With LouFest on the horizon, Cadenza decided to get an inside scoop on the LouFest brand and how it has grown to become an integral part of the city’s music scene over the past seven years.

It may be relatively new to the festival circuit—this year will be its fourth iteration—but LouFest, the local music event that happens right in our backyard (Forest Park), is already making waves and looking to establish itself on a national level with an expanded lineup and more big-name acts.

Only a few years ago, the idea of holding a major music festival in Forest Park was nothing more than one Washington University professor’s whim.