Free Press Summer Fest – Must See Bands

Who do I wanna see at Free Press Summer Fest 2014? I’m glad you asked…

This year the lineup is stronger than ever featuring artists from across the current musical spectrum. And before I start listing the touring acts let me just say this: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BANDS!

Houston is hot right now and so are the bands that call the bayou city home so don’t miss Venomous Maximus, the Ton Tons, Wild Moccasins and New York City Queens while you are sloshing around in the mud yapping about how “totally freaking excited you are to see Jack White!” They’re all playing the festival and pretty soon one of these acts might be headlining (fingers crossed).

Ok, enough babble .. SATURDAY!!!!!!!!

CHVRCHES planted a worm that burrowed deep into my head with their song “The Mother We Share” and it hasn’t stopped wiggling for months. In fact all of their music is like a beautiful virus that just won’t go away. Airy vocals, well seasoned synths over perfectly placed beats (4:30p Neptune Stage).

THE ORWELLS are one of the best bands to appear on the indie scene in the past year or so. Compared to some of the more established acts on the bill, these guys are barely out of diapers. Their music is a little bit garage and a little bit punk with smart lyrics and great hooks. (5:20p Venus Stage).

WELCOME TO HOUSTON is the one set that everyone wants to see. Think about it, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Bun-B, Z-Ro and Devin the Dude all on the same stage at the same time. I’m not sure what it’s going to sound like, but it will be an event. Get your dirty-third-coast rap thing on y’all (6:10p Neptune Stage).

DEFTONES are the undisputed kings of of Low and Slow. Chino Moreno and Stephen Carpenter are the true mad scientists of their genre and they continue to crush it after two decades in the game. They’re like a killer muscle car: heavy as hell, classic lines and bad ass sound (8:00p Neptune Stage).

VAMPIRE WEEKEND is the show for you if you are more hipster than headbanger. Nothing really left to say about this band that you haven’t heard a million times (8:50p Mars Stage).

Round 2 …. SUNDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

J RODY WALSON AND THE BUSINESS can rock a stage the old fashioned way. The band is tight, the songs are excellent and they pump enough passion into each note to make you want to punch yourself in the face for not discovering them sooner. One of the greatest American rock bands touring today (1:40p Saturn Stage).

TUNE-YARDS are the band with the biggest buzz this year. They create a mix of looped vocals, natural percussion, horns and bass that sounds like nothing else right now. The music is hard to describe but I’d bet that this is one of the sets that everyone will be talking about (3:50p Neptune Stage).

THE KILLS pack a heavy punch. They are the most dangerous duo you will probably ever see live. The music can be dark but the songs are sharp and they will cut your fingers. And who knows, maybe Jack White hops on stage for a quick cameo (4:50p Saturn Stage).

KING KHAN AND THE SHRINES spit out their take on blues, r&b and garage rock like only they can. If you like Black Joe Lewis, you are going to love this band. I’ve been hearing about them forever so I’m very anxious to see it live for myself (7:10p Venus Stage)

JACK WHITE …. honestly, enough said. He’s gonna walk out on stage and light the place up. The only thing left when he’s done will be a smoldering crater (8:40p Mars Stage).