5 must-see FloydFest acts 

A musically adventurous spirit is important at every FloydFest, because the bill is never stacked with household names.

Sure, you’ve got your Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Lumineers, Brandi Carliles and the like. Even they aren’t household names, but are known well enough that people will shell out the bucks and head to the festival to hear them.

But surprises always await, even to the very last act on the bill. Here are our picks for five must-see FloydFest acts that you haven’t necessarily heard of but might be happy if you do. Note: We’re not including entrants in the festival’s annual On the Rise contest, in order to be fair to all the bands.

Spirit Family Reunion

Main stage opening act features “homegrown American music,” according to its website and includes Franklin County native Mat Davidson, formerly of The Low Anthem.

Where and when:
4 p.m. Thursday, main stage.

Info: spiritfamilyreunion.com

Lake Street Dive

Jazz-pop quartet features great vocals.

Where and when: 4 p.m. Friday, Hill Holler stage.
8 p.m. Saturday, beer garden stage.

Info: lakestreetdive.com

Primate Fiasco

As if New Orleans crashed into Chernobyl. Lots of fun.

Where and when: 7 p.m. Friday, Forever Young stage. 11 p.m. Friday, beer garden stage. Noon Saturday, Forever Young stage. 5 p.m. Saturday, beer garden stage.
6 p.m. Sunday, Hill Holler stage. 8 p.m. Sunday, beer garden stage.

Info:
theprimatefiasco.com

Cheik Hamala Diabate

This ngoni player’s folklife workshop porch jam with Gary Clark Jr. last year was among the festival’s highlights.

Where and when:
10 a.m. Saturday, main stage. 12:15 p.m. Saturday, workshop porch. 8 p.m. Saturday, workshop porch.

Info: cheickhamala.com

Bombino

Blues-rock guitarist from the northern Nigerian desert teamed with Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach to make one of 2013’s most intriguing records, “Nomad.”

Where and when:
3:45 p.m. Friday, main stage. 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Hill Holler stage.

Info: bombinomusic.com

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