DeKALB | Last year, Kickstand Productions kicked off the first Middlewest Fest, a two-day, genre-spanning, multi-venue festival of music, movies and crafts. Back for a second year, the Fest will take downtown DeKalb Sept. 9 and 10 with a panoply of big names including Tokyo Police Club, and Murder By Death. Here are Jerene-Elise Nall’s top three:

Sleeping Under 47 I was extremely happy to see Sleeping Under 47 on the bill for this year’s Middlewest Fest — this is one band that definitely deserves to be playing at what promises to be an exciting, eclectic festival. Sleeping under 47 has a long history and a good reputation. This band does great justice to their genre, and is a point of pride on the local scene. They play consistently excellent sets, and won’t fail to disappoint their fans at this year’s Fest.

Brian Posehn Posehn is a friendly metal head who may be a little strange looking but simply wants to discuss bong rips and zombies with his audience. I was unable to attend Brian Posehn’s stand-up set at Otto’s last year, but I heard nothing but wonderful things about it from the many people that did attend. He’s coming back again for this year’s Middlewest Fest, and I refuse to miss out again.

Maps & Atlases Maps and Atlases is pure talent wrapped in a stylish button-up flannel. This group has an impressive grasp on straddling the line between off-beat and catchy, which makes for absolutely captivating music. Watching Maps and Atlases play their intricate yet accessible strain of indie rock live is sublime. Missing Maps and Atlases at this year’s Middlewest Fest is out of the question.