Louisville Music Festivals Nominated for Prestigious Pollstar Award

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2019) – The nominees have been announced for the 31st Pollstar Awards, and Louisville has been nominated twice in a “Music Festival of the Year” category.

Both Bourbon & Beyond and Forecastle landed on the list, making Louisville the only city in the U.S. to nab two nominations.

The “Music Festival of the Year” (in the U.S. only; under 30,000 attendance) category recognizes the most artistically and commercially successful festival of the year in the country providing the most rewarding experience for fans and artists.

“Louisville has received recognition as one of the best cities for festivals and events in North America,” says Karen Williams, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. “These premier events have helped position Louisville as an authentic music festival destination, and it’s exciting to see them being recognized on a global scale as leaders in the concert industry.”

Adds Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer: “It’s awesome, but absolutely no surprise to see two of our signature events – Bourbon & Beyond and Forecastle – nominated to be named “Music Festival of the Year.” These kinds of festivals are part of an intentional strategy to bring more young people to live in our city. They come for the shows and then decide to stay for all the rest we have to offer. No matter which festival is ultimately named best, Louisville wins!”

Bourbon & Beyond, held annually in September, features some of the biggest names in rock, roots, bluegrass and folk music, along with one-of-a-kind bourbon and culinary experiences. Forecastle, which takes play each year in July, is a three-day, outdoor music festival that draws thousands for its national acts and was named one of the “coolest festivals in America” by Rolling Stone.

“DWP is honored that Bourbon & Beyond is one of the two Louisville festivals to be nominated by Pollstar as a “Music Festival of the Year,” says Danny Hayes, CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP), producers of Bourbon & Beyond. “Forecastle is an amazing event that has long highlighted all that is great about Louisville. With Bourbon & Beyond, our goal has been to help increase the international exposure of this city that is both rich in history and innovative in culture.”

“As we approach the announcement of Forecastle’s 18th year, we are honored to be nominated as Pollstar’s “Music Festival of the Year” for 2019,” says Jeff Cuellar, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for AC Entertainment, producers of Forecastle. “We take an immense amount of pride producing this amazing event, showcasing the picturesque Waterfront Park and celebrating all of the history, culture and quirks that make Louisville a magical destination. Cheers to all of our fans from around the world and locally for all your support.”

Bourbon & Beyond and Forecastle are nominated alongside The Hangout Beach, Music & Arts Festival (Gulf Shores, Ala.), Newport Folk Festival (Newport, R.I.), Ohana Festival (Dana Point, Calif.), Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival (Franklin, Tenn.), and Sea.Hear.Now Festival (Ashbury Park, N.J.).

The Pollstar Awards honor the artists, executives and road warriors who have been leading the concert industry over the past year. The awards ceremony takes place Feb. 6 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

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