The Blog Has Moved

My time here at Blogspot has come to an end. I've officially moved my music blog to broken mic.

R.I.P. Jay Bennett

Although I came across Wilco rather late (2006), I fell quickly in love with this band. They are easily in the Top 5 of my favorite bands of all-time.

Bennett was a multi-instrumentalist with Wilco from 1994-2001, and I'll never forget the work he did on some of my favorite songs like "Misunderstood", "A Shot in the Arm", "Via Chicago", "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart", "Jesus, Etc." and "Ashes of American Flags."

Read the full story on NPR here.

Hookahville Day 1

Headed to Hookahville!

I'm heading to Hookahville in the morning!!!

The 31st installment of the festival actually kicked off earlier tonight, with an early-bird special concert from Great American Taxi, featuring Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon.

The festival returns to the Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio, for the first time since 2005.

On the agenda for tomorrow includes the acoustic duo Higgins and Madewell, instrumental African music from Toubab Krewe, experimental-jamband Sweet Water Meltdown, Steve Kimock's new gospel and soul outfit Crazy Engine, Columbus reggae band the Ark Band, the legendary Wailers (performing the Exodus album in its entirety, which includes songs like "Natural Mystic", "Exodus" of course, "Jamming", "Three Little Birds" and "One Love"), the Afro-electronic-jazz outfit Mifune, two sets from psychedelic jamband Ekoostik Hookah and a latenight show from Denver bluegrass band Oakhurst.

Sunday wraps up with local funky bass player Freekbass, Dayton's psychedelic jamband Skeleton Crew, experimental-art rock band Secret Chiefs 3, soul and roots band Train Jumpers, the always interesting Les Claypool, Michigan's funky-techno outfit My Dear Disco, two more sets from Ekoostik Hookah and a latenight show from Afrobeat-folk band Ragbirds.

I won't be doing any live blogging or updating from the festival, but check back early next week for reviews, pictures, video and maybe some interviews.

The Ultimate Concert List for the Cincinnati/Tri-State Area

May 23
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk with Delbert McClinton
Riverscape Park
Dayton, OH

May 23-24
Hookahville feat. two nights of Ekoostik Hookah, Les Claypool, The Wailers and many more!
Frontier Ranch
20 minutes east of Columbus, OH

May 23-25
Taste of Cincinnati
5th St. (downtown)
Cincinnati, OH

May 27
The Felice Brothers
Southgate House
Newport, KY

May 28
Camera Obscura
Southgate House
Newport, KY

May 29
Todd Snider
Southgate House
Newport, KY

June 2
Carbon Leaf with the Alternate Routes
20th Century Theatre
Cincinnati, OH

June 3
PJ Harvey with John Parish
Madison Theater
Covington, KY

June 4
Coldplay with Pete Yorn and Howling Bells
Riverbend
Cincinnati, OH

Gomez with Jason Isbell
Madison Theater
Covington, KY

June 5
The Dynamites feat. Charles Walker
Southgate House
Newport, KY

June 6
Vertigo
Southgate House
Newport, KY

"Three Girls and Their Buddy" feat. Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin
PNC Pavilion
Cincinnati, OH

June 7
Viva Voce with Cut Off Your Hands
Southgate House
Newport, KY

June 8
John Vanderslice with the Tallest Man on Earth
Southgate House
Newport, KY

June 9
St. Vincent
Southgate House
Newport, KY

Tech N9ne with MURS
Bogart's
Cincinnati, OH

June 10
Lucinda Williams with Buick 6
Madison Theater
Covington, KY

Isis with Pelican and Keelhaul
20th Century Theatre
Cincinnati, OH

June 11
Bonnie "Prince" Billy with Bachelorette
Southgate House
Newport, KY

June 12
Wilco
Aronoff
Cincinnati, OH

June 13
Passion Pit with Harlem Shakes and Cale Parks
Mad Hatter
Covington, KY

O.A.R. with The Wailers
PNC Pavilion
Cincinnati, OH

June 15
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists with Titus Andronicus and Pomegranates
Southgate House
Newport, KY

June 16
Dave Matthews Band with The Hold Steady
Riverbend
Cincinnati, OH

June 20
311 with Ziggy Marley
Riverbend
Cincinnati, OH

June 21
Black Moth Super Rainbow
Southgate House
Newport, KY

The Avett Brothers with Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers
Madison Theater
Covington, KY

Toumani Diabate
TBA

June 24
Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam
Southgate House
Newport, KY

June 25
Cotton Jones
The Comet
Cincinnati, OH

June 26
Chuck Mead with Ha Ha Tonka
Southgate House
Newport, KY

Backyard Tire Fire
Moonlite Gardens at Coney Island
Cincinnati, OH

June 27
Steve Earle with Joe Pug
Memorial Hall
Cincinnati, OH

June 28
Dr. John with Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Fraze Pavilion
Kettering, OH

June 30
Joe Cocker
Fraze Pavilion
Kettering, OH

July 2
Marah
Southgate House
Newport, KY

July 3
The Legendary Shack Shakers
Southgate House
Newport, KY

July 4
Yonder Mountain String Band
Moonlite Gardens at Coney Island
Cincinnati, OH

CityFolk Festival feat. Bela Fleck, the Duhks, the Afromotive and many more!
Dayton, OH

July 5
Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys
Riverscape Park
Dayton, OH

July 7
Jackie Greene
20th Century Theatre
Cincinnati, OH

July 8
Stone Temple Pilots
PNC Pavilion
Cincinnati, OH

July 10
Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp
Fifth Third Field
Dayton, OH

July 11
Gov't Mule
Fraze Pavilion
Kettering, OH

July 15
The Black Crowes
Fraze Pavilion
Kettering, OH

July 20
Merle Haggard with John Anderson
Fraze Pavilion
Kettering, OH

July 24
Bad Veins CD Release Party
Fountain Square
Cincinnati, OH

July 28
Jackson Browne
PNC Pavilion
Cincinnati, OH

July 29
Vans Warped Tour feat. Less Than Jake, Bouncing Souls, Shooter Jennings and many more!
Riverbend
Cincinnati, OH

July 31
Crosby, Stills and Nash
PNC Pavilion
Cincinnati, OH

August 2
"Heroes of Woodstock" feat. Big Brother and Holding Company, Country Joe McDonald, Jefferson Starship and a few more
Fraze Pavilion
Kettering, OH

August 7
The Fiery Furnaces with Brian Olive
Fountain Square
Cincinnati, OH

August 27
Elvis Costello
Fraze Pavilion
Kettering, OH

September 24-26
MidPoint Music Festival feat. Jason Isbell, Chairlift, Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles and a couple hundred more!
Downtown/Over the Rhine/Newport, KY

Bonnaroo Schedule Changes/Updates

A couple changes and additions in the Bonnaroo schedule recently. Here they are:

Thursday

Charlie Allen will be playing That Tent at 4:50 pm

Tangiers Blues Band from 10-11 pm in the Troo Music Lounge

In the Arcade Discotheque...
Tobacco at 10 pm
DJ Quickie Mart at 10:30
Gypsophonic Disko at midnight
Kraak & Smaak at 2 am

In the Silent Disco...
J. Boogie from 5-9 pm, with the Latin/Funk/Dance Hour going from 7:30-9:30
Aaron LaCrate from 9-11 pm
The Hood Internet from 11-1 am
Motion Potion from 1-4 am

Friday

Trombone Shorty and Corey Henry will be joining Galactic at 3:45 on the What Stage

Phoenix is now at 11:30 pm in That Tent

Heypenny from 5:20-6:10 pm in the Troo Music Lounge

The Features from 6:40-7:30 pm in the Troo Music Lounge

In the Arcade Discotheque...
The Hood Internet at midnight
Aaron LaCrate at 2 am

In the Silent Disco...
Motion Potion from 4-7:30 pm, with the '70s Funk Hour going from 6-7:30
J. Boogie with the '80s Dance Party from 7:30-8:30 pm
Gypsophonic Disko at midnight
Kraak & Smaak at 2 am

Saturday

Ben Harper and Relentless7's set has been cut an hour short, going from 1-2:30 am, rather than 1-3:30 am

Ilo and the Coral Reef Allstars at noon on the Which Stage

In the Arcade Discotheque...
Kraak & Smaak at midnight
Aaron LaCrate at 2am

In the Silent Disco...
DJ Quickie Mart from 4-7:30 pm, with the Old School, Hip-Hop Hour from 6-7:30 pm
The Hood Internet at midnight
J. Boogie from 2-5 am, with the '80s Dance Party from 2-3 am

Sunday

In the Silent Disco...
Motion Potion from 3-5 pm
DJ Quickie Mart from 5-7 pm, with the '80s Hip-Hop/Soul Mashup from 5:30-7 pm

The Road to Bonnaroo

The road to Bonnaroo is long, and even longer once you see the stretch of tens of thousands of vehicles, lined bumper to bumper, for miles and miles, at a dead stop, on the shoulder of I-24. Wait...that's not the road I'm talking about.

I'm talking about the battle of bands contest, that Bonnaroo held for Tennessee area bands.

The Road to Bonnaroo was held on three seperate nights, over the past two months at Nashville's Mercy Lounge. Twenty-four bands competed, that makes eight per night, with one band going home the winner, earning a spot to play at Bonnaroo this summer.

Festival organizers are making the dreams come true for these three lucky bands: The Features, The Protomen and Heypenny.

The Features are an indie-rock band from Murfreesboro, who despite being carried by Universal at one time, have had rather limited success in the U.S., although they have a very loyal following in the southeastern states, as well as the United Kingdom.

Once dubbed the "local band most likely to succeed", they were dropped from Universal after a year, when they refused to cover a Beatles song for a credit card commercial.

The Features have never been about building their success through commercialization. They have opted to take the road less traveled - doing things on their own terms, dispite the difficulties and challenges they were likely to face.

The band has had a few members leave throughout their fifteen year career, but some of the core original members still remain. Matt Pelham and Roger Dabbs studied music at Middle Tennessee State University, where they would meet drummer Jason Taylor. Taylor joined but left the band in 1998, being replaced by Rollum Haas. Former members, Don Sergio and Parrish Yaw, met while at Tennessee Technological University.

The Features were also signed to local label, Spongebath Records, but their first two full-length albums made during this time were never released. Universal re-released "The Beginning" EP in 2004, followed by their first officially released album, Exhibit A. They later gained a lot of exposure opening for another Tennessee band, Kings of Leon.

Speaking of the Features, they'll be appearing tonight at the Southgate House, in the parlour, with another band playing Bonnaroo this year, Those Darlins. The show is $10 and starts at 9 pm.

Also from Murfreesboro, are the Protomen. Best known for composing an original rock opera based on the popular video game, Mega Man, very little is known about this band. They formed in 1993 and insist on wearing costumes and using code-names, even when being interviewed.

According to the band, Murphy and Panther met by accident in "the middle of the state of volunteers" and "delivered the fury from their instruments and an army was discovered."

Their music is heavily inspired by the music you'll hear in Mega Man, although they fuse it together with hard rock, and never directly borrow from the original score. Their stage presence has been compared to that of Daft Punk. They've also been known to occasionally play music from the Rocky series of movies.

Heypenny is an indie-rock band from Nashville, influenced by the Beatles, Radiohead, Wilco, Coldplay and Elliott Smith.

The story starts with Ben Elkins, who moved from Arkansas to Chattanooga, where he began to play in a jamband called Kingfisher. He was introduced to indie music by some friends, and later became interested in making music with the feel of both jam and indie styles. That leads us to Heypenny's debut album, Use These Spoons. The album featured several local musicians, although Elkins performed most of the tracks by himself. It was also named top local album of the year (2005) by the Chattanooga based magazine, The Pulse.

Elkins later moved to Nashville, and Heypenny would become complete when a few of the musicians who worked on Use These Spoons, and a few others, would join.

Bonnaroo 2009 Ultimate Camping Supply List

Inforoo member, rideincircles, has composed an enormous list of everything you'll need while you're living on the Bonnaroo farm for several days. Check it out here.

The Diversity of Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo has undergone a number of changes through the years, mostly in the music. Sure, there were people who cursed the idea of Bonnaroo going from a jamband festival into, let's just say, what it has become today. I like to think for the most part, that the majority of people welcomed these changes with open arms. I know I did. I also like to think of Bonnaroo as not just a music festival.

Putting "all things music" aside, I'd like to focus on everything else.

If you're looking to escape the heat for a couple of hours, why not stop into the Bonnaroo Cinema? It's one of the few places on the farm where you'll find air conditioning. There, you'll also find movies going 24 hours a day, including comedies, classics, world cinema, documentaries, short films, animated films and even the NBA playoff games.

On the newer additions at Bonnaroo, is the Fuse Barn. Built last year, the Fuse Barn broadcasts the festival live, all weekend long. Also located just outside of the Fuse Barn, you'll find horseshoes, cornhole and the bull (the kind you ride).

Sponsored by XBOX 360, the Arcade Discotheque is the place to be for all you gamers. They've got the classic arcade games, the latest in HD gaming and during the latenight hours, DJ's stop by to host some hot, dance parties. New this year, is a stage where you can have a chance to play Rock Band 2 on the big screen.

The Comedy Sweet, is the new name of the Comedy Tent. It's also got air conditioning, but you may have to wait an hour or two in line before you even get in. This year's performers include Jimmy Fallon, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and an "Evening/Afternoon with the Daily Show" featuring correspondents John Oliver, Rob Riggle and executive producer Rory Albanese. Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter are performing ahead of their Comedy Central debut show, Michael and Michael Have Issues. Also performing are Janeane Garofalo, Aziz Ansari, Kristen Schaal, Arj Barker, Todd Barry, Nick Thune, Wayne Federman, Nick Kroll, Kurt Braunholer, Amy Schumer, Kumail Nanjiani and Pete Holmes.

Hosted by Garnier Fructis, the Bonnaroo Salon hair stylists will be there to keep your hair clean and looking good. They'll wash your hair and style it, hook you up with some free samples, and you'll even find a karoake contest and other giveaways.

Ever wonder what it's like to spin the ones and twos? The Scratch DJ Academy offers a workshop, featuring a 20-minute showcase and dem onstration, followed by a Q&A session and hands-on learning for select crowd members. You can go one on one with a DJ, and even record your debut as a DJ. These workshops will begin every two hours, starting at noon.

When you first walk by the Silent Disco, you may wonder what the hell is going on and what are those people on? Yes, you'll see people dancing and shaking, but you won't hear music. That's because everyone is given a pair of headphones, but everyone dances to a different tune, as they don't play the same thing. Also on tap, are fresh, refreshing drinks courtesy of Vitamin Water.

Do you love America's past time? Are you a "boy of summer"? Then check out Bonnaroo Baseball, the batting cages that let you stay close to the game. Swing away at the curveball and fastball.

Brought to you by STANLEY nineteen13, the Less-Bottled Water Program raises awareness of water issues facing the world, reducing waste and upgrading the drinking water onsite. Purchase some Bonnaroo memorabilia, with a stainless steel water bottle. $1 of every bottle will go to the Global Water Challenge, who's mission is to generate a global movement to meet the urgent need for safe water and sanitation by spurring collective awareness and investment in innovation by corporate, public and nongovernmental sectors.

If you're looking for a different kind of memorabilia, you may want to check out the Silent Auction. Artists and sponsors will donate autographed items, and the highest bidder will leave...well, you know how auction's work. This also includes master rock photographers, Jeff Kravitz, Danny Clinch and Taylor Crothers.

One of the most popular activities at Bonnaroo, is the Broo'ers Festival. Featuring 20 different breweries from around the country, you're sure to find a beer that fits your fancy. Fully furnished with newly installed authentic wooden bars, Oktoberfest-like picnic tables, hop vines, whiskey barrels, haystacks and an outdoor seating area, you can enjoy hearty bocks, revitalizing pilsners, crisp pale ales and more.

Bonnaroo has cooked up the biggest, hottest interactive art show yet, with this year's Art of Such N Such. Chill out in the day by checking out some cool art, but at night, things get crazy with freaky fire shows.

The Sonic Village is the audio mecca of Centeroo. Companies all over the music industry will be on hand including Ourstage.com, Rolling Stone Magazine, BluHammock Records, Relix Magazine, Gibson Guitars and Paste Magazine. The folks at SoBe will be sampling the latest concoctions from their line of healthy refreshment beverages, while the folks at Lala.com will create a record store and help out with artist signings and contests.

The festival experience can take quite a toll on the mind and body. That's why they have Yoga Classes. Restore your energy each morning at the Solar Stage, to feel refreshed both physically and spiritually.

The Bonnaroo Ambassadors and Pods are strategically placed throughout the campground. In collaboration with the Knoxville Museum of Art, this year's unique, interactive art include Banneroo with the Birdhouse at Pod 4, Matt Hall features Dis Assembly Line at Pod 3, Sarah Shebaro's Disco Shelter at Pod 5, Message/Communication Board at Pod 6 and Jacob Stanley's Analog Hub at Pod 9.

In the '60s, artists revolutionized the rock 'n roll poster by creating beautiful, gallery quality art to publicize show. The Bonnaroo Poster Art Exhibit will showcase the work of some of the most innovative and creative artists in the business.

The 6th annual Conscious Alliance Food Drive will benefit the Good Samaritan Food Pantry of Manchester, TN. Last year's food drive brought in 7,000 pounds of food donations, and the goal this year is set at 10,000. The first 2,000 patrons who donate 10 non-perishable food items will receive a free, limited edition Bonnaroo poster created by rock artist Michael Everett. Two food drive donation tents will be located outside the main entrances to the concert areas.

The Bonnaroo Buskers are street performers whose offerings range from the sublime to the bizarre. Colorful parades, individual acts and zany skits including Miss Lolly Pop and her burlesque coterie, Lost Lunar Vaudevillian Troupe, the Human Coloring Factory, the Roovians, the Unbearable Light Cabaret and CCCome, an experimental post-circus with gypsies and magicians.

For those bringing their children to Bonnaroo (I wish my parents would've done something like this for me) is the Kidz Jam. Plenty of water, sunblock, earplugs, safety tips, instruments for the children, performances, interactive games, sports and challenges, as well as recycling art projects. Parents must attend!

Located directly in Centeroo, you'll find the Bonnaroo Founatin & Market. The fountain offers the poor man's version of a shower, for those who don't want to pay, however, the water gets pretty dirty and brown after the first day or two. The market offers some of the best shopping this side of the Mississippi. Also includes the I'm Connected Internet Cafe.

The Bonnaroo Beacon is the daily newspaper, offering previews of each day, as well as reviews from the previous day. Relix Magazine is also on-site, so sign up for a year's worth of issues - they come with free, sampler CD's.

Clean Vibes is the company handling the waste and recycling management of outdoor festivals and events. Having been a part of all of the previous Bonnaroo festivals, there certainly are no other people who work harder than the people of Clean Vibes. Please respect them and what they do, don't be an idiot, and clean up your shit!

Planet Roo is the place where you'll find that hand sculpture holding a giant globe. In this part of Centeroo, you'll find nonprofit organizations committed to protecting the resources of the world, promoting healthy lifestyles and making the world a better place. Learn about issues affecting the earth, from global warming to water protection to human rights issues.

The Solar Stage is just as it sounds. A solar-powered stage presenting music, dance, environmental speakers and interactive entertainment.

New this year is the Academy, located in Centeroo. Offering classes, from art to theatre to different kinds of dancing. Also, workshops on all kinds of environmental topics.

Also new this year, is the Whole Foods Market. Don't worry about what food to bring. You'll be able to sample and purchase a variety of healthy and organic items including fresh produce, frozen fruit bars, nuts and dried fruits, snacks, granola and their own line of 365 Everyday Value products.

Last but not least, one of the best views of the farm - the Ferris Wheel. Located right next to the Arcade Discotheque and next to one of two entrances, the Ferris Wheel is ideal for capturing the beautiful sights that shout a thousand words.

Ten Activities You Can't Miss
Comedy Sweet, Bonnaroo Cinema, Scratch DJ Academy, Silent Disco, Art of Such N Such, Ferris Wheel, Arcade Discotheque, Broo'ers Festival, Bonnaroo Ambassadors & Pods, Bonnaroo Buskers

Keep 'em Coming: MidPoint & Indie Summer Additions

Was not really expecting this many additions so soon.

