When this article hits newsstands, the Pacific Northwest's premier camping music festival will be a mere nine days away. That's a realization that can cause equal parts panic and excitement. However, some of the preparation angst can be settled by putting the below guide to use.
Must see
Unless you see these bands, you truly are not worth of a Sasquatch! wristband.
FRIDAY
Japandroids: Bigfoot Stage
Canadian power-rock duo Japandroids are now two albums into one of the more acclaimed rock careers of the past few years. Their sophomore album, Celebration Rock, almost needs nothing more than its title to communicate what it's all about—head-banging, up-tempo garage rock with just enough polish to be crisp and fun.
SATURDAY
Akron/Family: Yeti Stage
Akron/Family's music is awash in hard-driving distortion rock and peppered with pop sensibilities that can lead to anthem-like sing-alongs.
SUNDAY
Elvis Costello & The Imposters:
Sasquatch Main Stage
Chances to see legendary rocker Elvis Costello are getting harder to come by every year. With over 35 years of recording under his belt, Costello has influenced everything from shoe-gazing indie rock to in-your-face punk. This is a centerpiece performance of the festival.
MONDAY
Ryan Bingham: Sasquatch Main Stage
It's not often an Academy Award-winning musician (Crazy Heart) and Austin City Limits performer ends up on a stage at Sasquatch! Yet that is exactly what happens on the festival's final day. Bingham's raspy voice and gritty country rock sound translate to an extremely powerful concert that could easily be the emotional apex of the festival's last day.
Under the Radar
At a festival like Sasquatch!, less mainstream bands can be as strong a draw for attendees as the headlining bands. Still, some bands can avoid detection by even the most alert audiophile. Here is a handful of Sasquatch! acts worth fitting into a weekend schedule.
FRIDAY
Brothers From Another: Cthulhu Stage
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis aren't the only hip-hop act from Seattle with a slot at Sasquatch! this year. Rap duo Brothers From Another will bring their blend of smooth jazz rap to the Gorge. Their sound, a throwback to Digable Planets, will make for a delicious Friday evening.
SATURDAY
Bear Mountain: Bigfoot Stage
Vancouver, B.C., synth-pop group Bear Mountain is so fresh it doesn't even have a song on Spotify. In fact, the only place you can listen to more than one track of the band's debut album, XO, is on its SoundCloud page. The music of Bear Mountain is summery and spry—more dainty than bass-driven.
Indians: Yeti Stage
Dane Søren Løkke Juul, who records as Indians, gained a lot of traction last year as the opening act for Midwest indie band Other Lives. Last October, his electro-acoustic guitar new wave music kept audience members at Portland's Wonder Ballroom attentive and quiet, eager to soak up each song's emotional depth.
SUNDAY
Deep Sea Diver: Bigfoot Stage
Seattle pop band Deep Sea Diver may not be well-known, but the past work of lead singer and guitarist Jessica Lee Dobson sure is. She has played with Beck, Spoon and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and last year she was named a permanent member of James Mercer's band The Shins. Deep Sea Diver's debut album, "History Speaks," is full of fanciful rock ditties. It snagged spot No. 32 on the Source's top 200 of 2012 list.
MONDAY
Grieves: Cthulhu Stage
The last day of the festival wouldn't be complete without an appearance by another Seattle rapper. Though the buttery voice of Benjamin Laub—who records under the moniker Grieves—isn't entirely divergent from that of fellow Emerald City artist Macklemore, his tracks are much darker—bordering on depressive—and are definitely not for flashy commercials.
Sundries checklist
At your campsite:
Meals (prepare them ahead of time for easy reheating)
Portable grill or stove
Lots and lots of beer/alcohol
Toilet paper
Warm sleeping accommodations
Moist towelettes (a better bathing option than waiting in line for the pay-per-shower)
Shade
Warm clothes (for late-night partying)
Something fun to do (board games, Frisbees, etc.)
Jumper cables
Windshield sun visor
In your festival backpack:
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Lightweight pullover
Earplugs
Empty water bottle
Waterproof blanket (if you plan to camp out on the hill)
Camera (cellphone cameras are a waste of time)
Travel facial tissue
Travel hand sanitizer
Cellphone (for keeping track of your friends)
Cash
Snacks in a clear gallon-sized plastic bag
Lineup guide/schedule
Recommended snacks:
Individual apple sauce cups
Twin granola bar packs (use the bars as edible spoons for the apple sauce)
Mixed nuts or peanuts
Energy bars
PB&J sandwich
Triscuits (the only cracker that won't get destroyed in a backpack)
