LOUISVILLE — The Board of Aldermen approved a contract Friday with a local promoter to host concerts during Kentucky Derby weekend. The concerts are an effort to lure cruisers who have tied up West Broadway in past years, officials said.

        The contract, approved 7-4, calls for Louisville-based Blue Chip Broadcasting to sign several bands to play concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings during Derby weekend at Freedom Hall.

        A similar proposal was passed earlier this month, including a contract with Round One Entertainment out of Atlanta. City officials voted to reverse the first vote because the company was unable to meet the city's deadline to sign four musical guests, city officials said.

        Steve Magre, president of the Board of Aldermen, said Friday the decision to use a local promoter helped get support from the other aldermen and Mayor Dave Armstrong.

        “We have more support and we're better prepared,” Mr. Magre said. “Blue Chip has an excellent reputation in the city and they promote our city well.”

        Mr. Magre said Blue Chip is providing $100,000 toward advertisements for the event.

        “That's a lot of advertising we would not get with an out-of-town promoter,” Mr. Magre said.

        Blue Chip will announce the bands on Monday. Officials with the company said tickets will be sold for $15.

        Last year's efforts to control traffic on West Broadway — by closing off several streets and interstate ramps — raised concerns from residents who were forced miles out of their way.

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