(All this week, ENS writers are gearing up for the MidPoint Music Festival here in Cincinnati. Today, Caitlin runs down here 5 most anticipated bands that are playing the festival this weekend!)

Personal criteria: no bands I had already seen before (sorry Pomegranates and Peter Adams!), and the bands are listed in chronological order.
Also, Joe is a cruel, cruel person for asking us to narrow down 250+ bands to a mere 5. There’s just too much I want to see, damn it!

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
Thursday, 9:30pm
Grammer’s
Deep down, there’s still part of me that still has a crush on Ryan Adams circa Heartbreaker. That part of me would be extremely disappointed if I missed this show.

Amo Joy
Friday, 11 p.m.
Inner Peace Holistic Center
Every song is like a carnival curated by the Elephant 6. I hope they’ll have funnel cakes.

The Baltic Sea
Friday, 11:30 pm
Contemporary Arts Center
This from Portland, Maine projects videos as a backdrop for their experimental post rock. With influences like Sigur Ros and Radiohead, how could this show be bad?

The Dø
Saturday, 11:30pm
Contemporary Arts Center
Apparently The Do and I share an affinity for electronic beats, hand claps, and a call and response (“Playground Hustle”).

Buffalo Killers
Saturday, 12 am
Southgate House Ballroom
Cincinnati psych garage rock + beards = heck yes.

Also check out:
John the Savage
Thursday, 9:30 pm
Know Theater

Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
Thursday, 11:30 pm
Contemporary Arts Center

Lightning Love
Thursday, 11 pm
The Segway Room

Flotation Walls
Saturday, 9 pm
Subway Bar & Lounge

(Come back to ENS for festival previews and coverage all week long!)