The Kentucky Derby weekend, known for its prestigious horse racing, and prim-and-proper outfits, may attract decidedly wider audiences with a new concert experience this year.
The inaugural 85° West Music Festival is set to take place Saturday, May 7, the exact date of the 148th Kentucky Derby, at the Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.
The one-day festival will feature performances from music legends Janet Jackson and New Edition.
📣 JUST ANNOUNCED 📣
85° West Music Festival presents @JanetJackson and @NewEdition at #LynnFamilyStadium Derby Night! Tickets go on sale Friday, March 25, 2022, at 10AM
🎟: https://t.co/N4HevAKUs7
🚗: https://t.co/DrB083H3Lu pic.twitter.com/mDOVRk5pKw— Lynn Family Stadium (@lynnfmlystadium) March 21, 2022
It’s clear this year that Jackson has sent a clear message to the concert industry that she still can be booked to headline shows. The iconic entertainer, whose Black Diamond album remains a hot topic among critics and fans, is billed as the main attraction for several festivals throughout 2022, including the Essence Festival of Culture and the Cincinnati Music Festival.
New Edition had to use the same letterhead as Jackson, already testing the headlining waters by hitting the road for their well-praised Culture Tour. This summer, their U.S. run will be followed by another top-tier set at the Essence Festival.
Tickets for the 85° West Music Festival will be available on Friday, March 25 at 10 a.m. local time. They can be purchased online via seatgeek.com or in person at the Lynn Family Stadium.