Just added to MidPoint:

Annie and the Beekeepers
Black Saints Cartel
Chairlift
Eat Sugar
Giselle Grayson
God Made Me Funky
Kagero
Kim Taylor
Lightning Love
Mark Zaleski Band
Micachu
Mock Orange
Peter Adams
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
Sweet Cyanide
The Chocolate Horse
The Harlequins
The Koala Fires
Yourself and the Air

Added to Indie Summer:

Baby Teeth (added to Friday, July 31, 10 pm)
Enon (added to Friday, June 26, 10 pm)

The Fiery Furnaces will be playing Friday, August 7 at 10 pm, along with Brian Olive, Fists of Love and one more band to be announced...

A Look at Bonnaroo Sunday, June 14

What Stage
Erykah Badu (3:30-5:00 pm)

Known as the "First Lady of Neo-Soul", Erica Abi Wright is a multiple Grammy-winner, encompassing elements of R&B, hip-hop and jazz. Her first taste of show business came at just four years old, when she sang and dance with her mother at the Dallas Theatre Centre. By 14, she was free-styling for a local radio station alongside Roy Hargrove. She changed the spelling of her name to Erykah because she believed it to be her "slave" name. The term "kah" signifies the inner self, while "Badu" means "truth and light" in Arabic. Leaving Grambling State University upon graduation, Erykah worked several minimum wage jobs and taught drama and dance to children at the South Dallas Cultural Center. In early 1997, she released her first album, Baduizm, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts. Known for introspective lyrics and jazzy, bass-heavy sound, her sophisticated style drew many comparisons to Billie Holiday. She was at one time involved in a relationship with Andre 3000 of OutKast, with whom she had a child, Seven. She has collaborated with both the Roots and Common, whom which she also had a relationship with. She has also appeared in several movies, and even joined My Morning Jacket on stage in Dallas, for her song, "Tyrone."

Watch My Morning Jacket perform with Erykah Badu on "Tyrone"

Snoop Dogg (6:00-7:30 pm)

One of Dr. Dre's most notable proteges, Calvin Broadus, Jr., got the name "Snoop" from his mother, who had nicknamed him "Snoopy" because of his love of the cartoon, Peanuts. At an early age, Snoop began singing in Golgotha Trinity Baptist Church and playing piano, and in sixth grade, started rapping. As a member of the Crips in high school, Snoop was busted for cocaine and served six months at the Wayside County Jail. Over the first three years he was out of high school, Snoop would be in and out of prisons. Dre discovered him, when he heard a solo freestyle on En Vogue's "Hold On." Dre taught him how to structure his lyrics and seperate the thematics into verses, hooks and chorus. Snoop was with Death Row Records from 1992-1998, appearing on Dre's The Chronic and his own, Doggystyle. Since 2004, Snoop has been a part of Geffen, which saw his first single go #1, "Drop It Like It's Hot" from R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta).

Watch a Snoop Dogg classic

Phish (8:30-12:00 am)

Watch Phish's "First Tube"

Which Stage
Mike Farris & the Roseland Rhythm Revue (12:30-1:30 pm)

Watch Mike Farris performing at the Ryman

Citizen Cope (2:15-3:30 pm)

Watch the last time Citizen Cope performed at Bonnaroo

Andrew Bird (4:15-5:45 pm)

Watch Andrew Bird at Cincinnati's MusicNOW Festival

Band of Horses (6:30-8:00 pm)

Watch Band of Horses at ACL last year

This Tent
The Lovell Sisters (12:30-1:30 pm)

Watch the Lovell Sisters at MerleFest 2008

Todd Snider (2:00-3:00 pm)

Watch Todd Snider "Live in Nashville"

Robert Earl Keen (3:30-4:30 pm)

Watch Robert Earl Keen on Austin City Limits

Merle Haggard (5:00-6:15 pm)

Watch a Merle Haggard classic

Neko Case (6:45-8:15 pm)

Watch Neko Case's "Hold On, Hold On"

That Tent
Cage the Elephant (12:15-1:15 pm)

Watch Matt from Cage the Elephant at SXSW 2009

Dillinger Escape Plan (1:45-2:45 pm)

Imagine this band at Bonnaroo

High on Fire (3:15-4:15 pm)

Watch High on Fire

Shadows Fall (4:45-6:00 pm)

Watch Shadow Fall

Coheed & Cambria (6:30-8:00 pm)

Watch Coheed & Cambria in concert

Other Tent
AA Bondy (12:00-1:00 pm)

Watch AA Bondy

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists (1:30-2:30 pm)

Watch Ted Leo

Brett Dennen (3:00-4:00 pm)

Watch Brett Dennen

Okkervil River (4:30-5:45 pm)

Watch Okkervil River

Cafe Where
Jessica Lea Mayfield (2:30-3:30 pm)

Watch Jessica Lea Mayfield

Outernational (5:00-6:00 pm)

Outernational Live at CBGB's

The Heavy Pets (7:30-8:30 pm)

Watch the Heavy Pets live at the 9:30 Club

Troo Music Lounge
Sons of Bill (12:00-12:50 pm)

Watch Sons of Bill

MyNameIsJohnMichael (1:20-2:10 pm)

Watch MNIJM

Nikhil Korula Band (2:40-3:30 pm)

Watch Nikhil Korula

Madi Diaz (4:00-4:50 pm)

Watch Madi Diaz

Dear and the Headlights (5:20-6:10 pm)

Watch Dear and the Headlights

Dirty Guv'nahs (6:40-7:30 pm)

Watch the Dirty Guv'nahs

Vertigo (7:50-8:40 pm)

Comedy Sweet
Daily Show Stars (2:00-3:15, 3:45-5:00 pm)

Michael Ian Black & Michael Showalter (5:30-6:45, 7:00-8:15 pm)

Sonic Stage
Ben Sollee (12:00-12:30 pm)

American Princes (12:45-1:15 pm)

Erin McCarley (1:30-2:00 pm)

Elvis Perkins (2:15-2:45 pm)

Julia Nunes (3:00-3:30 pm)

The Lovell Sisters (3:45-4:15 pm)

Ted Leo (4:30-5:00 pm)

AA Bondy (5:15-5:45 pm)

Mike Farris (6:00-6:30 pm)

Nikhil Korula Band (6:45-7:15 pm)

Solar Stage
Gypsy Hands Tribal Dance (12:15-1:00, 9:15-10:00 pm)

Panel: Socail Change Through Music (1:00-2:30 pm)

Grace Potter Interview (3:00-3:45 pm)

Rock the Earth: Interview and Performance TBA (4:00-4:45 pm)

Brett Dennen Interview (5:00-5:45 pm)

Poetix (6:30-7:00 pm)

Hunab Kru Breakdancing (7:45-8:30 pm)

African Drum and Dance by Mawre Company (8:30-9:15 pm)

Five You Can't Miss
Phish, Band of Horses, Andrew Bird, Erykah Badu, Merle Haggard

Ten Other Favorites
Snoop Dogg, Coheed & Cambria, Okkervil River, Brett Dennen, Mike Farris, Neko Case, AA Bondy, Cage the Elephant, Dear and the Headlights, Jessica Lea Mayfield

News on MidPoint, Indie Summer & the Weekend Round Up

MidPoint Leaking Artists

More bands have been added, via MidPoint's Twitter page.

Added to the lineup were New York's Rosewood Thieves, an AltCountry/Indie-Folk Rock band who've had hits on television shows Entourage and Grey's Anatomy, as well as having appeared in Verizon's LG Decoy commercial, covering the Turtles "Happy Together."

Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles come from a town just south of Boston. The country, punk rockers got signed thanks to a strong performance at South by Southwest.

You'll find beautiful melodies backed by a solid rock foundation in Iowa singer/songwriter Dick Prall.

21-year old London native, Micachu, gets all electronic and experimental, having studied music composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Check out the local blues/rock trio, The Sundresses, who's longly, anticipated album "Barkingaus" walked away with Album of the Year at last year's CEA's.

These artists join a lineup already including former Drive-By Trucker, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Brooklyn indie-pop, rock band the Subjects, local indie-folk rock band Wussy and D.C.'s soulful, Southern pop-rock band Middle Distance Runner.

Indie Summer Goes Big
Now teamed up with MidPoint and CityBeat, the free concert series happening every Friday night on Fountain Square just got a lot bigger. Aside from a variety of local acts, they're bringing in some bigger names.

Just added was the Brooklyn, experimental rock group, The Fiery Furnaces, who'll be playing the Square on August 7.

Other big shows also include the debut of Mysts of Time, a local band made up of former members of the Cincinnati Suds.

The 30-piece freakshow from Chicago known as Mucca Pazza.

And finally, after years of waiting, local indie sensations, Bad Veins, will be finally releasing the long-awaited full length debut on Dangerbird Records, with a free show on July 17.

Here's what the rest of the schedule's looking like:

May 29
Peter Adams, Fairmount Girls, Iolite

June 5
Lions Rampant, Mysts of Time (debut show, ex-Cincinnati Suds), J. Dorsey Blues Band

June 12
Cari Clara, Cash Flagg, Wake the Bear

June 19
The Hiders, Kim Taylor, The Emeralds

June 26
Mucca Pazza, Culture Queer, The Damn Thing, The Sleeping Sea

July 3
Freekbass, Abiyah, Eagle to Squirrel

July 10
Pomegranates, Bloodsugars, Enlou

July 17
Bad Veins (CD release show), You You're Awesome, Thing One, A Decade to Die For

July 31
Matthew Shelton's Picnic, Nathan Holscher, Messerly & Ewing

Happening Tonight...
CEA Showcase at the Southgate House featuring the Harlequins, Knife the Symphony, Whitney Barricklow Band, Chakras and the Flux Capacitors.

Northside Festival at Northside Tavern. Wonky Tonk kicks things off outside in the garden at 7pm, followed by the Chocolate Horse at 8. Inside, the front room kicks off with State Song at 9, followed by Culture Queer at 10. On the newly, remodeled back room stage, Kim Taylor kicks it off at 9:30, followed by J. Dorsey Blues Band, Caterpillar Tracks and the Lions Rampant.

Covington's Maifest runs this weekend in Mainstrasse. If the weather persists, the streets are sure to be packed. The German influenced festival features German beers, wines, foods, arts, crafts, rides, or just go to catch up with old friends. A number of bands will be playing including Kelly Thomas & the Fabulous Pickups and Kristen Key.

A Look at Bonnaroo Saturday, June 13

The What Stage
The Wailing Souls (1:15-2:30 pm)
(Reggae)

Dating back to the late '60s, the Wailing Souls were the first group to record for Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label. They've performed under several names aside from the Wailing Souls, including the Renegades, the Classics and Pipe and the Pipes. They've seen various lineup changes throughout the years, members coming and going. They've released over twenty albums and have recorded cover songs like the Who's "My Generation", the Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows" and Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone."

Rodrigo y Gabriela (3:30-5:00 pm)
(Acoustic/Flamenco/Instrumental)

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero met in Mexico City while playing in a thrash metal band called "Tierra Acida." They left for Dublin, Ireland, after growing frustrated with the limitations in the Mexican music scene. They caught their break when Damien Rice approached them and asked them to be a part of the Oxegen Festival. They've put out a couple studio albums, as well as a couple live albums, including popular Metallica and Led Zeppelin covers. They also performed Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" at Bonnaroo 2007, with the audience handling all of the vocal duties. It really was a beautiful thing.

Wilco (6:00-8:00 pm)
(AltCountry/Rock)

Rising up from the ashes of what was Uncle Tupelo, Jeff Tweedy and several others including bassist John Stirratt went on to form Wilco, while Jay Farrar went on to form Son Volt. The Wilco lineup has changed over the years, but the current lineup is perhaps the closest knit unit in the group's history. The last time they played Bonnaroo, in 2007, they were touring in support of the critically acclaimed Sky Blue Sky, a collection of healing songs for Tweedy, to say the least. The follow-up, Wilco the Album, will be released at the end of June this summer.

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (9:00-12:30 am)
(Classic Rock)

There's nothing I can really say, that you don't already know about Springsteen. Everyone knows him, or at least "of" him, and if you don't, then, well, how can you not knowing anything about him? Once said to be "the next Dylan", he's been at it for well over thirty years, and has sold over 120 million albums worldwide. With a catalogue as immense as his, there's no telling what he'll bring out for his debut performance on the Bonnaroo farm. Expect a handful of hits including "Born to Run", "Born in the USA", "Glory Days" and probably "Atlantic City", among countless others.

There's been some press recently, regarding the Boss and the E Street Band's thoughts on their current live show setup.

Here are the words of guitarist, Little Steven Van Zandt...

"We can't really change things all that much in terms of what we do by now," Van Zandt said. "But one thing that is different night to night concerns the ratio of covers to originals, and the types of things that we cover. There have been some nights here recently where we've done Clash covers, Ramones, Tommy James, even the Troggs' ‘Wild Things’ and that's fun. We do a lot of songs from the new disc, then it's kind of a toss up as to where we go in the shows.""One thing that we've discovered over the years is that the audience really tends to love and request a lot of our more obscure songs, and it's always kind of fun to see where playing those will take the show," Van Zandt concluded. "The people really seem to love both our doing some different songs and those unusual covers, and they really add something to the shows."

The Which Stage
Heartless Bastards (1:30-2:30 pm)
(Blues/Folk/Rock)

Booker T & the Drive-By Truckers (3:00-4:15 pm)
(Instrumental/Southern Rock)

Gov't Mule (5:00-6:30 pm)
(Blues/Jam/Rock)

Warren Haynes, Allen Woody and Matt Abts formed the Mule, as a way to keep jamming, during downtimes during the Allman Brothers shows on the road. Woody would go on with the band for the first three albums, but tragically his life was cut short in 2000. Not knowing where to go from here, the band added Andy Hess on bass and Danny Louis on keys a few years after the fact. Over the next several years, this new group of friends would tour almost non stop, hitting up town's, countries and festivals all over the globe. Hess would leave in 2008, soon after being replaced by Jorgen Carlsson, who brings a touch of Woody back into the sound.

The Mars Volta (7:15-8:45 pm)
(Experimental/Progressive Rock)

Nine Inch Nails (1:00-3:00 am)
(Industrial Rock)

This Tent
Elvis Perkins in Dearland (12:30-1:30 pm)
(Folk/Rock)

Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 (2:00-3:00 pm)
(Alt/Psychedelic/Rock)

Bon Iver (3:30-4:45 pm)
(Folk/Indie)

After battling a series of personal struggles and demons, singer/songwriter Justin Vernon moved to his father's remote cabin in the woods in Wisconsin, where he spent three months completely alone. When he left, he walked away with a group of songs that weren't even planned to be written. Those nine songs, make up his debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, which received massive critical acclaim around the country, some critics and blogs even saying it was the best release of the year. When it came time to put together a tour, he asked a few friends to set aside their personal lives, learn his songs, and go out on the road with him, not knowing what would happen, whether he would fail or succeed. The trio each adds vocals at different times, Justin being the lead vocalist and guitar player, while Sean plays drums and piano and Mike Noyce on the baritone guitar.

of Montreal (5:15-6:30 pm)
(Indie/Pop/Rock)

The Decemberists (7:00-8:30 pm)
(Folk/Indie/Pop)

moe. (1:00-4:00 am)
(Jam/Psychedelic)

That Tent
Alejandro Escovedo (12:15-1:15 pm)
(AltCountry/Rock)

Allen Toussaint (1:45-2:45 pm)
(Funk/R&B/Soul)

Raphael Saadiq (3:15-4:30 pm)
(Funk/R&B/Soul)

Jenny Lewis (5:00-6:15 pm)
(Folk/Indie/Pop)

Elvis Costello (6:45-8:15 pm)
(Rock)

Yeasayer (1:00-1:45 am)
(Experimental/Indie/Psychedelic)

MGMT (2:15-3:45 am)
(Electronic/Indie/Psychedelic)

While at Wesleyan University, Goldwasser and VanWyngarden began experimenting with noise rock and electronica, before discovering their signature psychedelic-pop sound, often compared to the Flaming Lips. In 2006, they signed with Columbia, and a year later they were making an album, produced by the Lips producer. That album, Oracular Spectacular, would draw huge praise from critics everywhere, earning them gigs at festivals around the world. The followup is planned to be released this year, entitled Congratulations.

The Other Tent
The SteelDrivers (12:00-1:00 pm)
(Americana/Bluegrass)

Cherryholmes (1:30-2:30 pm)
(Bluegrass/Folk)

Tony Rice Unit (3:00-4:15 pm)
(Acoustic/Bluegrass/Instrumental)

The Del McCoury Band (4:45-6:00 pm)
(Bluegrass/Country/Folk)

David Grisman Quintet (6:30-8:00 pm)
(Acoustic/Folk)

Ben Harper & Relentless7 (1:00-3:30 am)
(Alt/Rock)

Learning guitar in his grandparents music shop as a child, Harper was lead to the Weissenborn guitar, where his signature blues-slide sound was born. Through his various musical endeavors over his career, Harper has found friends touring with the likes of Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam and Jack Johnson. His newest project, Relentless7, was born out of the sound (not the band) that he would create in the Bonnaroo 2007 SuperJam with Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones and ?uestlove of the Roots. Harper had been searching to create an edgier, harder rock sound. That sound took him back about ten years, where he was given a demo by a band that was driving him to and from gigs in Texas. Harper took these guys under his wing, and headed out for a tour, playing both original and cover tunes, including some Zeppelin and what would become a big hit in their live show, David Bowie's "Under Pressure." As respected as the well-grounded Ben Harper may be, he has made a countless number of fans and friends, both inside the music industry and outside of it, there's just no telling who may show up during his latenight gig this year at Bonnaroo or what songs they may cover. The Relentless7's debut album recently came out entitled, White Lies for Dark Times.

Cafe Where (hosted by AT&T)
William Elliott Whitmore (2:30-3:30 pm)
(AltCountry/Blues/Folk)

Zee Avi (5:00-6:00 pm)
(Alt/Indie)

Cotton Jones (8:00-9:00 pm)
(Folk/Indie/Soul)

The Troo Music Lounge (hosted by Budweiser)
Turbine (12:00-12:50 pm)
(Rock)

Fiction Family (1:20-2:10 pm)
(Alt/Folk)

Joe Pug (2:40-3:30 pm)
(Acoustic/Folk)

Dan Dyer (4:00-4:50 pm)
(Rock/Soul)

BrakesBrakesBrakes (5:20-6:10 pm)
(Rock/Pop)

Jerry Hannan (6:40-7:30 pm)
(Americana/Folk/Rock)

Russian Circles (8:30-9:20 pm)
(Experimental/Instrumental/Post-Rock)

The Giraffes (12:00-12:50 am)
(Alt/Hard Rock)

Kuroma (1:30-2:20 am)
(Psychedelic Rock)

The Comedy Sweet (humored by Butterfinger)
Triumph the Insult Comic Dog presents Bonnapoo 2009 (1:00-2:15 pm)

Daily Show Stars (2:45-4:00 pm, 12:30-1:45 am)

Jimmy Fallon with Wayne Federman (4:30-5:45 pm, 6:15-7:30 pm)

The Sonic Stage
Chairlift (12:00-12:30 pm)

Katzenjammer (12:45-1:15 pm)

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals (1:30-2:00 pm)

Brett Dennen (2:30-3:00 pm)

Heartless Bastards (3:15-3:45 pm)

Allen Toussaint (4:00-4:30 pm)

Cherryholmes (4:45-5:15 pm)

Raphael Saadiq (5:30-6:00 pm)

Tony Rice Unit (6:15-6:45 pm)

The Del McCoury Band (7:00-7:30 pm)

The Solar Stage
Gypsy Hands Tribal Dance (12:15-1:00 pm, 12:00-1:00 am)

Panel: Social Change Through Music (1:00-2:30 pm)

Del McCoury & Friends Interview (3:00-3:45 pm)

Ben Sollee Interview (4:00-4:45 pm)

Poetix (4:45-5:15 pm, 7:30-8:00 pm)

African Drum and Dance by Mawre Company (5:15-6:15 pm)

Julia Nunes (6:30-7:30 pm)

Black Lillies (8:00-9:00 pm)

Hunab Kru Breakdancing (9:00-10:00 pm)

Guided Meditation (10:00-10:45 pm)

Bonnaroo Buskers (1:00-2:00 am)

Five You Can't Miss
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Nine Inch Nails, Elvis Costello, Booker T & the Drive-By Truckers, Ben Harper & Relentless7

Ten Other Favorites
Rodrigo y Gabriela, Wilco, Heartless Bastards, Gov't Mule, The Mars Volta, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Bon Iver, The Decemberists, Jenny Lewis, MGMT

Spring Hookahville Around the Corner

Spring Hookahville returns on Memorial Day weekend, at the Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, Ohio.

