Crozet Music Festival’s third year running kicks off tomorrow at noon. This year is the first year they have added a third full day of performances (the previous two years were Saturday and Sunday only).  I encourage everyone to try to make it out, because each day is sure to have its gems. It will definitely be my first time. Here’s a brief list of acts I would suggest making a point to catch:

1. Cricket and the Whip – if I am not mistaken, this is c’ville locals Straight Punch to the Crotch in disguise. I can’t say why they’re playing under a different name, but their synth-party-folk will keep your asses moving.
2. Six Chasing Seven – piano-based pop-rock from Lynchburg with surprisingly infectious hooks and by no means lacking in soul.
3. 6 Day Bender -  banjo-picking alterna-folk; a fairly common genre choice in this region, but these guys don’t make it suck so much!
4. William Walter & Company -  they blend southern rock with folk and blues, but not in the same old way. I think my favorite part of WW’s tunes is his unique and signature vocal style.
5. Chick Tragic and the Roosters – Carleigh Nesbit and Carl Anderson’s down-home bluegrass is easy on the ears and heavy on the fiddle!
6. Trees on Fire - there is never a dull moment with these genre-bending youngsters and I predict a large festival  will be a perfect setting for their indie-synth-jams
7. Downbeat Project – easygoing and groovy with hints of Ben Harper and Jack Johnson.
8. Travis Elliott – you may think you’ve heard him a trillion times with his acoustic at any number of bars and restaurants in town, but if you haven’t caught the full-band show, you haven’t really heard Travis Elliott at all!
9. Horsehead – southern rock featuring former member of Buck Cherry, Cracker and Vinnie Vincent’s band. I’ve only recently become aware of these guys, but I think they could possibly be a highlight of the weekend.
10. Astronomers - one minute they’re dancey, the next, they’re dark and ominous. Served with a heavy helping of piano, spacey guitars and a hot female bassist!

There you have it folks, surely there are ten others that I’ve never even had the pleasure to hear and I certainly hope so. SEE YOU ALL THERE!

Related posts:

1. Crozet Music Festival in Your Face
2. C-ville Music Showcase’s 1 year Anniversary show is Today!
3. 2009 Best/Worst For CVILLE’S MUSIC SCENE