugural Burnt Knob Music Festival at the Iroquois Amphitheater on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.
The festival is a celebration of local music and will feature seven acts over two nights, according to festival promoter Matthew Davis.
“It’s all about local. Local bands performing at an amazing local venue, with local sponsors and local food favorites,” Davis said. “These are awesome bands with great local and even regional followings, and $10 gets you in the door each night. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Custom brew by Falls City Brewing Company along with food from Festival Cuisine and Spirits and Lil Cheezers also will be highlighted during the festival.
“Local music and local beer have always been a perfect match. We’re beyond excited to be able to brew a limited release beer and team up with Iroquois Amphitheater to help support Louisville’s incredible music scene,” said Brian U’Sellis, Marketing Manager for Falls City. U’Sellis said that Falls City will be pouring a limited release beer – Iroquois IPA – during the show.
“We’re hoping that this becomes a new yearly tradition at the Iroquois Amphitheater,” Manager Mike Hallett said. “Two days of music, local food and beer – grab some friends and come out and enjoy a festival atmosphere at a really inexpensive price.”
The schedule is below. Admission is $10 per night. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or at iroquoisamphitheater.com.
Friday, July 28
Doors open at 6:30pm
- Pleasure Boys 8:00 p.m.
Electro-sync - James Lindsey 9:05 p.m.
Rap, Hip-hop - The Pass 10:10 p.m.
Rock
Saturday, July 29
Doors open at 5:30pm
- Powell 7 p.m.
Rock, Alt-Rock - The Dammit 8:05 p.m.
Classic rock, country, blues - Frederick the Younger 9:10 p.m.
Indie Rock - Nellie Pearl 10:10 p.m.
Americana rock
Louder Than Life will return to Champions Park in Louisville once again this year September 30th and October 1st. The two day festival will be returning for its fourth year of music, Gourmet Man Food, craft beer, Bourbon World, and more.
This year’s line-up will feature a variety of acts, including Lacuna Coil, Of Mice & Men, In This Moment, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Eagles of Death Metal, as well as many other rock and heavy metal favorites. Headliner performances Saturday night include Mastodon, Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie and the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne with Zakk Wylde. Sunday’s feature performances will be Stone Sour, Rise Against, Incubus, and Prophets of Rage. Full details of the line-up are available on the website.
Tickets are currently available online ranging from single-day GA tickets starting at $69.50 to entire festival weekend VIP experiences that include hotel for up to $1450.
The timing could not be better for the WAVE 3 News Abbey Road on the River to pay homage to the iconic and acclaimed album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album was released by The Beatles exactly 50 years ago in 1967, and is set for the much anticipated re-release on May 26, which coincides with the five-day festival, coming up May 25-29, 2017.
Sgt. Pepper, regarded as one of the first ever concept albums, is known for being one of the most influential and innovative albums of all time. It won four Grammy’s, and included hits like “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “With a Little Help From My Friends,” and “A Day in the Life.” The new, remixed special anniversary edition of the Sgt. Pepper album includes previously unreleased takes from their recording sessions.
More than 15 events will celebrate the groundbreaking album throughout the weekend, including 9 concerts, a presentation by internationally recognized Beatles expert Scott Freiman, and a “Pepper at 50” panel discussion with author Bruce Spizer, Beatle best friend and long-time aide Tony Bramwell, and “Beatle Brunch” Radio Host Joe Johnson. OnSaturday, May 27th at 11:45pm, a listening party will be held for the release of the new Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Anniversary Edition.
The WAVE 3 News Abbey Road on the River will be held in Jeffersonville, IN at the Big Four Station Park on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-29. The 2017 lineup includes Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Grammy-winner Peter Asher, Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famers The Family Stone, The Grass Roots, Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders,Ambrosia, and former Wings band members Laurence Juber (guitarist) and Steve Holley (drummer). More than 50 bands from around the world will perform on eight indoor and outdoor stages over the course of the five-day event.
