Now that individuals are more or less settled into the New Year, festival season has rapidly approached and everyone is scrambling to put together his or her Bohemian-esque outfits. While up and coming and established clothing lines are releasing an array of Festival-themed outfits, up and coming and established musicians are releasing albums and tour dates for the 2016 season. Coming up next in April is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival, Sunfest.
Before diving in, the basics of Sunfest are set to take place in West Palm Beach, Florida from April 27-May 1. tickets range from $35-$75 and there is no camping included. These are the top five bands to have on your radar during the 5-day festival.
Alabama Shakes
Performing on the Ford Stage from 7:25-8:55 p.m. on Sunday, May 1 is Grammy Award winning band, Alabama Shakes. Garage soulsters Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, Zac Cockrell and Steve Johnson have made their mark in Rock music, stemming from Front woman Brittany’s ability to make listeners envision both Janis Joplin and Otis Redding with her powerful vocals on latest album Sound and Color. From Brittany’s eerie falsetto flowing throughout each song, to Steve’s funky bass drum hits, Alabama Shakes is a must-see at Sunfest.
The Roots
On Saturday, April 30from 4:15-5:45 p.m. also on the Ford Stage is American hip-hop/neo soul band, The Roots. Among one of the most progressive acts in contemporary music, original creators Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson have found a seamless way to incorporate several multi instrumentalists into a functioning hip-hop group. Not only have they amassed platinum and gold achievements with their studio releases, as well as a handful of Grammy awards, The Roots are also in tight partnership with television host, Jimmy Fallon. Always challenging genre restrictions, The Roots are a funky, feel good band for the whole gang to catch at Sunfest.
Fitz and the Tantrums
Also performing on Saturday, April 30 on the Ford Stage is Neo-soul band Fitz and the Tantrums, playing from 9:45-11:00 p.m. Led by creative songwriter Michael Fitzpatrick – he, Noelle Scaggs, Joseph Karnes, John Wicks, Jeremy Ruzumna and James King concoct a delectable blend of Indie Rock and soul. As a septet, their music has created buzz since the early 2000s. Now in 2016, Fitz have announced their latest self-titled studio album, anticipated to drop on June 10. For now, they’ve let their listeners glimpse into the feel of their album with their latest single release “HandClap.” With this upbeat tune, one can expect to envision the Ford Stage’s General Admission area as a pulsating dance floor.
The Bright Light Social Hour
American Psychedelic Rock band, The Bright Light Social Hour is expected to perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage on Friday, April 29 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Members Curtis Roush, Jack O’Brien, Joseph Mirasole, Edward Braillif, A.J. Vincent, Thomas Choate and Ryan O’Donoghue offer the perfect blend of trippy psychedelia and deep-rooted grittiness. Hailing from Austin, Texas, audience members may anticipate dirty Rock n’ Roll, but will instead get psyched out once The Bright Light Social Hour turns up their electronic earthy vibes. With transitions ever so seamless, these guys will allow you to immerse yourself in their kaleidoscope trip of colorful harmonies.
Fireside Prophets
If you intend to start your day a little earlier than usual on Saturday, April 30, head over to the JetBlue stage to catch Boca Raton’s very own Fireside Prophets from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Twisting styles of reggae and rock, Justin “JD” D’Alfonso, Oren “OG” Gross, and Travis “T-Shmeet” Schmeider have cultivated both smooth hip-hop rhythms and the crunchy manner of 90s grunge. Fireside Prophets have coined their own brand of sound as “Dirty South Swamp Rock” ideal for those who daydream about transporting to the warm Southern shores of Florida. Whether floating along on Captain Morgan’s Floating Oasis, or swaying in the middle of an overflowing crowd, Fireside Prophets are a band to keep an eye and an ear out for at Sunfest.
For more information on the festival, visit the Sunfest site.
Photo credit: Sunfest
