It’s almost time again to “Raise the Roof” in celebration of all things Eugene at the 30th annual Eugene Celebration. While you’re sure to be busy stuffing your face at one of the food carts, or rooting for your favorite mustachioed contestant, don’t forget to take in at least one musical performance.

Shook Twins. Photo courtesy Ben Moon | benmoon.com

EOTO

Sista Monica

Thomas Mapfumo. Photo by Todd Cooper

Boy is there a lot to choose from. In addition to the more than 30 performers gracing the three stages at the Celebration, there is ambient, roving entertainment as well. From reggae and electronica to bluegrass and jazz, there’s sure to be a sound pleasing to any ear. How will you decide where to spend your time? First, cross your fingers and hope that you run into at least one of the nomadic entertainers (especially the infectious drumming of Samba Ja) and read on for a few suggestions when it comes to navigating the three formal stages.

Friday, Aug. 24

The first show of the night begins at 6 pm on the KRVM/Eugene Weekly Stage at the intersection of Broadway and Willamette with The Broh Taylor Band, a five-piece blues band complete with a blonde bombshell lead singer and a man who possesses crazy harmonica skills. From there, mosey down to the Equinox Real Estate/KLCC Stage at the intersection of 8th and Olive to see Sol Seed at 7 pm for a few reggae tunes supplemented by a heavy Latin beat. Following Sol Seed, continue on to the Atrium Stage at the intersection of 10th and Olive for the big bohemian dub sounds of Medium Troy at 8:30 pm. Then head back to the KRVM/Eugene Weekly Stage to finish the evening on a blues note with vocal powerhouse Sista Monica at 10:30 pm.

Saturday, Aug. 25

Don’t miss the exciting battle to be Eugene Weekly’s Next Big Thing at 1 pm on the KRVM/Eugene Weekly Stage. Hit the Atrium Stage by 1:30 pm to see acoustic Americana by Kingdom County and secure your spot for lo-fi earnest aficionados And And And on the same stage at 3 pm. Catch hometown favorite (and one of last year’s NBT winners) Tyler Fortier on the Equinox Real Estate/KLCC stage at 5:30 pm, then stick around for the intense instrumental prowess of Basin & Range at 7 pm. The day should feel complete after either a dose of female Led Zeppelin tribute Zepparella on the KRVM/Eugene Weekly Stage or the electronic improvisation of EOTO at the Equinox Real Estate/KLCC Stage, both at 10:30 pm.

Sunday, Aug. 26

Your day three experience starts with the smooth jazz styling of Halie Loren at 12:30 pm on the Atrium Stage and will be followed by the gorgeous melodies (and beatbox) of the Shook Twins on the KRVM/Eugene Weekly Stage at 1:30 pm. Get pumped up with ROOTDOWN’s blend of hip hop and reggae at the Equinox Real Estate/KLCC Stage at 3 pm. And finish your musical Celebration experience on a high note with the “Lion of Zimbabwe,” Thomas Mapfumo.