The Underwater Sunshine Fest is taking over NYC again next weekend. This indie music celebration is about "finding those musical gems from the deep," as music journalist James Campion writes. Each artist is hand-selected by two-time Grammy nominated Adam Duritz of Counting Crows, who curates a lineup that feels like the best mix tape you've ever heard. He gets by with a little help from his friends who also support indie music, including this year's Very Special Guest Cyndi Lauper and platinum recording artist Eric Hutchinson.

If you're still not convinced, though, we give you 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Miss the Underwater Sunshine Fest:

1. First and foremost, music discovery.

Twenty bands over two days on two stages. The musical acts range in genre: pure rock 'n' roll, punk, acoustic singer/songwriter, pop, soul, R&B. But they all have one thing in common: uncompromising authenticity and talent. These are the bands you will someday say, "I saw them at Underwater Sunshine before they made it big..."

2. One of the most unique aspects of this festival is the sense of community.

From the moment the doors open on Friday, you're not just another face in the crowd - you're Underwater family. You'll meet other music lovers who have an insatiable appetite for new music, making an instant connection. As you're watching bands perform their sets, you'll probably notice that you're standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of your favorite artists who are taking it all in, too. You're not just watching the festival happen, you're a part of it.

3. Umm...did we mention it's FREE?!

That's right, folks. No tickets, no 2-day passes, no VIP packages you have to purchase. Free entry at the door and...wait for it....a ton of FREE band and official merchandise, thanks to our sponsors. T-shirts, CDs, vinyl, posters, you name it - yours at no cost. Where else can you experience nearly 12 hours of free entertainment, collect free souvenirs and find your next favorite band without spending a dime? (Except on drinks - definitely support the Bowery while you're there!)

4. You can't go anywhere in NYC and not mention the food.

There are so many great joints near the Bowery, but if you want to know a little secret...Taco Bar is a well-known Underwater fave. Head down there for a delicious and quick taco in between sets and you might run into a number of our performers.

5. Support Independent Music.

Indie bands not only deserve, but they need, your support. This is an amazing time for music - in some ways, better than it has ever been. There’s more great music available today than ever before. Still, as Executive Producer Adam Duritz says, "...bands need real people to come out and see them in real places...It's important."

So come out and see us at the Underwater Sunshine Festival April 5-6, 2019 at The Bowery Electric! Check out the full line-up here.

By Holly Perry,
Marketing Director, UWSF