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Yes, everybody’s excited about DeLuna Fest headliners Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters and Zac Brown Band, and there’s a reason that those bands play mostly unopposed, save a little electronic counterprogramming on the festival’s first two nights.
But earlier in the day, there are almost always at least two acts playing at the same time among the festival’s six stages. That makes for some tough choices.
GoPensacola.com music aficionados Julio Diaz and Eric Heisig, who will be part of the team covering the festival, are here to help. Here, they break down five of the festival’s toughest match-ups and make their picks.
7:30 p.m. Friday
ERIC: There is absolutely no question that I will be going with Guided by Voices. The band has been one of my favorites for a long time, and I have never been able to see them. You can expect me to push my way to the front row, shouting the lyrics to “The Goldheart Mountaintop Queen Directory.” It’s the first night of the festival, don’t expect me to want to chills out to some wispy folk music.
JULIO: “Wispy folk music” isn’t exactly the best description of Trampled by Turtles. The band’s music is way more upbeat than that label would imply, and the raucous, bluegrass-influenced sound is sure to be a lot of fun.
I’ve only recently discovered Trampled by Turtles. A week ago, this was an easy call for the indie-rock legends. But now, I think the better show is coming from the Midwest quintet with the Appalachian sound.
8:30 p.m. Friday
ERIC: When I was younger, I dismissed Dwight Yoakam as one of the polished, overproduced, shoddy product that most of Nashville was churning out and calling “country music.” I was wrong, though, so I think I’ll give him a chance and see his set. Tough choice though, as I saw Dumpstaphunk live a few years ago. They absolutely slay.
However, Yoakam’s set bumps up against the start of Pearl Jam’s, so I may leave early as is.
JULIO: Surprisingly tough choice here. No doubt that Yoakam is a country music legend, but the raw funk power of Dumpstaphunk is hard to deny. My recommendation is to see Yoakam at the festival, then head into downtown Pensacola Saturday night to catch Dumpstaphunk at a late-night after-party at Vinyl Music Hall, 2 Palafox Place.
However, if you don’t live on the Gulf Coast, where we are blessed to see New Orleans’ Dumpstaphunk often, and if getting downtown is a serious challenge, get a taste of the funk at the festival.
6:15 p.m. Saturday
ERIC: “The Harder They Come” is my ringtone. Enough said. I love OFF!’s new album ... but “The Harder They Come” is my ringtone. My mind is made up.
JULIO: It’s hard to skip a band fronted by punk rock legend Keith Morris of Black Flag and Circle Jerks, but Jimmy Cliff is an icon. Even if I weren’t obsessed with the early ska and reggae artists, I’d have to go with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
7:15 p.m. Saturday
ERIC: I really, really liked The Joy Formidable’s debut album. “Whirring” was one of the best songs of last year, the perfect mix of noise and sugary-sweet melody. But I’m going to have to go with Bad Brains. Word is that they are a hit-or-miss live act, but their debut album may be the best hardcore punk album ever made.
Bad Brains aren’t getting any younger, so I’ll see them.
JULIO: This is my hardest choice on the bill. And Eric’s right that Bad Brains aren’t getting any younger. But the Joy Formidable is irresistible. Check out live videos on YouTube and it’ll make your choice a whole lot easier. There is a reason this band toured with Foo Fighters and that Dave Grohl has named them a favorite.
6 p.m. Sunday
ERIC: Schmitz and The Bawlers, or whatever they are called, have never done much for me. I am all for some good R&B, but those guys annoy me. So seeing The Wood Brothers it is!
JULIO: Couldn’t disagree more. The blue-eyed soul meets ’80s pop sound of Fitz and the Tantrums goes down smooth and danceable. I’ll be dancing in the sand for this one. I appreciate the Woods’ folk/Americana sound, too, but that’s easily eclipsed by the thought of hearing “Moneygrabber” live.
