With October just a few days away, Madison is bracing itself for the costumed (if contained) chaos that is Freakfest. The city-organized event will be held on State Street on Saturday, Oct. 30, beginning at 7 p.m.
This morning, Frank Productions released the current musical lineup for the event, which drew more than 55,000 people last year. And there are a couple of surprises.
As reported last week, OK Go is set to headline, but joining the rockers are country bands and a disco-infused group from Ann Arbor. Acts will play on three stages: at the top of State Street, in Concrete Park on Frances Street and on Gilman Street at Peace Park.
Among eight acts announced so far, two are country. Little Big Town, which has sold more than 1.5 million albums and earned three Grammy nominations, will headline the Gilman Street Stage. Also taking the stage is the all-girl threesome Stealing Angels. In addition to slightly resembling the Dixie Chicks, they have famous forebears: Loretta Lynn, John Wayne and Daniel Boone.
Adding some quirk to the lineup is Ann Arbor's My Dear Disco, an electronica group with, you guessed it, a disco flair. Its members have been climbing the ladder of popularity by touring festival circuits including Lollapalooza and South by Southwest.
For local flavor, Freakfest will host Aaron Williams & The Hoodoo, Baraboo's Daniel & The Lion, Milwaukee's fresh-faced Mechanical Kids and Mike Droho & The Compass Rose.
Freakfest 2010 tickets are $10 at the gate and $7 in advance.