Starting in 1994, the multi-day festival was created by Ekoostik Hookah, and has featured acts like Willie Nelson, Bruce Hornsby, Dr. John, Blues Traveler and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, to name a few.

Now in its 15th year, this year's lineup includes 31 bands, ranging from jambands to funk, metal, psychedelic, reggae, world music, americana, surf and everything in between.

Here's the lineup:

Ekoostik Hookah, Les Claypool, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, The Wailers, Toubab Krewe, Great American Taxi, Freekbass, Oakhurst, Mifune, the Ark Band, Sweet Water Meltdown, My Dear Disco, the Ragbirds, Secret Chiefs 3, the Train Jumpers, Higgins & Madewell Band and Skeleton Crew.

The Schedule

Friday, May 22

Bluegrass Stage
Great American Taxi (9pm-Midnight)

Founded in 2005 by Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon and Chad Staehly, the Taxi combines electric folk, alt-country, bluegrass and rock and roll. With over 400 shows under their belt, they've played a lot of music festivals including High Sierra, Wakarusa, Summer Camp, 10,000 Lakes, Dunegrass and Telluride. 2008 saw a brief tour with Railroad Earth, a new lineup and a new album. Aside from Herman and Staehly, the band now features Jim Lewin on electric guitar and vocals, Edwin Hurwitz on bass, Chris Sheldon on drums and vocals, while Barry Sless is considered a member at large adding pedal steel and guitar. Their sound has been compared to New Riders of the Purple Sage, a "Grateful Dead for the new millennium", Wilco, Uncle Tupelo and The Byrds.

Saturday, May 23

Main Stage
Ekoostik Hookah (8pm-Midnight)

The jamband from Columbus that formed in 1991, created the bi-annual Hookahville in 1994, taking place on both the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Though they've put out a number of albums, the band is what you would call a "live band." Having played a number of the smaller music festivals and sharing the stage with artists like Willie Nelson, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Weir and Bruce Hornsby, the band can often be found performing in and around their hometown at venues like Newport Music Hall, the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion and Nelson's Ledges Quarry Park. Check out CincyGroove's Scott Preston's interview with bass player Cliff Starbuck here.

The Wailers (5:30-7pm)

With Bob Marley, they have sold over 250 million albums worldwide. The greatest living exponents of Jamaica's reggae tradition, they have played to over 24 million people across the globe. The current lineup includes original members Junior Marvin on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Al Anderson on lead guitar, Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass and Marcia Griffiths on backing vocals. Also in the band are Keith Sterling on keys and Drummie Zeb on drums. While they continue on with the Marley legacy, they also write and record original material.

Steve Kimock Crazy Engine (3-4:30pm)

A new project for guitar prodigy Steve Kimock, Crazy Engine pushes the boundaries of rock and roll, R&B, gospel and soul. Featuring members of the Jerry Garcia Band, Family Groove Company and Steve's son, John, on drums. Aside from fresh material, they'll also be covering Kimock classics and other classic covers.

Toubab Krewe (12:30-2pm)

An American band playing world music. The guys from Asheville, North Carolina combine American and World Music styles, using intruments from both. Creating instrumental music with the standard guitar/bass/setup, they also bring in the kora (a 21-string harp-flute), the kamelengoni (a 12-string harp-lute), the soku (a Malian horsehair fiddle) and African percussion. They have traveled to West Africa several times, where they have worked with local musicians. Forming in 2005, they have become a favorite at festivals like Bonnaroo, MerleFest, MagnoliaFest, High Sierra, 10,000 Lakes, Vegoose and the Lotus World Music and Arts Festival.

Bluegrass Stage
Oakhurst (latenight)

Denver roots rockers, Oakhurst, combine bluegrass and indie-rock, to make a rocking, unpolished sound, as opposed to the typical, lively jambands of the Rocky Mountain region. They've shared the stage with bands like Nickel Creek, Bela Fleck, John Prine, Junior Brown, Arlo Guthrie and Yonder Mountain String Band. In 2007, they were voted the Best Bluegrass Band in Colorado by Denver Westword magazine.

Mifune (7-8pm)

A Cleveland eight-piece with funky rhythms, tight harmonies, soulful vocals and blazing horns to create an irresistable force, using atypical rock instruments like synths, percussion, cello and trombone.

The Ark Band (4:30-5:30pm)

Columbus calypso, reggae band founded in 1987, combining heavenly harmonies and tight, crisp harmonies, covering both original and classic reggae compositions.

Sweet Water Meltdown (2-3pm)

Experimental jamband from Chicago, influenced by everyone from the Grateful Dead to Miles Davis, and the Talking Heads to Medeski, Martin & Wood.

Higgins & Madewell (11:30-12:30pm)

Strong vocals, acoustic guitar and heartfelt lyrics in a mix of country, delta blues and soulful classic rock. Influenced by bands like AC/DC, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, the duo of Erin Higgins and Jeff Madewell have opened for bands like the Plain White T's, Rick Derringer and Firehouse.

Sunday, May 24

Main Stage
Ekoostik Hookah (8pm-Midnight)

Les Claypool (5:30-7pm)

One of the funkiest, freakiest, baddest bass players of all-time, Les auditioned to be in Metallica after Cliff Burton had died, but was said to be "too good." A widely recognized signature sound, most famous for his work with Primus and Oysterhead, although he's done the solo thing, and a number of other projects including the Frog Brigade, Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains and his Fancy Band.

Secret Chiefs 3 (3-4:30pm)

Lead by Terry Spruance, the former guitarist of Mr. Bungle and Faith No More, the nine-piece band play everything from surf rock to world music, to death metal and electronica.

Freekbass (12:30-2pm)

Local bass wiz, Chris Sherman, was given the nickname Freekbass by Bootsy Collins, is a graduate of the School of Creative and Performing Arts. He got his start in the local scene, being recruited by P-Funk alumnus Gary Cooper to record a track for a Jimi Hendrix tribute. A mulitple Cammy award winner, Freekbass has played with Bootsy, Buckethead, Animal Crackers and Bernie Worrell.

Bluegrass Stage
The Ragbirds (latenight)

Michigan folk group, playing traditional and modern styles to create an infectious world groove.

My Dear Disco (7-8pm)

Electro-pop, funk, rock and techno, into a distinctive sound they call "DanceThink." Will be playing Wakarusa and 10,000 Lakes this summer.

Train Jumpers (4:30-5:30pm)

Skeleton Crew (2-3pm)

The Map

Everything else you need to know can be found right here.

Kings of the World

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...but I can't give her identity away. Let's just say that miracles do happen, and one such thing occurred to me tonight.

The summer concert season officially kicked off tonight at PNC Pavilion, the baby brother amphitheatre of Riverbend Music Center. The 4100 or so seated pavilion opened last year, although, I never made it to a show there last year. I have no idea why either.

There's something different about the experience you get in this smaller pavilion. Maybe it's how you feel very close to the stage, even when you're standing at the very back. Maybe it's how the upper deck of the pavilion is on more of an incline, giving you an enclosed feeling, like you're watching the show in an arena. But the sound definitely does not sound as if you're in an arena.

Or maybe it's because I had a seat in the second row - much thanks and appreciation to this certain someone who came through for me at the last minute. Whatever it was, I liked it, and I guess I now owe this person my soul, which I earlier said I'd sell for a ticket. My soul is all yours - the show was worth the price I have to pay. No, but seriously, I'll get a hold of you and we'll work something out.

Maybe it's all these things - and a lot more. Maybe it's because the band who kicked off the summer season in Cincinnati, are a bunch of guys who have been called the next great American rock gods. I'm talking about Kings of Leon. There couldn't have been a better band to start off the summer concert season.

But the first band to take the stage was the New York indie-rock band, The Walkmen. If you know about concerts at Riverbend, then you know that for the most part, a lot of people could give two shits about the opening bands. Not me. I welcome any band to play anywhere at anytime.

I've only been going to shows at Riverbend for twelve years, which I guess is alright considering I'm 28 years old. But I've seen a lot of shows in my time, as well as many a drunken, messed up summer night spent down by the river. I've come to the realization that about half the ticket holders don't show up to their seats until the main act takes the stage.

While that yet again appeared to be the case tonight, things did manage to take a turn for the better.

When The Walkmen first took the stage, you could tell that a decent amount of people were also there to see them as well as the Kings, but it was a sold out show and the half empty venue was rather disappointing at first. I'm sure they had some longtime, dedicated fans in attendance, as they've become a popular act around here at smaller venues like the Southgate House, but I'm very positive that they left with a bunch of new fans. That's when things changed.

Halfway through their set, the crowd started to fill in, partly due to the wailing vocals of frontman Hamilton Leithauser. I'd never seen them before, or even listened to them for that matter, but I have heard of them, and I am now a new fan of this band. After they finished their set, it was nice to see this band get the respect and cheers that they worked hard to deserve.

Kings of Leon (the Followill boys - three brothers - Caleb, Nathan and Jared - and cousin Matthew) walked out onstage to an energetic, standing ovation - one of the loudest I've seen in awhile, at any show. They also left to a standing ovation, which you probably could've guessed, however, the one after the show was longer, louder and more energetic, which I'm sure you also assumed.

Everything about this show cried that the Kings of Leon are truly kings. The loud music, their stage presence, the lights and fog, the alcohol and cigarettes, the hot girls, even the crowd atmosphere.

When frontman and lead vocalist Caleb Followill first found his place on stage, he turned his back to the crowd, raising his arms just like a true rock star would do. The band immediately kicked it into full gear, with the reverb soaked guitars and pounding drums of "Crawl", off of their latest, Only By the Night.

A third of their set came from that album in particular, although, they had a very nice mix of songs from their other two previous studio efforts. Noted performances from the Only By the Night disc also included "Be Somebody", "Sex on Fire", "Notion", "Use Somebody" and the first song of the encore, "Closer."

Eleven of the twenty-one song set, came from the other two previous albums, Because of the Times and Aha Shake Heartbreak. Noted tracks from the former included, well, all of them, but two were featured in the five song encore, "Knocked Up", while they ended the hour-and-a-half or so show with "Black Thumbnail."

From the latter of those two albums, noted tracks included, again, all of them, but I'll just say that they ended their regular set before the encore with "Slow Night, So Long."

They also managed to bring in one track, "Molly's Chambers", from their debut album Youth and Young Manhood, as well as a new song, played in the encore, "Lucyfur."

Kings of Leon are currently planning on releasing their fifth disc in 2010.

Here's the setlist:

Crawl
Taper Jean Girl
My Party
Be Somebody
Molly's Chambers
Fans
Milk
Four Kicks
Charmer
Sex on Fire
The Bucket
Notion
On Call
Cold Desert
Use Somebody
Slow Night, So Long

Encore:

Closer
Manhattan
Knocked Up
Lucyfur
Black Thumbnail

I found this video on YouTube from the show. Check it out to see their fantastic light show by clicking here.

(Courtesy of GaitherStephens)

Forecastle Festival: Becoming a Premier Festival of the Midwest

There's no reason Louisville's Forecastle Festival shouldn't be considered as one of the top, go-to festivals in the midwest. If you saw last year's lineup, you'd probably laugh at me and say I didn't know what the hell I was talking about. But have you seen this year's lineup? My god!

Bigger names, more bands, even more local (Cincinnati/NKY) bands on tap for this year, and many, many more exhibits and activities. Nothing will stop me from making my first trip to the festival this year...

Here is the proposed stage schedule for the three-day event:

Friday, July 10
West
The Black Keys, Zappa plays Zappa, Pretty Lights, the Whigs, Cage the Elephant

East
Jason Isbell, the Royal Bangs, Bad Veins, the Lions Rampant, Elmwood, Afromotive, the Broderick Parachute

Ocean
Designer Drugs, Jesse Jamz, Kid Color, OK DeeJays, the Mudkids, DJ Amtrak, Lady Killers

Disco
DJ Electrolyte, Da Riddem Warriors and over ten local and regional DJs tba

Saturday, July 11
West
Widespread Panic, the Black Crowes, the New Mastersounds, the Detroit Cobras, Dead Confederate

East
Man Man, Annuals, US Royalty, Autovaughn, Trevor Hall, the Deep Vibration, the Young Republic, J. Wail and Papadosio, Erin Hill and her Psychedelic Harp with the Space Rats, Madi Diaz, Arnett Hollow

Ocean
DJ Three, DJ Dory, Hac Le, Deepak Sharma, Paul Dailey, Sam Gracie, Ben Alan, Brian Neckel

Disco
DJ Elecktrolte, Obitykenobi, and over ten local and regional DJs tba

Sunday, July 12
West
Widespread Panic, the Avett Brothers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Christopher Childs (keynote speaker/Greenpeace), Umphrey's McGee, Outformation

East
Maps & Atlases, These United States, Backyard Tire Fire, Seabird, Hackensaw Boys, Adam Franklin, Gringo Starr Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights, Pokey Lafarge & the South Side Three, Rosi Golan, Almira Fawn, Chemic

Ocean
DJ Ben Wu, DJ Jackola, You You're Awesome, Jason Clark (of SKL)

Disco
DJ Elecktrolte, Staticalpha, and over ten local and regional DJs tba

Art
Art Exhibition by Brad White and the Sustainable Living Roadshow

Activists include:
Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Sierra Club, Dogwood Alliance, Indiana Heartwood, Kentucky Heartwood, Citizens Action Coalition, Headcount, Urban Seeds, Growing America, Ohio River Foundation, Indiana Forest Alliance, Mountain Justice Summer, Green Energy Program, A Greener Indiana, Eco-Garden, Ohio Citizen Action, Community Farm Alliance, Bicycling for Louisville, Kentucky Resources Council, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, Student Environmental Action Committee, Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, Louisville Sustainability Forum, Partnership for a Green City, Student Legal Defense Fun, Olmsted Park Conservancy, Cultivating Connections, Generation Green Life, Voter Registration, L.I.N.E.

Outdoor Events
Extreme Sports Park, Camping, Speakers, Personal Empowerment Panels, Workshops, Films

Tickets
Single day passes are available for $40, weekend passes for $100

VIP tickets are also available which include access to the side stage VIP lounge, half off drinks, private bar, organic coffee, sponsored products and more!

Find everything you need to know about Forecastle right here

A Daily Guide to Bonnaroo: Friday, June 12

THE WHAT STAGE
The Itals (Post-Rock/Punk Rock/Reggae)
1:30-2:45 pm

Keith Porter, Ronnie Davis and Lloyd Ricketts worked together in the late '60s as The Westmorelites and formed The Itals in 1976. Davis and Ricketts had previously worked together as The Tennors. The Itals recorded several albums through the '70s and '80s, with their debut single, "In A Disya Time" topping the Jamaican charts. They were nominated for Best Reggae album at the Grammy's, for 1987's Rasta Philosohpy. Over the years The Itals lineup has changed, with David Isaacs joining in 1987 after Ricketts was sentenced to a prison term. Ronnie Davis left the group in 1994, being replaced by his daughter Kada. They're touring in 2009 in support of a newly released compilation of early works, as well as a brand new album, Let Them Talk, coming later this year.

Watch the Itals at the 2008 Richmond Folk Festival

Galactic (Electronic/Funk/Hip-Hop/Jam/Jazz/Rock/World)
3:45-5:00 pm

Galactic began as an instrumental sextet in New Orleans, after guitarist Jeff Raines and bassist Robert Mercurio moved from D.C. to attend both Tulane and Loyola Universities, respectively. They became enamored in the local funk scene, particularly with legendary acts like The Meters and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. They teamed up with renowned New Orleans drummer Stanton Moore, saxophonist/harmonica player and producer Ben Ellman and organist Rich Vogel. They later added vocalist Theryl DeClouet, who left in 2004 due to health problems. They continued on as an instrumental jamband, fusing together sounds of blues, electronic, funk, jazz, rock and world. They later added elements of hip-hop, when a number of underground MCs joined them on their album, From the Corner to the Block, also adding vocals.

Watch Galactic perform at Bonnaroo 2007

Critic's Pick
Al Green (Gospel/R&B/Soul)
6:00-7:30 pm

The legendary Reverend Al Green's rise to fame came in the '70s, with hit singles like "Let's Stay Together", "I'm Still in Love With You" and "Take Me to the River." One of the best-selling musician's of all-time, Green has put out twenty-seven studio albums, the most recent being 2008's Lay It Down, which reached #9 on the U.S. charts and #3 on the U.S. R&B charts. He's had fourteen hit singles, was named #65 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artist of All Time list, was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2004, and honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 BET Awards.

Watch Al Green on Jools Holland in 2008

Beastie Boys (Hip-Hop/Punk Rock/Rap Rock)
8:30-10:00 pm

Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock formed the Beasties in New York in 1979, with Mix Master Mike joining in the late '90s. Although they started out strictly as a hardcore punk act, they later switched to hip-hop, but still incorporate elements of punk in their sound. Recent inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Beastie Boys are one of the longest-live hip-hop acts. 2009 celebrates the release of their eighth studio album, entitled Tadlock's Glasses. Though they've only put out seven albums previously, the Beastie Boys are one of the major pioneer's of rap-rock.

Watch the Beastie Boys at Langerado 2008

Critic's Pick
Phish (Alternative Rock/Jam/Jazz Fusion/Progressive Rock)
11:00-2:00 am

What started out at the University of Vermont in the early '80s, Phish would go on to become one of the most successful touring bands of all-time, only next to the Grateful Dead. After twenty years together, they took a break in 2004, with each of the member's concentrating on various solo projects. 2009 marks the end of the five-year hiatus, and a new beginning or second coming, for those that may have been too young to experience Phish the first time around. They've proved that they can still sell tickets like hotcakes, with everyone of their shows this year selling out in a matter of minutes. They'll be performing on two seperate days at this year's Bonnaroo Music Festival, which is probably the best way for this band to mark their return.

Watch Phish perform "David Bowie" on the first night of their reunion tour

THE WHICH STAGE
Gomez (Folk/Indie Rock)
12:30-1:45 pm

These indie rockers come from Southport, England, where they formed in 1996. Two years later, they won the Mercury Music Prize for their debut album, Bring It On, although it's their only effort which did not recieve critical acclaim in the United States. For the most part, the band was put together while the members attended college together, however, vocalist/guitarist Ian Ball and drummer Olly Peacock had known each other since a young age, as well as having played in a number of bands before forming Gomez. First signed to Virgin Records, they were later dropped, only to be picked up by Dave Matthews' ATO Records in 2005. The band has toured extensively in the U.S. over the years in hopes of building their name, playing festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, as well as sharing tours with John Mayer and Cake. They've played Bonnaroo a couple times, the last being in 2006. They'll be adding some new material to this year's Bonnaroo performance, as they're currently on the road in support of their newest disc, A New Tide, seen as their most experimental work to date.

Watch some video of Gomez

Critic's Pick
Animal Collective (Experimental/Freak Folk/Indie Rock/Neo-Psychedelia/Noise Pop)
2:45-4:00 pm

Not one genre can honestly define the sound that this Baltimore group of friends create. Highly experimental and often times psychedelic, the members known as Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Geologist and Deakin, have released nine albums since 2000. With Animal Collective, you'll find everything from the acoustic guitar and piano, as well as loops and samples, to whatever instruments or objects that were lying around, and everything in between. They're on the road this year, in support of Merriweather Post Pavilion, which was named after the popular Maryland music venue.

Animal Collective performing in Amsterdam

Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Alternative Rock/Art Punk/Dance Punk/Indie Rock)
4:45-6:00 pm

After transferring to New York University, Karen O came into contact with Nick Zinner, and the two formed an acoustic duo called Unitard. Before she transferred though, she had met a jazz student at Oberlin College, named Brian Chase. Unitard went electric after being inspired by the avant-punk scene, and Chase later joined, in which the three then created a trashy, punky, grimy art rock band. They began to write songs as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and quickly earned spots touring for bands like The White Stripes and The Strokes. They've rather quickly become one of the hottest electronica-indie acts of today, gaining popularity all around the world, especially Europe and Japan. They're touring the road this year, in support of their greatest effort to date, It's Blitz!

