What began ten years ago as an enterprising labor of love to present free concerts to the community has become a thriving city institution, drawing thousands to Waterfront Park and helping Louisville secure an international award as a top city for festivals. The WFPK Waterfront Wednesday® concerts take place on the Harbor Lawn on the last Wednesday of every month from April through September.
The Waterfront Development Corporation (WDC) and WFPK 91.9 first partnered in 2002 to produce an innovative concert series that showcases local and emerging national recording artists. Each free concert attracts large audiences to mingle, dance and enjoy the river in a family-friendly park atmosphere with upscale festival fare.
Throughout the past ten years WFPK 91.9 has spotted and championed up-and-coming indie bands. My Morning Jacket performed in the first season. Other break-out bands have included Los Lonely Boys, the Avett Brothers, Drive by Truckers and Old Crow Medicine Show. “We love mixing the best of our local music scene with national artists who are on the rise. These performances in the atmosphere of the gorgeous Waterfront Park make this series uniquely “Louisville,’” says WFPK station manager Stacy Owen. “It’s our community coming together to enjoy music and a great time.
This season promises to be a special ten-year celebration with concerts on April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 31 and concluding a week early on September 21, (the third Wednesday of the month), in order to respect the start of Rosh Hashanah later in the month. Additional information will be made available on wfpk.org as details are finalized.
The April 27 WFPK Waterfront Wednesday® concert is sponsored by Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company, Goose Island Brewing Company, Maker’s Mark and Friends of the Waterfront, and will feature three artists/bands. Sara Jaffe has signed on for the first concert in April. She has appeared on several “Best of” lists of 2010, including Amazon's Best Albums, Amazon's Best Songs and Paste Magazine's 50 Best Songs. "Sarah Jaffe is a lot like her home state of Texas. Wide-open, humble and matter-of-fact, she crafts beautiful, raw songs that 'are what they are' in the very best way." – Melanie Gomez, Paste Magazine
The Harbor Lawn is located between the boat docks at the Great Lawn and the Children’s Play Area. Parking is available along River Road, the Orange Lot and surrounding pay lots. The event begins at 5pm. Outside alcohol is prohibited. No coolers, glass or pets allowed in the event area of the Harbor Lawn and the adjacent children’s play area. For more information, please call 814-6519.
Contact:
Stacy Owen
Louisville Public Media
sowen@wfpk.org
502.814.6519
Ashley Smith
Waterfront Development Corp.
Ashley.Smith@louisvilleky.gov
502.574.3768