By: Tom Roth

Every summer since 2002, music pilgrims have swept off to the creatively named George, WA for Sasquatch! Music Festival. In the ensuing dozen years, the fan experience looks a little different than it once did: gone are the draping sponsorship banners from the anti-smoking crowd replaced for 2013 by equally imposing pitches from blu eCigs. There’s an official mobile app now. Fans can move in and out of the venue. Lockers are available. You can charge your phone at kiosks (for a fee). The friendly sasquatch mascots are a little more inconspicuous, seemingly eclipsed by a Miami Ink style script. In 2014, it’s back to three days, after a 4-day run last year. Having been humbled by a failed expansion to two separate weekends, Sasquatch! might look more like it has in the past.

For all the changes however, Sasquatch! has some familiar bits. Seattle artists are well represented and old standbys like Neko Case, who will be featured for the eighth time, round out a stacked lineup. Also check out our Sasquatch 2014 playlist and 7 homegrown Pacific Northwest bands to see.

Without further ado, here are our picks in five words or less:

• FRIDAY

  • MARY LAMBERT: not just “Same Love” vocals

  • DE LA SOUL: 3:10PM? Friday? Too early

  • CHANCE THE RAPPER: Coco Butter kisses will ensue

  • OUTKAST: return of the ATLiens

  • YELLE: French, sassy, smart, pop

  • DIE ANTWOORD: we fink dey freaky

• SATURDAY

  • AUGUSTINES: new album, new band name

  • SOL: Seattle rap’s future. Move, Macklemore

  • NICK SWARDSON: midday comedy break. Drink beer.

  • M.I.A: hydrate well for maximum dancing

• SUNDAY

  • TUNE-YARDS: masterful art-house trumpet usage

  • COLD WAR KIDS: something-something Crimea

  • BLACK JOE LEWIS: like the American Gangster soundtrack

  • HAIM: 80’s revival, no boys allowed

  • KID CUDI: stoner or prophet? You choose

  • TYCHO: last-minute addition artsy-shoegazer

  • QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE: late Sunday, but stick around