MPMF: Top picks for Friday night

CINCINNATI - Ready for round two? If you're headed out the door for the second night of MPMF and aren't sure who to check out, below are our top nine suggestions.

Although you can't go wrong with just about any venue you chose to experience great live music, figuring out who to see when can be overwhelming. Here are our top picks for Friday.

1. Brian Olive : Local musician Brian Olive wears many hats these days. Not only does he tour on and off throughout North America (and recently in Europe), but he also jammed with Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach on the legendary Dr. John's newest album Locked Down. This show is definitely not to be missed. UPDATE: Olive was originally scheduled to play at the vitaminwater Room at the Hanke building at 10:15 p.m., but is now performing at the Midway stage at 9 p.m. for a free show that's open to the public.

2. Dinosaur Jr. : Yes, the rumors are true. Popular alternative rock group Dinosaur Jr. is playing in the Tri-State and is one of the main headliners for MPMF.  The group formed in 1984 and to the dismay of many die-hard fans, disbanded for a few years before reuniting in 2005. The popular 90s bands performs this evening at Grammer's starting at 9:30 p.m.

3. Grizzly Bear : Another main headline for this year's festival, the Brooklyn-based band Grizzly Bear performs at Washington Park at 8:30 p.m. This Indie Rock group incorporates electronic instruments with the use of vocal harmonies for a psychedelic pop/folky sound.

4. F.Stokes : With a poetic/spoken word approach to his smart lyrics and a musical approach informed by his electic tastes (he draws influence from everyone from Patti Smith and Johnny Cash to Miles Davis and Kanye West), F.Stokes is far from your stereotypical Rap artist. Though modern and relevant, Stokes' unique approach is a throwback to the Native Tongues movement in Hip Hop during the late 80s/early 90s in that he seems to be forging a creative path by following the blueprint for whatever it is that makes a Hip Hop song a hit nowadays. He performs at 12:15 a.m. at the Blue Wisp. (MB, CityBeat).

5. Carole Walker : Local music watchers who've been observing the music scene for the past 20 years sould be well familiar with singer/songwriter and Cincinnati native Carole Walker's musical path. She was the singer for touring Rock/Funk act Heavy Weather for many years and was also half of the "Acoustic Soul" duo The Walker Project with her later brother, Chris Walker. She performs at Arnold's 8:15 p.m. (Mike Breen, CityBeat).

6. Bad Veins : Cincinnati-based and fan favorite, Bad Veins takes the stage tonight at 10:15 in the vitaminwater Room at The Hanke Building. The Indie-Pop duo released their newest album this past spring, titled "The Mess We've Made."

7. TEEN : After several years playing in various bands around New York City, singer/songwriter Teeny Lieberson hooked up with fellow MPMF.12 performers Here We Go Magic, joining the group as keyboardist. During a break from HWGM, she recorded a handful of songs that would become the basis for her new band, TEEN. With sisters Lizzie Lieberson (keyboards/vocals) and Katherine Lieberson (percussion/vocals), plus friend Jane Herships (bass/vocals), TEEN recorded its debut, In Limbo. They play at Know Theatre 9:15 p.m. (MB, CityBeat).

8. The Moth and the Flame: The Moth and the Flame came together when guitarist Brandon Robbins played an open mic in Provo with keyboardist Mark Garbett; soundman Nate Pyfer ultimately became a band member and produced the band's ethereal debut album. The band's ambient chill and textural atmosphere is perfectly juxtaposed against their epic Indie Prog hearts, a singular sound that defines The Moth and Flame's astonishingly mature an accomplished first released. They play at 10 p.m. at the CAC. (MB, Citybeat).

9. Fort Wilson Riot : Though they hail from Minneapolis, Indie Pop duo Fort Wilson Riot list its hometown as "Our dear can Casandra," a nod to the pair's nomadic life as a D.I.Y. touring entity. Buzzed about after their appearance at last year's festival, the twosome returns to MPMF.12 with their infectious mix of Indie Folk, Garage and Dance Pop. They play at  9:30 p.m. at Cincinnati Club. (MB, CityBeat).

Content used from CityBeat and MPMF.com. Find out more on the festival here.