By: Jonathan Gross

As a part of an organization that throws its own festival, it's kind of difficult to look at the Resonance Music & Arts Festival 2018 lineup and not be jealous. Like really jealous. This midwest juggernaut has managed to attract the biggest acts on the festival circuit, paired them with up-and-coming artists, and filled the days with a wide variety of styles that is sure to please even the crustiest wook.

The festival returns to the iconic Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio this September 20-23. After helming the ship for nearly half a decade, Essential Productions has partnered with Papadosio, who is no stranger to throwing its own festival in the quintet's home state. The jam/electronic hybrid will be performing a total of four sets over the weekend, including an acoustic set, and an all improv set.

Speaking of jam bands, three of the top tier acts will be represented (nearly in full) with The Disco Biscuits, STS9, and members of Umphrey's McGee making appearances. The latter will be partially represented, and divided up amongst Brain Damaged Egg Men and The Omega Moos, but rest assured jam fans will be quite satisfied. There is definitely a theme of live/electronic hybrids with this lineup that features The Floozies, Emancipator, Beats Antique, Manic Focus Live Band, SunSquabi, EOTO, Tauk, and Frameworks Live Band.

Of course the headliner towering above all else the summer's white whale, Dave Tipper, who will also be performing a sunrise set, which is becoming even more of a rarity these days. He is joined by more psychedelic and experimental bass acts in Desert Dwellers, Bluetech, Random Rab, CloZee, Mr. Bill, Thriftworks, Detox Unit, Defunk, Cofresi, Alejo, and Edamame, among others. More traditional bands like Consider the Source, Kung Fu, Magic Beans, Broccoli Samurai, Evanoff, Skydyed, Eminence Ensemble, and Eumatik quench the festival's need for real instruments, as do Artists-At-Large Rob Compa (Dopapod), Nick Gerlach (Michal Menert & The Pretty Fantastics), and tribute acts Pink Talking Fish and Melvin Seals & Jerry Garcia Band.

Of course Legend Valley boasts spectacular sprawling fields and plenty of space to camp, hang out, enjoy workshops, and park the old recreational vehicle. Bonus amenities and extras as well as tickets can all be found at resonancemusicfest.com. Our insane jealousy aside, Resonance has amassed quite a collection of top tier talent, and is making a run to establish itself as one of the leading midwest festivals, if not one of the better lineups in the entire country.