6 Acts We're Hyped to See at Loufest This Year

CH / Loufest 2016

Loufest 2017 is stacked with artists big and small, old and new, representing many wildly unique genres. Here are MTIG's recommendations for who we are the most excited to see on the festival stage.

Will

I Love Them, I Haven't Seen Them: Hippo Campus

After graduating from Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (a high school) in 2013, this Minnesota based alt rock group has made huge waves in the indie scene. Their first independent release, Bashful Creatures, earned them two label contracts, and the sky has been the limit ever since. Check out these young up-and-comers as they showcase some cruise tracks from their new album.

I Love Them, I've Seen Them: Rainbow Kitten Surprise

The amount of energy on display here is thrilling, and at times unbelievable. These North Carolina natives have the unique ability to make any venue feel small with the frantic intimacy of each show. Definitely give their Spotify top 10 a listen because singing along at an RKS concert brings your experience to a whole new level. This should definitely be on your hit-list for Saturday.

I Love Them, I Don't Know Much About Them: Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Without even realizing it, I have been a Robert Randolph fan since my high school days in ‘08. Their most popular song, “Ain't Nothing Wrong With That,” is about as catchy as it gets. With a funky repertoire of songs and upbeat tunes, this is a safe bet for anyone who likes to dance and let loose on the festival floor.

Vic

I Love Them, I Haven't Seen Them: Run the Jewels

I was a little late to Run the Jewels, having not given them serious listening until they released RTJ 3 last year. They seem to have an incredible working and personal relationship, and seeing their energy live has got to be amazing. I’m also really supportive of the steps Loufest has taken to include a wider range of genres in the last few years, including the well-needed addition of RTJ.

I Love Them, I've Seen Them: Cage the Elephant

I saw Cage the Elephant for the first time almost exactly 7 years ago in 2010 when they were one of the openers for Stone Temple Pilots. Hearing their sound and writing mature so much has been exceptional because they actually improved over time as well as garnered more of a following. They absolutely deserve top billing at Loufest this year.

I Love Them, I Don't Know Much About Them: Ron Gallo

I actually didn’t know about Ron Gallo until I saw him on the Loufest lineup. I'm an absolute sucker for some good ol’ rock music like this, and this genre really shines in a festival setting. I think if he’s as charismatic as his sound, they’ll hold the whole crowd in awe and draw anyone within earshot. There’s something magnetic about a distorted guitar solo that people can't resist.