The name and location may have changed, but if you loved music festival LaureLive, WonderStruck will be your jam. With 28 acts, including headliners such as Portugal. The Man and Third Eye Blind, the July 24 & 25 Lakeland Community College fest looks to have the same feel-good vibe as its predecessor. “If you came and danced and had a great time at LaureLive, you’re going to have a good time at WonderStruck,” says Denny Young, president of Elevation Group, which organizes the event. “[The lineup] is curated in a way that flows. It’s exciting and it’s energizing.” From must-see performances to rising bands we’re excited to see, here are eight acts we’re hot on.
1. Portugal, The Man
Its big hit may have dropped what seems like a lifetime ago back in 2017, but we dare you not to groove along to “Feel It Still” once this band takes the stage at WonderStruck. The one downside might be that the Portland, Oregon, group only plays its former song of the summer once. portugaltheman.com
2. The Vindys
With a propulsive, soulful feel that reminds us of the Black Keys, this Youngstown band’s catchy rock tunes make us want to dance, whether we’re in a grimy dive bar or a field in Lake County. Plus, lead singer Jackie Popovec brings a sultry, gritty vibe to songs such as “Are You Ready.” thevindys.com
3. Third Eye Blind
If you’re anything like us, this quintet’s songs such as “Semi-Charmed Life,” and “Graduate” make us want to bust out our favorite ’90s flannel. Also, few things in life are as cathartic as screaming, “Can I graduate?” along with lead singer Stephan Jenkins. thirdeyeblind.com
4. Noah Cyrus
Cyrus has some famous family members in music (such as achy-breaky dad Billy Ray and wrecking ball sister Miley), but her mix of folk-meets-alternative seems like a perfect fit for a flowy summer soiree. We can’t think of a better time to hear her belt country-twanged ballad “July.” noahcyrus.com
5. Brent Kirby
The Cleveland singer-songwriter helped us get through the early days of the pandemic with new music such as folksy songs “With This Time” and “Lay Down.” We can’t wait to show the multi-genre troubadour our appreciation when he hits the WonderStruck stage. brentkirby.com
6. SHAED
This trio made snapping your fingers cool again thanks to 2018’s “Trampoline,” a haunting, keyboard-and-vocals-laden hit. But “Osaka,” off the group’s new album High Dive, continues to deliver the same level of earworm-worthy synth-pop with soul and electrifying vocals — and we’re eager to dance to it. shaedband.com
7. Detention
We can’t wait to tap into this Akron band’s grungy, punky, youthful angst with a solid bit of headbanging. The winners of the 24th annual Tri-C High School Rock Off in February 2020 leave it all on the field with bangers such as the Rust Belt-ready “Dead Malls” or “Thermo,” which beg to be played loudly. detention.live
8. Cobi
Dump soul, folk and indie music in a blender, hit high and you've got the deep, gospel-like power ethis solo artist and his voice bring to the stage. Songs such as "Church of the Lonely" and "Don't You Cry For Me" remind us how powerful of an instrument a voice can be. cobimusic.net
