My Blog

Dear Friends ~

Welcome to the January Captain’s Log. If you’re in the Midwest, hopefully this finds you warm and with electricity. It’s been a treacherous week. Some major developments aboard the Forecastle Ship, as we make a sharp turn towards land. Here’s what transpired in January:

Forecastle has announced a partnership with Nederlander Entertainment, the country’s oldest concert promoter, since 1912. Nederlander will handle all West Stage talent in 2009, as we all work to take Forecastle to the next level.

Congratulations to Bloomington’s “The Broderick” ~ winner of the nationwide JanSport / Forecastle “Battle of the Bands” competition. Over 1500 entries. A mixture of public and private voting landed them a spot at this summer’s festival, July 10th – 12th at the Riverfront. If you were at Halfway, you got to catch a secret appearance, right after Cincinnati’s Buffalo Killers.

Thanks to everyone who came out to “Halfway to Forecastle.” It was one of our most successful events, in one of the city’s coolest developments. We especially appreciate the folks who traveled from Indiana, Ohio, and elsewhere to be with us at the halfway mark. Kudos to Havana Cola and Red Bull North America for making the event possible.

MUSIC. Forecastle will be announcing our headliners soon, and tickets will go on-sale shortly thereafter. In the meantime, get your band submissions in. In two months the entry process will end. Submit your materials here: http://www.sonicbids.com/forecastle

ART. We have announced the theme to the 2009 art exhibition (“H2U”) and will be awarding (10) artists a $1000 grant to complete an environmental art installation at the 8th annual event. The artists will be chosen from each one of our sister cities across the Midwest. To submit your designs, visit: http://forecastlefest.com/submissions-art.php

ACTIVISM. In addition to over (60) orgs from across the region, we are looking for interesting speakers to host at this year’s festival. Ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary things. From scientific research to climbing Mt. McKinley, our headlamp is shining in all circles. If you know someone with an interesting story, tell them to cross paths.

FILM. Submission categories have been updated. To submit as a filmmaker, please visit: https://www.withoutabox.com/login/6543

Forecastle is forming Facebook groups in each of our cities across the Midwest. If you live within three-hundred miles of Louisville, and would like your city represented, please let us know. All admins will be rewarded for time on the project, with the most successful campaign receiving a $1500 festival package. So far we have groups in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Nashville, Lexington, Bloomington, Murfreesboro, Evansville, Dayton, Muncie, and Louisville. Mssg me if you would like the links.

That’s it, winter friends. As our ship makes an icy turn towards land, monthly “Captain’s Logs” will continue to arrive offering updates on our journey. Be expecting big news in February. Thanks again for your kindness, commitment, words, and actions. Act (+) and keep the faith ~ jkm

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Dear Friends ~

Welcome to a new year. Hopefully 2009 brings new opportunities with great potential to everyone. As T.S. Elliott once said, “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can truly go.” Here is what transpired in December:

Forecastle will soon be announcing a partnership with Nederlander Entertainment, the country’s oldest concert promoter since 1912. Nederlander will handle some very important responsibilities in helping take Forecastle to the next level.

Tickets for “Halfway to Forecastle” are now on-sale. Presented by Havana Cola, the 2nd annual mini-fest will take place Saturday, January 17th at The Green Building, the first LEED-certified, platinum-rated development in downtown Louisville. A portion of profits will benefit Kentucky Waterways Alliance and their efforts to establish the first Lower Ohio Riverkeeper Chapter - a project inspired by Riverkeeper attorney and Forecastle speaker Robert. F. Kennedy Jr.

Tickets are limited and available exclusively at Ear-X-Tacy Records, 1534 Bardstown Rd, 40205. If you’re traveling from one of our surrounding sister cities, you will be able to get in at the door if you arrive early (http://www.forecastlefest.com/halfway.php.

JanSport has announced the finalists of our 2009 band competition. Thousands of submissions have resulted in the selection of (8) groups, with the winner to be announced at “Halfway to Forecastle”. To read more, visit: http://www.jansportbattleofthebands.com

Art and Film submission categories have been updated for Forecastle 2009:

To apply as an artist, please download the submission form: http://forecastlefest.com/submissions-art.php

To apply as a filmmaker, please visit: https://www.withoutabox.com/login/6543

The Forecastle Festival is forming Facebook groups in each of our sister cities across the Midwest. If you live within 300 miles of Louisville and would like to become an administrator, please let us know. All admins will be compensated for their time on the project, with the most successful campaign receiving a $1500 festival package.

That is it, friends and allies. As our ship makes a 90 degree turn back to land, monthly “Captain’s Logs” will continue to arrive offering updates on our progress. Hope to see everyone Jan. 17th at Halfway to Forecastle. Thanks again for your kindness, words, commitment and action. Think (+) and keep the faith, with love ~ jkm

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THE FORECASTLE FESTIVAL is where the Midwest connects™. Founded in Louisville, KY, the annual gathering is equal parts Music, Art, and Activism. A symposium for musicians, artists, and environmentalists, Forecastle connects the progressive Midwest. The 2009 fest is expected to draw 10,000 patrons to the Louisville Waterfront ~ part of a scenic, $60 million dollar riverfront investment which draws 1.5 million visitors a year. With national headliners and expanded line-ups, the festival will provide an unforgettable experience for all Forecastle travelers, converging in Louisville from the Midwest and beyond.
http://www.forecastlefestival.com