The National return home to Cincinnati this weekend and are hosting a celebration of music, art and cultural connections. If you are heading down for the Homecoming festivities, The Fire Note has 5 can’t miss artists below you should seek out during your two days at Smale Park.
The good news is that the organizers didn’t overstuff the lineup so it should be fairly easy to get to see your favorite artist. Below are a few we feel should have you walking away completely satisfied with your experience and you can still pick up tickets HERE.
The Breeders
West Stage
Sat 4/28 @ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
If there ever was a time to catch The Breeders live – this is it! Kim Deal has reunited the Last Splash Breeders line-up and is supporting an extremely catchy new record in All Nerve. Not only will the new material fit right into the setlist but I don’t think anyone can wait for the beginning of “Cannonball.” This is a set not to miss because it is going to explode!
The Breeders Website
The Breeders Facebook
4AD
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Moses Sumney
East Stage
Sun 4/29 @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
American singer-songwriter Moses Sumney should put on one of the most etherical performances of the weekend. He is still supporting his 2017 concept album Aromanticism which is about “lovelessness as a sonic dreamscape.” The album simply floats and Moses Sumney should do the same against the Cincinnati skyline on Sunday.
Moses Sumney Website
Moses Sumney Facebook
Jagjaguwar
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Eighth Blackbird w/ Bonnie ‘Prince’ Bonnie & Bryce Dessner
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Sun 4/29 @ 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Eighth Blackbird will join Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy (Will Oldham) and Bryce Dessner (The National) in a performance of Frederic Rzewski’s Coming Together. Frederic Anthony Rzewski is an American composer and virtuoso pianist and his major compositions often incorporate social and political themes. This should set the tone of the performance and combined with the music of Oldham and Dessner it should be special. This is one of several performances at the Freedom Center which I feel give this festival a much different creative vibe.
Eighth Blackbird Website
Eighth Blackbird Facebook
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Julien Baker
East Stage
Sat 4/28 @ 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
There is a reason that Julien Baker’s last record, Turn Out The Lights, landed at number 5 in our best of list for 2017. She is a phenomenal singer/songwriter that puts all her emotion and turmoil right out front so the audience can share. I can’t imagine that her set will be nothing less of perfection and she will show everyone why she is the lead in to The National.
Julien Baker Website
Julien Facebook
Matador Records
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The National
Sat 4/28 & Sun 4/29 @ 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM Both Nights
Sure, this is a given. The National have created their own music festival. That alone is a feat but if you only know them by name – The National live are a completely another experience. For those that say their music can be sleepy – the live show will change your opinion. Playing in front of the Cincy audience will only add to the synergy that will be The National’s first night supporting their latest Sleep Well Beast. As excellent as that will be without question, Sunday night finds the group performing their 2007 record Boxer front to back. This “album highlight” concert will be the perfect closer to the festival and every National fan out there will be wishing they could attend this show!
The National Website
The National Facebook
4AD Records
-Feature by Christopher Anthony
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