Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes – performing from 5pm to 6:30pm at Americaplatz
This poppy electronica/rock group is one of the most radio-ready bands playing at the fest and have already hit up big festivals like SXSW.
Black Violin – performing from 6:30pm to 8pm at Plaza Tropical
This mash-up group infuses the classical sound of the violin with hip hop for amazingly catchy tunes.
Tall Tall Trees – performing from 7pm to 7:40pm at Lyrikplatz and 8:30pm to 10:30pm on Main Street
Tall Tall Trees is just one dude with a banjo, but he is one hell of an artist. Whether it’s drumming on his banjo and creating loops or hitting the high notes in his single “High Wire”, he’s on point every step of the way.
The Interlopers – performing from 7pm to 8:30pm at Americaplatz
This band full of young guys plays music that is more reminiscent of an era much older than them. Smooth jazzy sounds and funky-pop fuse to create a sound that the the musical equivalent of a sunny day.
Mucca Pazza – performing from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at Volksplatz
This is the band you’ll not want to miss at Musikfest this year. Think March Fourth Marching Band without all of the theatrics and a bit geekier and nerdier. The 20-person marching band and an array of hipster cheerleaders will first be parading around the North side festival grounds starting at 5pm, first hitting Liederplatz, then Main Street, and down to Plaza Tropical. Later on they’re playing at Musikfest’s de facto party tent, Volksplatz.
Jesse Dee – performing from 9pm to 11pm at Americaplatz
Dee’s bluesy riffs and haunting voice set him apart from a lot of other similar acts we listened to this year. And he’s got a long set, so we’re interested to see what he’ll be pulling out.