Musikfest (officially) begins tonight! The nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival kicks off in our OG hometown of Bethlehem, PA — and for the next ten days, we’ll give you our must-see shows with a little help from our friends.

Join me, Your Friendly Neighborhood North Side Sheriff, and my good buddy Phillip Reese from Yoir Next Favorite Band podcast as we give you something worth checking out as you make your way to the ‘Fest!

Phillip’s Pick: The Groove Merchants

PNC Stadtplatz (North Side), 7:30-9 p.m.

A longstanding hometown favorite, The Groove Merchants encompass elements of rock, blues, funk, jazz, and soul into an infectious blend of original music not to be missed.

Gerard’s Pick (a.k.a. The Sheriff’s Selection): Magic!

Americaplatz (South Side), 9-11 p.m.

My, Musikfest, how you’ve grown! We’re now at the point where you can catch internationally charting acts FOR FREE over the course of these ten days. First up is Magic!, the Toronto-based reggae fusion band whom you may know from their 2014 megahit, “Rude.” Where else but Musikfest will you have an opportunity like this?