Watch the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at Coachella 2009

Critic's Pick
TV on the Radio (Electronic/Experimental Rock/Hip-Hop/Indie Rock/Jazz/Post-Rock)
6:45-8:00 pm

TVotR began as an electronic/hip-hop group from Brooklyn in 2001, with founding members Tunde Adebimpe (vocals/loops) and David Andrew Sitek (guitars/keyboards/loops). Just the two of them put out their debut album, OK Calculator, a reference to Radiohead's OK Computer. Later joining the group, was Kyp Malone (vocals/guitars/loops), Jaleel Bunton (drums) and Gerard Smith (bass/keyboards). The three members joined just in time, leading the band to great success. They've since put out three albums, all of which have received mass critical acclaim. Those albums also feature a number of guest appearances including David Bowie, Katrina Ford of Celebration, Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead, Martin Perna of Antibalas and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They have also performed live Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. They'll be marking their debut at this year's Bonnaroo, opening for the legendary David Byrne of the Talking Heads, and maybe we'll even see some guest appearances with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs or Nine Inch Nails.

Watch TV on the Radio performing one of their hits on Letterman

Critic's Pick
David Byrne (Alternative Rock/Experimental Pop/New Wave/Worldbeat)
8:45-10:45 pm

You probably know of David Byrne through his work with one of the most important new wave acts of all-time, the Talking Heads. What you may not know about him, is the work he's done outside of the Talking Heads. Byrne has also lent his talents to film, photography and opera, as an actor, director and producer. Aside from all of this, he's also well known through various collaborations, most notably Brian Eno, as well as bands like Dinosaur, Robert Fripp, the Staple Singers, the Tom Tom Club, Bernie Worrell, Selena, Cafe Tacuba, 10,000 Maniacs, Thievery Corporation, Paul Van Dyk and the Brazilian Girls. Byrne's latest release sees him again joining Brian Eno on Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. Aside from performing his own set at this year's festival, opposite the Beastie Boys, David Byrne will host the first ever artist curated stage, playing host to bands like Ani DiFranco, Santigold, St. Vincent, the Dirty Projectors and Katzenjammer. Keep your eyes open on Bonnaroo Friday, as Byrne could pop up anywhere at anytime.

Watch a newer track from Byrne at ACL 2008

THIS TENT
Tift Merritt (AltCountry/Country/Pop)
12:15-1:15 pm

Although she began her music career as a teen in Chapel Hill (which was about twenty years ago), country-pop artist Tift Merritt has recorded just three albums in that time span. Having released six singles from those albums, only one hit the charts, "Good Hearted Man", reaching #60 on the U.S. country singles charts. At the same time, however, she has accomplished some amazing feats, winning a Grammy Award for her 2005 album, Tambourine, which featured guest appearance's from members of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and Emmylou Harris's band.

Watch the video for Tift's "Broken"

Kaki King (Experimental Rock/Instrumental Rock/Post-Rock)
1:45-2:45 pm

She's the first female to ever be named a "Guitar God" by Rolling Stone Magazine. Her father encouraged her interest in music since an early age, starting her with the guitar, but the drums were actually her first serious instrument. She would later go back to the guitar while at New York University, where she occasionally played gigs in the subway. The drumming may have had some influence on her, as her signature style would come to include fret-tapping with a slap bass technique. She has released several albums, as well as having worked with artists like the Foo Fighters and Tegan & Sara. Dave Grohl had this to say about her..."There are some guitar players that are good and there are some guitar players that are really fucking good. And then there's Kaki King." But her hopes are to be known more for her music, not just that she's good for a girl. She is currently on the road in support of her latest, the Mexican Teenagers EP.

See a bit of what Ms. King does live at Tower Records

Critic's Pick
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals (Blues/Jam/Pop/Rock)
3:15-4:30 pm

Was she named after Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane? I'm not sure, but she certainly is much like a Grace Slick of the 21st Century, or maybe a Janis Joplin. Potter and her band the Nocturnals, blend funky blues, soul and rock, reminiscent to that of the '60s and '70s. If you've heard them, than you can certainly understand why I come to that comparison. They've had a couple songs hit the pop side of things, appearing on shows like One Tree Hill, Brothers & Sisters and Grey's Anatomy, but for the most part, they seem to be earning their success through festivals like Bonnaroo and Jam Cruise, and as well as tours with bands like Gov't Mule, the Black Crowes and the Dave Matthews Band. They've also won a Jammy Award and have been nominated at the Boston Music Awards, where Grace was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Watch their hit single, "Apologies"

Critic's Pick
Grizzly Bear (Acid Folk/Baroque Pop/Experimental Rock/Indie Rock/Lo-fi/Neo-Psychedelia)
5:00-6:15 pm

Call it freak folk, call it anti-folk, call it whatever you want. Grizzly Bear's sound is mostly dominant of acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies, however, they create hypnotizing, atmospheric landscapes of sounds, using electronic instruments and laptop's. Their debut, Horn of Plenty, was largely a solo effort of songwriter Ed Droste, where the material actually predates the band itself. Their first release as a quartet, Yellow House, received mass critical acclaim from both the New York Times and Pitchfork Media. They joined Radiohead on tour last summer, with Radiohead guitarist citing Grizzly Bear as his favorite band. They've also collaborated with the Dirty Projectors and Beirut, and have even performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. They'll be out on the road in support of their third studio album, Veckatimest, which comes out at the end of May on Warp Records.

Check out Grizzly Bear here

Lucinda Williams (AltCountry/Country/Folk/Rock)
6:45-8:15 pm

Lucinda Williams has been making music since the late '70s, although she is known for working very slowly, taking her sweet time with her work, generally only releasing one album many years at a time. She began writing at a startling age of only six, and began playing guitar at age twelve. By her early 20s, she had found her country-folk rock sound, and was playing publicly all over Texas. After moving to Mississippi, she put out a couple albums, which garnered little attention, but it may have been the interest that Tom Petty took in her, which really shot up her career. Although she's only put out nine studio albums over an almost thirty-year career, Lucinda is a multiple Grammy Award winner, and has worked with artists like Bob Dylan, David Crosby, Elvis Costello, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Vic Chesnutt and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. Her latest release was 2008's Little Honey. Don't expect any new material for a few more years.

A live performance of Lucinda Williams

Public Enemy (Hip-Hop)
12:30-1:45 am

Yeah boy!!! The Long Island hip-hop group featuring MCs such as Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, DJ Lord and the S1W, has been one of the most influentially, politically charged of its kind since the early '80s. Rolling Stone listed them #44 on their list of the Greatest Artists of All Time. Their rise to fame came about through people like Rick Rubin and Dr. Dre, as well as Def Jam Records. They've released a number of albums, the latest coming in 2007 with How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul? They've been very popular on the festival scene over the past several years, and they'll be making their Bonnaroo debut this year, with a special late-night spot.

Public Enemy peforming at SXSW 2007

Critic's Pick
Paul Oakenfold (Progressive Trance/Techno/Trance)
2:15-4:00 am

Beginning his music career in the late '70s, Paul Oakenfold actually first set out to be professional chef. As a DJ, he started out spinning soul music and bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, later moving to hip-hop while in Harlem. At 21 years old, he used to sneak into the famed Studio 54 club, pretending to be a journalist for NME and Melody Maker, thus getting interviews with stars like Bob Marley, Brooke Shields, Cher, Donald Trump, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali. His break into the mainstream came when he was working as an A&R man for Champion Records, where he signed DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, as well as Salt-n-Pepa. He later went on to become the promoter for both the Beastie Boys and Run DMC. He was also the first DJ to play the mainstage at Glastonbury, where he performed in front of 90,000 people. He's worked with and alongside a tremendous list of artists and celebrities, and mixing them too, including Perry Farrell, Hunter S. Thompson, Ice Cube, Nelly Furtado, Depeche Mode, Paul Van Dyk, U2 and Fatboy Slim. He's also lent his musical skills to a number of movie soundtracks including Swordfish, the Matrix Series and The Bourne Identity. It's a wonder that it's been so long to get DJ Oakenfold to the Bonnaroo farm, and his late-night dance party this year is sure to be one for the books.

Watch a performance from the Ultra Music Festival

THAT TENT
Katzenjammer (Country/Folk/Pop/Rock)
12:00-1:00 pm

The all-female group from Norway formed in 2005, and later appeared on NRK's Urort project and Kjempesjansen - basically talent shows for up-and-coming bands to gain national exposure. The multi-instrumentalist women cover a variety of musical styles, using a number of instruments such as the accordion, mandolin, guitar, piano, balalaika bass, glockenspiel, trumpet, kazoo, melodica, drums and banjo. In 2007 they scored a hit with the song "A Bar in Amsterdam", also making it to the finals as Artist of the Year on Urort.

The Dirty Projectors (Experimental/Folk/Indie)
1:30-2:30 pm

Known for their distinctive sound of electronic experimentation, Brooklyn's Dirty Projectors are lead by singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dave Longstreth. Their recordings range from one-man recordings to arranged orchestrations to basic voice-over nylon string guitars. At one time the band featured musicians such as Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend) and Adam Forkner (White Rainbow). They collobrated with Bjork during a concert benefiting Housing Works, and more recently they collaborated with David Byrne on the track "Knotty Pine" from Dark Was the Night.

St. Vincent (Indie/Pop)
3:00-4:15 pm

Having previously worked with bands like the Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens, the artist also known as Annie Clark, released her debut in 2007, but didn't see wide recognition until 2008, when she won Female Artist of the Year at the PLUG Independent Music Awards. She's been touring this year in support of her latest, Actor, and performed a buzzing set at South by Southwest.

Santigold (Alternative/Dub/Electronic/Indie/New Wave/Post Punk/Rock)
4:45-6:00 pm

A former A&R rep for Epic Records, Santigold broke out on her own when she was offered a solo contract by Martin Heath of Lizard King Records, while she was performing with Philly punk/ska band, Stiffed. Her debut album, 2008's Santogold (also the former spelling of her name), finished at #6 on Rolling Stone's Albums of the Year list, and also producing two hit singles in "Creator" and "L.E.S. Artistes", with the latter landing at #2, only behind Beyonce. She's had a ton of commercial success, having appeared along with her music in ads for Bud Light Lime, VO5 hair products, Ford Flex, and video games like FIFA 08, NHL 08 and NBA 08. She's toured with Coldplay, M.I.A., Bjork and Architecture in Helsinki, and has collaborated with GZA, Mark Ronson, N.E.R.D. and The Strokes. She's written hit songs for both Lily Allen and Ashlee Simpson. In the near future she'll be working with two bands also playing Bonnaroo this year - the Beastie Boys and David Byrne.

Ani DiFranco (Folk Rock)
6:30-8:00 pm

At the age of nine, Ani began playing Beatles covers in bars around Buffalo with her guitar teacher Michael Meldrum. At just nineteen years old, she started her own record company, Righteous Records, now known as Righteous Babe Records. She's recorded over twenty albums and is a Grammy Award winner. She is also a well-known female activist, and has won the Woman of Courage Award in 2006, one of the first musicians to win the award. She has a distinct guitar style, known as staccato, which is rapid and rhythmic fingerpicking based in a number of tunings. In her lyrics, she often includes alliteration and metaphors, covering topics like racism, sexism, sexual abuse, homophobia, poverty and war.

Crystal Castles (Electronic/Experimental)
12:30-1:30 am

The Canadian electronic duo started first with Ethan Kath in late 2003, and would later add vocalist Alice Glass, who added vocals to five tracks in 2005. They are known for both their chaotic live shows as well as the video game-like sounds they create. They recorded their first single, "Alice Practice", accidentally, as it was just a microphone test, but they were soon offered record deals after record companies had heard the song on MySpace. They've played some of the biggest festivals already in the world, including Reading, Leeds and Glastonbury, and have toured with Friendly Fires, Team Waterpolo and White Lies. Their current live drummer is Christopher Robin.

Critic's Pick
Girl Talk (Dance/Electronic/Experimental/Mashup/Pop)
2:00-3:30 am

Greg Gillis began making music as a biomedical engineering student while at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, but dropped out in 2007 to focus solely on music, and I can't say I blame him. His latest album, Feed the Animals, finished the year at #4 on Time Magazine's Top 10 Albums of 2008, #24 on Rolling Stone's Top 50, and #2 in Blender Magazine. Though what he creates would appear to be a lawsuit waiting to happen, Gillis cites fair use as a legal backbone for his sampling practices. He produces mashup-style remixes, in which he often uses a dozen or more unauthorized samples from different songs to create a new song. He's also done remixes for Beck, Peter Bjorn & John, Grizzly Bear, Tokyo Police Club, of Montreal and Simian Mobile Disco.

THE OTHER TENT
Toubab Krewe
12:30-1:30 pm

Although they are an American band, the instrumental Asheville group was influenced by the sounds of world music, particularly Mali, the seventh largest country in Africa. Using the instruments standard in rock and roll, what us Americans would come to know as guitar, drums and bass, Toubab Krewe also adds Malian instruments, completing and rounding out their West African influenced sound. These Malian instruments include the kora (a 21-string harp-lute), the kamelengoni (a 12-string harp-lute), the soku (a Malian horsehair fiddle), as well as African percussion.

Vieux Farka Toure
2:00-3:00 pm

The son of one of Africa's most renowned musicians, Ali Farka Toure, Vieux Farka Toure was deeply inspired by the music of his father. From a young age, he proved to live up to the Toure name, however, his father insisted he become a soldier, rather than be a musician and face similar hardships his father had experienced. Eventually Vieux decided to place his destiny into his own hands, and enrolled in the National Arts Institute in Bamako. There, he discovered the guitar and began to compose his own music. By the time he left the institute, he was sought as a guitar virtuoso. From there, African kora master, Toumani Diabate, took him under his wing. When the time came for Vieux to record his debut album, his father, who was growing ill with cancer, would join in on what would become his final recordings.

Critic's Pick
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate
3:30-4:45 pm

First inspired by the banjo playing in the Beverly Hillbillies theme song, Bela Fleck would later pick up the instrument at fifteen, and eventually go on to become a virtuoso at the instrument, a legend, one of the best in the world at his instrument. In 1981, Fleck was asked by Sam Bush to join New Grass Revival, of whom which he performed with for nine years. After New Grass, he hooked up with Victor and his brother Roy, or Futureman, and Howard Levy to become Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Saxophonist/flutist, Jeff Coffin, would later join the group. A Grammy winner, Bela has been nominated in more categories than any other musician.

Toumani Diabate is perhaps the world's finest kora player. The Malian is very versatile, at home with traditional music, as well as cross-cultural collaborations in flamenco, blues and jazz. His father, Sidiki Diabate recorded the first ever kora album in 1970.

The pairing of these two fine gentlemen, seems only natural. The two best at their respected instruments, by coming together, they are clearly making history with something remarkable. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!

King Sunny Ade & the African Beats
5:15-6:30 pm

Amadou & Mariam (African Blues/Jazz/World)
7:00-8:30 pm

Critic's Pick
Femi Kuti & the Positive Force (Afrobeat/Jazz/World)
12:00-1:30 am

Pretty Lights
2:00-3:15 am

THE BUTTERFINGER COMEDY SWEET
The Comedy Carnivale
2:00-3:15 pm, 3:45-5:00 pm

Triumph the Insult Comic Dog presents Bonnapoo 2009
5:30-6:45 pm

CAFE WHERE HOSTED BY AT&T
The Belleville Outfit (Folk/Gypsy/Jazz/Swing)
2:45-3:45 pm

Critic's Pick
Ben Sollee (Bluegrass/Folk/Jazz/R&B)
5:00-6:00 pm

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band
7:30-8:30 pm

Phoenix (Alternative Rock/Indie Rock)
10:00-11:00 pm

THE TROO MUSIC LOUNGE HOSTED BY BUDWEISER
Moonalice (Blues/Pop/Psychedelic Rock/Roots/Rock)
12:00-12:50 pm

Critic's Pick
Everest
1:20-2:10 pm

Evan Watson
2:40-3:30 pm

Dirty Sweet
4:00-4:50 pm

Tangiers Blues Band
6:40-7:30 pm

Jets Overhead (Indie Rock/Trance Rock)
8:30-9:30 pm

Critic's Pick
Justin Townes Earle
10:00-11:00 pm

Ki: Theory
1:00-2:00 am

THE SONIC STAGE
Portugal. the Man
12:00-12:30 pm

Alberta Cross
12:45-1:15 pm

The Low Anthem
1:30-2:00 pm

Patterson Hood & Screwtopia
2:15-2:45 pm

Gomez
3:15-3:45 pm

moe.
4:00-4:30 pm

Kaki King
5:00-5:30 pm

Galactic (interview only)
5:45-6:15 pm

Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate
6:30-7:00 pm

Toubab Krewe
7:15-7:45 pm

THE SOLAR STAGE
Gypsy Hands Tribal Dance
12:15-1:00 pm, 12:00-1:00 am

Panel: Social Change Through Music
1:00-2:30 pm

Rock the Earth Interview and Performance - TBA
3:00-3:45 pm, 4:00-4:45 pm

Poetix
4:45-5:30 pm, 7:30-8:00 pm

Hunab Kru Breakdancing
5:15-6:15 pm

Justin Townes Earle
6:30-7:30 pm

Cotton Jones
8:00-9:00 pm

African Drum and Dance by Mawre Company
9:00-10:00 pm

Guided Meditation
10:00-10:45 pm

Bonnaroo Buskers
1:00-2:00 am

Sara Watkins at the Southgate House

The review is now up on CincyGroove. Check it out!

Mapping Out a Bonnaroo Schedule

I'm having a rather hard time planning out a well detailed schedule. It seems as though most people just kind of go with the flow at these types of things, wander around and let their ears do the walking for them. I'm just not like that.

With my two Bonnaroo experiences, and one Austin City Limits experience, I have gone about each one in different ways.

At Bonnaroo 2005, my first major music festival experience, I knew a lot of the bands I wanted to see (namely the more famous ones and headliners like Dave Matthews, Widespread and Trey Anastasio) and I had heard other bands name's thrown around, bands that were starting to make it big (My Morning Jacket, Kings of Leon, Umphrey's McGee). I also went with a large group of people, at least ten of us, so there were certain times where we felt better if we stayed together as a group. I did wander around alone a few times, feeling the need to explore I guess, as it felt like for the first time in my life that I was completely alone and lost in this world. I even ended up getting lost for four hours after the Trey Anastasio late night show, trying to find my way back to my campsite. It's not easy picking out your tent at four in the morning, when all of the tents are literally packed together. Truth be told, I didn't find my tent until the sun had come up.

In 2006, I went with a few people, via plane, to the Austin City Limits Music Festival, which is set up entirely different than Bonnaroo. First off, the music ends at 10 pm, unlike Bonnaroo, where it often lasts until the sun comes up the next day. The great thing about Austin though, aside from it being the live music capital of the world, they do after shows in a ton of the clubs downtown. Secondly, you stay in a hotel and get to take a shower, making it feel like you're living in normal society. At Bonnaroo, you sleep in tents, and are woken up at seven or eight o' clock to an already scorching sun. They have since installed showers at Bonnaroo, but I'm not paying $7 to take a shower. I may smell a little funky, but at the same time, so do tens of thousands of other people. Showering would also kind of take away from the experience. As for the music schedule at ACL, the bands play for shorter times and it doesn't seem like there is much overlapping as there is with Bonnaroo.

Going back to Bonnaroo in 2007, I decided that it would be best to see as many bands as possible. I ended up catching forty-two bands over a four-day period, although most of that happened to be a song or two or three from each. I did catch a few completely full sets, like Wilco and String Cheese Incident, and there were a couple others that I saw at least half of their set. After the festival had ended, I kind of regreted not seeing more complete sets, but at the same time, I felt amazed with all that I had taken in, in such a short amount of time.

When this year's schedule first came out, I thought, "okay, I'm going to see fewer bands, that'll give me more time to focus on what I want to write about them. I'll be able to write and review a full complete set, rather than just write about a couple of songs I heard, before I pack up and go check out someone else."

Then I got to thinking, "I've got a media pass. I should again see as much as possible, because I'll have much more to write about."

It's impossible to see everything at Bonnaroo, as I'm sure you can imagine, but it's not impossible to see forty bands over a four-day period.

The plan is, to update my blog during the morning's inside the Media Tent. I'll have all morning long to get access to a spot where I can hook up my laptop. It's the largest music festival in the country, so I can't even imagine how many media personnel are going to be there. Everyone from Rolling Stone, MTV and Fuse, to the smaller alternative weekly paper's like CityBeat, and all the way down to the smallest of media, such as myself.

I'm told that if I do a good job, both before, during and after the festival, I'll have a better chance at getting a media pass again next year. So, I kind of have to look at this like it's a one time thing. I may never get this chance again, so I have to kind of look at it like it's a dream come true. I mean, that's exactly how it feels.

