Warm Evenings

(This post originally appeared on The City Wire.  To see my previous Wakarusa coverage, visit here.)

Programming note: In creating these daily lists, special attention was paid to performance times, not only to facilitate an attendee’s ability to see full sets, but to erase any worry about getting between stages afterward.

72C on SATURDAY (June 4)
• Rebelution (Main Stage — 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.)
It’s always imperative to get your mind right. And there’s no better way to ease into Saturday than with some California suffused reggae via Rebelution. The worry free vibes will flow throughout this Santa Barbara based quartet’s set. Like many of the acts featured at Wakarusa, Rebelution has cultivated a fan base by way of consistent touring and do-it-yourself styled promotion. So, get your shimmy shoes ready and slink along to the infectious reggae.

• Galactic (Main Stage – 2:15 to 3:30 p.m.)
Once Rebelution wraps up, there’s no reason to leave. Stay put for the Galactic. The sound is groove-oriented, but Galactic aspires to weave the disparate elements of New Orleans into their broader sound. The result is an accessible, funky melting-pot that is sure to put a groove in your shoes and a smile on your face.

• MarchFourth Marching Band (Revival Tent – 4 to 6 p.m.)
Next, head over to the MarchFourth Marching Band show in the Revival Tent. As a friend is fond of saying, “horns make everything better.” And this raucous big band brings that adage to life with their epic musical events, tailoring a mass of influences and synthesizes them into one uniquely danceable show.

• Mumford & Sons (Main Stage – 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
From brass to string, it’s time for Mumford & Sons on the Main Stage. With lyrics drawing from a diverse array of literary influences and propulsive, energetic life shows, these English lads have taken America by storm over the past year. In the process, they’ve garnered Grammy nominations and had their February 2010 release “Sigh No More” break onto the Billboard charts. The sound is undeniably rooted in folk, but the group has successfully transformed from an indie-folk darling to mainstream phenomenon. Expect a warm, down-to-earth style that belies the massive success.

• The Budos Band (Revival Tent – 8:30 to 10 p.m.)
And back to horns! The Budos Band are an instrumental band out of Staten Island. As one might expect from a group that lives on a label (Daptone Records) dedicated to the revivalist soul sound, there is a heavy dose of classic 60s R&B sprinkled throughout the group’s songs. Drawing on a variety of (international) influences, The Budos Band creates some of the best instrumental jams this side of Booker T.

• Thievery Corporation (Main Stage – 10:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.)
More international influences can be heard with the Thievery Corporation’s appearance on the Main Stage. This Washington, D.C.-based duo has been making music together since the mid-90s, incorporating elements of dub, bossa nova, acid jazz, hip-hop and more. And despite their amalgamating internationalism, Thievery Corporation has maintained a very organic sound. Their most next album, “The Culture of Fear,” is set to drop in June of this year.

• STS9 (Revival Tent – 12:30 to 2 a.m.)
Head over to the Revival Tent to get one last dance party in for your Saturday. Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) has been making waves throughout the music industry since their formation in the late 90s. The sound features live instrumental rock mixed with electronics. The emphasis is always on the rhythm, meaning you’ll have plenty to dance to during their set.

(This post originally appeared on The City Wire)

Programming note: In creating these daily lists, special attention was paid to performance times, not only to facilitate an attendee’s ability to see full sets, but to erase any worry about getting between stages afterward.  To see the previous posts about Wakarusa, visit here and here.

72C on FRIDAY (June 3)
• Lucero (Main Stage – Noon to 12:45 p.m.)
Friday at Wakarusa is littered with some of the best live performers around. And it all starts off with Lucero at noon on the Main Stage. Led by Little Rock-native Ben Nichols, Lucero has set itself apart with punk tinged country music and relentless touring. Their high-energy, emotive songs have won them dedicated fans the world over. Noon is a tough slot, but Lucero will give you your money’s worth for sure.

