You’re going to need to sit down for this one.
Middle of the Map Fest has announced the lineup for the local music festival’s second year; and before reading this, you should make sure there isn’t a drink in your mouth to spit out.
The festival is set to take place April 5-7. Organizers added more than 30 bands (topping more than 80 bands total), several stages, and extended the music extravaganza by a day (making it a three-day event).
Here’s a look at the lineup (all the clips are from shows we’ve documented):
Mission of Burma
Neon Indian
Fun
F***ed Up
Murder by Death
El Ten Eleven
White Denim
Deastro
Coalesce
Hooray for Earth
Acid Mothers
Temple
Casket Lottery
The Life and Times
Keep Shelly in Athens
Owen
Chad Valley
Jonquil
A Lull
Elite Gymnastics
Mr. Gnome
Gold Motel
Friends
Capybara
Cowboy Indian Bear
Soft Reeds
Molly McGuire
Reflector
Minus Story
The Esoteric
Season To Risk
Hospital Ships
Nerves Junior
Phantasmagoria
Broncho
Beacon
Ad Astra Arkestra
Thee Water MoccaSins
Deadringers
La Guerre
Motorboater
Everyday/Everynight
Maps For Travelers
Spirit Is The Spirit
Max Justus
Sam Billen
Believers
Akkilles
Beau Jennings
Christopher Paul Stelling,
Baby Teardrops
Saintseneca
Sleepy Kitty
Unicycle Loves You
The icing on the cake? The price barely went up. Tickets are $35. You’d be an idiot not to go.
In our opinion, festivals serve one purpose: to introduce you to live music while promoting the beauty and economy of your community. Last year, we were introduced to several local AND national acts that immediately converted us to lifelong fans. Middle of the Map expanded our musical horizons by a great deal, provided us with an emotional bonding experience (remember how the crowd fell silent and choked back tears when Daniel Johnston took the stage?), and helped us form strong bonds with our local venues and promoters.
We’re also getting a hefty dose of the best new bands the nation has to offer (we’re EXTREMELY partial to Broncho and Hooray for Earth). Legendary bands (like Mission of Burma) are sure to leave us with jaw-dropping performances. We’re also happy to see bands who won our hearts last year return to the festival (A Lull, Casket Lottery).
We are unbelievably lucky to have an event like Middle of the Map. This beats the hell out of every festival across the nation. Why? Because it strengthens our community by putting local bands and venues in the same spotlight as some true legends. For that, we should be grateful.
Now hold onto your butts. It’s going to be a wild ride come that first weekend in April.
For more information on the festival, click here. It wouldn’t hurt to follow them on Twitter either (and while you’re at it, give us a follow as well).
See you at the festival!
Links:
2011 Middle of the Map Fest, Day 1 on I Heart Local Music
2011 Middle of the Map Fest, Day 1 Photo Gallery
2011 Middle of the Map Fest, Day 2 on I Heart Local Music
2011 Middle of the Map Fest, Day 2 Photo Gallery
Middle of the Map Fest official website
Middle of the Map Fest on Twitter
Middle of the Map Fest on Facebook