So, following the plan of updating the blog in the morning's and any other down time, here's what exactly I plan on doing. At some point during Thursday (June 11) afternoon, I'll be checking in on the blog to tell you about the ride down, the traffic, setting up camp, checking out the festival grounds in the middle of the afternoon, as well as giving you a preview of what bands I'll be seeing that day or night. I've already got a plan of what bands I'd like to see, and I'll stick too it as closely as possible.

I won't be updating during the shows, unless my laptop will work without anywhere to plug it in. I'm not sure how long the batteries will last, but it doesn't sound like a great idea.

So during all these shows, I'll be taking notes on who I'm seeing. Everything from the crowd atmosphere, the music they're playing, and even the thing's I see walking around the festival grounds. I may even get a few interviews during my time there, so they'll be more on that later, as details get more clearer.

The next morning, I plan on writing about the previous day, as well as writing the preview for that particular day.

Here is the proposed schedule of band's that I'll be seeing and covering at Bonnaroo 2009:

Top Picks are in bold

Thursday

Erick Baker - 5:15 pm - This Tent
Alberta Cross - 6:00 - That Tent
Delta Spirit - 7:00 - That Tent
Hockey - 8:15 - This Tent
Portugal. the Man - 9:00 - That Tent
Chairlift - 9:45 - This Tent
The Low Anthem - 10:15 - That Tent
Passion Pit - 11:15 - This Tent
Midnite - 12:15 am - Other Tent
Tobacco - 1:00 - Troo Music Lounge

Friday

Katzenjammer - Noon - That Tent
Gomez - 12:30 - Which Stage
Dirty Projectors - 1:30 - That Tent
Animal Collective - 2:45 - Which Stage
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate - 3:30 - Other Tent
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - 4:45 - Which Stage
Grizzly Bear - 5:30 - This Tent
Al Green - 6:00 - What Stage
TV on the Radio - 6:45 - Which Stage
David Byrne - 8:45 - Which Stage
Phish - 11:00 - What Stage
Girl Talk - 2 am - That Tent
Paul Oakenfold - 3:00 - This Tent

Friday notes on bands I'll be missing:
I don't plan on seeing the Beastie Boys, I've never really been into them, so there's very little interest to catch their set, even though they are one of the biggest names on the bill. Al Green is a soul legend, and although it's always nice to see a legend, I wouldn't feel depressed if I missed his set.

Saturday

Elvis Perkins in Dearland - 12:30 pm - This Tent
Heartless Bastards - 1:30 - Which Stage
Booker T & the Drive-By Truckers - 3:00 - Which Stage
Bon Iver - 3:30 - This Tent
Gov't Mule - 5:00 Which Stage
Wilco - 6:00 - What Stage
The Mars Volta - 8:00 - Which Stage
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - 9:00 - What Stage
Ben Harper & the Relentless 7 - 1 am - Other Tent
MGMT - 2:30 - That Tent

Saturday notes on band's I'll be missing:
Booker T (another legend) will have what I think will be an amazing show, with his new instrumental project with the Drive-By Truckers as his backing band. Most likely, I won't get another chance to ever see this collaboration again, but with this set being so close to Bon Iver, I'm not willing to take the risk. Bon Iver and his album (For Emma, Forever Ago) is one of my favorite artists/albums in quite a long time, so there you have it. I've seen Gov't Mule probably close to ten times, I lost count, but seeing them again won't really feel special. I'm sure I'll see them, I'm sure they'll have some great covers and guest appearances thrown in, but they just don't deserve to be one of my top acts of the day. Maybe they'll prove me wrong. The Mars Volta. What can I say about them? I just don't get it. May check them out to see what all their live performance hype is about.

Sunday

AA Bondy - Noon - Other Tent
Mike Farris - 1:00 - Which Stage
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists - 1:30 - Other Tent
Citizen Cope - 2:15 - Which Stage
Brett Dennen - 3:00 - Other Tent
Erykah Badu - 3:30 - What Stage
Andrew Bird - 4:15 - Which Stage
Okkervil River - 5:00 - Other Tent
Band of Horses - 6:30 - Which Stage
Phish - 8:30 - What Stage

Notes on band's I'll be missing on Sunday:
Snoop Dogg. He's alright I guess. But he's not that great. The biggest schedule conflict/disappointment of the weekend. Andrew Bird vs. Okkervil River. Bird actually goes from 4:15-5:45 and Okkervil from 4:30-5:45. Not happy about this at all. I could catch a bit of each, but I'd rather see all of each. Not sure what I'm gonna do. Both bands were probably in my top ten or fifteen to see.

Once again, there's forty-two bands. Maybe I should knock it down to around 30? I might just do that.

Bonnaroo's Sonic Stage

(from Bonnaroo.com)

Located in the Bonnaroo Sonic Village, the Sonic Stage gives fans a chance to see Bonnaroo performers in a rare, intimate setting. Check the Sonic Stage schedule at the back of your guide for special live interviews and acoustic performances throughout the weekend. Our friends at OurStage.com will also be showcasing one artist per day who has honed his or her chops via their online fan-powered tournament. Stop by, and you may even get a chance to meet some of your favorite artists!

The Sonic Stage schedule:

Friday, June 12
Portugal. the Man, 12-12:30 pm
Alberta Cross, 12:45-1:15 pm
The Low Anthem, 1:30-2:00 pm
Patterson Hood & the Screwtopia, 2:15-2:45 pm
Gomez, 3:15-3:45 pm
moe., 4-4:30 pm
Kaki King, 5-5:30 pm
Galactic (interview only), 5:45-6:15 pm
Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate, 6:30-7 pm
Toubab Krewe, 7:15-7:45 pm

Saturday, June 13
Chairlift, 12-12:30 pm
Katzenjammer, 12:45-1:15 pm
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, 1:30-2 pm
Brett Dennen, 2:30-3 pm
Heartless Bastards, 3:15-3:45 pm
Allen Toussaint, 4-4:30 pm
Cherryholmes, 4:45-5:15 pm
Raphael Saadiq, 5:30-6 pm
Tony Rice Unit, 6:15-6:45 pm
Del McCoury Band, 7-7:30 pm

Sunday, June 14
Ben Sollee, 12-12:30 pm
American Princes, 12:45-1:15 pm
Erin McCarley, 1:30-2 pm
Elvis Perkins in Dearland, 2:15-2:45 pm
Julia Nunes, 3-3:30 pm
The Lovell Sisters, 3:45-4:15 pm
Ted Leo, 4:30-5 pm
AA Bondy, 5:15-5:45 pm
Mike Farris, 6-6:30 pm
Nikhil Korula Band, 6:45-7:15 pm

Tonight at the Southgate House

Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar CD Release

8:30 doors, 9pm show

$7 for 21+, $10 for 18-20

The schedule:

9pm - Losanti - Ballroom

9:30 - DJ Stump w/ John Doe, CJ the Cynic & Bullying Ben Jones - Lounge

9:30 - Where They Landed? - Parlour

10:00 - The Sundresses - Ballroom

10:30 - Crazy Legs - Parlour

11:00 - Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar - Ballroom

11:15 - Matthew Shelton - Lounge

11:30 - The Harlequins - Parlour

12am - Rumpke Mountain Boys - Ballroom

12:20 - Stick Figure Drawings - Lounge

12:20 - The Lions Rampant - Parlour

1:10 - Wonky Tonk - Lounge

A Preview of Opening Day at Bonnaroo 2009

While Bonnaroo has always featured bands over four days, that first day (Thursday) has often been considered by some as an unofficial day. That's because most of the bands (as well as the bigger bands) generally play between Friday and Sunday.

After doing the 'roo twice before, I have to tell you, the experience begins as soon as you step foot onto the farm. You might even say that the experience begins as soon as you hit the road. I can tell you this though - the very first thing you'll experience with Bonnaroo, is the traffic jam getting into the festival.

There's no easy way to get as many as 90,000 people into the gates in a short time, so be patient. The line will stretch much, much farther than the eye can see, and some of you may even be sent almost to the Tennessee-Georgia border, before you'll have to turn around to get in the real line, which will take you back to scenery you have already passed.

I know, I know. It sucks bad, but nothing can be done, that's how these things work. If you've been sitting on the highway shoulder for an hour or two, and haven't moved an inch, well, that's normal. Another thing. Please be extremely cautious as you're in this traffic jam. Not just by having the common sense of safety issues, but also, do not do anything illegal that may get you arrested before you even step foot on the farm.

By bringing all of these people onto a private 700-acre farm for several days, the two main concerns are safety and fun. Be smart and safe, but most importantly have fun! Bonnaroo only comes once a year, and it really is like the Christmas of the music world. Lewis Black has said it himself, and that's a man who wouldn't tell a lie!

So without further ado, and with the schedule finally getting here after several months of speculation, I'd like to offer you an in-depth look at the many things Bonnaroo has to offer, day by day.

The festival kickoffs earlier and earlier every year, with this year being the earliest in the festival's eight year career.

Beginning at noon on Thursday (although many of you still may be stuck in that bloody traffic jam), we have the Solar Stage presenting Hunab Kru Breakdancing. The Solar Stage is exactly what it sounds like - music and audio are powered by solar energy panels. Let's just hope that the hot Tennessee sun is out and about! To get a feel of what the Hunab Kru Breakdancing is all about, check out this video from YouTube. There will be numerous breakdancing sessions all throughout the weekend, so have a look at the complete schedule here.

Immediately following the breakdancing session on the Solar Stage, you have the renown Bonnaroo Buskers. With their parades and skits, these street performers will offer some of the most bizarre things you'll witness at Bonnaroo. They'll be doing this all weekend long, so make sure to check out the schedule.

Like I said earlier, things are beginning much earlier this year. The music is kicking off at 1pm (last year was 4:30, and in 2007 it was 7:15).

The first musician to hit the stage at Bonnaroo 2009, will be Jedd Hughes, taking place in the Troo Music Lounge. Once again, that's at 1pm. Hughes is an Australian, now living in Nashville, who was raised on the sounds of country legends like Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins. Beginning at a very young age, Jedd took part in music competitions (winning first place at the Port Pirie Country Music Festival at eight years old), and at twelve years old was chosen to represent Australia on a three-week tour of Europe, performing at the International Music for Youth festivals held in France, Belgium and Sweden. It was during his teen years that he discovered artists like Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice, Del McCoury and Ralph Stanley, all of whom which have either performed at the festival or are performing this year.

After high school, he relocated to the States to attend the bluegrass program at the South Plains College in Texas. It was there where he met a man from Nashville named Terry McBride, who soon after became his writing partner after Hughes relocated once again to Music City, USA (that's Nashville). Six weeks into his stay in Music City, Hughes auditioned to be the lead guitarist for Patty Loveless, and within an hour of performing, was asked to join. Soon after he was invited to play at the Grand Ole Opry as well as MerleFest. His debut album was released in 2004 and featured guest appearances from Alison Krauss and Patty Loveless.

The country music continues in the Troo Music Lounge, when Roger Alan Wade takes the stage at 2:30pm. Although he's only released two albums, Wade has written songs for some of the most legendary country acts in history, including Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Hank Williams Jr. If you happen to check out Wade's set, you may even stumble upon Jackass's Johnny Knoxville. Their cousins, and Wade has Knoxville and his jackass of a show (pun intended) to thank for the success of his solo career. There's a bit of humor to be found in Wade's music, as he typically writes songs for Joe Everyman. Some of the titles include "BB Gun", "Butt Ugly Slut", "Poontang" and "If You're Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough."

If Wade's set doesn't sound too much like your thing, you'll find a couple of other things going on over at the Solar Stage. At 2pm you'll find environmentally inspired and eco-friendly folk tunes from Now the River. Stick around, because you can't go wrong with a little African Drum and Dance by Mawre Company, directly following at 3pm.

At 4pm you'll have the choice of either Julia Nunes in the Troo Music Lounge or the Gypsy Hands Tribal Dancers on the Solar Stage. To see some video of the Gypsy Hands, click here.

Nunes is a ukulele playing, singer/songwriter from upstate New York. Her claim to fame has come about through the Internet and sites like MySpace and YouTube, where her hit song "Into the Sunshine" has surpassed one million views. She's released two albums, but also loves to perform covers, which have been called "amazing." That's a good thing, considering that cover songs usually go over well at festivals like this.

Julia Nunes will also be playing the Solar Stage on Saturday at 6:30pm and the Sonic Stage on Sunday at 3pm.

During the five o' clock hour, the music will begin in the bigger tents, otherwise known as This, That and the Other.

If acoustic, folk-pop sounds like your thing, you may want to check out Erick Baker at 5:15 in This Tent. With a soulful voice, you may find that Baker has the power to heal, while he exposes the rawest of emotions in his songs about heartache, pain and suffering.

During the same time (actually starting at 5:30), Alberta Cross will be hitting the stage in That Tent. Another folk band, these guys from London were first inspired by the gospel, blues and soul found in bands like The Band, Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen. At the same time however, they bring to the table, elements of their modern day influences such as The White Stripes and The Shins.

Alberta Cross will also be playing the Sonic Stage on Friday at 12:45pm.

Another band playing at 5:30, are the Black Lillies, who'll be in the Troo Music Lounge. Hailing from Knoxville, they're popular on the local scene, often playing gigs in smaller bars and clubs in and around town. They should feel right at home at Bonnaroo, playing country and roots music, including instruments such as the mandolin and pedal steel.

The Black Lillies will also be playing the Solar Stage on Saturday at 8pm.

At 5:45 in the Other Tent, up-and-coming female R&B/Soul sensation Janelle Monae will be taking the stage. Described as a woman with "a big, bright smile and grand ambitions", Janelle quickly realized her lifelong dreams of being onstage, at a very early age. After high school, she left Kansas for New York, to attend the American Musical and Dramatics Academy, where she fell in love with the soaring melodies and harmonic possibilities of classical music.

But she wanted to change the world beyond Broadway, so she headed to Atlanta, the home of progressive soul and hip-hop music, to begin her music career. She was later discovered by hip-hop legend Big Boi, who signed her to his Purple Ribbon label, which led to the opportunity to write and record with Outkast.

Are you still feeling a little stressed because of all that time you spent in the traffic jam earlier today? Maybe you had some car problems on the way here. Or are you just looking for a way to relax or achieve a legal state of mind or inner peace before the non-stop weekend of fun begins?

Beginning at 6pm is the hour-long yoga class happening on the Solar Stage. Make sure to check the schedule, as there will be fewer classes this year, as well as only a few meditation classes.

Maybe you've come to Bonnaroo in search of something other than music, yoga or belly dancers. Maybe you've come to Bonnaroo to laugh your head off.

At 6:30 in the Comedy Sweet Tent, the Comedy Carnivale will be kicking off. A laughing good time featuring actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo, Christian Finnegan (he was the only white guy in the infamous Mad Real World sketch on Chappelle's show), Arj Barker (Dave on HBO's Flight of the Conchords), Nick Thune (Comedy Central's iThunes) and Pete Holmes (Comedy Central's Premium Blend).

It's often hard to get a spot inside the air-conditioned Comedy Tent, as there is limited seating, so you may have to wait an hour or two before you actually get in. That's okay though. On Thursday night, you'll get two other chances to see all of these comedians. The other performances are at 8:15 and 10pm and they last for an hour and fifteen minutes.

Lasting into the seven o' clock hour are four different bands - White Rabbits at 6:45 in This Tent, Delta Spirit at 7pm in That Tent, Erin McCarley at 7pm in the Troo Music Lounge and MURS at 7:15 in the Other Tent.

White Rabbits are a six-piece band from the mid west, now based in New York. Lead by two vocalists, their indie-pop sound is rounded out with textured, vocal harmonies and chants. They have shared the stage with artists like Peter, Bjorn & John and The Walkmen.

Despite never being signed to a major label, as well as only having one full length album out, Ode to Sunshine, Delta Spirit have gained quite a considerable following. They're quickly becoming one of the better bands of this new breed of indie-folk rock, which includes bands like Devendra Banhart and Fleet Foxes. They are also known for their energetic performances, topped off by the use of unconventional instruments such as trash can lids and orhcestral bass drums.

When Erin McCarley looks back on her life, she says her parents couldn't have done a better job in raising her and her older sister. At the same time though, she feels she was given "an unrealistic view of everything" because "that's not how the world is."

The start of her music career came after college, when she moved to San Diego and spent her weekends singing in a country cover band. It was at that time, that she discovered songwriting, which would become, in her words, "an addiction." She recalls the countless days holed up inside her home, where she would spend all day and night, working on the craft of songwriting.

Those days spent working on the craft have helped her to create beautiful melodies, with influences drawing from the Beatles to Patty Griffin and Aimee Mann to Fiona Apple. While she admits that it's hard for her to write songs about being happy, she notes that she doesn't prefer being sad, but rather, she has learned not to be afraid of it. She has spent the past several years as part of the Ten Out of Tenn tour, featuring male and female singer/songwriter's like k.s. Rhoads, Andy Davis, Griffin House, Katie Herzig and Trent Dabbs.

Erin McCarley will also be playing the Sonic Stage on Sunday at 1:30pm.

Underground hip-hop MC, Nick Carter, otherwise known as MURS (which stands for Making Underground Raw Shit), has been creating music for the better part of a decade, although he's only been drawing high praises for the past few years.

While it was his Varsity Blues EP (not the movie), that opened a lot people's eyes to him as a solo artist, he enjoys collaborating with other artists, stating he'd like to work with as many artists as possible in his career. Some of those whom he's joined forces with include members of Living Legends, the Three Melancholy Gypsy's and Atmosphere. He has even directed an indie film entitled "Walk Like a Man" featuring music from other artists including Atmosphere, Blueprint and Brother Ali.

The four bands playing during the eight o' clock hour include Hockey at 8:15 in This Tent, Portugal the Man at 8:30 in That Tent, Those Darlins at 8:30 in the Troo Music Lounge and The Knux in the Other Tent at 8:45.

You've probably never heard of Hockey, but very soon you will know about one of the hottest up-and-coming indie-electronica acts. What's even more likely, is that you can't buy any of their records either. That's because they've only put out a thousand copies of a nine track demo called Mind Chaos. The demo was once available on iTunes, but has since been removed because of their recent signing to Capitol Records.

Capitol will be properly releasing the album in August of 2009, which will include new tracks, as well as six of the original nine tracks. Earlier in the year they toured with Friendly Fires, and will be making stops at other festivals like Sasquatch, Rock Am Ring and Hove.

Some of the guys of Portugal the Man may feel a little out of place in that hot Tennessee sun. The four-piece, experimental indie rock band hails from Alaska, where front man John Baldwin Gourley was brought up in a log cabin home with no power generator or telephone, working as a dog sled musher. They've released three full length albums and have toured with bands artists like Thursday, Rocky Votolato, Great Depression, The Photo Atlas and Play Radio Play.

Portugal the Man will also be playing the Sonic Stage on Friday at noon.

Bonnaroo couldn't be anymore local than it is for the women of Those Darlins. Living within an hour of the festival grounds, this trio of young, sexy twenty-somethings, make country-pop rock 'n roll, all the while remaining cheerfully sarcastic at their rowdy, booze-fueled live shows.

They've been drawing mass critical acclaim from magazines, newspapers and Internet blogs like the New York Times, the Boston Globe, Pitchfork Media, American Songwriter and Bust. They've toured with bands like Deer Tick, Boss Hogg, Ida Maria, and more recently, Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. They've even gone on the road with our very own, Heartless Bastards.

The Knux are an alternative hip-hop duo made up of brothers, Krispy Kream and Rah Almillio. Born and raised in New Orleans, they moved to L.A. after Hurricane Katrina, and have since garnered mass critical acclaim, despite only putting out one album, 2008's Remind Me in 3 Days.
They've had three hit singles, which have been featured in shows and movies like Entourage and Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. Known for intense live shows, they've toured with everyone from Common and Nas, to The Roots and Lupe Fiasco, as well as DJ-AM and Travis Barker.

Going into the ten o' clock hour you have the choices of Chairlift in This Tent, the Low Anthem in That Tent, People Under the Stairs in the Other Tent and the Features in the Troo Music Lounge.

There's been a large number of indie-electronica acts that have formed over the past several years, so many, that it's almost impossible to say who will hit it big next. After catching Chairlift on the Peter, Bjorn & John tour a couple weeks ago (and not knowing anything about them when I went), their mind-shattering performance convinced me that they are certainly in the running to be the next great electro-indie band. Word has spread quickly about this band that formed just three years ago in Boulder, Colorado.

