But let's be real here — we're all crossing fingers that the festival successfully returns to its outdoor home, Main Street Garden, for its seventh edition. That was part of the defining magic of the Texas-music gathering. Giving hometown and regional acts a grand stage in the heart of downtown on a sunny day? Can't beat it.
The Misteries: It's a rare treat to hear live or recorded music from this, ahem, mysterious Dallas pop-rock act. But the melodious material we've heard should have folks excited early in the day. One of the minds behind the Misteries' hooky tunes is the prolific local producer Daniel Creamer. themisteries.com
Kirk Thurmond & the Millennials: A little gritty and very soulful, Thurmond is one of Dallas' most entertaining frontmen. The energy at the festival should get a dramatic boost when he and his bandmates take the stage. ktammusic.com
Charley Crockett: Raised in Dallas with ties to both South Texas and New Orleans, Crockett offers a rich brew of roots influences. Country, blues and folk come together gorgeously and authentically on his 2015 record, A Stolen Jewel. reverbnation.com /charleycrockett
Pageantry: This Denton group led by singer-songwriter Roy Robertson recently released a brooding new album called Influence. Lean in and listen to the intricacies for maximum effect. pageantry.bandcamp.com
Will Johnson: No shade on his former bandmates in the beloved Denton institution Centro-Matic, but Johnson's solo performances over the years have stuck with me the most. He's magic with a guitar and a mike. I do hope the band will get back together one day, maybe for a future Homegrown? will-johnson.com
The Bright Light Social Hour: Bend your mind to some tautly delivered psych-rock out of Austin. Last year's Space Is Still the Place is a solid start if you're learning by listening. thebrightlightsocialhour.com
Ghostland Observatory: The rejuvenated Austin indie-dance duo infuses its danceworthy tunes with plenty of funk and soul. The headlining spot at Homegrown is in effect a way for fans to rediscover the magic of the group's breakout years, and get moving. They'll already be warmed up thanks to ISHI and Neon Indian. ghostlandobservatory.com