• Carrie Rodriguez (Backwoods Stage – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
From Lucero, head down to the Backwoods Stage to take in the soothing sounds of songstress, Carrie Rodriguez. This rootsy violinist has carved out a successful niche within the Americana songscape, most recently with her duet EP with Ben Kyle (of Romantica) titled “We Still Love Our Country.” Rodriguez is one of the better chanteuses today, so do yourself a favor and check out her early afternoon set.

• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Main Stage – 2:45 to 4 p.m.)
The musical pendulum swings back to infectious grooves of the Crescent City with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Shorty and Co. will perform on the Main Stage at 2:45. While the musical maestro is certainly better suited for a night showcase, this is one of the can’t miss events of Wakarusa — the funky, relentless pace will have you a happy camper.  And you’ll walk away not only with tired legs, but with a better appreciation of the musical legacy of New Orleans. And as long as people like Shorty are making music, that legacy is in damn fine hands.

• Langhorne Slim (Revival Tent – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
Catch your breath, maybe grab a bite to eat and then head over to the Revival Tent for Langhorne Slim. Another Waka veteran, Langhorne Slim has set himself apart in the crowded indie singer-songwriter genre as a musician of evocative depth and unyielding energy on stage. His catchy songs will be a perfect counter-balance to the funk of Trombone Shorty and the professional r&b to follow (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings).

• Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Main Stage – 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.)
Following Langhorne Slim, it’s time to mosey back toward the Main Stage for the ruling queen of the revivalist r&b movement, Sharon Jones. The sound harkens back to the glory days of Stax and Motown, bringing to mind performers like Candi Staton or Shirley Brown. With her ace backing band the Dap-Kings, Jones has been creating some of the most exciting live music of the past few years. Don’t miss this show.

• Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses (Revival Tent – 8 to 9:30 p.m.)
Another gear shift as we go from the funky soul songstress Sharon Jones to the country-rock stylings of Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses. Bingham most recently came to the attention of the masses with his song “The Weary Kind,” the Academy Award winner for Best Original Song (Crazy Heart). His gravelly voice and whiskey soaked lyrics have sparked a chord with fans. Bingham & the Dead Horses are a refreshing reminder of what country can be, carrying on the eclectic torch of folks like Waylon Jennings.

• My Morning Jacket (Main Stage – 10:30 to 12:15 p.m.)
From the Revival Tent, it’s time to stake out a place at the Main Stage for headliners My Morning Jacket. This Louisville, Ken., act has seemingly made a habit out of decking the expectations of listeners. From their expansive, fuzzy ambient rock to hair whipping rock and on to their more groove-oriented 2008 release “Evil Urges,” Jim James and crew have continually expanded their musical palette, each release seeming to bring more and more fans into the fold. They are the best kind of major act — unwilling to rest on their laurels and frequently testing the limits of their sound. And none of this even considers their legendary live performances. As much as anything else, it has been these mythic live performances that have pushed the rock outfit into the public consciousness. With the release of their album “Circuital “coming May 31, expect a lot of newer songs. But also expect to be blown away.

Wakarusa 2011 features a diverse, beast of a lineup.

With close to 140 confirmed acts appearing across five stages over four days, figuring out what to do and see during the 8th annual Wakarusa can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, we’re here to take the fretting out of your four day musical pleasure cruise with “Seven to See,” daily break downs offering our suggestions for your day.

Programming note: In creating these daily lists, special attention was paid to performance times, not only to facilitate an attendee’s ability to see full sets, but to erase any worry about getting between stages afterward.

72C on THURSDAY
• Those Darlins (Revival Tent – 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
Things kick off around noon on Thursday (June 2) but the first must-see band of Wakarusa is Those Darlins at 2:30 p.m. in the Revival Tent. This Murfreesboro based garage rock band is gaining critical acclamations for their mix of classic, garage rock with elements of country. And now, with their second album under their belt, the quartet are once again on the road. Expect a stomping good time with three-part harmonies dueling with scuzzy guitars.

• North Mississippi All Stars Duo (Main Stage – 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.)
After Those Darlins wrap up in the Revival Tent, head over to the main stage to hear the North Mississippi All Stars Duo. Comprised of founding members, Cody & Luther Dickinson, the North Miss. Duo will take listeners back to the juke joints of rural Mississippi with their unique manifestation of our American blues legacy.

