Rantz: Your best bets for Bumbershoot

Music fans rejoice: Bumbershoot has finally arrived! This weekend, some of the best local and national artists descend upon Seattle Center for the region’s best music festival (yes, it’s better than the rest because you don’t have to drive hours to get there and get to go home after a long day to use your own shower and sleep in your own bed).

But, Bumbershoot can be overwhelming. There are a ton of acts and many compete with each other. While the best part of Bumbershoot is exploring random acts and discovering new music, here’s a quick guide to catching some of the best acts you may or may not have heard of.

Friday: LA-based rapper/writer Watsky is aptly described as a “versatile lyricist.” His music incorporates multiple styles, his lyrics go from deep thoughts to light musings and he always promises a high-energy show. ZZ Ward‘s production is rather simple, when you think about it, because it doesn’t need to be over-produced. Her soulful vocals are moving enough. Seattle’s alternative-folk singer Jason McCue should be a quirky treat. A somewhat late edition to the festival, I’m pumped for Foster the People. Their latest album, “Sacred Hearts Club,” is one of the year’s best

Saturday: I’m most excited for Seattle’s Saint Claire, a soul/pop artist that elevates what we all love about Sam Smith. Cataldo is an experience. Lyrically, front man Eric Anderson is a brilliant storyteller and his band always puts on a complex show. Kaleo is a dreamy, airy, and beautiful folksy-band that’s been making waves in the US after becoming a sensation in Iceland. And the tight, catchy vocals of Joseph shouldn’t be missed.

Sunday: The New Respects fall into a half dozen or so genres, which means they’re pretty damn unique and a fun listen. Cash Cash produces infectious, high-energy pop music perfect for Key Arena. Louis the Child is a funk and invigorating evolution of electronica. Harrison Brome? Listen to a song at random and you’ll be blown away by his vocals.

Follow @https://twitter.com/jasonrantz