Festival International is here and the excitement is reaching its fever pitch. With so many bands from so many parts of the world appearing over the many Festival International stages it can be hard to keep up with everyone. Here is a list of a few bands you won’t want to miss.

Headlining this years festival lineup is none other than Robert Randolph and his Family Band. Known as one of the premiere pedal steel guitar players in the world Randolph has carved out a tremendous reputation as a showman top level musician. The band packs their blend of high energy funk and soul into a powerhouse of sound led by Randolph’s screaming steel guitar.

Listen to 15 seconds of any Robert Randolph & The Family Band tune and you’ll understand why this will be an absolute can’t miss show. People will be talking about this for awhile so be sure you do whatever you have to do to be in attendance.

French Canadian elctro rap. Need I say more?

I first heard of Radio Radio at last years festival when I wondered into earshot of their performance and noticed from far away the crowd going absolutely berserk. Despite the language barrier, the trio of MCs had managed to put the entire crowd into an absolute trance. These guys were everywhere. Filling up the stage like there were 20 of them. The energy was contagious and I couldn’t help but walk over and watch these guys work.

Whether you’re using the new high tech Festival International app, or still going with the old school paper schedule, put a star by Radio Radio, and make a note to be ready. You can’t watch them and not move.

One of the coolest things about Festival International is getting the chance to see music’s “next big thing” before it blows up and takes over the world. Luckily for this year’s festival goers, this year’s “next big thing” will not only be playing at the festival, he’ll be living there too.

A resident of downtown Lafayette, singer/songwriter Sean Bruce will be making his first appearance at the festival he grew up attending. Almost a year to the day of the release of his first album, Bruce is still a fresh face on Lafayette’s musical radar and is poised to make a huge splash. A native of Carencro, Louisiana, the 23 year old songwriter will blow you away with his depth, talent, soul soothing melodies.

Children of the 90s your prayers have been answered. A time machine taking you back to your favorite decade has arrived in the form of Rusted Root. The band that made their debut in 1990 out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania scored a major hit in 1996 with their acoustic classic “Send Me On My Way”.  Since then they have been putting out infectious percussive heavy acoustic music and touring around the world.

Another local band taking the stage for this years festival will be Lafayette’s own Viatones. A rock and roll band with an old school sound, The Viatones have carved out a tremendous fan base with their high energy tunes, throwback sound, and haunting harmonies.

Formed out of members of familiar local bands Feufollet and Brass Bed, The Viatones blend their version of rock & roll with their laid back country roots. Think Elvis Costello meets the Beach Boys. The Beatles featuring Kurt Cobain.

They are fun, they are exciting, and they are good old fashion rock & roll.

_____

Are you ready for Festival International 2012? Who are you looking forward to seeing? Let us know in the comment section and be sure to click the “Like” button to share some festival with your friends.

More From 97.3 The Dawg