MidPoint Countdown

The MidPoint Music Festival kicks off tomorrow night and I think I have my bands picked out for the weekend. If you're looking for some suggestions I can help you out.

• Thursday night check out Coltrane Motion and The Turnbull AC's at the Inner Peace Holistic Center (708 Walnut) at 10 and 11 pm. Coltrane Motion is one of my favorite things about MidPoint every year and even though The Turnbull AC's are a local band, I've never seen them. I've heard nothing but good things, though, so I'm really looking forward to it.

• At midnight on Thursday there's a dance set at the Lodge Bar (35 E. 7th) with Ruckus Roboticus. It's gonna be fun.

• I'll be working at MidPoint Friday so I won't get to see much, but I can recommend Otter Petter (9:30 at Below Zero, 1122 Walnut) and Pomegranates (midnight at Blue Wisp, 318 E. 8th). They're both pop influenced indie bands.

• If you have a three day wristband go see The Mocks at the Aronoff on Saturday (9 pm, 650 Walnut). They're from Mexico and have kind of a shoegaze sound but it would be a chill way to slip into the evening.

• What I'm really looking forward to on Saturday are the bands at the Lodge Bar. Ha Ha Tonka plays at 10 with Backyard Tire Fire at 11. They both have an alt-country sound, but they're not afraid to rock. Ha Ha Tonka has great live harmonies, too.

So that's what I have so far. You can go here for a full schedule and links to bands' web sites so you can check out their music. Even if you have just one night, try to get out this weekend for some live music. Trust me, it'll be fun.