Chairlift's vision of creating live music for haunted houses, was born from the Gothic architecture, crystal chandeliers and vacant dance floors that were part of the Broker Inn, a Colorado venue hosting late-night jazz shows. Soon after, during the very same year, they picked up their things and relocated to Brooklyn, where they became part of a scene alongside other Bonnaroo artists such as MGMT and Yeasayer. So don't be afraid to check out Chairlift, as the only thing scary about this band is their hauntingly, infectious mix of electronica and pop that will stay with you long after Bonnaroo.

Chairlift will also be playing the Sonic Stage on Saturday at noon.

Ben Miller and Jeff Prystowsky started the contemporary folk duo, the Low Anthem, in 2003, in the northeast. The band would become complete, when they asked classical composer, Jocie Adams, to join in 2007. Later that same year, they released their first effort, What the Crow Brings. Drawing mass critical acclaim from major press throughout the country, the Low Anthem has drawn comparisons to Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, The Band and Simon and Garfunkel.

The Low Anthem will also be playing the Sonic Stage on Friday at 1:30pm.

Another band that'll feel right at home at Bonnaroo, are locals, the Features. They earned their spot on the bill through a competition of local bands. Although they're from the small town of Murfreesboro, no one was really surprised when they signed to Universal Records in 2004. Having been involved in the local music scene since the mid-90's, the Features encourage singing along and clapping to their quirky pop songs.

Considered one of the most prominent acts in the underground hip-hop world, People Under the Stairs formed in Los Angeles by Chris Portugal (Thes One) and Michael Turner, Jr. (Double K). They've released a number of albums, with their latest being, Fun DMC, coming last year. They have a musical style similar to that of A Tribe Called Quest and the Pharcyde.

Starting in the eleven o' clock hour, and lasting after midnight, the four bands who'll be onstage are Passion Pit in This Tent, the Zac Brown Band in That Tent, Midnite in the Other Tent and American Princes in the Troo Music Lounge.

While they've only released an EP, Chunk of Change, Passion Pit have quickly become one of the hottest electronic-indie acts today, despite just forming in 2007. Their live show is intense, and they fit in the same boat with bands like Friendly Fires and Ra Ra Riot. Their debut album, Manners, hits shelves on May 19.

Due to his down-to-earth, highly contagious personality, Zac Brown has become quite popular along the southeast. He enjoys good company, having a good time, the great outdoors, warm nights and cold beer. A man's man, a ladies man, he's a man who lives life to the fullest and loves every minute of it.

He's opened a restaurant on Lake Oconee, Georgia, called Zac's Place, where he envisioned a place where he could relax and share his love for food and cooking with anyone and everyone. It's safe to say, that because of all of this, his band has sold over ten-thousand copies independently of his first two CD's. I'm sure Zac will make a lot of friends this year at Bonnaroo, as the atmosphere of the festival sounds like it's right up his alley.

Over the past several years, post-harcore, indie-rock band American Princes have been all over the map, working extremely hard on and off the road. Starting out in Brooklyn in 2002, they relocated to Little Rock, where they picked up vocalist Collins Kilgore.

While they were in Arkansas, they released two albums over a two year period, however, Kilgore made a move to Brooklyn, but would make month-long writing sessions back to Little Rock, which eventually became their latest release, Other People. They've gone on tour with bands like The Roots, The Flaming Lips, Son Volt, Soul Asylum, The Hold Steady and Spoon.

American Princes will also be playing the Sonic Stage on Sunday at 12:45pm.

Coming from the Virgin Islands, Midnite is a crucial roots reggae band, following the traditions of 1970's Jamaica. With a chant and call vocal style, their lyrics focus on politics, the economy, the oppressed and the redemption available to a life livicated to Jah.

Beginning at midnight in the Comedy Sweet Tent, will be something a little bit different than in Bonnaroo's past.

If you've ever watched Conan O' Brien late at night over the past twelve years, chances are that you know about the hand puppet, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. He's rude, obnoxious, insulting, vulgar and mocks anyone and everyone that is within reach of puppeteer Robert Smigel's arm. I'm not sure what his show at Bonnaroo will include or even why they booked him, but in my own honest opinion, it's going to be god awful. Sure, this puppet was funny the first couple of times I saw it, but after being around for so long, it appears to be just a waste of time to me.

The last artist of the night to perform, and playing unopposed, will be taking the stage at 1am in the Troo Music Lounge.

Electronic musician Tom Fec, of Black Moth Super Rainbow, chose a rather odd name for his alter ego - Tobacco. He says the choice of the name came from the Tobacco Man (from the film Redneck Zombies), a character that freaked him out as a kid.

Tobacco has created a signature sound, both with BMSR and his solo work, where he works with mostly pre-digital electronic instruments like analog synths and tape machines. Very little is known about this man who rarely does interviews, although we know he graduated from high school in Pennsylvania in 1998.

He released his debut solo album, Fucked Up Friends, last year, with Rolling Stone stating that it was "one of the year's best stoner-rock records - only it's powered by synths, hip-hop beats and vocoders instead of guitars." The album features a guest appearance from Aesop Rock.

So there's a look into what will be happening on the first night of Bonnaroo 2009. Remember to take it easy, as this is just the first night. The weekend may seem long, but it goes by very quick, too quick in fact. Before you know it, Bonnaroo will have come and gone, and by the time you're packing up your gear, you'll be making plans for next year.

My 10 Picks:

Erick Baker, Alberta Cross, White Rabbits, Delta Spirit, Hockey, Portugal. the Man, Chairlift, The Low Anthem, Passion Pit, Tobacco

Bonnaroo Schedule Has Arrived!!!

It's finally here. Time to go through and plan your time on the farm. Hats off to our very own Heartless Bastards, who'll be opening the Which Stage on Saturday afternoon, right before the legendary Booker T. Jones, who will be joined by the Drive-By Truckers. I'm not sure, but this could be one of the biggest gigs of the Heartless Bastards careers. Good chance they'll be playing infront of 30,000 people at that stage. That's 10,000 more people than Riverbend can hold!

I've known for some time, what bands I've wanted to see. Going through this schedule, I now have a good idea of who I'll be seeing, although things could certainly change.

In between sets, I plan on getting a ton of writing done about the bands I just saw, among other things that will probably happen on my Bonnaroo adventure 2009.

Here's my plans for Bonnaroo 2009:

Thursday
Erick Baker, 5:15-6:15pm, This Tent
Delta Spirit, 7-8pm, That Tent
Portugal. the Man, 8:30-9:30pm, That Tent
Chairlift, 9:45-10:45pm, This Tent
Passion Pit, 11:15-12:15am, This Tent
Tobacco, 1-2am, Troo Music Lounge

Friday
Gomez, 12:30-1:45pm, Which Stage
Animal Collective, 2:45-4pm, Which Stage
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, 4:45-6pm, Which Stage
TV on the Radio, 6:45-8pm, Which Stage
David Byrne, 8:45-10:45pm, Which Stage
Phish, 11-2am, What Stage
Girl Talk, 2-3:30am, That Tent

Saturday
Elvis Perkins in Dearland, 12:30-1:30pm, This Tent
Heartless Bastards, 1:30-2:30pm, Which Stage
Bon Iver, 3:30-4:45pm, This Tent
Gov't Mule, 5-6:30pm, Which Stage
Wilco, 6-8pm, What Stage
The Decemberists, 7-8:30pm, This Tent
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, 9-12:30am, What Stage
Ben Harper and Relentless 7, 1-3:30am, Other Tent
MGMT, 2:15-3:45am, That Tent

Sunday
AA Bondy, 12-1pm, Other Tent
Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue, 12:30-1:30pm, Which Stage
Brett Dennen, 3-4pm, Other Tent
Andrew Bird, 4:15-5:45pm, Which Stage
Band of Horses, 6:30-8pm, Which Stage
Phish, 8:30-12am, What Stage

Bowerbirds with La Strada

Just got back from this show in the Southgate House parlour. As an extra bonus, the local band Wonky Tonk was playing for free in the lounge, which they'll be doing every Wednesday night at 9pm. Unfortunately, I only caught a few original songs from Wonk, as well as the Bob Dylan/Old Crow Medicine Show cover, "Wagonwheel."

I went to this show never have hearing either band's music - I have only read about the buzz surrounding Bowerbirds, but I had never even heard of this band named La Strada.

An indie-folk band hailing from Brooklyn, La Strada opened the show upstairs, shortly after their scheduled time of 9:30pm. Within the first song, I knew that Bowerbirds would have to come up with something huge to convince me that they were indeed the headliners of this tour.

I can't say this enough - one of the best ways to stumble upon great music, is by going to a show when you don't really know anything about the bands. It will leave you feeling completely blown away. At the same time, you must find a highly respected venue, such as the Southgate House, who bring in top-notch, up-and-coming artists on what seems to be a weekly basis.

La Strada wasn't just your typical indie-folk band though. There were six members on stage, some of whom were multi-instrumentalists. Playing everything from your standard instruments such as guitar, bass and drums, they also added the sounds of the accordion, violin and cello. The lead vocalist had both a similar style as well as vocal range to that of Colin Meloy of the Decemberists. The violin playing reminded me much like that of Andrew Bird. They could go from quiet to loud, with the snap of a finger. Most of their songs were heavily experimental, reminding me of what I call an "indie-jamband." There were also hints of gypsy punk, much like you'll find in Gogol Bordello.

By the time La Strada had finished, I was very anxious to see what Bowerbirds would be giving us.

Bowerbirds played for a much longer time than La Strada had played, and it wasn't that they were better or worse, neither band was, it's just that their indie-folk was much different than what La Strada had given us.

They felt much more like a pop band, in terms of songwriting, were as La Strada had felt more experimental and jambandish. However, this four-piece also included the accordion, which again brought a bit of that Decemberists sound, as well as the keyboard, with Beth Tacular managing both.

As I stared in amazement, without flinching nearly their whole set, my main focus seemed to be on frontman Phil Moore, whose voice clearly resembled that of Elvis Perkins.

Nate's 50 Bands Not-to-Miss at Bonnaroo 2009

As the festival quickly approaches, you begin to realize that sacrifices must be made. It's that time of year when you really start planning what bands you want to see the most - those you absolutely cannot miss, those you'd like to see but you'll survive if you miss and the ones you'd probably see if nothing else was going on but won't go out of your way to see. Not to take anything away from any of these bands, who am I to say which ones are better? It's all based on what you like. There's no right or wrong in music, these just happen to be the bands that satisfy my personal tastes.

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Phish

Beastie Boys

Nine Inch Nails

David Byrne

Wilco

Al Green

Elvis Costello

Erykah Badu

Paul Oakenfold

Ben Harper & the Relentless 7

The Mars Volta

TV on the Radio

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

MGMT

Andrew Bird

Band of Horses

Gov't Mule

The Decemberists

Girl Talk

Bon Iver

Bela Fleck & Toumani Diabate

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Galactic

of Montreal

Booker T & the Drive-By Truckers

Animal Collective

Gomez

Jenny Lewis

Heartless Bastards

Femi Kuti and the Positive Force

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Grizzly Bear

Okkervil River

Passion Pit

Brett Dennen

Mike Farris and the Roseland Rhythm Revue

The Wailing Souls

Elvis Perkins in Dearland

Chairlift

The Low Anthem

Delta Spirit

A.A. Bondy

White Rabbits

Pretty Lights

Ben Sollee

Everest

Jessica Lea Mayfield

Joe Pug

Justin Townes Earle

Outdoor Music in Cincinnati

It's almost that time of year again. Outdoors in downtown Cincinnati is the place to be during the warm months, and here are a few of things that will be happening in and around town...

Appalachian Festival (May 8-10 at Coney Island)

Music from Newfound Road, Comet Bluegrass Allstars, The Tillers, Mount Pleasant String Band, Rabbit Hash String Band, Ma Crow, Wild Carrot and the Roots Band and many others

Second Sunday on Main (2nd Sunday of every month, running May-Sept, located on Main Street)

Sunday, May 10

Noon - The Hiders
1 pm - Kelly Thomas & the Fabulous Pick Ups
2 pm - 500 Miles to Memphis
3 pm - Maurice Mattei and the Tempers
4 pm - Strawboss

Taste of Cincinnati (May 23-25, 5th Street, downtown)
featuring appetizers, entrees and desserts from over 40 restaraunts

New this year is the Katie Reider Tribute Stage presented by Metromix and Avalon. Music by Catie Curtis, Trace Walker, Katie Todd, Edie Carey, Donna Mogavero, Katie Reider Band, Katie Reider Tribute, The Chocolate Horse and Ellery, and many others.

Other performers on additional stages include Randy Houser, Eli Young Band, Bucky Covington, Leroy Ellington and the E-Funk Band, the Sonny Moorman Group, Jon Justice Band, and many others.

Indie Summer (Friday nights on Fountain Square, Memorial Day thru Labor Day)

May 29 - Peter Adams, Fairmount Girls and Iolite
June 5 - Lions Rampant, Mysts of Time and J. Dorsey Blues Revival
June 12 - Cari Clara, Cash Flagg and Wake the Bear
June 19 - The Hiders, Kim Taylor and The Emeralds
June 26 - Mucca Pazza, Culture Queer, The Damn Thing and The Sleeping Sea
July 3 - Freekbass, Abiyah and Eagle to Squirrel
July 10 - Pomegranates, Bloodsugars and Enlou
July 17 - Wussy, Roundhead, The Tigerlilies and Pasquali
July 24 - Bad Veins CD Release, You You're Awesome, Thing One and A Decade to Die For
July 31 - Matthew Shelton's Picnic, Nathan Holscher and Messerly & Ewing

Riverbend Music Center

Shows of note include:

June 4 - Coldplay with Pete Yorn
June 16 - Dave Matthews Band with The Hold Steady
June 20 - 311 with Ziggy Marley
July 1 - Aerosmith with ZZ Top
July 29 - Vans Warped Tour

PNC Pavilion

Shows of note include:

May 12 - Kings of Leon with The Walkmen
June 6 - Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin
June 13 - OAR with The Wailers
July 6 - Counting Crows with Augustana
July 28 - Jackson Browne
July 31 - Crosby, Stills & Nash

Who's Playing What Day at Bonnaroo

Though the official schedule won't be released for at least a few more weeks, the daily lineup is certainly coming together, thanks to many of the folks over at Inforoo. Here's an updated version of who's playing what day:

(I've marked the ones I'd like to see in italics)

Thursday
Zac Brown Band, Passion Pit, Brett Dennen, People Under the Stairs, Murs, Chairlift, Portugal. the Man, Midnite, The Knux, The Low Anthem, Delta Spirit, White Rabbits, Janelle Monae, Alberta Cross, Hockey, Ben Sollee, Black Lillies, Jedd Hughes, Julia Nunes, Roger Alan Wade, Tobacco

Friday
Phish (latenight), Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Al Green, Erykah Badu, Paul Oakenfold (latenight), TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ani DiFranco, Girl Talk (latenight), Bela Fleck and Toumani Diabate, Galactic, Lucinda Williams, Animal Collective, Gomez, Amadou and Mariam, Santigold, Femi Kuti (latenight), Kaki King, Grizzly Bear, King Sunny Ade, Okkervil River, St. Vincent, Crystal Castles, Tift Merritt, Toubab Krewe, Wailing Souls, Dirty Projectors, Vieux Farka Toure, The Itals, Pretty Lights, Katzenjammer, Everest, Belleville Outfit, Jerry Hannan, Jets Overhead, Justin Townes Earle, Ki: Theory, Kuroma, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band, Phoenix

Saturday
Bruce Springsteen, Nine Inch Nails (latenight), Wilco, Elvis Costello, Relentless 7, Mars Volta, MGMT (latenight), moe. (latenight), Gov't Mule, Decemberists, Bon Iver, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Del McCoury, of Montreal, Allen Toussaint, Booker T with Drive-By Truckers, David Grisman, Jenny Lewis, Robert Earl Keen, Heartless Bastards, Tony Rice, Robyn Hitchcock, Raphael Saadiq, Alejandro Escovedo, Elvis Perkins, Cherryholmes, Yeasayer (latenight), SteelDrivers, BrakesBrakesBrakes, Cotton Jones, Dan Dyer, Dirty Guv'nahs, Erin McCarley, Fiction Family, Joe Pug, Russian Circles, Turbine, William Elliott Whitmore, Zee Avi

Sunday
Phish, Snoop Dogg, Andrew Bird, Band of Horses, Merle Haggard, Coheed and Cambria, Neko Case, Citizen Cope, High on Fire, Grace Potter, Dillinger Escape Plan, Ted Leo, Mike Farris, Todd Snider, Cage the Elephant, AA Bondy, Lovell Sisters, Dear and the Headlights, Jessica Lea Mayfield, MyNameIsJohnMichael, Sons of Bill, Heavy Pets, Vertigo

(all artists and lineup are subject to change)

Bonnaroo: Not Just A Music Festival

Although the popular attraction at Bonnaroo seems to be the hundred-something bands that perform over the four-day period, it remains the ultimate festival because of the many other things it has to offer. Seriously. I've been twice and still haven't managed to see everything.

Aside from music, the other biggest attraction seems to be the Comedy Tent. Each year, Bonnaroo brings in a decent amount of up-and-coming, as well as famous comedians, who perform multiple sets over the four-day period, giving fans several chances to catch their favorite comedians.

Since 2005, the festival has included comedians such as Lewis Black, Louis C.K., Jim Breuer, Janeane Garofalo, Patton Oswalt, Dave Attell, David Cross, Zach Galifianakis, Flight of the Conchords, Demetri Martin, Aziz Ansari, Jasper Redd, Vic Henley, Charlie Murphy, Fred Armisen, Alexandra McHale, Finesse Mitchell, Jim Norton, Brian Posehn and Mike Birbiglia.

While the music they bring in seems to get better year after year, everything else gets that much better as well.

Topping the diverse lineup of comedy acts this year, are former SNL cast member and current Late Night talk show host, Jimmy Fallon, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (the hand puppet of Late Night with Conan O' Brien fame) Presents Bonnapoo 2009, An Evening (or Afternoon) with The Daily Show featuring cast members John Oliver and Rob Riggle along with producer Rory Albanese, Michael Ian Black & Michael Showalter, Aziz Ansari of the new television show Parks and Recreation, Kristen Schaal, Arj Barker, Todd Barry, Wayne Federman, Nick Thune, Nick Kroll, Kurt Braunohler, Amy Schumer, Kumail Nanjiani and Pete Holmes.

The Cinema Tent is probably the best place to escape the sun, where you can relax on couches in one of the few air-conditioned tents, while watching the NBA Finals, or some of your favorite classic and newer movies. The tent has been known to feature several music-related documentaries including Monterey Pop, as well as the debut of Les Claypool's Quest for Festeroo.

Then there's the Centeroo area. Located in the middle of the festival grounds, Centeroo has everything from the giant mushroom water fountain, a great place to cool off or take a quick shower (leave your clothes on please!), a microbrewery beer garden, a batting cage, the Fuse barn where you can also ride the bull, and a number of shops where you'll find everything from clothing to art.

Located just outside of the Centeroo area, you'll find things like the Art of Such 'n Such which has some pretty cool sculptures and fire demonstrations, the ferris wheel, the perfect way to catch the beautiful view of the festival grounds and the Arcade and Disco tents. In the arcade tent, you'll find everything from classic video games to Guitar Hero and Rock Band contests. For those of you who can go all night long, the Disco tent will have plenty of dancing lasting until the sun comes up the next morning.

So if you're heading to Bonnaroo this year (or any year), remember, it's not just the music that makes this the ultimate festival experience, it's every little thing they have to offer. Take it from me, I've been twice and still have a lot to see.

naterosing.blogspot.com will be representing the 2009 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

The people of Bonnaroo have turned this into the greatest day of my life. Thanks to them, my request for a Press Pass has been approved.

I'll begin heading down to the festival in Manchester, TN on the night of June 9. This is going to be the best Bonnaroo ever!

Make sure to check out this blog during Bonnaroo, as I'll be walking you through the entire experience...

More to come on some of the bands playing this year's festival...

Show of the Week: Sara Watkins at the Southgate House, Saturday, May 9

After spending eighteen years as the fiddler in Nickel Creek, Sara Watkins has put out her first solo release, and is embarking on the first headlining tour of her career. Nickel Creek formed in California in 1989 after the Watkins and Thile families met, when Sara was just a mere eight years old. Her brother, Sean, and Chris Thile had taken mandolin lessons together, although when the band formed, Thile was on guitar and Sean was on mandolin, however, soon after they would swap instruments, and eventually later, the trio would become the Grammy award winning outfit both you and I know. Nickel Creek went on an indefinite hiatus in 2007, with each of the members taking on various solo projects.

