The misleadingly named Governors Ball (it’s been on Randall’s Island since its second year in 2012) is back! In just a few years, it has managed an amazing pull of artists, controversies and a reputation as the Coachella of the East Coast. The largely sold out (there are still a few super expensive tickets left) fest once again boasts a lineup that’ll appeal to those reminiscing for the nostalgic acts as well as those buzzing about the next big thing. Plus, the new Conor Oberst album has a song championing how well-managed and helpful the fest is for preventing property damage. The grass thanks you.
Phoenix, Jack White, Vampire Weekend and TV on the Radio for the NPR crowd. OutKast and The Strokes (with Julian Casablancas + The Voidz also playing a show) for those suffering the nostalgia blues. Skrillex and Foster the People for… lots of people!
(B+) If the weather holds up like it has been, the three day fest might just be perfect to dance like an idiot to acts like Sleigh Bells, Tanlines, James Blake and Tyler, the Creator or chill out to Kurt Vile and Washed Out. Once you’re tired (but not that tired, there’s some line-waiting ahead), the food is just as appealing: Mile End, Pok Pok, Luke’s Lobster, Momofuku Milk Bar, Rita’s Italian Ice – plus Crif Dogs is even offering a vegetarian option.
Outkast
The duo may not have released an album since 2003′s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, but reports show that there’s still some showmanship to be had.
Disclosure
Dance. Dance. Dance. It’s Saturday.
Jenny Lewis
Gov Ball 2012 provided a Fiona Apple set for the record books. This year’s festival performance is hot on the heels of Jenny Lewis’s first solo album in six years. Prepare your girl crush proclaiming t-shirt for the former Rilo Kiley singer now.
Janelle Monáe
She’s cancelled an Australian date on her tour but hasn’t announced anything (yet) about her upcoming shows in New York at Prospect Park and Gov Ball. Let’s hope she’ll be off medical watch by June, and also that Big Boi will be joining her for “Tightrope”.
Damon Albarn
Whether you know him as the guy from Blur, the guy behind the Gorillaz or the guy who composed the dance-spectacular show at Lincoln Center last year, Monkey: Journey to the West, the British musician is an icon.
The Internet
Vocals don’t get smoother than Sydney Bennett’s. Part throwback to soul and 90s R&B, these Odd Future members still sound fresh.
Meg Myers
It’s impossible to escape the Fiona Apple comparisons here, from the gravely voice to the staccato phrasing to the orchestrations, but that’s not a bad thing.
Classixx
It’s a sure sign that you’re becoming old when the creative ways kids spell these days irk you. Overlook that for the Pitchfork-approved dance-electro duo. Yes, they’ve even collaborated with Nancy Whang.
Ratking
This trio from New York mixes the old with the new: reggae, jazz and electronics. There’s a funkiness to the rhythms that’s enticing and entrancing.
AlunaGeorge
Positive. Catchy. Totally danceable.
