When I first started reading up on this year’s XPoNential Music Festival I got all giddy about big names like They Might Be Giants and Guster and The Hold Steady. And then I remembered that 1. I don’t live in Philadelphia, so I won’t get to take advantage of the available press pass and 2. Bits & Watts exists for the purpose of supporting independent artists whose names I don’t yet recognize well enough to get giddy at the sight of. And so I must chill.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be pumped for this year’s festival. Quite the contrary. You should be stoked to call Philly home. And you should be fully prepared to get giddy over such talent as East Hundred, Los Straitjackets, Farewell Flight, Donna the Buffalo and Like a Fox.

So set your dial to giddy, get your tickets and velcro on a comfortable pair of shoes…you’re headed to Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront to experience these amazing performers (and a whole crapload more who I ran out of room to write about - you can see the full lineup here).

Farewell Flight (Fri. 7/24, 5:30 pm) Based in Harrisburg, these Pennsylvania boys are tight together. And, seriously, someone has some mad piano skills. Every song will blow you away in a whole different way. Pack a picnic dinner and show up early for Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles. You’ll be glad you did.

Los Straitjackets (Fri. 7/24, 7:10 pm) This is the ultimate surfin’ summer band. Do your stretches and prepare to twist your hips off. This is classic beach rockin’, surf board waxing, beehive wearing rock-n-frickin’-roll. If you don’t see this band, the terrorists have already won.

East Hundred (Sat. 7/25, 2:20 pm) East Hundred calls Philly home, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be treated to a world class performance. You know by now that you don’t have to travel far to find great bands and EH is no exception. Make this your chill show. Plan to sit a spell and enjoy a beverage as you rest up for Hoots & Hellmouth.

The Bacon Brothers (Sat. 7/25, 5:10 pm) There is no way you should go to a summer music festival without taking in some funky, rocky, honky tonk. The Bacon in their name lives up to all the delicious and savory flavors it brings to mind. Oh, and it just happens to be Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael. Sternum punches to all who miss them.

Like a Fox (Sun. 7/26, 1:20 pm) You’re thinking, “crazy,” right now, aren’t you? It’s obvious that “Like a Fox” is not just a clever name. Treat yourself to something a little different and a lot refreshing. This psychedelic rock is far more mainstream than the genre would indicate. You’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life.

Donna the Buffalo (Sun. 7/26, 2:50 pm) Round out your indie festival experience with a heapin’ helpin’ of folky Americana with some rock, zydeco and reggae weaved in. Much like the bison they’re named for, this quintet embodies pure, classic, native America. Take some time to be transported West and revel in the roots of our nation. Then eat something fried and congratulate yourself for a weekend well spent.

Friday-Sunday, July 16-19, 2010
Friday starts at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday starts at 12:30 p.m.
XPoNential Music Festival
Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ 08103
Get Tickets