Cincinnati Music: Bunbury Music Festival 2013

Bunbury Music Festival -- July 12, 13, 14

Cincinnati's Bunbury Music Festival will host over 70 bands from across the nation in the second edition of this annual festival. Taking place on the Cincinnati Riverfront at Sawyer's Point and Yeatman's Cove, Bunbury contains six stages located along the Ohio River. Ticket sales have already passed last year's inaugural festival and with a sunny outlook on the horizon for once, Bunbury should be a destination for any music lover this weekend. 

Tickets are still available at $65 for single day passes and $130 for 3-day passes. 

Click here now!!

Here are some of the bands you should know about that are coming to town this weekend. 

Friday July 12:  

Notable: Tegan & Sarah, Delta Rae, Fun. 

Buffalo Killers: 6:30-7:15, Ampitheatre Stage

This Cincinnati, Ohio outfit is already on their fourth full-length album, but expect to hear from them again in the future. The Buffalo Killers have already spent time touring with The Black Crowes and recording with The Black Key's Dan Auerbach and the music scene is taking notice. 

Walk the Moon: 7:45- 9:00, Main Stage

Another Cincinnati band that will be lighting up the riverfront, Walk the Moon has seen a quick rise to prominence over the past year mostly thanks to their debut studio album, Walk the Moon, and single "Anna Sun." After playing a headlining show during the opening night of the Bonnaroo Music Festival, expect Walk the Moon to put on a highlight show at Bunbury. 

Tokyo Police Club: 8:30-9:30, Bud Light Stage

Personally, one of my favorite bands playing the entire festival. This Ontario, Canada group really can rock out and they have had more than enough practice doing it. Over the past five years they have played Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and more of the world's top festivals. A must see if you come down this weekend. Plus, their music video has puppies in it!! (SO MANY!)

Saturday July 13:

Notable: The Mowgli's, Robert DeLong, Bear Hands, Twenty One Pilots, Atlas Genius

Chairlift: 5:00-5:45, Rockstar Stage

Caroline Polachek first hit a wide audience when their 2008 single "Bruises" made it on an iPod commercial ("I tried to do handstands for you"). Since then, this Brooklyn duo has found a unique niche writing spacey melodies and collaborations. With the release of their second album, this popular live act will hopefully translate to the outside confines of Sawyer's Point. 

Cake: 7:45-9:00, Main Stage

Honestly, there's nothing I want to see this weekend more than Cake. If you don't recognize the name, you will definitely recognize some of their songs. These guys have been rocking out for years and as fun as Bear Hands will be, there's no way anyone should miss this set. I personally can guarantee at least one trombone solo (likely six) and zero fucks given during the night. Oh, and they are from Sacramento, Ca. so I'm sure I'll be hanging out with these guys, like, all the time. 

Divine Fits: 9:00-10:00, Rockstar Stage

So the pick for this time is either to see the end of Atlas Genius or watch Britt Daniel's new supergroup, Divine Fits. Daniel, frontman for indie-rock outfit Spoon (known for "The Underdog"), teams up with Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade and others to form a group perfect for summer music festivals, already playing to a large crowd at Bonnaroo this year. 

MGMT: 10:00-11:30, Main Stage

A band that has a little bit of everything for indie-rock fans, bros, stoners, and people who just like to jump around. You probably already know this, though. 

Sunday July 14

Notable: Joe Purdy, Belle & Sebastian, Camera Obscura

The Harlequins: 5:00-5:45, Lawn Stage

Another Cincinnati act that is just starting to take off, The Harlequins have toured relentlessly in the midwest and have been mainstays of Cincinnati's MidPoint Music Festival. Expect more than enough rock-n-roll reverb during their set to get you through the day. 

Black Joe Lewis: 7:45-8:45, Bud Light Stage

Black Joe Lewis released their first album on Shake Yo Ass Records in 2007 and have been a music festival mainstay ever since, taking part in just about every major North American festival. Their music is an uptempo mix of blues, soul, and rock that should be perfect for the riverfront. How can I say this? GO SEE BLACK JOE LEWIS.

Yo La Tengo: 8:00-9:00, Rockstar Stage

One of the most universally praised bands at Bunbury, Yo La Tengo is an indie-music fan's dream. Unfortunately for many, their set overlaps significantly with Black Joe Lewis. Now on their 13th album since 1984, Yo La Tengo has built up a cult following of fans with their pop/rock experimentation. 

The National: 9:00-10:15, Main Stage

Matt Beringer and his bandmates in The National will finish off Bunbury 2013 and will surely attract one of the largest crowds at the festival. (Oh really? Who would think that? That's what headliners do.) Most importantly, they are from Cincinnati and have booked headlining sets for Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo while touring in support of their new album, the beautiful Trouble Will Find Me. One of the unique bands in the country today, The National gives a live show filled with pounding, rhythmic drums and Beringer's signature croon. I'll be as close as possible. 

Thanks for reading, I highly recommend that anyone purchases a one or three day pass for this weekend to support the festival. Cincinnati is truly a city on the rise and this is a great way to showcase the riverfront, local bands, and musical bliss. 

Cheers,

Albert

P.S. Happy Birthday Ryan Drews!