Wakarusa 72C: Friday brings Trombones and a Morning Jacket

Editor’s note: This is the second 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. Link here for the first story in the series.

review by Peter Lewis
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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 FRIDAY (June 3)
• Lucero (Main Stage – Noon to 12:45 p.m.)
Friday at Wakarusa is littered with some of the best live performers around. And it all starts off with Lucero at noon on the Main Stage. Led by Little Rock-native Ben Nichols, Lucero has set itself apart with punk tinged country music and relentless touring. Their high-energy, emotive songs have won them dedicated fans the world over. Noon is a tough slot, but Lucero will give you your money’s worth for sure.

• Carrie Rodriguez (Backwoods Stage – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
From Lucero, head down to the Backwoods Stage to take in the soothing sounds of songstress, Carrie Rodriguez. This rootsy violinist has carved out a successful niche within the Americana songscape, most recently with her duet EP with Ben Kyle (of Romantica) titled “We Still Love Our Country.” Rodriguez is one of the better chanteuses today, so do yourself a favor and check out her early afternoon set.

• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Main Stage – 2:45 to 4 p.m.)
The musical pendulum swings back to infectious grooves of the Crescent City with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Shorty and Co. will perform on the Main Stage at 2:45. While the musical maestro is certainly better suited for a night showcase, this is one of the can’t miss events of Wakarusa — the funky, relentless pace will have you a happy camper.  And you’ll walk away not only with tired legs, but with a better appreciation of the musical legacy of New Orleans. And as long as people like Shorty are making music, that legacy is in damn fine hands.

• Langhorne Slim (Revival Tent – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
Catch your breath, maybe grab a bite to eat and then head over to the Revival Tent for Langhorne Slim. Another Waka veteran, Langhorne Slim has set himself apart in the crowded indie singer-songwriter genre as a musician of evocative depth and unyielding energy on stage. His catchy songs will be a perfect counter-balance to the funk of Trombone Shorty and the professional r&b to follow (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings).

• Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (Main Stage – 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.)
Following Langhorne Slim, it’s time to mosey back toward the Main Stage for the ruling queen of the revivalist r&b movement, Sharon Jones. The sound harkens back to the glory days of Stax and Motown, bringing to mind performers like Candi Staton or Shirley Brown. With her ace backing band the Dap-Kings, Jones has been creating some of the most exciting live music of the past few years. Don’t miss this show.

• Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses (Revival Tent – 8 to 9:30 p.m.)
Another gear shift as we go from the funky soul songstress Sharon Jones to the country-rock stylings of Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses. Bingham most recently came to the attention of the masses with his song “The Weary Kind,” the Academy Award winner for Best Original Song (Crazy Heart). His gravelly voice and whiskey soaked lyrics have sparked a chord with fans. Bingham & the Dead Horses are a refreshing reminder of what country can be, carrying on the eclectic torch of folks like Waylon Jennings.

• My Morning Jacket (Main Stage – 10:30 to 12:15 p.m.)
From the Revival Tent, it’s time to stake out a place at the Main Stage for headliners My Morning Jacket. This Louisville, Ken., act has seemingly made a habit out of decking the expectations of listeners. From their expansive, fuzzy ambient rock to hair whipping rock and on to their more groove-oriented 2008 release “Evil Urges,” Jim James and crew have continually expanded their musical palette, each release seeming to bring more and more fans into the fold. They are the best kind of major act — unwilling to rest on their laurels and frequently testing the limits of their sound. And none of this even considers their legendary live performances. As much as anything else, it has been these mythic live performances that have pushed the rock outfit into the public consciousness. With the release of their album “Circuital “coming May 31, expect a lot of newer songs. But also expect to be blown away.