The festival has partnered with 91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville to host a free kick off concert starring Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s sax man Jake Clemons today, May 25th. Live music begins at 2:00pm, and Jake Clemons will take the stage at8:45pm. Admission is free all day.
Tickets are available at arotr.com, and discounted general admission tickets are available for $20 each at all 45 area Thorntons stores. Tickets purchased at Thorntons also include free admission for one guest 21 and under.
The WAVE 3 News Abbey Road on the River is sponsored by WAVE 3 News, StarVista Live, Southern Indiana Tourism, City of Jeffersonville, Coca-Cola, Budweiser and Bud Light, Four Roses Bourbon, AML Inc., 91.9 WFPK Independent Louisville, Louisville Magazine, Louisville.com, Clark Memorial Hospital, Gretsch Guitars, Crosley Radio and Thorntons.
For more information and to purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.arotr.com.
The sounds of summer return to Freedom Hall in August for the star-studded Kentucky State Fair Main Stage concert series. Three nights of music, ranging from country to hip-hop, offers something for everyone at the annual summer festival.
“The Main Stage concert series starts off with fun music from the 90s, and closes with a unique country rock tour right on the dirt in Freedom Hall,” said Jason Rittenberry, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “With the tradition of Alabama and newcomer Tucker Beathard in between, we believe this is one of our strongest lineups for the Fair.”
Thursday, August 17 – I Love the 90s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice Featuring some of the most iconic names in rap, hip hop and R&B, this show brings the best acts of the 90s together for what Entertainment Weekly dubbed an “arena-sized dance party.” “I Love the 90s” features Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Color Me Badd, Coolio, Tone Loc and Young MC.
Dance to favorite songs including “Ice Ice Baby,” “All 4 Love” and “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The awardwinning artists have collected numerous accolades including honors from the American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Grammys. The celebration of 90s nostalgia begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $37.
Friday, August 18 – Alabama with special Guest Tucker Beathard Alabama, one of the most successful bands in country music, blends traditional country music with a Southern rock sound. With more than 40 No. 1 hits, counting a 21 song streak on the top of the charts, Alabama is known for popular songs including “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree,” “Song of the South” and “Mountain Man.” Alabama has amassed more than 200 awards, making them the most awarded band in country music history. Up-and-coming country music singer Tucker Beathard is currently working on his debut album. Beathard has charted two singles, “Momma and Jesus” and “Rock On” and is gaining a following for his honest songwriting. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Sunday, August 27 – Southern Uprising Tour The Southern Uprising Tour features several defining stars of country music, including Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and Lee Roy Parnell.
Between them, the artists have charted more than 50 songs and are known for recognizable hits such as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Here’s A Quarter,” “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Can’t You See.” Set on the dirt of Freedom Hall, the boot stomping music begins at 6 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Tickets for all three headline concerts go on sale Monday, April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office and Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices do not include Kentucky State Fair gate admission.
The Kentucky State Fair announces the lineup for its Turf Concert Series, which runs throughout the fair, Aug. 17-27. The series features a wide range of musical artists and there’s a different concert every night, for a total of 24 bands. All shows are free with paid admission to the Kentucky State Fair.
Thursday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
- “Elvis Extravaganza” recreates the magic and music of the King’s live performances. Recognized as the country’s best Elvis tribute artists, these singers cover his entire career – from the hip-shakin’ 50s to the rhinestone-studded Vegas years. www.elviscontest.com
- Brian, Dale, Mike, Scott and Jamie fly their fan flag in Tribute to “The Statler Brothers.” This heartfelt performance honors the country giants whose careers spanned 47 years, 38 albums and countless music awards. www.therivercityboys.com
Friday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
- At 12 years old, Ginuwine was already performing with a local hip-hop group. Skip forward, and it wasn’t long before he had signed a deal with Sony Music. That’s all it took to launch a career filed with multiple double-platinum LPs and hit singles on R&B and pop charts. www.ginuwine.com
- Tony! Toni! Toné! helped define the R&B genre – and their classic songs continue to make rotation on radio stations more than 25 years later. Today the group can be found on the road, performing their hits across the U.S. and around the world. www.tonytonitonemusic.com
Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.
