The Weeknd:

One of the biggest faces in modern pop music and the headliner of the 2017 festival is The Weeknd. He has been present in the music industry since 2011 and has garnered massive acclaim with the release of three studio albums and mixtapes. His most recent album, “Starboy,” was released in November 2016 and debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.

The Weeknd has worked with several other famous artists such as Daft Punk, Drake, Future, and Kanye West. He is known for his soaring, passionate vocal performances and alternative R&B style. His mysterious persona will likely make for an interesting and memorable show at the festival.

Chance the Rapper:

Known as the most positive voice in hip-hop today, Chance the Rapper inspires and entertains millions of fans around the world. He spreads a message of faith, love, and hope in his wonderfully unique music. His high-pitched vocals, willingness to experiment, and off-kilter lyricism have established him as one of the most creative and promising artists in the hip hop industry.

Chance the Rapper has released three mixtapes, including the universally acclaimed 2013 release “Acid Rap” and the Grammy winning 2016 release “Coloring Book.” He gives his music away for free and works independently of a major record label. His performance at Firefly will definitely be one of the most upbeat, passionate, and entertaining acts of the entire festival.

Bob Dylan:

Bob Dylan is heralded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. He is an absolute legend, and his influence reverberates throughout all genres of music. He has been a major face in music for over a half a century, has won eleven Grammys, and has sold over 100 million records. He was even awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature this past year for his song-writing.

Dylan has released 37 albums and will release his 38th, titled “Triplicate,” before the festival. Even if his vocals tend to be patchy in his live performances, missing the opportunity to see him in the flesh would be a travesty. His performance will be nothing short of historical and should be cherished as he is advancing into his later years.

Weezer: 

The extremely famous alternative rock band Weezer has been making music since the 1990s, and their lyrics have given a voice to restless and awkward listeners coming of age. Their relatable lyrics, slacker aesthetic, and loud sound have granted them a spot among some of the greatest alternative rock artists. Their albums “Pinkerton” and “Blue Album” are some of the most acclaimed and beloved of their era.

Even though Weezer released a string of subpar albums in the 2000s, they returned in 2016 with the unexpected “White Album” that defied all expectations. The band is in a current revival, and their live show will translate this newfound energy. Seeing hits such as “Island in the Sun” and “Say It Ain’t So” will be an incredible experience that cannot be missed.

The Shins:

One of the most influential and beloved indie-rock bands of the genre will take the stage at the festival this year. The Shins’ upbeat sound has been showcased across five albums, with the most recent being the 2017 release “Heartworms.” The Shins craft incredibly catchy and beautiful songs that blend soft vocals with soaring strings into gorgeous harmonies. They are known especially for their solid live performances that translate the recordings and take them to whole new levels of intricacy and beauty. 

Glass Animals:

Breaking out in 2014 with their hit single “Gooey,” Glass Animals have gained a sizeable following and a lot of acclaim in the past three years. Their music is some of the most refreshing and inventive played today. They blend electronics and conventional instruments into a fascinating blend of upbeat, alternative, and indie music. Their sound is so grand and varied that it appeals to a wide range of audiences. Their youthful energy and utter passion translate into some of the most entertaining and high-energy live shows.

Hamilton Leithauser:

Hamilton Leithauser first came to fame as the former lead singer of the indie band The Walkmen. He met critical acclaim this past year with his collaboration album with former Vampire Weekend member Rostam Batmanglij. The album, “I Had a Dream That You Were Mine,” was praised for its innovation and soulful performances. The fantastic single from the album, “A 1,000 Times,” received airplay on alternative radio and bolstered Leithauser’s success. Make sure to catch Leithauser, as he has proven to be one of the most promising faces in indie rock today.

Edward Benner is an Entertainment Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.