With Louisville’s Forecastle Festival right around the corner, here are some bands that might have slipped under your radar, but just because they’re in a smaller font on the lineup doesn’t mean they don’t have a BIG sound. Get your schedule prepped, and don’t miss these acts at the Louisville Waterfront this weekend!

Louisville Leopard Percussionists

Friday 4:30-5:30, WFPK Port Stage

Get to the Waterfront for this one. Come watch students from around Louisville perform as the Louisville Leopard Percussionists. No telling who might join the group on stage 😉

Sounds Like: 60+ musicians age 7-16.

Wax Fang

Friday 6:30-7:30, WFPK Port Stage

Wax Fang is a Louisville gem hiding in plain sight. From their stellar discography of brooding rock to experimental space grooves, their set will include new songs and special guests.

Sounds Like: Local sonic space rockers

Jai Wolf

Friday 7:00-8:00, Ocean Stage

Jai Wolf is one of the most exciting electronic artists on the festival circuit who has worked with everyone from Skrillix to Flume and ODESZA.

Sounds Like: Master remixer from Skrillix’ label OWSLA

The Josephines

Saturday 2:15-2:45, WFPK Port Stage

Like a Hot Brown or Weisenberger grits. If you don’t make it in early Saturday to see these Kentucky boys, check The Josephines out at Morecastle, an unofficial afterparty at Gravely Brewing.

Sounds Like: Rock & roll-drenched country.

Hiss Golden Messenger

Saturday 4:00-4:45, Boom Stage

Hiss Golden Messenger’s M.C. Taylor looks for reasons to stay hopeful, even when the rain clouds follow him around, as he tours his 2017 release Hallelujah Anyhow.

Sounds Like: Hopeful folk.

Ron Gallo

Sunday 1:45-2:30, Boom Stage

This Nashville psych rock shredder Ron Gallo is making a name for himself as one of the sharpest acts in the genre, touring his grungy new album Heavy Meta.

Sounds Like: Fuzzed-out psych rock

Khruangbin

Sunday 4:30-5:15, Ocean Stage

Viiiiby Texas trio Khruangbin create sultry instrumentals with hints of funk and jazz with a Iranian and Spanish flairs.

Sounds Like: Poolside funk grooves