- Grammy-award winning Blues Traveler covers a lot of ground with their music – blues rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, soul and Southern rock. After selling millions of records and logging thousands of miles on the road, the band continues to deliver energetic, eclectic live performances. www.bluestraveler.com
Sunday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
- A country and gospel quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys have been entertaining Kentucky State Fair audiences for 42 years. The group has scored 12 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album; earned Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards; and were recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. www.oakridgeboys.com
- Alaska and Madi, a country western duo from Tulsa, have been singing together since they were 11 and 12 years old. Members of “Team Blake” on season 6 of “The Voice,” they can now be found playing stages throughout the U.S. www.alaskaandmadi.com
Monday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m.
- Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone hit the music scene in 2012 as For King & Country, winning fans and Billboard’s New Artists to Watch. If the duo looks familiar, they have performed on “The View,” “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” www.forkingandcountry.com
- A Christian singer and songwriter, Zach Williams was a member of Zach Williams & The Reformation before going solo in 2016. That same year he released his first single, which reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart. His first full-length album quickly followed. www.zachwilliamsmusic.com
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
- Hit after hit from the ’60s and ’70s, the Happy Together Tour unites some of the era’s top artists: The Association; Ron Dante of the Archies; The Turtles, featuring Flo and Eddie; The Box Tops; Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night; The Cowsills and more.
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
- Raised in Orange Grove, Texas, population 1,200, Chase Bryant has said there were 20 guitars in his town, and he owned all of them. The young guitar player, songwriter and recording artist produces his own music, including a single that landed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. www.chasebryant.com
- One of Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists, Dylan Scott’s respect for traditional country, embrace of modern genres, unique voice and warm personality have made him a favorite with fans. His singles rank high on Billboard Charts, with millions of plays via social media and streaming. www.dylanscottcountry.com
- Chris Shrader rocks audiences with a contemporary style that has strong roots in traditional country. His wide range of influences can be heard in his songs and include: Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash; Smashing Pumpkins and Hank Williams; and Foo Fighters and Travis Tritt. www.chrisshrader.com
Thursday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m.
- Kentucky-born cellist and composer Ben Sollee has performed at Carnegie Hall, and his music can be heard on TV shows such as “Parenthood” and “Weeds.” He also uses his music to raise awareness and has performed and spoken on sustainability at South by Southwest Music and TEDx San Diego. www.bensollee.com
- Capturing the smooth soul of the ’70s and the hot Miami sound from the early ’80s, Tony and the Tan Lines knows how to get the party started. From Hall and Oates to Huey Lewis and Gloria Estefan to Steely Dan, this group keeps the energy going till the last note is played. www.tonyandthetanlines.com
- 64West began as a duo when University of Kentucky students Aaron Weaver and Bill Yackey played rock, country and R&B shows in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio. The two later added a bassist, guitarist and drummer; and moved from Lexington to Louisville, which is how the band got its name. www.64westband.com
Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
- Having spent last year on one of country music’s biggest tours – Carrie Underwood’s “The Storyteller” – Easton Corbin is back in the studio working on a new album. The Florida native is known for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. www.eastoncorbin.com
- A Kentucky native, JD Shelburne grew up on country, gospel and pop rock music. The young musician started playing small bars in Louisville and Lexington before taking the stage at events such as the CMA Music Festival, Quaker State 400 NASCAR Race and NCAA Women’s Final Four. www.jdshelburne.com
Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.
- Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman incorporates the musical styles of country and acoustic, postgrunge and alternative rock. The group has racked up eight Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Chart, with two singles reaching number one. www.theoryofadeadman.com
- Each member of Goldy lockS brings their own style to the group, for a fusion of rock, pop, jazz, R&B and heavy metal. They’ve shared the stage with a wide range of artists, including Nickelback, Ted Nugent, Collective Soul, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Maroon 5 and Grand Funk Railroad. www.goldylocks.net
Sunday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m.
- Matthew West is an award-winning Christian artist – Dove Award, American Music Award, Billboard Music Award and Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year – plus an Emmy and four-time Grammy nominee. His music has sold more than 1.6 million albums. www.matthewwest.com
- A gospel performer from Tennessee, Colton Dixon started singing when he was 13 years old and placed seventh on the 11th season of “American Idol.” www.coltondixon.com
- Hawk Nelson is a Christian rock and pop punk band. The Canadian group has released seven albums and won multiple GMA Awards. Their songs have also been used in promotions for “American Idol,” the NFL, Nike, JCPenny and the Olympics. www.hawknelson.com
- A Christian performer, Sarah Reeves plays pop and worship style music and has released a number of albums with chart-topping hits. Her popularity is boosted by her YouTube channel which, at last count, had over 13 million views from around the world. www.sarahreevesmusic.com
The Turf Concert Series is held in Cardinal Stadium with seating on the field, which is first-come first-served. Gates open approximately an hour-and-a-half before the music begins.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Lucasfilms 2016 “Rogue One: a Star Wars Story” will help usher in the tenth year and new season of Free Summer Movies at Iroquois Amphitheater on Saturday, May 13th.
“In 2007, many of us on the Metro Council worked together to bring free entertainment during the summer for families and the community at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15). “This year, we once again welcome everyone to come out and enjoy what has become a summer tradition in a great Metro Louisville Park.”
The movie follows the actions of the Rebel Alliance and its fight against the Empire, when they learn of a new and powerful weapon that threatens everyone in the galaxy: the Deathstar.
Rogue One stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker.
“We’re grateful for the continued support from Metro Council for the free movie series. From movies to festivals and concerts, it’s been critical to have their backing as the number of events and visitors to the Amphitheater has continued to grow. It’s been a great ten years, and it’s going to be another great summer!” says Seve Ghose, Director, Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation.
The attendance from last year’s Free Summer Movies was just at 9,000.
“The support we receive from Metro Council allows us to provide summer-long events which enrich the overall experience of Iroquois Park. The movies are a wonderful way to spend a summer night under the stars at beautiful Iroquois Amphitheatre,” says Michael Hallett, Director of the Iroquois Amphitheater.
Joining Councilwoman Butler as sponsors this year are Council Members Rick Blackwell (D-12) Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Dan Johnson (D-21) President David Yates (D-25), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David James (D-6), Cindi Fowler (D- 14), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), Angela Leet (R-7), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4), Bill Hollander (D-9), Robin Engel (R-22), Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Madonna Flood (D-24), and James Peden (R-23).
The 2017 lineup for “Movies Under the Stars” is as follows – all movies begin at 8:00pm.
- May 13 – Rouge One: A Star Wars Story
- June 17 – The Secret Lives of Pets
- July 15 – Zootopia
- August 12 – Sing
Here is the lineup of Free Monday Night Movies for 2017 – all movies begin at 8:00pm:
- June 5 – The Wizard of Oz
- June 19 – Madea’s Big Happy Family
- July 3 – 1776
- July – 10 School of Rock
- July 17 – The Jungle Book
- July 24 – Dial M for Murder
- July 31 – The Wild Life
- August 14 – The Legend of Tarzan
The Concession Stand is open for these events selling hotdogs, popcorn, ice cream and sodas.
To see all the great summer entertainment this year at the Iroquois Amphitheater, go to www.iroquoisamphitheater.com or call 502-368-5865.
Iroquois Amphitheater is located at1080 Amphitheater Road in Iroquois Park.