HullabaLOU has kicked off without a hitch, despite the steamy temperatures. I’m definitely not the only one digging the WaveNation Chillzones. Thus far, attendees have been utilizing the cooling tents and staying hydrated. Churchill Downs officials report they haven’t had any heat related incidents.

Today’s lineup has included Dierks Bentley, Gladys Knight, Doobie Brothers, Train, and the B 52s, but the buzz is building about Bon Jovi’s 9:30 p.m. performance.

Hulla Hello: Good Morning

The atmosphere around the track at Churchill Downs is electric, but for once the buzz isn’t about the horses. This weekend, it’s all about the inaugural HullabaLOU Music Festival, headlined by Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and the Dave Matthews Band.

There’s still a coolness to the slight breeze wafting across the property, which will host five stages of back-to-back performers over the next three days. And yesterday’s mid-afternoon downpour didn’t put a damper on the preparations.

 

Good Eats

You already know you can’t bring food into Churchill Downs this weekend, but why would you want to? The HullabaLOU Music Festival will offer attendees a tantalizing line-up of performers and a fab selection of local culinary favorites.

Churchill Downs Executive Chef Jo-Jo Doyle, of Levy Restaurants, and his crew will feature a mix of local and regional dishes throughout the track. Keep an eye out for the personable chef (check him out here www.facebook.com/jojo.doyle), who has a bevy of fans who continue to barrage the Food Network because Chef Jo-Jo would be a solid candidate for “Iron Chef.” Jo-Jo will serve up a variety of delicious options at HullabaLOU. Judging from his most recent Kentucky Derby spread, guests won’t be disappointed.

VIP guests will enjoy “One Wild Night” menu during Bon Jovi’s Friday performance. Features include marinated thin sliced short ribs with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro sprigs. “When the Sun Goes Down” Saturday, Chef Jo-Jo and his staff will serve barbecue shrimp and cheese grits. On Sunday evening, DMB fans will be “Under the Table and Dreaming” over dishes like the Niman Ranch Grilled Sirloin with garlic mashed potatoes and pomegranate demi glaze.

General Admission guests will enjoy some of the most popular Louisville eateries all weekend long, including:

• Big Momma’s Soul Kitchen: This West Louisville fave will serve up their famous friend chicken, meatloaf sandwiches, mac-n-cheese, green beans and coleslaw.

• BoomBozz Pizza: The gourmet pizzeria will offer up slices of cheese, pepperoni and homemade sausage pizzas.

• Beef O’Brady’s: Try the buffalo fried chicken sandwich and boneless wings.

• Famous Dave’s: Get your fill of rib platters, BBQ chicken sandwiches, and Georgia-chopped pork.

• KingFish: Fish sandwiches reign supreme here.

• Mercier Orchards: This Georgia-based orchard will deliver deep-fried peach and apple pies, fresh-fruit slushies and caramel apples.

• Shiraz Mediterranean Grill: A Louisville fave, Shiraz serves up grills beef, chicken and veggie kabobs with naan bread.

• Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina: Nachos, quesadillas and tacos are made to order here.

 

Chill Out

The forecast for tomorrow’s HullabaLOU Music Festival kick-off is smokin’ (and I’m not just talking about the entertainment lineup), but Churchill Downs will also be one of the coolest places in the River City.

Guests are invited — no, make that encouraged — to visit the WaveNation Chillzones in the infield any time you want. The large tents with misting fans and plenty of air conditioning are located on either side of the festival and will help you beat the heat as you walk from stage to stage. The 20,000 square feet of icy chill can accommodate more than 15,000 people at once. Plus, all ticket holders are invited to chill out in the third-floor Clubhouse, which can be accessed from inside Gate 17.

Obviously, you’re going to want to dress in light layers, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water throughout the day, which calls for highs in the mid to upper 90s. Just don’t forget to chill out during the weekend’s hottest event.

Packing for the Ultimate Party Heading to HullabaLOU Music Festival at Churchill Downs? Here’s the scoop on what you can — and cannot — pack for the three-day party:

Bring It:

* Two 20-ounce sealed plastic water bottles per person

* Blankets or ground cover (up to 10’ x 10’ in size)

* Collapsible camping chairs

* Backpacks (medium sized and non-framed)

* Pocketbooks, purses and handbags (subject to search)

* Diaper/baby bags (subject to search)

* Small strollers (ONLY if child is present; not permitted in reserved seating area)

* Binoculars

* Non-professional cameras without a detachable lens

 

Don’t Even Try:

* No Coolers

* No outside food or drink items; no cans, glass bottles, alcohol or picnic baskets

* Tents

* No cameras with detachable lenses

* No large bags

* No chairs that are not collapsible camping chairs

* No recording devices

* No video cameras

* No music instruments

* No laser pointers

* No flags

* No pets

* No chains or chain wallets

* No contraband or weapons including knifes (regardless of permit)

There will be plenty of food and beverage offerings on-site (more on that later), and water will be available for $2 a bottle. Also, if you don’t want to lug around your belongings all day, you can “valet” them a one of four FREE bag ‘n’ chair check-in stations throughout the grounds. Keep in mind all attendees will go through a search procedure at the admission gates, so arrive early, lest you risk missing your favorite band. Parking lots open at 10 a.m. Gates are open 1 to 11 p.m.