It's that lovely time of year again—the time for glorious, free, BYOB bluegrass. The festival lineup is always pretty spectacular, but this year there are some extra exciting names on the bill. Big acts, yes, but lots of listen-worthy little guys as well. If you're not sure who to see this weekend, let us introduce you to a few artists you should definitely check out.
Saintseneca, Friday at noon: This Columbus, Ohio four piece plays scrappy, indie folk rock. Lead singer Zac Little's vocals are an acquired taste, but everything we've heard from the band's upcoming album, Such Things, has been interesting.
Pokey LaFarge, Saturday at 11am: This band plays throwback jazz and ragtime tunes that sound like lost songs from the '20s and '30s. Look out for the band member whose job is to play the washboard covered with bells, bottle camps and noisemakers.
Nels Cline & Julian Lage, Saturday at 1:10pm: Wilco guitarist Cline has teamed up with guitarist Julian Lage to create jazz instrumentals that are filled with glorious six-string noodling.
Robyn Hitchcock, Saturday at 5:05pm: Hitchcock is an English folk surrealist—kind of like a catchier (and less deranged) Syd Barrett.
Charles Bradley & his Extraordinaires, Sunday at 2:30pm: This former James Brown impersonator performs gut-wrenching soul that consistently brings us to tears.
