Steer Your Own Course- Forecastle 2014

The best advice I have ever received was to choose my own destiny. I attended a festival over the weekend of July 18, 2014 that reaffirmed that motto. You have the ability to chart your own course at Forecastle festival. Whether you're there for the music, art or activism, this city festival in the heart of Louisville, KY has something for everyone.

(Photo by: Kristin Palaniuk Forecastle 2014)

The hidden treasure of this event, in my opinion, was the live action art. On the first day there was a completely blank white ship in the middle of the grass. Each day different artists added their special touches to the boat. Whether it was painting, drawing or recycling water bottles, this art installation grew and became absolutely beautiful by the last day of the festival.

(Photo by: Kristin Palaniuk Forecastle 2014) 

                                      

                                                (Photo by: Kristin Palaniuk Forecastle 2014)

For those of you mateys who are unaware of sea lingo the Forecastle is the front of the ship usually above the sailor's living quarters. Here is where you can see the vast ocean ahead of you and where important keepsakes are stored.

Forecastle festival is where your dreams are just ahead of you and your keepsakes are the lifelong memories attached to the entry wristbands you adorn.

Whether you were sampling the south's delicious homemade moonshine, getting a free bracelet wrap from +Chacos  or catching an afternoon nap in a hammock, Forecastle festival proved that dreams can be a reality. 

(Photo by: Tori Atkinson Forecastle 2014)

Every festival I've attended does a wonderful job of leaving no trace. Meaning, they clean up before, during and after the festival as if it never happened. Here at Forecastle, I have to give a shout out to the Clean Vibes crew who kept Forecastle looking beautiful all weekend. This group even had a trading post where you could trade in recyclables for points towards free or discounted merchandise. 

(Photo by: Tori Atkinson Forecastle 2014)

This festival on the river had 4 stages where acts as diverse as Gary Clark Jr. to Blue Sky Black Death performed. I was privileged enough to work with the artist liaison of the Ocean Stage all weekend.

FRIDAY- The first day of the festival I was able to see Public, Mimosa, St. Lucia, Local Natives, Nightmares on Wax and Outkast.

SATURDAY- Anwar Sadat, Young & Sick, Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks, Kygo, Band of Horses, Slint and Jack White were among the bands I was able to see perform.

SUNDAY- Chrome Sparks, Claude Vonstroke, Tune-Yards, Flume and Beck filled my schedule.

Other acts that I was not able to see but heard great things about were Jenny Lewis, Ray Lamontagne, The Open Sex, Spoon and many others.

In the crowd I spotted mermaids, sailors, the character from Fear & Loathing and totems held high that showed individuality. My favorite fan sign of the weekend was a simple white flag that said "FREAK" in bold black lettering.

(Photo by: Tori Atkinson Forecastle 2014)

Here at Forecastle fest you can steer your own course and let your freak flag fly.