By: Brittany Nance
* Check out the LouisvilleKY.com, Pulse of the City Facebook page for a chance to win tickets to the Festival.
Water Tower Music Series Kicks Off Memorial Day Weekend
KY Reggae Festival has brought flavor of the islands to Louisville Water Tower since 1991
For the past 22 years the Kentucky Reggae Festival has been one of the region’s most unique and enduring festivals, and it will be back and better than ever this Memorial Day Weekend, starting Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28.
As the kick-off festival for the ever-popular Water Tower Music Series, the Kentucky Reggae Festival brings an authentic island vibe to the historic Louisville Water Tower, giving summer-starved fans a chance to enjoy three days of groovy music, flavorful ethnic food and an eclectic Caribbean market.
Each year, the Jamaican Association of Louisville and a variety of vendors team up to pair delicious Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine alongside the contagious and soul-satisfying rhythms of live, reggae music. Whether you’re craving the sweet heat of a jerk chicken dish or the crunch of fried plantains, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.
The emerging fan favorite for the festival is the Caribbean Market, which has grown into a popular attraction for vendors and buyers alike. The market is a unique setting where both experienced and casual collectors appreciate the array of booths boasting authentic art, crafts, beads, jewelry and other traditional island treasures.
“We’re excited about this year’s Kentucky Reggae Festival,” said event organizer Jennifer Washle of Bisig Impact Group. “We’ve secured a great lineup of nationally-acclaimed acts and this year there will be even more space to enjoy the Caribbean Market. We invite the entire community to start their summer with fun and relaxing island grooves this Memorial Day weekend at the Louisville Water Tower,” she said.
Together, the Water Tower Music Series’ festivals – Kentucky Reggae Festival, Louisville Blues & Barbecue Festival and Kentucky Bluegrass Music & Burgoo Festival – have grown into a celebrated annual tradition, each providing its own flavorful flair for families and fans throughout the region. This trio of artistically unique events is a great way to indulge in incredible food and entertainment, without incurring hefty travel expenses or entrance fees.
Ten musical acts are scheduled for this year’s three-day event, starting with Dem Reggae Bon, a Louisville favorite, who will kick off the weekend’s festivities. And, patrons can also look forward to performances from Lazo & the Radikals, Kyene Drum Ensemble, The Ark Band, Flex Crew, Inner Visions, and the St. X Jungle Drummers.
On Saturday and Sunday, gates to the festival open at 2:00 p.m. and close at 11:30 p.m. On Memorial Day, gates will open at 1:00 p.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
Festival admission is $7 before 6:00 p.m. and $10 afterward. Admission is free for children 10 and under. Parking is free! Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, but guests must leave pets, food and drink at home.
• SATURDAY, May 26th 1. Dem Reggae Bon – 3pm – 4:30pm *Kyene Drum Ensemble 4:30pm – 5:30pm 2. DeHurricane – 5:30pm- 8:30pm *Kyene Drum Ensemble 8:30pm – 9pm 3. Lazo & the Radikals – 9pm – 11:30pm
• SUNDAY, May 27th * St. X Jungle Drummers 2pm – 3pm 1. Demolition Crew – 3pm – 5:00pm * St. X Jungle Drummers 5pm – 5:30pm 2. Dem Reggae Bon – 5:30pm – 8:30pm * St. X Jungle Drummers 8:30pm – 9pm 3. InnerVision – 9pm – 11:30pm
• MONDAY, May 28th 1. The Ark Band – 2pm – 4:30pm 2. Flex Crew – 5-7 pm
