Photo by Kai Z Feng via Atlantic Records
Dayna’s Pick
In 2013 I was lucky enough to see Another Day, Another Time: Celebrating the music of Inside Llewyn Davis. I was already a big fan of Inside Llewyn Davis by the Coen Brothers. I mean, please—it was starring a cat.
The musical celebration featured Rhiannon Giddens (amazing), The Avett Brothers, Joan Baez, the genius Patti Smith, Gillian Welch, Jack White and most importantly, Lake Street Dive, who performed a song called “You Go Down Smooth”. I was immediately hooked. Not only did their bassist play upright, but lead singer Rachel Price was captivating beyond words, not to mention one of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen in my life. I began following them (fine, stalking) on the internet and found a video of them covering “Rich Girl” by Hall & Oates.
There’s something that Rachel Price does with the lyrical cadence that fascinates me and makes me want to watch her all day. And yes, I realize that last part me sound like a psycho. There’s just something about her, although I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that collectively they are an excellent band as well.
Come watch them with me at Bottlerock on Sunday so I can share with you the magic.
Arthur’s Picks
This is a solid lineup highlighted with one of the most popular artists in the industry today.
The Revivalists are fantastic live and still have a considerable buzz around them after releasing their hit “Wish I Knew You” back in 2016. I have only ever seen them as an opening act, so I want to see how they handle the big stage and how the crowd reacts to the song that almost everyone at the festival assuredly knows the chorus of.
Mondo Cozmo is another intriguing artist who gives everything he has onstage. His 2017 album Plastic Soul includes one of my favorite songs of last year, the title track, and I am excited to see his full stage performance since I’ve only caught his acoustic KFOG Private Concert and missed his set at Outside Lands (although I had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with him about the unique way he’s dealt with record labels in the past). After missing that show I had to go and watch his performance at Lollapalooza on YouTube, but it’s just not the same man!
Magic Giant puts on a really interesting performance, and even if I’m not totally in love with their songs, I’d go check them out for nothing more than the spectacle and their festival-ready musical energy.
I’d be lying though if I told you that I wasn’t excited to see Bruno Mars. I have never been a fan of his music, in fact, I have never intentionally listened to a Bruno Mars songs, but his reputation as a live performer more than makes of for it. Not to mention I remember being told by a 35-year record industry vet that Bruno was the best live performer he had ever seen. High praise indeed, and more than enough to convince me to check him out. Otherwise, it’d be like going to the zoo and not checking out the lion exhibit!
Honorable mentions to Thievery Corporation and Manchester Orchestra.
Danica’s Pick
I have been obsessed with Manchester Orchestra’s last album A Black Mile to the Surface. I first got hooked on the band when I heard “I’ve Got Friends” in 2009; there was just something about the slightly off-putting chords and the catchy chorus that I fell in love with. The band ventured into a new territory in 2016 when they scored the film Swiss Army Man, which is almost completely comprised of vocals. It’s so incredible, I definitely recommend giving it a listen! It really shows off the band’s creativity and talent. That’s what I love about Manchester Orchestra: they put their everything into their music and I feel like I can really connect to it on a totally different level. It can transport me to new places. I’ll be in the crowd Sunday singing along to this band and hope to see you there!
Alicia’s Pick
This’ll be a bucket list moment for me because I’ve loved Bruno Mars since he did “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson. He’s so, so, so talented; his Superbowl performance was one of my all-time favorites. I can’t wait to see him!