Will Churchill Downs Invite Another Live Band for 2023 Thurby?
In 2022, one of the world’s most prestigious horse races switched up its 147-year-old formula. The Kentucky Derby decided it would expand its ‘derby week’ with live music. As the US’s most famous horse race, the main thoroughbred race at Churchill Downs regularly sees over one hundred thousand guests pass through its gates each year—it’s surprising music hasn’t been on the docket before.
Across the US, the Kentucky Derby usurps most national attention when it comes to horse racing. However, it’s only one of three races in the US that create a Triple Crown champion. A thoroughbred Triple Crown champion finishes first at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes… even though the latter two receive little media coverage in comparison.
A Soundtrack to the US’s Most Glamorous Race
Even though the Kentucky Derby isn’t the end-all-be-all of US horseracing, it’s by far the most glamorous event. And organizers at Churchill Downs are always looking to leverage this reputation to create a brand-new spectacle for attendees. This year, that meant bringing on a live band for the Thursday before the big race, known as the Thurby. For audiences, it was a smash hit.
Thurby aside, most fans are focused on selecting a winner—or, as it’s known in the world of horse betting, selecting a forecast. A forecast is a wager on the first and second-place winners of a major race. Even those who don’t have a background in thoroughbred racing can dive into the action with a forecast bet calculator, which helps bettors figure out how to stake their bet and what their payout could be.
However, the focus on predicting a winner is only one facet of Churchill Downs’ goals with the race. Along with celebrating thoroughbred racing, the event is all about local Kentucky culture—and there’s nothing more Kentucky than the folk group Nathaniel Ratliff & the Night Sweats.
Nathaniel Ratliff & the Night Sweats
Nathaniel Ratliff was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, a few hundred miles west of Louisville where Churchill Downs is located. He’s one of the region’s top folk, Americana, and old-school R&B performers. Since 2013, Ratliff has performed with a full live band, known as the Night Sweats. They’ve quickly become one of the most popular rock-inspired bands in the US.
From his musical tastes to his drawling voice, Ratliff represents Kentucky and rural American culture to a T. Still, that didn’t mean that the band’s performance would go without a hitch. Even though organizers were certain the group would meet audience tastes, bringing on a full live band to the infield… especially with races going on before and after performances.
Along with determining a potential Triple Crown champion in thoroughbred racing, Churchill Downs also hosts close to a dozen other intriguing races. But when compared to some of the other events hosted during Derby Week, Thurby’s live music is relatively tame.
A Repeat Hit for Churchill Downs?
Given the success of the National Ratliff& the Night Sweats’ Thurby performance, it’s likely Churchill Downs will opt to keep the tradition going. And, as mentioned above, figuring out the logistics of a live band is probably less trying than one of the other Kentucky Derby specialties: Thunder Over Louisville.
During the two weeks before the main race at the Kentucky Derby, Louisville comes alive as major events are hosted around the area. First and foremost is the Thunder Over Louisville show, which is the largest fireworks event in North America. Close behind are other mainstays, including a hot air balloon race, a steamboat race, and even a spelling bee.
Compared to these large-scale events, setting up an infield stage isn’t too trying for organizers. It also highlights ongoing efforts to keep the entertainment action centered around Churchill Downs, rather than requiring visitors to drive to another location to watch a hot air balloon or steamboat race.