Well my Tallstacks preview is a bit belated seeing that it is going on already today, but I doubt most folks will be able to do the whole 5 days anyway, and other will hold out only for Wilco, not that I blame them. For those unfamiliar with Tallstacks, and Im sure the majority of my readership is, its a festival that started here in Cincinnati in 1988 to showcase the historic Riverboats that had and still do roam the Ohio river.

The musical aspect didnt begin until 2003 however when such acts as Nickle Creek, Emmylou Harris, The Jayhawks and Steve Earle played the fest. So, the music is much more on the rootsy side of things. Lots of bluegrass, americana and country acts represented. So even though I dont claim those genres as my faves, there are lots of goodies to be had and here are a few Im really stoked about seeing this weekend.

Wednesday –
Most of todays acts are already in the books or its a bit late to catch them if you are reading this, but if you can, get down tonight to see the Rev. Al Green do his thing, should be lots of fun.

10:45pm – Al Green

Thursday -
Its a bit misleading if you are relying on the Tallstacks website for all the acts, first time through I missed the fact that ENS favorites The Light Wires and Kim Taylor are both taking the stage early Thursday afternoon. Ive written favorably about both here in the past, check those articles out here.
Afternoon turns into a fine southern laced evening as Junior Brown and Roseanne Cash both play as well. And if you are a O Brother Where Art Thou type, Ralph Stanley is also on the bill on Thursday.

2pm – The Light Wires
2:50pm – Kim Taylor
5:45pm – Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys
6:35pm – Junior Brown
10pm – Rosanne Cash

Friday
Some more quality locals keep us entertained Friday afternoon in The Kentucky Struts and the Katie Reider band. I wrote about the Struts here. Friday evening is again loaded with talent, as Loudon Wainwright III, Ricky Skaggs and Tift Merritt all make appearances.

2:05pm – The Kentucky Struts
4:25pm – Katie Reider Band
6:35pm – Loudon Wainwright III
7:25pm – Tift Merritt
9:05pm – Ricky Skaggs and the Kentucky Thunder

Saturday
For me, Saturday is the day not to be missed, and not just for headliners Wilco. Another one of our favorite locals The Heartless Bastards get an early slot that is followed by the likes of Old 97 Rhett Miller, Over the Rhine, Medeski Martin and Wood and Old Crow Medicine Show. Thats more than enough to keep you busy on Saturday.

2:25pm – Heartless Bastards
6:35pm – Over the Rhine
7:25pm – Rhett Miller and the Believers
9:05pm – Old Crow Medicine Show
10pm – Medeski Martin and Wood
10:45pm – Wilco

Sunday
Yes, its not over. Sunday has just enough to allow you to overcome that Saturday night hangover and make you wish work wasnt right around the corner on Monday. Highlights include Blind Boys of Alabama, Buddy Guy and Dr. John.

8:15pm – Blind Boys of Alabama
10pm – Buddy Guy
10:45pm – Dr. John

Overall, lots of great music to be had. Hope to see you down at the festivities this weekend. If you see a guy taking photos that looks most likely to be a blogger and not a real photog, its probably me. Say hello…….

Technorati Tags: Tallstacks, Cincinnati, Riverboats, americana, Al Green, Junior Brown, Ralph Stanley, Loudon Wainwright III, The Heartless Bastards, Rhett Miller, Over the Rhine