As Labor Day Weekend nears, we’re looking forward to what is sure to be another successful North Coast Music Festival (a.k.a. “Summer’s Last Stand”) at Chicago’s Union Park from September 1st through 3rd. Ahead of this annual musical extravaganza, we decided to take a look at some of the acts that should definitely be on your radar and that you’re not going to want to miss. With one of the most massive and diverse lineups of the summer, there is a lot of music to catch, so allow us to nudge you in the right direction. Enjoy, and you can pick up tickets for North Coast here.

North Coast Music Festival Announces Official 2017 After Parties

STS9

With the way STS9 has been playing over the last two years, if you are looking to reach the farthest depths of the solar system and get down to a cosmic dance party, then make sure you catch this set. It’s going to go down. . . or up? Well, you know what we mean.

Bonobo

Bonobo (a.k.a. Simon Green) is one of the most creative minds in the music scene today. The downtempo pioneer has an uncanny ability to create some of the lushest and most majestic soundscapes you’ll ever hear. When translated to a live performance, it’s something that is not to be missed.

Big Boi

As one half of the most legendary hip-hop groups to ever hit the scene, Outkast’s Big Boi is always pimpin’, never slippin’, and he still continues to deliver some of the most creative music and inspired live shows after twenty-plus years on the scene.

Lettuce

What can you say about Lettuce that hasn’t already been said? The New York City act is the future of funk music. They’ve taken the genre’s old-school and classic style, combined it with their own love of hip-hop and straight beats, and have begun their ascendancy as the evolutionaries of funk.

Tipper

Since 1997, Dave Tipper has been one of the most innovative producers in the electronic music scene with his effortlessly blend of ambient, trip-hop, nu-skool breaks, breakbeat, and more. Now, the producer has incorporated some of the most mind-blowing visuals from Android Jones into his live show, making for a “Holy Shit!” experience.

Bob Moses

In just under five years, New York City (via Vancouver, BC) duo Bob Moses has received plenty of accolades for their deep house and minimalist approach to creating music. The single “Tearing Me Up” received multiple Grammy Award nominations, and the group has played Burning Man and headlined festivals all over the world, such as Governor’s Ball, Ultra Music Festival, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and more. Seriously, don’t miss this set.

Ganja White Night

While they are undeniably “Bass Music,” with the release of their 2015 album Hybrid Distillery, the duo of Benjamin Bayeul and Charlie Dodson—also known as Ganja White Night—began to explore the greater depths of electronic music and did so in successful fashion. If you like the heavy side of things, this is where you need to be.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

With all the bands out there that continue to spread the music of the Grateful Dead, nobody does it with as much energy and style as Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. What was supposed to be a one-off weekend at Brooklyn Bowl a few years back has spawned a monster of a touring act in its own right.

BadBadNotGood

Lush, jazzy interludes meet hip-hop and electronic music with the Toronto-based BadBadNotGood. This is the hot ticket right now, and their collaborations with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Tyler The Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, and Ghostface Killah have only put them in an even more prominent position.

Ween

Ever since the Gene and Dean decided to get the boys back together, the world has been a much browner and better place. The experimental rock outfit from New Hope, Pennsylvania has quite literally brought new hope to their rabid fanbase while making new fans all across the spectrum. Get your Ween on!

Tickets for NCMF are currently on-sale and can be purchased here. For updates and additional info, join the Facebook Event page.

Take a listen to this North Coast Music Festival Spotify playlist to get a taste of all the acts featured on this year’s lineup:

Also, check out this year’s limited edition festival screen print, created by none other than the master AJ Masthay himself. Prints will be available onsite  but get on it, because they will go fast.

[cover photo courtesy of Keith Griner @ Phierce Photo]