Note: Authored by David Menconi, this piece has been produced in partnership with Raleigh Arts. Menconi's latest book, "Oh, Didn't They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music," was published in the fall of 2023 by University of North Carolina Press. His podcast, Carolina Calling, explores the history of the Tar Heel State through music.

The 14th annual Hopscotch Music Festival—time and time again named among America's best independent music festivals—is returning in 2024, taking place Sept. 5-7 at various venues and stages across downtown Raleigh.

The initial artist lineup has just been released, featuring many highlights among the 94 total acts. Those include:

Cutting edge guitarist St. Vincent, in the festival's primary headlining slot, in her first Hopscotch engagement in a decade after opening for Spoon in her breakthrough year of 2014.

Waxahatchee, the acclaimed singer/songwriter Kate Crutchfield, who has recorded for local label Merge Records.

The Jesus Lizard, groundbreaking Texas underground rock band that has not played North Carolina in 15 years.

Guided By Voices and Ty Segall, two of the most prolific low-fi indie-rock acts of all time.

Rapper JPEGMafia, a Brooklyn native with Jamaican roots.

North Carolina post-punk legends The dB's, reunited for the first time in nearly a decade.

Indigo De Souza, rising singer/songwriter of Brazilian origin who nowadays resides in Asheville, N.C.

The complete artist list (so far) can be seen below or on the Hopscotch website.

 

 

 

 

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Two outdoor main stages are at Moore Square and City Plaza, with at least a handful of other stages in clubs across downtown Raleigh. Still to come are full lineups, schedules and venues for the free Hopscotch day parties, always a bustling scene.

Three-day tickets start at $149. Single-day passes will not be available this year. For more details, see hopscotchmusicfest.com.