Kentucky’s loudest festival just got better. Few days ago, new attractions were announced for the fest, taking place September 27th-29th. While the show will feature more than 50 artists, fans will be treated to other forms of entertainment like food trucks, the Monster Energy Experience, and award winning bourbon, spirits, and beer.
It’s new home, the Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center, will better suit the festival with the beautiful Louisville skyline in the background. It has been announced that the festival centerpiece, The Kroger Big Bourbon Bar presented by Courier Journal will feature more than two dozen hand-selected bourbons from some of the top distilleries in the area, with a unique opportunity to enjoy bourbons and exclusive one-time specialty c**ktails from a range of providers like 1792, Angel’s Envy, Barrell Bourbon, Coopers’ Craft, Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Jefferson’s, Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon, Kentucky Peerless, Michter’s, Rebel Yell, Old Forester, Stonehammer, and even Wild Turkey.
New for 2019 will be the Beyond Bourbon Bar, which will be the largest non-bourbon bar at Bourbon & Beyond, offering a wide-range of terrific whiskies. Patrons will be invited to select their c**ktail, choose their whiskey, and then enjoy the multitude of flavors from outside the Kentucky borders. Participating brands will include 291 Colorado Whiskey, Balcones Distilling, Catoctin Creek, Uncle Nearest, with more TBA.
There will even be a special celebrity guest, with bourbon curator, bourbon author/expert, and Amazon Prime host of “Bourbon Up” Fred Minnick showcasing his own mini-bar (aptly titled the Fred Minnick’s Mini-Bar), which will showcase excellent craft selections from Louisville’s very own whisky bar The Silver Dollar, who will be operating The Hunter’s Club, wherein attendees can find rare vintage bourbons dating as far back as the 1930’s, we well as contemporary collectibles.
The current list of participating bourbon brands includes 1792, Angel’s Envy, Barrell Bourbon, Blade and Bow, Bulleit, Coopers’ Craft, Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Four Roses, Jefferson’s, Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon, Jim Beam, Kentucky Peerless, Larceny, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Old Forester, Rebel Yell, Stonehammer, Wild Turkey, Willett, and Woodford Reserve. Whiskey and other spirit partners include 291 Colorado Whiskey, Balcones Distilling, Catoctin Creek, Cooper and Thief, Jack Daniel’s, Robert Mondavi Private Select, Southern Comfort, Uncle Nearest and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
But that isn’t all, with a wide range of food will be available, which are curated by Southern Hospitality Concessions LLC, DWP’s affiliate concessionaire, with selections ranging from local and regional restuants will be available: 502 Café, Boss Hog BBQ, Cellar Door Chocolates, Chicago’s Dog House, Couvillion, Martin’s BBQ, Eli’s BBQ, Gelato Gilberto, Heine Brothers’ Coffee, Hull and Highwater, Island Noodles, Joella’s Hot Chicken, Longshot Lobsta, Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, Midway Café, Mike’s Kentucky Kitchen, Phat Daddy’s Creole, Pie Baby Wood Fired Pizza, Red Top Dogs, River Road BBQ, Spicy Pie Pizza, Tumbleweed, and many more.
The onsite food and beverage experiences include:
● Jack Daniel’s No. 7 Sports Bar, where guests can enjoy NFL and college football games
● Monster Energy Experience
● Craft Beer Bar
● Tiki Barrel Bar presented by Jim Beam
● Jack’s House presented by Jack Daniel’s
● Jailhouse BBQ presented by Larceny Bourbon
● Mardi Gras Bar presented by Southern Comfort
● Stitzel-Weller Bar featuring Bulleit and Blade and Bow
● The Speakeasy
● Fxck Cancer / Dyin 2 Live Dreams Program
● Mint Julep Experiences (exclusive distillery excursions)
● Take Me Home
● The Music Experience
One of the things that stands out to me is how Danny Wimmer Presents is proudly teaming up with Calling All Crows Here For The Music campaign to prevent sexual violence at live music events. This is an occurrence that is all too often, and the fact that DWP is standing up against it is an absolutely welcome change. Founded by musician Chadwick Stokes and tour manager Sybil Gallagher, the organization partners with musicians and fans in order to create a safe concert environment, in which a change for women through direct service and activism is promoted. Through the Here For The Music Campaign they have been able to partner with over 60 venues, artists, and festivals to train more than 1500 music professionals. They have even educated 10,000+ fans through their outreach efforts, and consult on 10+ policies.
More information can be found at: www.callingallcrows.org/
The Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center are located at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville, Kentucky. Festival doors open at 11:00 AM daily
Louder Than Life is produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America. DWP events include Aftershock Festival, Bourbon & Beyond, Chicago Open Air, Epicenter Festival, Hometown Rising, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, and Welcome To Rockville.
For more information on Louder Than Life please visit:
Website: www.LouderThanLifeFestival.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ltlfest
Instagram: http://instagram.com/
Hashtag: #LouderThanLife
DWP has made it clear that they believe in quality over quantity, and has urged fans to drink responsibly during the festival.
