Pick-3 for RBC Bluesfest, July 9 - Phantogram, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and Bombino

In the ongoing goal to promote indie and global music, here are three more to see on this great night. We only list three here, but you may also wish to check out Royal Canoe (6:00 in the Barney Danson Theatre) and The Districts (7:00 on the Black Sheep Stage). More on these two great, young bands tomorrow (both have two sets at the festival).

Phantogram – 9:30 on the Black Sheep Stage

Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter are the dynamic duo known as Phantogram. Originally from upstate New York and now residing in Brooklyn, the duo has seen its star brighten each and every year since forming in 2007. They released their first LP, Eyelid Moves, in 2009, and since then they have molded their electronic-synth-pop into something more palatial. Their music will move you, both figuratively and literally. They released Voices last year, but I’ve selected “Turning Into Stone” from their 2011 EP, Nightlife.

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – 9:00 on the River Stage

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue have been wowing crowds all over the world with the mix of stellar musicianship, their funk-soul-jazz sound, and their engaging personalities on stage. For the past five years as a group, the sextet, who are all accomplished musicians despite their youth, have gone from early-afternoon gigs to headlining big stages, including the River Stage at Bluesfest. If this will be the first or tenth time you’ll be seeing them, you’re in for a memorable show.

Bombino – 8:15 on the Black Sheep Stage

Omara Moctar is Bombino, the critically acclaimed and brilliant guitarist and songwriter from Niger. His unique style sees him combine the music of his native country and Central Africa while adding western blues, jazz, and rock sounds. It makes for an eclectic and wonderful mix. His music is often sung in the Tuareg language of Tamashek, but despite the language barrier be prepared to be moved by this amazing artist. If you haven’t seen Bombino before, you must. Bombino’s performance builds on the festival’s long history in bringing acts from Africa, such as Konono No. 1 and Rachid Taha.