Exclusive: Kentucky Derby Festival announces music lineup
The Kentucky Derby Festival's Waterfront Jam will bring a slew of acts ranging from old school legends to rising stars when it kicks off April 27 at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville in Waterfront Park.
Daya is the hot ticket and fresh off a Grammy win with The Chainsmokers for “Don’t Let Me Down." She'll be joined over the course of the eight-day festival by Americana rock band the Drive-By Truckers, hip-hop originators Sugarhill Gang, platinum-selling country singer Hunter Hayes, hard rock band Jimmy Eat World, and contemporary Christian group Sidewalk Prophets.
It all comes free of charge as long as you're wearing a 2017 Pegasus Pin.
The Fest-a-Ville will also feature more than 30 local and regional bands spread across two stages and wraps up May 5, Derby Eve, with an EDM concert that has yet to be announced.
"I feel like this is the best lineup we've ever had across the board," said Tricia Siegwald, director of event production for the Kentucky Derby Festival. She worked with Louisville's Triangle Talent and iHeartRadio to put the festival's headliners together. "Every act is either very well-established or very relevant in the industry right now."
Here's a look at the Great Stage performers:
Daya, April 28
At age 18, Daya is already on pace to eventually be the biggest star at the Fest-A-Ville. Her guest vocal on the massive Chainsmokers hit "Don't Let Me Down" recently earned her a Grammy Award for Best Dance Record. She has two platinum singles of her own in "Hide Away" and "Sit Still, Look Pretty," and her debut album is certified gold. The Pittsburgh native is poised to have a big year.
Hunter Hayes, April 29
Hunter Hayes has been in a sales slump recently but with six Top 20 singles, including the No. 1 2012 hit "Wanted," he has plenty of material banked. Hayes will be joined by Carly Pearce, a native of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, with roots in bluegrass and mainstream country. Her "Every Little Thing" single made a splash last year.
Sidewalk Prophets, April 30
The Sidewalk Prophets, a 2010 winner of Best New Artist at the Dove Awards, will be joined by John Tibbs and Hannah Kerr for Celebration Sunday, the Fest-A-Ville's annual praise show.
Sugarhill Gang, May 2
The Sugarhill Gang's greatest accomplishment was introducing mainstream audiences to rap via "Rapper's Delight," which hit the Top 40 and remains an iconic single. They will be joined by Grandmaster Dee, who gained fame as turntablist for Whodini, and Kurtis Blow, whose reputation was secured the second he recorded "Basketball."
Drive-By Truckers, May 3
The Drive-By Truckers have put together one of Americana's great album runs with nine classic albums, starting with 2001's "Southern Rock Opera" and ending, for now, with last year's "American Band." In the album, songwriters Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley address what they see as a nation of crumbling ideals.
Jimmy Eat World, May 4
Jimmy Eat World, a hard rock band with pop leanings, has been making records for 23 years and its latest, "Integrity Blues," was hailed as the band's best work in more than a decade.
TBA, May 5
The Derby Eve Jam is trailing the field but should be confirmed soon. We do know that it will be an EDM artist.
The Waterfront Jam's Miller Lite Music Stage will offer a host of original and cover bands, including J.D. Shelburne, Velcro Pygmies, Wax Factory, and the Unlimited Show Band.
Reporter Jeffrey Lee Puckett can be reached at 502-582-4160 and jpuckett@courier-journal.com.
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