12 acts to see at the North Coast Music Fest

The inaugural North Coast Music Festival kicks off today in Union Park with dozens and dozens of bands to see throughout the weekend.

These aren't the only 12 bands to check out, but you should make them a priority. Scroll down for our list and let us know who you'll be hearing at North Coast.

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Chicago rapper is thoughtful even when he's getting the party started.
Local folk-poppers' full-length debut "Perch Patchwork" is one of the year's most intriguing local releases.
He's been a compelling, divisive figure, if not always a big seller, since his '94 debut "Illmatic." Nas performs with Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley with whom he collaborated on the recent "Distant Relatives."
A New Orleans band that really evokes the city in every song.
British electronic duo returned this year with "Further," their first record in three years. The beats alone will have people sweating.
Is there a more soulful band in Chicago? The Right Now certainly deserves to be in the conversation.
If you like Band of Horses, Black Crowes or CSNY, this Chicago alt-country act will hit the spot.
Whatever they do now or later, "3 Feet High and Rising" will always be significant.
He's still making electronic dance music that doesn't feel confined to what that label normally means.
Rockers only continue to smolder stronger with time.
Locals' long-awaited full-length debut "Star" disappoints, but they still know how to get a crowd going.
Not one of my favorite of the soul revivalists, but there's plenty of appealing retro flavor in here anyway.