Released last month on Nonesuch Records, the self-titled debut of Sara Watkins features a slew of amazing musicians as well as some of her influences, including Tim O' Brien, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Ronnie McCoury, Chris Eldridge, Benmont Tech of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and Pete Thomas, Elvis Costello's drummer. The album was produced by none other than the legendary John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, who also plays on the album.

She has said over and over again, that while the album may read like an all-star project, it is anything but that. There are fourteen tracks, eight of which are original numbers, while the other six are traditional folk and gospel tunes. Some of the cover songs include John Hartford's "Long Hot Summer Days", Jimmie Rodgers "Any Old Time", John Brion's "Same Mistakes", Norman Blake's "Lord, Won't You Help Me" and Tom Waits "Pony."

But the finest performances you'll find on the album are the original tracks, which include "All This Time", "Where Will You Be" and the instrumental "Freiderick." Her Nickel Creek bandmates even make appearances on the album, with her brother co-writing the instrumental just mentioned, while Thile and Sara worked together on "Give Me Jesus."

Unfortunately, her touring band won't include all of these musicians, but that's not to say it still won't be a great show. She's bringing along two other musicians on the road, one being her brother Sean on guitar and Sebastian Steinberg on bass.

The city of Cincinnati is very fortunate that Sara will be making a stop in our town. She plays the Southgate House on Saturday, May 9. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets are $20 at the door.

This Week in Cincinnati Music

Monday, May 4
Cut Off Your Hands at the Southgate House
Show starts at 9pm, it's $10 at the door

and Ryan Malott of 500 Miles to Memphis is hosting Open Mic. Starts at 9pm and it's free. If you're lucky, you'll probably hear him play a few tunes...

Tuesday, May 5
Underbelly
Described as "an evening of the area's best stand-up comedians doing everything except stand-up comedy!"
featuring Mike Cody, Ryan Singer, Dave Waite, Linda Gambino, Richard Alcorn, Alex Stone, Matt Stanton, Sally Brooks, Mike Cronin and Reid Faylor
Starts at 9pm and it's free

Wednesday, May 6
Bowerbirds with La Strada at the Southgate House
Starts at 9:30 and is $10 at the doors

Wonky Tonk is also the artist in residence at the Southgate House
Joining is Billy Wallace
Starts at 9pm and it's free

at the Northside Tavern
it's the Koala Fires with Action Painters and That Damn Thing!
Jason Snell of the Chocolate Horse will be playing in front

Thursday, May 7
Sybris with Mallory at the Southgate House
Starts at 9pm and is $8 at the door

Electric Six with the Living Things and Banderas at the Madison Theater
Starts at 8:30 and is $12

Manchester Orchestra with Audrye Sessions and Winston Audio at the Mad Hatter
$12 at the doors, doors at 7pm

Friday, May 8
Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar CD Release
with Wonky Tonk, Rumpke Mountain Boys, Harlequins, Lions Rampant, Stick Figures, Sundresses, Losanti, Flux Capacitors, Matthew Shelton, Where They Landed?, DJ Stump with John Doe, CJ the Cynic and Bullying Ben Jones
Starts at 9pm
$7 for 21+, $10 for 18-20

Buckra at Northside Tavern

Saturday, May 9
Show of the Week
Sara Watkins at the Southgate House
Starts at 9pm and is $20 at the doors
I'll be writing a review of the show for CincyGroove, so make sure to check it out, probably on May 10

State Song and Creation Museum at Northside Tavern

Appalachian Festival-Coney Island
runs Fri thru Sun
on Fri, music from The James Family, Rabbit Hash String Band, Mt Pleasant String Band, Ma Crow, Steve Adkisson and Kentucky Wonder, Kyle Meadows, and several others

on Sat, music from Newfound Road, Steve Bonafel & One Iota, Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwarz, the Corndrinkers, the Tillers kick off the morning at 11am, and several others

on Sun, music from the Comet Bluegrass Allstars, Ma Crow, Cynical Mountain Boys, Wild Carrot & the Roots Band, and several others

Derby Day at the Southgate House: Paleface, Frontier Folk Nebraska & Stick Figure Drawings

For most Kentuckians, this past Saturday was all about the Kentucky Derby. Well, not for this one. That's right. In the twenty-eight years I've been alive and living in Kentucky, I have not once ever seen the actual running of the event. Say what you will about that, I could honestly care less...

No, the one thing I was looking forward to on Derby Day, was the concert that took place that night in the Southgate House's parlour.

Headlining the show, was an indie-folk duo out of North Carolina, known as Paleface. The boyfriend/girlfriend team consists of Paleface (that's the name he goes by) on acoustic guitar and harmonica and Monica "Mo" Samalot on drums. They're currently out on the road in support of their latest, The Show Is On the Road. Paleface describes the album as "a farewell love letter to his longtime home (New York) and an embrace of his new life in the South."

Over the years, he has written some five hundred songs, as well as putting out fourteen albums, under various monikers. He was a student of Daniel Johnston, and has shared the stage with artists such as Billy Bragg, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Avett Brothers and the Breeders. When it comes down to it, Paleface (the man) most resembles a cross between Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. Their current tour will take them everywhere from New York to Atlanta, and everywhere in between including the Riverbend Music Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Onstage directly before Paleface, was a local band called Frontier Folk Nebraska. Much of the material they played last night came from their most recent album, Pearls, which already also happens to be one of the year's most talked about local releases. Over the years, Frontier Folk has undergone a few lineup changes, and with the current "hotter than hell" lineup, there's no reason not to think of this band as one of the area's best.

Dipping into elements of alternative country, slide blues, folk and rock, the guys of FFN list influences ranging from legends like John Lennon and Bob Dylan, to jam band cult heroes the Grateful Dead, and even bands like Slayer and Sonic Youth. However, the one influence most evident for me, when first hearing the voice and words of front man Michael Hensley, is Ryan Adams. Hensley is like Adams in a lot of ways, like the genius and skill of his songwriting. Unlike Adams though, Hensley appears to be very well-grounded, not having the massive ego or being a drama queen like Adams can often be at times.

When talking about FFN, you can't go without mentioning the name Travis Talbert. A master on both the lead and slide guitar, Talbert certainly has a chance to become the next Warren Haynes. As of now, they currently only have a handful of shows booked throughout the summer, so if you're in the area, make sure you don't miss them. Those shows include a May 30 appearance again at the Southgate House, a June 8 in-studio performance on WNKU, and appearances at both Molly Malone's on June 18, as well as the Mad Hatter on June 24. They've also booked a couple of smaller festival shows, including Adjust Your Eyes in Oxford and Whispering Beards Folk Fest in Morning View, Kentucky.

Kicking off the evening, was the Alt Country/Indie/Pop quartet, Stick Figure Drawings. What originally started out as a side project featuring Max Fender and Tim Colina of Alone at 3am, the band is here to prove that they're much more than just a side project. Like Alone at 3am, Fender remains just as passionate, while bearing his "heart-on-his-sleeve" words, which at times brings to mind a songwriting style similar to Rhett Miller of the Old 97s and Jay Farrar of Son Volt.

But unlike Alone at 3am, there's a few differences you'll find with this band. Setting the tone, drummer Colina somewhat takes it down a notch, as this isn't as hard a rock band as Alone at 3am. He also adds some mad Boss-like sounds on the harmonica. But the biggest difference is perhaps the two lovely ladies you'll see gracing the stage. The newest addition is Wonky Tonk's Jasmine Poole on bass, who joins the band when she's not fronting her own project. Let's not forget the other half of the songwriting team, Sarah Davis, who brings to the band her sweet and sensitive vocals, along with adding some electronic flare to the music by playing keys, as well as a few other unusual sounds you'll hear such as the xylophone.

Stick Figure Drawings are currently recording their debut full-length at Candyland, but for now, they have a six-song ep, First Wind, available, which you can find at their shows. Their upcoming shows include May 6 at Northside Tavern with the Chocolate Horse, the Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer CD Release at the Southgate House on May 8, May 23 at Arnold's, as well as a few shows at Molly Malone's. Those dates are May 24, June 14 and June 18. A number of other artists are joining them for the Molly Malone shows. They'll also be playing the Boiler Room with Cory Branan in Lexington, Kentucky on June 17.

For booking inquiries on Stick Figure Drawings, contact walter13booking@hotmail.com

Southgate House, May 1 - Something for Everyone

For those of you in attendance last night, it was a wicked good time, with a little something for everyone on all four floors:

1. The Seedy Seeds with Coltrane Motion, The Mighty and Flotation Walls played in the ballroom
2. The Lions Rampant, DJ E-Rockswell, the Dandybeards and Nathan Holscher played for free in the parlour
3. The Nashville Knives played for free in the lounge
4. An old high school classmate and Southgate House bartender, Derek Toebbe, had an art show in the top floor gallery, along with artist Phillip LaVelle and photographer Adam Burke

Needless to say, I saw some of the best shows ever by a few of these bands, namely the Seedy Seeds, Lions Rampant and Coltrane Motion.

I'm having trouble finding the right words to describe the Coltrane Motion show. The one word I can find to simply describe it all...intense! Eh, make it two words...fucking intense!!! For a band with only two members, these guys from Chicago make a lot of beautiful noise, kind of like a train wreck, yet, no one gets hurt...With one guy on the electric guitar, and the other armed with keys/synth, harmonica and a laptop, you will never find a band like this anywhere. Do not miss them if given the chance...

I tell you what, that Stuart from Lions Rampant is crazy as hell...but in a good way. For their last song of the night, he brought up someone from the crowd to play guitar on Them's "Gloria"...you know the song - Van Morrison, or maybe you know The Doors version. Let me get to the crazy part...While this audience member was playing the guitar (who did a very nice job if I may say), Stuart kept at the vocals, by climbing on top of the parlour's piano, as well as attempting to climb the bookcase, before he broke a shelf and had to jump back on top of the piano...

Hot Buttered Rum with the Rubber Knife Gang at the Southgate House last night

Hey everybody! Just wanted to let you know that, thanks to Scott Preston, I was able to attend this show last night and submit my own review, for use on his music blog, CincyGroove. He'll be posting my review later tonight, so make sure to stop by and check it out. He's got a ton of other great things going on with the blog (I especially like the artist interviews), so make sure to look over his whole site to see just why he remains one of the best local music blogs...

Why I Wished I Lived in Austin, TX

A list of upcoming concerts:

Today - Mates of State with Black Kids at La Zona Rosa, Cake at Stubb's
Tomorrow - Gaslight Anthem with Heartless Bastards at Antone's, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at Stubb's
April 30 - Pretty Lights at Light Bar, Ryan Bingham at Shady Grove
May 1 - Jason Isbell at Antone's, Death Cab for Cutie with Matt Costa and Ra Ra Riot at Austin Music Hall, Shpongle at The Parish
May 6 - Wye Oak with Pomegranates at The Mohawk
May 7 - Flight of the Conchords at Bass Hall, Perpetual Groove at The Parish
May 8 - Lucero with Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears at Emo's
May 9 - Old Crow Medicine Show with Justin Townes Earle at Stubb's
May 11 - Elvis Perkins at The Parish
May 12 - Nine Inch Nails with Jane's Addiction at Frank Erwin Center, Kevin Devine at Stubb's
May 16 - TV on the Radio at Stubb's
May 18 - The Dears at The Parish
May 26 - Manchester Orchestra at Emo's
June 2 - Black Moth Super Rainbow with School of Seven Bells at The Mohawk
June 3 - Passion Pit with Harlem Shakes and Cale Parks at Emo's, Langhorne Slim at The Parish
June 4 - Ryan Bingham at Texas Union Theater
June 5 - Animal Collective at Stubb's, Bonnie "Prince" Billy at The Mohawk
June 8 - Gomez at Stubb's
June 9 - Les Claypool with Matisyahu at Austin Music Hall
June 11 - Holy Fuck at The Mohawk
June 14 - White Rabbits with The Subjects at Emo's
June 16 - Grizzly Bear at The Parish
June 20 - Xavier Rudd at La Zona Rosa
June 22 - Jenny Lewis with Heartless Bastards at Stubb's
June 27 - Ben Kweller at Emo's
July 4 - Explosions in the Sky at Stubb's
July 9-11 - Spoon at Stubb's

...and those are just the shows I'd be interested in seeing. This is the reason this place is the "Live Musical Capital of the World."

There's always a good concert going on every, single day. Most of these bands very rarely make it to Cincinnati...

MidPoint Wishlist

Just in case any of you MidPoint board members happen to be reading, I have some band requests for MidPoint 2009.

I don't want to come off as the type of person who "feels they know best" when it comes to music, simply because there is no right or wrong answer as to what bands or types of music are best or worst.

I've seen the lineup develop over the years, and although you can expect nearly all of the local bands to be there, it's the biggest names that can catch you off guard.

I think that if you look back over the years, Bob Pollard is a clearly a favorite here in Cincinnati, both with Guided By Voices and his solo projects.

It also seems to me, that indie music is also a favorite here, but then again, what city isn't it big in? Another one that seems to be popular in the city - folk, but not strictly folk - americana, alt. country, country rock, indie folk, folk rock, roots rock - call it whatever you want.

I don't really know where I'm going with that, so...

I spend a lot of time, looking over the hundred or so major music festival lineups every year, finding out about new bands. I waste my time, as some might say, reading about these bands - their history, CD and show reviews, interviews, articles and even listening to them, provided the sound on my laptop is working.

I've done this for years, using it as my #1 method in my quest to find the next great bands. Often times, I will just show up at a bar or club, not knowing anything about the band, and leave a fan who was just completely blown away by what he heard for the first time. Actually, this happened to me earlier in the week when I went to the Great Lake Swimmers show at the Southgate House.

After browsing a number of festival lineups, I have assembled sort of a dream MidPoint lineup. Obviously I won't be naming names like Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen or Phish. Way too big. The great thing is, even the artists that fall to the bottom of these lineups, are still amazing.

You could spend every day for a month, looking over SXSW's lineup from this past year, and it just might take you that long to read through the thousands of bands that play there.

Looking back at last year, the big names for MidPoint appeared to be Bob Pollard's Boston Spaceships, Mates of State, The Sadies, Backyard Tire Fire, The Felice Brothers, Ha Ha Tonka, Why?, Radio 4, Say Hi and AA Bondy. By seeing this lineup, you can kind of expect where the bar may fall this year, or you could just totally be caught off guard.

So without further ado, I have assembled my dream list of bands who I think aren't too big, but are small enough to play the festival. First off, I'm not saying any of these bands will be there or should be there, I just think they'd be good draws for the festival. Secondly, I think the festival is headed this direction. Not necessarily these bands in particular, but I think they're becoming the type of festival that has bands of this caliber as the main draws.

Passion Pit, Akron/Family, Deer Tick, Josh Ritter, David Ford, John Vanderslice, Ryan Bingham, Ben Sollee, Justin Townes Earle, Bon Iver, Lykke Li, Extra Golden, Deerhunter, Gaslight Anthem, Ra Ra Riot, Cloud Cult, Chairlift, Camera Obscura, Cage the Elephant, Dear and the Headlights, Blitzen Trapper, Those Darlins, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Portugal. the Man, The Knux, Delta Spirit, Friendly Fires, Manchester Orchestra, Hockey, Alberta Cross, Sam Roberts Band, Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam, Dan Dyer, Joe Pug, Kevin Devine, Rachel Goodrich, Sarah Siskind

ACL Lineup Coming Soon...

Creators of the Austin City Limits Music Festival will be releasing the initial artist lineup on Tuesay, April 28.

But to hold you over for the next couple of days, here is a list of those confirmed thus far:

Pearl Jam
Dave Matthews Band
Beastie Boys
Kings of Leon
John Legend
The B-52's
Thievery Corporation
Mos Def
Ghostland Observatory
Sonic Youth
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Levon Helm
Passion Pit
Papa Mali
The Knux
Preservation Hall Jazz Band

End of an Era or a New Beginning?

After seventeen years, a few lineup changes and a world tour (kind of), the local alt-pop band, Fizzgig, has called it quits. If you missed last night's final goodbye at the Southgate House, then you missed your chance.

An impressive crowd filled the Ballroom floor, while Fizzgig churned out twenty or so-something songs spanning over their entire career. My personal favorite was frontman Evan Brass's work on the fretboard during "Don't Know Why."

There was no better way to end this band's career, than by what they did last night. They brought up every single member who had played with the band at some point over the years, showcasing the different personalities of this band called Fizzgig.

It doesn't all end there, however. Brass has another local band, The Victory Kids, although Evan is supposedly moving to California. I'm not really sure if he's taking that band out that way, but whatever happens, good luck, I'm sure you'll do fine. Drummer Mike Paolucci already has another project going, The Koala Fires, one of the most talked about, up-and-coming bands in the area.

So with that, we come to the end of this era. From the days of playing CovCath talent shows, to the shows they've played in Europe, and including everything in between, as a CCH alumnist, I'd like to say congrats and good luck to all of the guys in Fizzgig, present and past.

Swedish Indie Rock & Electronic Jambands

A couple of great concerts in Northern Kentucky tonight...

In Newport...

Peter, Bjorn & John are playing the Southgate House tonight, along with openers, Chairlift.

Peter Moren, Bjorn Yttling and John Eriksson formed the band nearly ten years ago in Stockholm, with influences ranging from '60s baroque pop to new wave. But it wasn't until just a few years ago, that they began to garner worldwide critical acclaim, thanks to the whistling sounds of their single, "Young Folks."

Chairlift is an electronic, indie-pop band, that formed in Boulder, Colorado just a few years ago, where they set out to make background music for haunted houses. Soon after, they relocated to Brooklyn, where they continued to develop their hypnotic sound, while playing shows with bands like MGMT and Yeasayer.

The show kicks off at 9:30, while tickets are $25 at the door.

Also at the Southgate House tonight, is a free show in the lounge with The Seedy Seeds, The Toy Band and Love in October. They start at 9pm, and once again, it's free.

In Covington...

Summer festival favs, The Disco Biscuits, are also in town, playing the Madison Theater tonight.

Formed in Philly in '95, the band known to their fans simply as Bisco, they play long, extended jams, often playing songs backwards. Call them an electronic jamband, say they're trance-fusion, call it livetronica or even prog rock, say what you will. Bisco are at their best in the live setting, where they like to shake things up, all the while getting you to shake your ass to their delicious grooves.

The show is $18 and starts at 8:30.

A Little Something I Put Together for Inforoo

Click here.

First Bands On-Tap for MidPoint

Over the past several days, Cincinnati's MidPoint Music Festival, has been revealing artists that are playing this year's festival, via their twitter account. I guess they call that tweeting. Or if your mind tends to stay in the gutter, I guess they call that twatting...

Anywho...

Here are the first four artist's signed on for this year's festival:

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
A former member of the Drive-By Truckers, Isbell left the band in April of 2007, and released his debut solo album just months later. He later assembled a backing band, the 400 Unit, and together as a band, they have released one album, the self-titled album released just a couple of months ago.

The Subjects met in high school - two were students, the other two were teachers. Psych/Pop-Rock out of Brooklyn. Currently touring with White Rabbits...

Middle Distance Runner
I have not heard this band yet, but many great things have been said about them...

SPIN Magazine "These insanely catchy rockers (think the Strokes) are the city's pick-to-click for mainstream success."

Paste Magazine "With a growing regional fan-base and a name that's beginning to be heard across the country, Middle Distance Runner could be on the verge of something big."

On Tap Magazine "What is so remarkable about Middle Distance Runner is the maturity that their songs possess, especially given the fact that the majority of them are younger than 24. In putting together their first proper record, this DC based band invokes the best of Radiohead, U2, Doves and others, but remains a unique voice unto itself."

Wussy
One of Cincinnati's best. Formed by Chuck Cleaver (of Cincinnati music legends, the Ass Ponys) and Lisa Walker. Their fourth release (a self-titled album) was released just two days ago...

In all, the festival will probably include a couple hundred bands or so, taking over downtown, Over the Rhine and Northern Kentucky bars and clubs, from Septemeber 24-26.

Expect the festival to be the biggest and most badass yet...

Lollapalooza Unveils 2009 Lineup

Among those performing at the three-day, Chicago music festival are headliners Depeche Mode, Tool, The Killers, Jane's Addiction, Beastie Boys and the Kings of Leon.

