The National Jug Band Jubilee is back. This free family-friendly festival will celebrate the history of jug band music in Louisville with live music on the banks of the Ohio River. Here’s what to expect at this year’s event.
About jug bands
Jug band music is a pre-World War I jazz style that uses both traditional and homemade instruments. Think: Washboards, spoons, hardware, and, of course, empty jugs.
The style is integral to the culture of Derby City, which is acknowledged as the home of jug band music. The first known artists to record the genre — like Clifford Hayes + Earl McDonald — did so right here in the 502.
The Jug Band Jubilee presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate the Louisvillians who keep jug band music alive.
The details
The festival will be held at the Brown Forman-Amphitheater at the Waterfront Park on Sat., Sept. 24 from 12-9 p.m.
Bring a blanket or a chair and leave behind pets, coolers, and glass containers.
Admission to the festival is free. But you can always make a donation.
Who you’ll see
This year’s main act is Juggernaut Jug Band. This Louisville-based band is celebrating 50 years of continuous entertainment. The band formed in 1965 when four of the founding members discovered jug band music in high school. They’ve performed shows across the country + were even reviewed in The Washington Post.
In addition to live music, the festival will also offer Jug Band workshops, kid’s activities, vendors, and food + drink.