Krazy Fest (originally stylized as Krazy✻Fest!) was an American music festival hosted in Louisville, Kentucky. It ran annually from 1998 to 2003, with a one-off comeback in 2011.
History and Organization
The event was first organized by Scott Ritcher (then-vocalist of the band Metroschifter) and Andy Rich, who were co-owners of the emotional hardcore record label Initial Records, in partnership with Jason Noble (then-vocalist of Shipping News) and Mark Brickey (then-vocalist of The Enkindels). Ryan Patterson, senior vice-president of Initial Records, joined in 2001. The festival principally showcased emotional hardcore bands but also included melodic hardcore, post-hardcore, punk rock, hardcore punk, metalcore, and indie rock acts.
Years Active and Venues
- 1998 (May 29–31): Brewery Thunderdome — The first edition was originally planned for Stage Door Johnnies but was moved. Due to an electrical storm and power outage on the final evening, headliners Superchunk and Shipping News were unable to perform.
- 1999 (May 21–23): The Belvedere
- 2000 (May 19–21): The Belvedere — Also sponsored by eMusic.
- 2001 (July 27–29): Louisville Water Tower
- 2002 (June 21–23): Waterfront Park
- 2003 (August 1–3): Waterfront Park
- 2011 (May 20–22): Expo Five — The comeback edition was organized by new promoter Andrew Tinsley and featured three stages.
Notable Performers
The festival hosted a wide range of notable acts across its run, including Superchunk, The Get Up Kids, Saves the Day, Jimmy Eat World, AFI, Alkaline Trio, Thursday, Converge, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Hatebreed, Andrew WK, Mastodon, The Bouncing Souls, Against Me!, Hot Water Music, Cave In, Bane, Coalesce, and many others.
Cancellation and Comeback
While planning its seventh year in early 2004, the festival was postponed due to lack of availability for headlining bands and increased costs. Initial Records also became defunct around the same time. After receiving Andy Rich's blessing in 2010, Andrew Tinsley revived Krazy Fest for Memorial Day Weekend in 2011. Tinsley hoped to continue the festival in 2012 but was unable to due to scheduling conflicts.