Other bands signed on include the legendary Lou Reed (of The Velvet Underground), Ben Harper's new hard-rock band called Relentless 7, the multi-cultural sounds of Thievery Corporation and hip-hop dope fiend, Snoop Doggy Dogg!!!!!!

For the full lineup and more information on Lollapalooza 2009, please click here.

Bonnaroo Updates

A lot of news in the land of Bonnaroo:

David Byrne Curated Stage
Aside from playing his own set, David Byrne, founding member of The Talking Heads, will be hosting the first ever artist curated stage in Bonnaroo history, on Friday, June 12.

What this means, is basically that Byrne will be hosting/overseeing/introducing several bands, that were handpicked by him to play the festival. These artists include Ani DiFranco, Santigold, St. Vincent, The Dirty Projectors and Katzenjammer.

Also expect Byrne to sit in on some songs with these artists.

More Band Additions
American Princes - hard, indie rock

Belleville Outfit - a country version of a jamband

Ben Sollee - Kentucky native, celloist from Abigail Wasburn's Sparrow Quartet, has played with everyone from our very own, Kim Taylor, to Jim James (of My Morning Jacket)

Black Lillies

BrakesBrakesBrakes - in England they're simply known as Brakes, but in the US, they're known as brakesbrakesbrakes...they play punked-up versions of rock, country, folk and surf....

Cotton Jones - indie-pop, folk-rock, gospel and soul with a small-town sound

Dear and the Headlights - Arizona indie-rock similar to Manchester Orchestra and Margot & the Nuclear So & So's, currently touring with Jimmy Eat World and Paramore....

Madi Diaz - "a staggering voice, poignant melodies and innovative arrangements"

Dirty Guv'nahs - loud rock music

Dirty Sweet - hard, southern, stoner, garage-rock out of San Diego, for fans of Year Long Disaster and Rose Hill Drive

Dan Dyer - gospel and soul singer/songwriter, full of beautiful melodies...

Justin Townes Earle - he's the son of the legendary Steve Earle, and the godson of the legendary Townes Van Zandt...so if you know about those two, you have to figure Justin is probably a decent songwriter himself...

Everest - a band from L.A. made up of members of Sebadoh, Alaska!, The Watson Twins, Great Northern and Stanford Prison Experiment, they have already toured with Neil Young and My Morning Jacket, thanks to their debut "Ghost Notes" which was released just shortly over a year ago...

The Features - longtime vets of the Murfreesboro, TN scene, these indie-rockers won a spot to play Bonnaroo in a band competition...

Fiction Family - a collaboration between Jon Foreman (of alt-rock band, Switchfoot) and Sean Watkins (of bluegrass band Nickel Creek)...together, they mold influences from opposite ends of the spectrum, bringing together alternative rock, folk and christian music...

The Giraffes - Brooklyn's metal, punks, known for rowdy live performances

The Heavy Pets - a funky, jamband for those into U-Melt, The Breakfast and Perpetual Groove...

Jedd Hughes - Australian country, singer/songwriter that fans of Keith Urban and Dierks Bentley will enjoy...

Jerry Hannan

Jets Overhead - another fine indie-rock band out of Canada, they've mesmerized crowds with their hypnotic take on trance-rock

Ki: Theory

Kuroma - spacey, psychedelic, guitar-driven rock for fans of Wooden Shjips and Dead Confederate

Jessica Lea Mayfield - not even 20 years old, Jessica is well beyond her years, both in her quick rise to fame, as well as the sound she creates, mixing country, folk and soul...currently touring with Ray LaMontagne, she has also worked with The Black Keys and members of Dr. Dog...

Erin McCarley - a female, contemporary singer/songwriter, whose music has appeared on Grey's Anatomy...she's also part of Ten Out of Tenn...

Moonalice (pronounced moon-a-lease) - a jamband combining elements of roots, blues, psychedelia and folk. They're a supergroup that includes G.E. Smith - recognize that name? (he's the former Saturday Night Live band leader), as well as members of Bob Dylan's Band, Phil Lesh and Friends, Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna and David Nelson and Friends...

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - an indie-pop, dance-punk, rock band from Seattle, who garnered considerable attention even before releasing a single song

MyNameIsJohnMichael - a New Orleans native with a remarkable story. In late 2007 he decided it was time for a change. Beginning in 2008 as a solo artist, he would write one song a week over the entire year. By the end of the year, he in fact did have 52 songs, but more importantly, several musicians joined in on the project with him including members of Rotary Downs, Antenna Inn and Big Rock Candy Mountain....

Nikhil Korula Band - returning to Bonnaroo this summer, these guys have toured with the likes of both John Mayer and OAR. Ultimately a jamband, they blend sounds of calypso, reggae and African and Latin grooves...

Julia Nunes - a ukulele playing, singer/songwriter from upstate New York, Julia's career first took off thanks to internet sites like YouTube and MySpace, thanks to some amazing covers, however, she has already released two albums of original material being sold around the world

Outernational - a political band from New York, combining elements of hip-hop, punk, ska and world music, thus creating a "raw and uplifting" stage show

Phoenix - indie, electronic, French pop/rock

Joe Pug - Only in his young-twenties, this Dylan-like folkie, singer/songwriter has quickly garnered near universal critical acclaim, establishing him as one of his generations most respected songwriters

Russian Circles - an instrumental, post-metal/post-rock trio from Chicago, who play epic, sprawling music going from heavy to soft, similar to bands like Pelican, Minus the Bear and Caspian

Sons of Bill - southern, country-rock band of brothers from Charlottesville, VA

Those Darlins - one of the year's best, up-and-coming, all-female groups...raucous, cheerfully sarcastic, booze-filled live shows...mixing country, punk and rock...received a "Best of Nashville" nod in 2007, as well as "Best Local Rock Band Who'd Be at Home on the Grand Ole Opry"

Tobacco - the frontman of the band, Black Moth Super Rainbow, this electronica artist also known as Tom Fec, his music is powered by analog synths, hip-hop beats, tape machines and vocoders, rather than guitars

Turbine - Relix Magazine had this to say about them..."Their sound is exhilarating, with flurries of melodic guitars and wailing harp propelling complex improvisations"

Vertigo - an experimental, alternative-rock band out of Knoxville, TN

Roger Alan Wade - While he's written songs for country legends like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Hank Williams Jr, Wade's solo career took off thanks to promotional assistance from his cousin, Johnny Knoxville, where his music has appeared on the television show "Jackass"

William Elliott Whitmore - With a voice sounding decades older than he is (think Tom Waits), Whitmore's songs about death and love have the lyrical context of a Johnny Cash

Zee Avi - Malaysian female singer/songwriter signed to Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records label

Dave Matthews Band Offers Up New Single

The Dave Matthews Band recently offered up a free download of the first single, "Funny The Way It Is", from their upcoming album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. Download the track via their website here. The album will be released June 2 on RCA Records. The name "GrooGrux" was a nickname of the late LeRoi Moore, the founding saxophonist band member who was with the band for seventeen years.

I downloaded the track earlier today, and as a Dave Matthews Band fanatic since the mid-90s, I would like to offer up my honest opinion, as I have seen the bands highs and lows.

The song starts off with an orchestrated, choir-like stringed symphony and gently brings in some quiet taps of the bongos, which are sounds that are rather unfamiliar with any of the band's previous efforts.

The electric guitar comes in, maybe from Tim Reynolds, with a catchy riff that you'll end up hearing all throughout the song. There's a soft, calmness in the sound of Dave's voice as he sings "Lying in the park on a beautiful day...sunshine in the grass and the children play..."

Carter Beauford quickly jumps in, with his rash drumming style, while the violin playing of Boyd Tinsley remains as graceful and heartfelt as ever.

They jump into the typical, pop-rock sounding chorus, which will probably put them on the radio, however, the quick jam that follows and leads back into the verse should leave plenty of room for an impromptu jam session during the band's live show.

They basically continue with the same verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge setup you typically see in pop-rock songs that you'll hear on the radio. There's some nice solo work though, from Tinsley on the violin, and Reynolds on the electric guitar. They even add a few notes on piano towards the end, but before you know it, the song is over.

The way that the song ends so quickly, leads me to believe that this could be one of those songs that the band continues to just jam out to in concert, leading into another song, although, don't rule out the possibility of them playing it just like it is on the record.

Like any new song, it generally takes some listening until you feel comfortable and at home with what you're hearing. My main concern with the band and the album is just that.

I've been listening to the band for nearly half of my life, most of their career, and this will probably be the album, not that makes or breaks them, but rather, this will be the album that will ultimately decide the direction the band takes in the future.

As I listened to this song, over and over, over the past few hours, of course the first thing I noticed was the abscence of saxophonist LeRoi Moore.

I fell in love with this band long ago, partly due to the live show that they present. Hell, they were the band that made me fall in love with live music.

As far as their sound goes, it was what LeRoi brought to the band in particular, simply because it was something rare in pop-rock groups, something a lot of bands have not done before or after.

The Dave Matthews Band used to have some jazz in their music, but I have to say, those days are gone. We all pretty much knew this when LeRoi passed away late last summer, but I guess it just didn't hit me until I heard this song.

In the 25+ times I have seen the band perform, I have only seen them once play without a sax player, something they had hardly ever done in their entire career. That was last year's show in Cincinnati, however, it was still a great show, it just didn't feel right.

Now they can bring in Rashawn Ross (of Soulive) on the trumpet, Tim Reynolds on the guitar, and anyone else they want to bring to add to the mix. I respect the work that both of these musicians have done with and without the DMB, and chances are, I'll probably dig anyone else they bring in.

The loss of LeRoi just doesn't feel right. It's not the same band, it never will be. This album will be the biggest turning point in the band's career, but I'll never leave their side.

I'll continue listening and going to shows until they quit or I no longer can physically do so. They were the band that showed me how much greater a live performance was than regular studio work.

The spark that was lit in the beginning when I fell in love with the DMB may not shine as bright as it once did, but I'll never blow out the flame that lights that candle.

Another Congrats to CincyPunk

Congratulations, once again to everyone involved with this past weekend's CincyPunk Festival.

Over $5,000 was raised this past weekend for the Animal Adoption Foundation.

Since CincyPunk Fest 3 (in 2005), over $23,000 has been raised for a number of local charities.

Congratulations again guys and girls!

San Fran's Outside Lands Festival

In only its second year, this end of August festival that takes place in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is quickly becoming one of the go-to festivals on the west coast.

Recently, they announced their initial artist lineup, which includes former Cincinnatians, The National and the Heartless Bastards. Are the Heartless Bastards still based here? I know Erika moved to Austin, TX last year, but I'm not sure if they're technically/politically correctly still based here...anyways...

The festival will be headlined by Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band and the Beastie Boys. The lineup also includes some bands that are somewhat new to the festival circuit including Incubus, Black Eyed Peas, Jack White's new band The Dead Weather (Jack's the drummer, although he's no stranger to summer music festivals) and Tom Jones. Wait. Tom Jones? Okay...that's different.

Some of the other acts (my favorites that is) for the festival include The Mars Volta, Modest Mouse, Band of Horses, TV on the Radio, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Brett Dennen, Built to Spill, JJ Grey & Mofro, Deerhunter, Akron/Family, John Vanderslice, Portugal. the Man, Ryan Bingham and Extra Golden.

Because I live out here in the midwest, chances are I'll never hit up a festival on the west coast, I just thought this festival was worth mentioning.

Speaking of west coast festivals, Coachella officially kicks off the outdoor festival season this weekend, with what I think is a pretty damn good lineup. Headliners include Paul McCartney (say what you will about him, but who never liked The Beatles at somepoint in their life?), The Killers, with The Cure closing out the festival on Sunday.

I was looking over the stage schedule (I do this for every festival, just to see who I would see if I was going), and I have to say that both Friday and Saturday are some of the strongest days I've seen in past festivals.

Aside from McCartney, some of the big conflicts of the day include choosing between Franz Ferdinand, Conor Oberst and Crystal Castles...The Black Keys, M. Ward, Los Campesinos! and The Hold Steady.

Saturday's probably my favorite day of the festival, which includes TV on the Radio, Band of Horses, Franti & Spearhead, Fleet Foxes, two sets from the Drive-By Truckers (one being fronted by Booker T. Jones), Blitzen Trapper, Dr. Dog, Liars and Cloud Cult.

The highlight for Sunday most likely won't be headliners, The Cure, however, the long awaited My Bloody Valentine reunion will probably garner the most buzz (they're opening for The Cure). Aside from that, Sunday appears to be the weakest day (according to my tastes), with only Peter Bjorn & John and Devendra Banhart. I really like Okkervil River, the Gaslight Anthem and Friendly Fires, however, those three are playing at the same time.

Although different styles of music, all of these bands are great, and a festival wouldn't be complete without missing something great. I'm still working on a way to be in twenty different places at one time because, when I attend Bonnaroo this year, I'm sure I'll be let down and upset when I realize who I'll get to see and who I'll have to miss...

Anyways, just thought this festival was also worth mentioning. To those of you lucky enough to be able to afford the first festival of the season or live close enough, have a great time...I hate you. Okay...I don't really hate you, I'm just jealous I can't afford every single festival on the planet.

Local Band of the Day

State Song

(Experimental/Indie Rock/Post-Punk)

Every so often, a band comes around that just completely blows your mind. When you witness them in concert for the first time, it feels as if they have put a stop to time. You're standing there amongst the crowd, almost lifeless, gazing up at the band members, trying to comprehend how in the hell they are creating the sounds you are hearing. One such experience occured to me at this past weekend's CincyPunk Music Festival. That band was State Song.

A band that formed in November of last year, State Song have only done so much as release a three track demo. According to their MySpace page, they practice a lot, however, they only have a handful of shows under their belt. They'll be celebrating the release of their full-length debut on July 11 at Northside Tavern.

While I wish I could go back in time to relive their set from this past weekend, you'll just have to settle for what I'm hearing now, as I listen to the demo over and over.

The three tracks on the demo are all over the place. But don't take that the wrong way. In my opinion, a great demo is supposed to showcase everything that you can do. This is a great look of what is to come of this band.

We begin with "Highway Machine." Fuzzy, distorted guitars, hypnotic drum beats from George Jesse and scratchy Thom Yorke-like vocals from Scot Torres.

The second track, "4 to 6 PRN", has a clean guitar sound, while Scot's lyrics become a bit softer and more clear. George is riding the cymbals, which seem to build up, leading the song into an almost metal band feel. The only thing I've noticed thus far, is that the bass playing of Matt Hemmingway seems to get lost amongst the guitar, vocals and drumming.

The last track is what I guess you would call their ballad. "Skeleton Key", unlike any of the previous tracks, is based around the piano, a lead guitar lick that cries out and Scot's soft-spoken lyrics. There's a sorrowful, melancholic feel in the lyrics, especially when Torres cries out, "The thing's that matter don't matter anymore...the keys hit the floor." The track changes in both mood and pace, showing one of the stronger points of the band, going from quiet and slow, to loud and fast. It's at this point, when the band goes into a noisy, beautiful symphony of sound, much like you will find with the band Explosions in the Sky.

If there's anything to learn from this fairly new band, it's that Cincinnati is full of amazing talent that just seems to pop out of nowhere. I wouldn't be suprised if these guys are nominated, or win for that matter, at the 2009 CEA's for "Best New Artist."

A Message from Adam Rosing, CincyPunk.org

I just wanted to personally thank all of the bands, volunteers, Southgate House staff, and fans for making the trek to CincyPunk Fest 8 and enjoying TWO fun nights of independent local music.

Both nights of the festival blew me away as I saw a lot of great friends and caught up with a lot of old friends... and the turnout? Well, let's just say both nights were packed and Saturday even sold out!

Also, a special thanks to Spodie, Pincushion, and Saturday Supercade for getting back together for the show. When the idea was proposed months ago I figured it would be a great idea that had no legs. To have all three of them play reunion shows was ridiculous!!! Thanks guys!

Anyways...We should know the total amount of money raised for the Animal Adoption Foundation by Wednesday afternoon and we will present a check to them shortly thereafter.

Despite this being the most expensive festival I have ever done it should also be the most profitable for the charity.

I will be adding pictures and video in the coming days of performances at the fest.

Thanks again for all of the support! We look forward to doing it again next year!

Adam Rosing

CincyPunk Night Two

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Southgate House this weekend, to support CincyPunk VIII, local music and the Animal Adoption Foundation.

Because of you, it was officially a sold out house on night two. Night one wasn't quite there, but it was damn close.

Congratulations and thank you!!!

Some personal highlights of night two:

The Frankl Project
Moxy Monster
State Song
John Walsh

Look for a full night two review tomorrow afternoon...

CincyPunk Night One

The eighth installment of the CincyPunk Music Festival descended upon the Southgate House last night, bringing in the masses, as well as one of its most diverse lineups to date.

Before the music began, the Ballroom seemed to be the popular hangout. New friends were made, while old friend's reunited. Free burritos were eaten, sponsored by Chipotle, and the booze and whiskey flowed smoothly (or harshly depending on what you were drinking), thanks to a full, friendly staff of bartenders.

Mad Anthony was the first band to kick things off, beginning right on schedule in the ballroom. Formerly known as The Black Scabs, the band regrouped, renamed and rediscovered their sound, resulting in straight up punk rock, set to the beating of hard pounding drums and layers of guitar effects.

Making friendships along the way with guys like Mike Montgomery (Thistle, Ampline, Tiberius Records), Jerry Dirr (Knife the Symphony, Phratry Records), as well as bands like the Strongest Proof and Banderas, Mad Anthony now has the support and mindset to take the local music scene by storm. I guess you could even say they sound a bit like a storm. One big, mad storm.

The next band to take the stage were The Koala Fires. Read all about them here in a special article written for Metromix, from former CinWeekly reporter Rich Shivener.

New Indie Rock from The Koala Fires

After The Koala Fires finished, I quickly made my way up to the third floor parlour to catch what would become, in my opinion, the evening's most energetic show.

duppy a jamba definitely brought a different vibe than what you'd come to expect at a punk festival, no moshing or screaming, but judging by the crowd's reaction, no one seemed to mind.

They're a seven piece outfit, who combine a number of elements such as reggae, ska, jazz and world music, while using a variety of instruments that feature several drums and horns.

The whole parlour was skanking (what I call ska dancing) along to their blend of reggae and ska

I lost track of time due to the fun I was having at duppy a jamba, so I ended up getting back down to the ballroom for Turnbull AC's, much later than I expected.

One of the area's best songwriters: Dan Mecher of The Turnbull AC's

After catching the last couple songs from Mecher and company, it was back upstairs for Knife the Symphony. These two guys and girl will make your head hurt and your ears bleed. Dark, heavy and loud, the trio creates a sound that continues to grow until it suddenly explodes.

Knife the Symphony: a symphony of razor-sharp noise

After nearly going deaf upstairs, my ears told me it was time to hear an acoustic guitar. I got to the lounge just in time to hear Tuck Me In covering the popular tune, "Wagon Wheel."

Bob Dylan left the song unfinished, only writing the chorus part which goes "Rock me mama..." The song was later finished and made popular by Old Crow Medicine Show. A number of artists include it in their repertoire, ranging from Against Me! to Little Feat, as well as locals The Tillers.

Tuck Me In had a good time and a good turnout, filling the lounge with mostly college kids

I hurried downstairs to see how the pro's do it, which would be the band Thistle. Currently celebrating fifteen years together, they have served as an inspiration for a lot of the younger bands in the area, not just with the evolution of the music they've written, but also with the professionalistic approach that they take.

Thistle: Still blowing people away

It was back upstairs to the lounge, where I had to catch the buzz that has surrounded Wake the Bear over the past several years.

You couldn't describe it better than in the way Mike Breen (CityBeat) put it: "A humble, dreamy lushness is crafted with acoustic guitars, keys, synths, layered voices and heart-swelling string sounds, all tied together by Cunningham's emotive, vivacious lead vocals, which have the kind of effortless elasticity that only truly great singers can pull off..."

Scott Cunningham, aka Wake the Bear

White Girls. Honestly, I don't remember...

The Hotties of Stick Figures - the Wonk and Sarah

Wonky Tonk sings like an angel

Nick Mitchell of Wonky Tonk adds the extra flavor to their sound on the melodica

The Sign Seen 'Round the World

The Seedy Seeds remain a Cincinnati & CincyPunk favorite

The biggest mystery of the evening, The Guitars, packed the parlour from front to back, for their first ever live performance

Headliners and CincyPunk fav/vets, Alone at 3am, closed the evening's festivities