Musikfest Picks for Day 1, August 1st

The first day of fest.  The one that everyone wants to get crazy on.  Here’s the music picks for your Friday night, the first of the fest.

But first, a side note.  We make our Musikfest picks by combing through each and every artist that is playing at Musikfest and listening to their music before making our choices.  At the end we have a list of our favorite artists, and from there we make our daily articles.  Some nights have many more picks than others (beware of Tuesday).  It just so happens that the first night of Musikfest has but a few bands we thought were stand-outs.  So, that means you should get out there, have a lot of beer and a lot of food, and maybe take in one of the four bands we thought were the best for Friday.

Fright Barker and Sons – performing from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Volksplatz
Do you remember the Royal Noise Brigade?  The awesome Bethlehem-based ska band who used to set their trumpets on fire and almost caused a riot on Main Street one year?  If not, they were probably the greatest band to come out of this city.  And while they’re not back in their old form, this is the closest reincarnation you’re going to get, featuring one of the leads of the band.  Fright Barker aren’t as punk as RNB was, but they mainain a bit of that spirit mixed with big band and swing.

The Agents – performing from 7pm to 8:30pm at Volksplatz
These guys play some laid back, funky reggae that leans more towards the pop side than anything.  While you’re not likely to see a ton of kids skanking to this band, they’ seem like a good, mellow summer band to kick of Musikfest with after grabbing some food.

The Honey Badgers – performing from 8pm to 8:40pm at Lyrikplatz
This Delaware duo is very, very mellow, playing folky covers and original songs, they have a lot of talent and might be what you’re looking for if you’re having a subdued first fest night.  I don’t really know of anyone who would be doing that, but if you are, this is who you want to see.

HmfO – performing from 9pm to 11pm at Volksplatz
Hall and Motherfuckin’ Oates.  Cover band.  Same people as Start Making Sense.  Bethlehe-based.  That’s pretty much all you need to know.  Be there, mug in-hand.