By Jess Ward
Culture & Society Editor
There’s a lot of buzz and excitement surrounding the spring concert this year at wSt. Michael’s College with headliner, Aminé, and opener, Boyfriend. But you don’t need to wait so long to see good music live! A wide variety of talented bands and artists will take the stage at Higher Ground in South Burlington in the coming weeks.
You may be thinking, but I don’t know any of these bands!
I gotcha covered. Here are some notable acts to listen to, fall in love with, and dance your heart out to.
Lauv
The 23-year-old is currently the eightieth most listened to artist in the world on Spotify. He sings pop love anthems, full of ballad-like lyrics to get swept away in. He has written music for other musical artists, some as noteworthy as Demi Lovato. His soft synths and airy beats are meant for pink sunsets on the lake.
If you like Oh Wonder and/or Hailee Steinfeld, you’ll get lost in his lyrics.
When: Feb. 12, 8p.m.
Hippo Campus
This indie rock band from Minnesota has a soft and smooth electric guitar, with lyrics you’ll want to shout while driving around with your friends. They have opened for notable indie acts like My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, and Walk the Moon. Their sound has a bright, sunshine vibe for when the sun goes down a little too early this winter.
If you like: The Mowgli’s and/or Young the Giant, you might just find your new groove in Hippo Campus.
When: Feb. 13, 8:30p.m.
Cost: $16 in advance, $18 day of the show
ZZ Ward
ZZ Ward is from Pennsylvania, and released her first album in 2012. Since then, she has performed at the internationally-known music festivals, Coachella and Bonnaroo. She is known for her femme fatale image and feminist-inspired lyrics, as a woman in a male dominated genre. She has a ‘stomp-and-holler’ folky blues feel, reminiscent of summer nights with a clear sky above, and a bonfire on the ground, for the winter nights when hot chocolate just isn’t enough.
If you like: Elle King and/or Grace Potter, ZZ Ward, get ready to feel empowered with some all-female rock.
When: Feb. 19, 7:30p.m.
Cost: $20 in advance, $23 day of the show
Tyler Childers
Childers is a country-folk artist who released his first album in 2011, just in time for the resurgence of Americana folk. His soft, twang-y, acoustic sound will bring you back to landscapes of mountains on the horizon; perfect for the most beautiful time of year in Vermont!
If you like: The Punch Brothers and/or Twin Forks, grab your dancing shoes and check out Tyler Childers.
When: Feb. 24, 8p.m.
Cost: $10 in advance, $12 day of the show
Welshy Arms
The edgy alternative rock band made its way to the scene with their breakout single, Legendary, which currently has over 40 million streams on Spotify. They have gone from garage shows to headlining their own tours across the country. They blend a bunch of different genres together, like blues, rock, soul, and even a touch of gospel. Their music is best listened to while wearing a leather jacket.
If you like: Dorothy and/or Kaleo, you’ll definitely want to kick it with Welshy Arms.
When: Feb. 26, 8p.m.
Cost: $1