• Grace Potter & the Nocturnals (Main Stage – 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.)
Once you’ve soaked up the psychedelic tinged blues of the NMA Duo, just stay put because you’ll be in for a special, feminine treat courtesy of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.

Self-described as Tina Turner fronting Sticky Fingers’ era Stones, the act certainly doesn’t fall short for self-flattery. Yet, as arrogant as it may be, the descriptive doesn’t quite fall short: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals come as close as any other modern act to fulfilling that sort of promise. The vocals are emotive, filling the air with plaintive and evocative wailings while being supplemented with some of the grooviest music you’ll hear. By the end of the show, the men will in attendance will want to date Grace, while the women will just want to be her.

• Michael Franti & Spearhead (Main Stage – 8:15 to 9:45)
Ready for a change of pace? Well, stay put for one more main stage showcase and you’ll get it. Michael Franti has carved out a space for himself and his band Spearhead as the quintessential purveyors of a modern distillation of pop-reggae, a style that incorporates elements of hip-hop and rock to create a uniquely positive sound.

Yet, though Franti is undoubtedly the progenitor of this musical legacy that has spawned such massive hits from the likes of G. Love and Jack Johnson, Franti and Spearhead have mostly been in the popular shadows. This isn’t a commentary on the music, but the purchasing tastes of mainstream America. Take the time to experience this beautiful effusiveness for yourself. You’ll be baptized.

• Ha Ha Tonka (Backwoods Stage – 11 p.m to midnite)
After your dip in the waters, meander over toward the Backwoods Stage. There you’ll find some great rock-n-roll from our northerly neighbors in the form of Ha Ha Tonka.

This Springfield, Mo.-based quartet has been quietly producing some of the best modern rock albums in the country over the past few years. Ha Ha Tonka mixes the hillbilly with classic sounds akin to The Band for a sound that is undoubtedly Ozarkian (for those familiar with Missouri, you’ll notice that the band derives its name from a state park). Their most recent album, Death of a Decade, was released this past April. Take this great chance to see the band before their popular stature matches their great music.

• Split Lip Rayfield (Outpost Stage – 1 to 2:15 a.m.)
Take one more step toward the backwoods and head over to the Outpost Stage to hear Split Lip Rayfield at 1 a.m.  This trio features a banjo, mandolin and gas tank bass — yes, an actual gas-tank that is now a bass guitar. Split Lip Rayfield is the frenetic sound of America. The music is unabashedly rural, but far from the sterile pastoralism of many Americana acts. Instead, the music reflects the modern coat of life far from the city, barreling out with breathtaking force and beauty. I daresay that you won’t find a more unique assortment of roots music the entire weekend.

• Kinetix (Outpost Stage – 2:30 to 4 a.m.)
With your heartbeat up, stay put at the Outpost Stage for one last show courtesy of Kinetix. Starting as a lark, this Denver based dance band has become a musical mainstay with their pop-infused rock. The tunes are certain to have your ass moving, so let loose before slinking off to bed.

(This post originally appeared on The City Wire)

The 8th Annual Wakarusa is set to take place just north of Ozark on Mulberry Mountain beginning June 2 and ending June 5.

After its start in Lawrence, Kan., in 2004, Wakarusa made the move in 2009 to its new home nestled in the Ozarks. And by all accounts, the transition from its Kansas origins to a permanent home in Arkansas has been smooth, with revenue and attendance increasing in lock-step with one another over the past two years.

Last year saw attendance reach 18,000, an increase of around 3,000 over 2009. With award-winning acts like My Morning Jacket and Ben Harper headlining the 2011 event, those figures will once more increase.

2011 CHANGES
After selling out the first three pricing tiers for event passes and with the main camping section on grounds also at capacity, the attendance expectations for 2011 are forecasting around 20,000, according to festival director Brett Mosiman.

