Summer Camp Music Festival 2013 rapidly approaches! If anyone is feeling the same way I am, you’re about ready to burst with excitement at the very thought of three days of kickass music, beautiful people, and the camping life. Summer Camp returns for its 13th year at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe this weekend. The fest has seen increasing success each year, bringing back more fans and more artists with each go-around. This year’s lineup is so overwhelmingly awesome that many patrons might find themselves splitting time between two acts and covering a lot of ground walking from stage to stage. Still, there are a few acts that shouldn’t be missed — and for good reasons. Here are a few of my top picks (in no particular order), and why you should check them out.
Cornmeal
Chicago bluegrass. For some people, that’s all they need to know! Cornmeal’s appearances will be particularly special this year as they will be the last sets played with Cornmeal fiddler Allie Kral, who officially announced her departure from the band with a heavy heart just over a week ago. These will be some of the last times to catch this amazing musician SHREAD on the fiddle with the rest of her band mates. (She is a force to be reckoned with, people!) Catch Cornmeal on Thursday from 8 until 9 p.m. on the Starshine stage, and Saturday from 3:15 until 4:30 p.m. on the Sunshine stage.
Yonder Mountain String Band
Yonder Mountain String Band’s roots run all the way back to our beautiful city of Urbana. This newgrass group is sure to put on an electric performance this weekend. The band’s chemistry on stage is ever present, and their playing is completely arresting whether they’re furiously picking, or plucking away at slower ballads. They put on a fantastic show at the Canopy Club back in March, playing to a packed crowd. I’m hoping to relive some of those magical moments when they play this Friday night from 6:00 until 7:15 p.m. on the Moonshine stage.
Indigo Sun
Or as I like to call them: the better Big Gigantic. This Chicago based funktronica ensemble is known for their experimental sound. Their live jams are made brilliant with help from the saxophone. IndigoSun pumps out very danceable jams, and keeps everything undeniably funky. And with a humble and we’re-just-here-for-the-music attitude, they bring a wonderful presence to the stage. They played in the wee hours of the morning at Summer Camp last year, but they’ve shown true progress, locking down an evening set this year. You can experience IndigoSun’s live show on Sunday from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Camping stage.
Trey Anastasio Band
He’s last. But he is certainly not least. Trey. Headliners always bring people in for a fest. Smaller bands might sweeten the deal, but there is nothing like taking in the headlining show after days of baking in the sun or wilting in the rain, sleeping on the ground and fending off mosquitoes, eating from a cooler, and doing your business in a potable toilet. The biggest show on the biggest stage in the final hours of your weekend is worth checking out. Founding member and lead guitarist of jam royalty Phish, Trey Anastasio knows how to play a headlining slot. His jams are top notch, and his smile will warm your heart.