We’ve got the jug bug

The Jug Band Jubilee in Louisville, KY

Rows of people sit on the steps of waterfront park at the amphitheater, listening to a jug band at sunset.

Enjoy jug band music at sunset. | Photo by Andrew Yeager-Buckley at @andrewyb

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.

Multiple performers including children and adults play guitars, washboards, and kazoos on stage. — The workshop finale on stage | Photo by Michele Korfhage Photography

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.

Use the links below to share with a friend with whom you'd jam to jug band music.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

New Talent Tuesday | Tues., Sept. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Louisville Comedy Club | Two-item minimum | Reserve seats to laugh with up-and-coming talent — adults only.

Wednesday

Wednesdays are for Westerns | Wed., Sept. 21 | 8:30-11:55 p.m. | Planet of the Tapes, 640 Barret Ave. | Free | Listen to country records while watching westerns on the big screen, plus sip housemade sarsaparilla specials at the bar. 🐴

Thursday

Brett Eldredge | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $15+ | Hear hits like “Beat Of The Music” when multi-platinum-selling Country star, Brett Eldredge takes the stage. 🪕

Friday

The American Horrorplex | Fri., Sept. 23 | 8 p.m.-1 a.m. | American Horrorplex, 2012 Northwestern Pkwy. | $25+ | Walk through this award-winning haunted house with live performers + escape room experiences. 👻

Saturday

Intermediate Beekeeping Mentoring Program | Sat., Sept. 24 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Honeybear Farms, 14005 Taylorsville Rd. | $15 | Get hands-on experience in intermediate beekeeping. 🐝
ShopBar 3 Year Anniversary | Sat., Sept. 24 | 5 p.m.-1 a.m. | ShopBar, 950 Barret Ave. | Free | Shuck oysters with Lou Oyster Cult, snap a Mag Booth photo + sip complimentary champagne to celebrate this Barret Avenue bar’s three year anniversary. 🦪

Sunday

Cxffee Black to Africa | Sun., Sep. 25 | 1-1:45 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | Free | Catch this documentary about an all-Black supply chain for coffee followed by a discussion with producers Renata Henderson + Bartholomew Jones and composer Milan Credle. ☕
Middletown Peddlers Mall Outdoor Fall Kick-Off Festival | Sun., Sept. 25 | 12-5 p.m. | Middletown Peddlers Mall, 12405 Shelbyville Rd. | Free | The popular Fall Outdoor Festival is back with pop-ups, vendors, and a photo-lounge.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

91º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Opening

Hauck’s Corner at 1000 Goss Ave. in Schnitzelburg is open. After months of anticipation, the revitalization of the famous Hauck’s Handy Store is open and serving up classics like old fashioneds + pork rinds. Check out the full menu. 🥃

Community

The Parkland Library (2743 Virginia Ave.) is returning to the neighborhood. After closing in the late 1980s, the library will soon return with a renovation + expansion project. Celebrate by attending the groundbreaking ceremony on Tues., Sept. 27 at 1:30 p.m. 📚

Civic

Retrieve your vehicle from the city’s impound lot for free this week. Call The Louisville Metro Police Department (502-574-7078) to arrange a pick up — you’ll also need a license + proof of insurance. Learn more about abandoned cars and amnesty week here. (WFPL)

Outdoors

Entry to national parks in Kentucky will be free on Sat., Sept. 24. Celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering for a cleanup or enjoying a free self-guided tour at Mammoth Cave National Park. 🌲 (WFPL)

Seasonal

The Halloween Balloon Glow event will be at Lynn Family Stadium on Thurs., Oct. 27 + Fri., Oct. 28. Kids can trick-or-treat from ten hot air balloons — two of which will be available for tethered rides at an additional fee — plus enjoy inflatables, performances, seasonal food, and vendors. Tickets are $15. 🎃 (WHAS 11)

Plan Ahead

The Crane House will host its first Asian Night Market on Sat., Oct. 8 from 6-10 p.m. The event will highlight the cultural significance of night markets through performances, vendors + food trucks. Look forward to dancing by Oreya Ou and Taiwanese food from Hot Buns. (LEO Weekly)

Art

The Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission has revealed a “Rosie the Riveter” art installation in Ashland Park — across the Second Street Bridge. The installation celebrates one of Clarksville, IN’s most famous residents, Rose Will Monroe, and her contributions during World War II. (WHAS 11)

Listen

Jack Harlow’s latest album, “Come Home The Kids Miss You,” has finally arrived at Guestroom Records Louisville. Get the milky white vinyl at 1806 Frankfort Ave.

Shop

Are we the only ones with fall feels? Autumnal decor we’re eyeing: this colorful fall wreath made from 100% dried flowers, these amber glass mugs to warm up your kitchen, and these best-selling pumpkin shaped candles. Bonus: The doormat all football-loving families need to own. 🍁*

Eat

Don’t just eat better — eat the best. Sunbasket’s meal kit service delivers delicious, healthy meals created by award-winning chefs straight to your front door. Bonus: LOUtoday readers can get $100 off their first four deliveries and more when they sign up.*

Travel

Going on vacation this fall and need to learn a new language fast? With Babbel, you could be speaking a new language in as little as three weeks. Bonus: Get 55% off your subscription for a limited time. 🌎*

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King of jug players

The legacy of Earl McDonald in Louisville, KY

A historical marker reading "Jug Band Pioneer: Earl McDonald (1885-1949) helped establish Louisville as the home of jug band music. An accomplished jug blower, vocalist, composer, leader, and recording artist. Bands in Australia, Europe, and Japan continue to admire, perform, and emulate his 42 recorded tunes of the 1920s and 1930s."

Visit the marker at Waterfront Park. | Photo by @jugbandjubilee

On your way to the Jug Band Jubilee at Waterfront Park, you may see this historical marker dedicated to one of jug band music’s pioneers.

Earl McDonald formed the Louisville Jug Band, which is known as the first jug band to record in a studio. He also fostered a music network among Black musicians which sowed the seeds for the culture of music in River City. His musical talent + love for the community earned him the nickname “king of jug players.”

Visit the marker on the Riverwalk (at 1301 River Rd.) near the Brown Forman-Amphitheater.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Multi-City Editor Jessalin.

Editor’s pick: I hope the Asian Night Market hosted by the Asia Institute - Crane House becomes an annual tradition.

Night markets are a huge part of Asian culture — especially in places like Taiwan, China, and the Philippines to name a few — and it’s cool to see Derby City joining in.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Check out the Louisville Tool Library here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Sarah Shadburne, Katie Molck, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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