As the festival gains notoriety, an emphasis has been placed on keeping the experience of Mulberry Mountain and Wakarusa unique. To that end, organizers have instituted an attendance cap on this year’s event.

“We are pretty comfortable as a mid-size festival,” Mosiman admitted.

And though Mosiman said they would be “tickled” to reach the attendance cap of roughly 23,000 people, he felt it isn’t likely to be met.

This has not stopped Mosiman and the Wakarusa team from instigating positive alterations. In addition to the attendance cap, Mosiman related that a second entrance for northern arrivals will be open this year. The purpose of the second entrance should alleviate some of the traffic pressures felt in past years as attendees were channeled through one entrance at the southern part of the grounds.

DIVERSE MUSIC
In its formation, Wakarusa was a festival geared almost exclusively to fans of jam bands. In the earliest years, headliners like Robert Randolph, O.A.R.  and the String Cheese Incident were supported by a wide swathe of bands that would broadly fit into the category of “jam band” or, at the very least, shared characteristics of said genre.

Despite the majority of acts falling firmly within this musical baseline, there has always been an effort to feature acts that didn’t fall into that category.

“I’ve always felt it’s unfair to label Wakarusa a ‘jam band’ festival,” Mosiman said. “It’s certainly a strong influence, but there is a lot of diversity,” he added before ticking off a dozen or so acts that point to the strong cross-section of music featured this year.

And as Wakarusa 2011 draws near, Mosiman noted that the move from Kansas to Arkansas is at the heart of their current fortune.

“Our success is very much linked to the venue and the location,” he said.

To that end, festival organizers have secured a long-term lease for Mulberry Mountain.  Though Mosiman declined to get into specifics, he noted that they were locked into Mulberry Mountain “very permanently. And expect to be there a long time.”

(This post originally appeared on The City Wire)

Once upon a time, as a well-to-do white boy in Arkansas, I loved listening to hip-hop.  The enjoyment first bloomed with Outkast’s Aquemini.  Hearing those tracks altered my conception of what music could be: there was a limitless world beyond Sgt. Pepper’s and Ben Folds Five.

Aquemini – Outkast

I was never any sort of a connoisseur, nor did the music ever alter my day-to-day life.  I didn’t change my clothes or my persona, I didn’t start thinking of myself in a new light.  I simply enjoyed the word play, the witty poetry.  Though the words often bordered on crassness, that tawdriness also made the experience so enthralling (and if you weren’t certain already, my use of “tawdry” should make clear that I have absolutely no street cred).

From Outkast I branched out to respected acts like A Tribe Called Quest and The Coup, to largely unknown artists like Slimm Calhoun simply due to their association with Outkast/Atlanta.

Wear Clean Draws – The Coup

But at some point in the early 2000s, after leaving the confines of the Natural State for Texas, I ceased to listen to hip-hop in any sort of “serious” manner.  The music was always there, but I never sought it out.  My conception of the music was soured somewhere along the way.  I could still appreciate a track here or an album there (especially Outkast), but something of its appeal was lost.  What was once an integral part of my existence disappeared as my life took on a new shape.

And so I’ve spent much of the past decade in a blissful ignorance as to the comings and goings of hip-hop stylings.  That is until I was passed along a track by the Seattle artist, Macklemore.  Titled “My Oh My,” the song is a tribute to the Seattle Mariners recently deceased announcer Dave Niehaus.  As a lover of baseball, I was immediately drawn to it, listening to it several times over.  But where in the past a hip-hop song has caught my ear and nothing more, Macklemore ignited a new found appetite for the genre.  From there I began listening to Big K.R.I.T. and Kid Cudi, I heard Sir Luscious Left Foot with new ears.  During SXSW I went to see hip-hop shows and was blown away by Zion I & the Grouch (as well as the aforementioned Macklemore) at the Mohawk.

So, to Mr. Macklemore way out there in Seattle and to Mr. Matthew Clark who first shared the track with me, my deepest gratitude is extended.  Without “My Oh My” I would still be stuck in a hip-hop neutral world, living each day in the muted tones of Old Crow Medicine Show or some other shit.