Wakarusa 72C: Get the show started with ‘Those Darlins’

Editor’s note: This is the first of four stories in the “Seven to see (72C)” series profiling the musical acts appearing at the Wakarusa Music Festival (June 2-5). Last year saw attendance reach 18,000, an increase of around 3,000 over 2009.

review by Peter Lewis
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Wakarusa 2011 features a diverse, beast of a lineup.

With close to 140 confirmed acts appearing across five stages over four days, figuring out what to do and see during the 8th annual Wakarusa can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, we’re here to take the fretting out of your four day musical pleasure cruise with “Seven to See,” daily break downs offering our suggestions for your day.

Programming note: In creating these daily lists, special attention was paid to performance times, not only to facilitate an attendee’s ability to see full sets, but to erase any worry about getting between stages afterward.

72C on THURSDAY
• Those Darlins (Revival Tent – 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
Things kick off around noon on Thursday (June 2) but the first must-see band of Wakarusa is Those Darlins at 2:30 p.m. in the Revival Tent. This Murfreesboro based garage rock band is gaining critical acclamations for their mix of classic, garage rock with elements of country. And now, with their second album under their belt, the quartet are once again on the road. Expect a stomping good time with three-part harmonies dueling with scuzzy guitars.

• North Mississippi All Stars Duo (Main Stage – 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.)
After Those Darlins wrap up in the Revival Tent, head over to the main stage to hear the North Mississippi All Stars Duo. Comprised of founding members, Cody & Luther Dickinson, the North Miss. Duo will take listeners back to the juke joints of rural Mississippi with their unique manifestation of our American blues legacy.

• Grace Potter & the Nocturnals (Main Stage – 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.)
Once you’ve soaked up the psychedelic tinged blues of the NMA Duo, just stay put because you’ll be in for a special, feminine treat courtesy of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.

Self-described as Tina Turner fronting Sticky Fingers’ era Stones, the act certainly doesn’t fall short for self-flattery. Yet, as arrogant as it may be, the descriptive doesn’t quite fall short: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals come as close as any other modern act to fulfilling that sort of promise. The vocals are emotive, filling the air with plaintive and evocative wailings while being supplemented with some of the grooviest music you’ll hear. By the end of the show, the men will in attendance will want to date Grace, while the women will just want to be her.

• Michael Franti & Spearhead (Main Stage – 8:15 to 9:45)
Ready for a change of pace? Well, stay put for one more main stage showcase and you’ll get it. Michael Franti has carved out a space for himself and his band Spearhead as the quintessential purveyors of a modern distillation of pop-reggae, a style that incorporates elements of hip-hop and rock to create a uniquely positive sound.

Yet, though Franti is undoubtedly the progenitor of this musical legacy that has spawned such massive hits from the likes of G. Love and Jack Johnson, Franti and Spearhead have mostly been in the popular shadows. This isn’t a commentary on the music, but the purchasing tastes of mainstream America. Take the time to experience this beautiful effusiveness for yourself. You’ll be baptized.

• Ha Ha Tonka (Backwoods Stage – 11 p.m to midnite)
After your dip in the waters, meander over toward the Backwoods Stage. There you’ll find some great rock-n-roll from our northerly neighbors in the form of Ha Ha Tonka.

This Springfield, Mo.-based quartet has been quietly producing some of the best modern rock albums in the country over the past few years. Ha Ha Tonka mixes the hillbilly with classic sounds akin to The Band for a sound that is undoubtedly Ozarkian (for those familiar with Missouri, you’ll notice that the band derives its name from a state park). Their most recent album, Death of a Decade, was released this past April. Take this great chance to see the band before their popular stature matches their great music.

• Split Lip Rayfield (Outpost Stage – 1 to 2:15 a.m.)
Take one more step toward the backwoods and head over to the Outpost Stage to hear Split Lip Rayfield at 1 a.m.  This trio features a banjo, mandolin and gas tank bass — yes, an actual gas-tank that is now a bass guitar. Split Lip Rayfield is the frenetic sound of America. The music is unabashedly rural, but far from the sterile pastoralism of many Americana acts. Instead, the music reflects the modern coat of life far from the city, barreling out with breathtaking force and beauty. I daresay that you won’t find a more unique assortment of roots music the entire weekend.

• Kinetix (Outpost Stage – 2:30 to 4 a.m.)
With your heartbeat up, stay put at the Outpost Stage for one last show courtesy of Kinetix. Starting as a lark, this Denver based dance band has become a musical mainstay with their pop-infused rock. The tunes are certain to have your ass moving, so let loose before slinking off to bed.