(All this week, ENS writers are gearing up for the MidPoint Music Festival here in Cincinnati. Ben Lehman runs down his 5 most anticipated bands preview of bands that are playing the festival this weekend!)
I must admit, at first glace, this year’s MPMF line-up seemed slightly disappointing, particularly in the department of big-name headliners. Sure, we’ve got Heartless Bastards coming to town (which is very exciting), but I can think of another artist that could be a bit more stirring so far as we’re talking homecomings… okay fine, they were here in support of Obama for free. I can’t complain. Anyway, I also still feel held-over by Chairlift’s performance of “Bruises” in support of Peter, Bjorn, and John just a few months ago. That’s right, I’m a glutton for Apple commercials.

Still, as I trace over the line-up again for the sake of advance strategy, I’m beginning to notice artist after artist that I would love to see perform live, especially in the exciting atmosphere brought by the still young but fast growing Midpoint. I might just be content between MPMF and MusicNOW after all. Alright, now that my disappointment has shifted from ‘who is there to see’ to ‘how am I going to be able to see everyone I’d like to’, here’s my official plan of action… And no, that’s not exactly what Joe asked for, but here’s to stickin’ it to the man!

Thursday

Take it easy, buy some better earplugs, and mentally prepare myself for Friday and Saturday. In the meantime, I’ll definitely warm up to the likes of:

Look Mexico (Talahassee, FL) // Thursday- 10:00 pm// Know Theatre (Dewey’s Pizza Stage)
These Lujo Records veterans put on a quite entertaining set in the past. Since then, I’ve much enjoyed Gasp Asp, their latest album.

That’s probably not all, but I’ll take Thursday as a night for roaming and enjoying.

Friday
Start the evening with the aforementioned..
Heartless Bastards (Austin, TX)// Friday- Sept. 25th- 9:30// Grammer’s

Then I’ll be rushing over to Know Theatre, where I’ll remain for a while. I’m hoping I’ll make it in time to catch what may be left of Enlou.

Here’s the wonderful line-up at this location for the night:

Enlou// 10:00pm
Javelins// 11:00 pm
Pomegrantes// 12:00am

Typically, I wouldn’t want to miss our local art-pop favorites Pomegranates, however, since I recently got the chance to watch them perform six or seven times in a row on tour, I’m inclined to attempt to catch Anni Rossi at Mr. Pitiful’s at midnight. Nevertheless, fans of Poms can expect a few great new songs from their forthcoming album, and in case I don’t think I’ll make it on time, well, I still won’t be too sour about it.

Saturday

I’ll be beginning my night at Grammer’s (once again), and perhaps moving on to either The Lodge Bar to see Yourself and the Air at 12:00am, or to the Southgate House to see Buffalo Killers at the Tiberius Showcase around the same time. Decisions, decisions. As of now, I’m leaning toward The Lodge Bar, since I missed Yourself and the Air in Chicago (their hometown) a few days ago with Pomegranates.

Grammer’s will be pretty happenin’ all night, though, between:

Eat Sugar// 6: 30pm
Micachu and the Shapes// 8:00pm
Chairlift// 9:30pm