Day 3 Blog

DMB Gives Phenomenal Finale (11:50pm)

Just after 8:30 p.m. Dave Matthews silently stepped on stage as a welling roar of cheers from the thousands of guests gathered near the HullabaLOU Stage drowned out all other sounds that had been emanating from and around Churchill Downs racetrack. Within moments, Dwight Yoakam finished his rousing performance on the Fleur de Lis Stage (though Kansas continued to their finish), and DMB began.

The consummate festival performer and his crew exploded into their set with “Funny the Way It Is,” surely making believers out of anyone who has never heard them live. “I have to say I thought it would smell a little bit more like horse (poo),” Dave jested, in his lovely, lilted, staccato-style rhythm true fans call Dave-Speak. “But I have to say I have not smelled horse (poo). Maybe I will sniff around and smell some later on.”

I watched the first four songs from the sixth floor Media Center before packing up and heading into the fray for the rest of the set. It’s funny how time slips … away when you know you’re in the midst of something magical.

All I know is that this former DMB admirer gets it and is now a bonafide fan (be kind; I’ve never seen them live until today). I’m still smiling and hearing “Ants Marching” in my head.

Eat ‘n’ Greet So Good

The line to Big Momma’s was deep and long today with guests hankering for the West End Louisville eatery’s fried chicken, meat loaf and mac & cheese. I hopped in any way after sampling Big Momma’s fare yesterday. (So what if I was already carrying a roasted turkey drumstick from near the Fleur de Lis Stage in one hand? Girl’s gotta eat!) Louisville residents Tom and Melissa Brown were in front of me, content to chill in the heat just to get a taste. Though we’d never met, Tom headed off on an adult-beverage foray, and brought back plenty of beverages, including a Bud Light for me. When I tried to pay my fellow festival-goers, Tom said, “It’s amazing how good deeds multiply.”  As I said earlier, THIS is what a music festival is all about. 

Hulla Hubbub: Avett Bros. Rock

Time Check: 7:31 p.m.

Stopped to listen to the Avett Brothers, and darn near got chills as I watched people cheer, sing along, dance and bask in the afternoon vibe. THIS is what a music festival is supposed to feel like.

Hulla Hubbub: All About The Avetts

Time Check: 5:10 p.m.

The Avett Brothers are in the HullabaLOU House, and the fans couldn't be happier, friendlier or readier for such a big, beautiful performance. THIS is a music fest at its best.

(Btw: Not a rain cloud in sight.)

Afternoon Update (4:30pm)

Traffic is still easily navigable on the roads leading to HullabaLOU, but there’s s steady stream of guests streaming into the gates at Churchill Downs. The Black Crowes have a sea of fans surrounding the Kroger Stage as they watch Chris Robinson, his brother Rich, and the rest of the band share “15 Years of Cosmic Rock-n-Roll.” Weather-wise, it’s still all good and may be the most comfortable of days. A few clouds keep hiding the sun, and the breeze is blowing. As far as rain: not even a hint in sight.

Weather Update (1:05pm)

Today's forecast calls for a decent chance of showers, but if this past Kentucky Derby was any indication, Mother Nature has yet to ruin any party at Churchill Downs. Ponchos and rain gear are welcome at HullabaLOU, but you CANNOT bring umbrellas. I'll keep you posted on the forecast as the day unfolds.

Btw, traffic is flowing well right now and getting in is a breeze. The music has started and groups of DMB fans from all over the country are already on site awaiting the main event. 

Hulla Hubbub: Gearing up for the Finale (11:30am)

HullabaLOU Music Festival fans are still buzzing about Kenny Chesney’s headlining performance last night at Churchill Downs. “For a lot of years, I’ve been coming to Louisville, Kentucky,” the country star told the crowd at the start of his set. “We’re so proud to be back in Louisville. Thank you for having us!”

Today kicks off at 1 p.m. with Kentucky Blue on the Bluegrass Stage, followed by Terry Adams Rock and Roll Quartet at 1:20 p.m. on the Kroger Stage, up ‘n’ coming country singer Olivia Henken at 1:30 p.m. on the Fleur de Lis Stage and local songstress Andrea Davidson at 1:45 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage. Andrea recently headed back home to Kentuckiana after living out on the road for several weeks — and I mean living. The talented performer traveled from town to town, all the way to Los Angeles, spending most nights in her Toyota Corolla.

Nashville-based beauties Caroline Cutbirth, Jennifer Wayne and Tayla Lynn, collectively known as Stealing Angels, will play a one-hour set on the Fleur de Lis Stage beginning at 2:45 p.m. Tayla’s “Mamaw” is Loretta Lynn, who’s slated to step onto the same stage at 5:45 p.m. Word is, Tayla will likely make an appearance with her grandmother.

Other highlights of the day include The Black Crowes (4:15 p.m. Kroger Stage), the Avett Brothers (5 p.m. HullabaLOU Stage), .38 Special (5:55 p.m. Budweiser Stage), Zac Brown Band (6:30 p.m. HullabaLOU Stage), Dwight Yoakam (7:25 p.m. Fleur de Lis Stage), Kansas (7:40 p.m. Budweiser Stage), and the Steve Miller Band (6:15 p.m. Kroger Stage).

And then, the ultimate festival finale: Dave Matthews Band will play from 8:30 to 11 p.m. on the HullabaLOU Stage.