[photogallerylink id=86846 align=left]Although it was originally announced that the [lastfm]Dave Matthews Band[/lastfm] would be taking a well-earned hiatus this year, the plan to mount several regional festivals headlined by DMB was a far more appealing scenario to their legions of fans.

XRT will be leading the charge to Chicago’s Lakeside this weekend. We have all the info including updated schedules, maps, transportation info, and anything else you’ll need to maximize your experience. Be sure to start by listening to XRT’s Fri-DAVE Feature, spotlighting the music of DMB & Friends, including most of the artists who’ll be appearing at the Caravan during the next few days including big names such as [lastfm]The Flaming Lips[/lastfm], [lastfm]Edward Sharpe[/lastfm] and the [lastfm]Magnetic Zeros[/lastfm], [lastfm]Ben Folds[/lastfm], [lastfm]The Wailers[/lastfm], [lastfm]Sharon Jones and the Dap-kings[/lastfm], [lastfm]Umphrey’s McGee[/lastfm], and more.

As with any festival it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the amazing acts coming in to town, so we’ve taken the liberty of picking out 20 of our favorites that you don’t want to miss this weekend. And as usual, you can count on XRT to keep you updated with live coverage all weekend long as the party continues.

1. Ray LaMontagne – After graduating high school, leaving home and finding work at a shoe factory in Maine, Ray LaMontagne was living the simple life until he was inspired one morning by Stephen Stills album Stills Alone, and the rest is history. With over a decade of experience performing live, LaMontagne knows how to give a killer performance, which is easy considering his unbelievably soft, soothing, raspy voice and sweet guitar melodies. Check him out backstage at Bonnaroo.

Free download: “Beg, Steal or Borrow”

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