Friday
1200 (3 p.m.) vs. Black Pistol Fire (3 p.m.)
Who they are: 1200 (aka Jecorey Arthur) is a Louisville hip-hop staple known for his versatile live performances, as he incorporates strings, choir and various other elements. Black Pistol fire is contemporary blues-rock band, a product of bands like The Black Keys and The White Stripes.
Who you should see: 1200. I was able to sit in on some of the rehearsals that he did for his Forecastle set for last weeks cover story, so I can say with confidence that you dont want to sleep on this set.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals (7:15 p.m.) vs. Bully (7:30 p.m.)
Who they are: Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals are the rock-n-roll side of the soulful, melancholy singer-songwriter. Bully combines pissed-off garage antics with infectious hooks.
Who you should see: Bully. A dose of melody mixed, with fury, is a good late afternoon pick-me-up.
Glass Animals (8:30 p.m.) vs. Ghostland Observatory (8:30 p.m.)
Who they are: Glass Animals are a dreamy, atmospheric blast of electro-pop, while Ghostland Observatory are at the other end of that genres spectrum.
Who you should see: Glass Animals. They bring a lot of different textures and ideas.
Saturday
Shakey Graves (3:15 p.m.) vs. Sarah Jarosz (3:45 p.m.)
Who they are: Shakey Graves is a high-energy, foot-stomping folk-rocker. Sarah Jarosz is a prodigy and virtuoso.
Who you should see: Sarah Jarosz. She has a batch of new songs, and incredible musicianship.
The Arcs (5:15 p.m.) vs. Teddy Abrams and Friends
Who they are: The Arcs are Dan Auerbachs post-Black Keys band. Teddy Abrams is the conductor of the Louisville Orchestra.
Who you should see: Teddy Abrams. The local hip-hop showcase of Dr. Dundiff and Friends at last years festival was one of everyones favorite sets, and I expect Abrams to match that this year.
Local Natives (7:15 p.m.) vs. Nothing (7 p.m.)
Who they are: Local Natives play wide-ranging, harmony-driven indie. Nothing kicks out heavy, shoegaze-y walls of noise.
Who you should see: Nothing. Its the halfway point of the festival your ears need to be sonically attacked to kickstart your brain again.
Big Gigantic (8:30 p.m.) vs. Sylvan Esso (8:30 p.m.) vs. All Them Witches (8:15 p.m.)
Who they are: Big Gigantic is a mobile dance party, Sylvan Esso is interesting electro-rock and All Them Witches pulls from the well of 90s fuzz and 70s classic rock.
Who you should see: All Them Witches. Theyre like what you would get if Queens of the Stone Age, Black Sabbath and hook-heavy contemporary garage-fuzz had a child.
Sunday
Heartless Bastards (3:15 p.m.) vs. Femi Kuti and The Positve Force (3 p.m.)
Who they are: Heartless Bastards play Drive-By-Truckers-like rock n roll filtered through alt-country. Femi Kuti and The Positve Force are the heir to the throne of Afrobeat.
Who you should see: Really, you cant go wrong here.
Gary Clark Jr. (5 p.m.) vs. Saintseneca (5 p.m.)
Who they are: Gary Clark Jr. shells out high-energy blues. Saintseneca weaves early-00s indie with smart pop.
Who you should see: Gary Clark Jr. His guitar work alone is worth showing up for. Then add in an ever-evolving sonic landscape, and it should be one of the better shows of the day.
Brandi Carlile (8:30 p.m.) vs. Washed Out (8:30 p.m.) vs. Speedy Ortiz (8:15 p.m.)
Who they are: Brandi Carlile puts modern twists on folk. Washed Out plays captivating dream-pop. Speedy Ortiz plays grunge-ish indie with great lyrics and interesting time signatures.
Who you should see: Speedy Ortiz. They had to cancel last years festival because of an illness. But, theyre one of the bands Im most excited to see this time around.
This article appears in July 13, 2016.
