The National reveal initial lineup for Homecoming (FJM, Feist, Breeders, more)

The National revealed last month that they’d be throwing their own Homecoming Festival in their original hometown of Cincinnati on April 28 & 29 in Smale Park, with The National playing “completely different” sets each night. Now the initial lineup is here, and it includes Father John Misty, Feist, Future Islands, The Breeders, Lord Huron, Julien Baker, Moses Sumney, Alvvays, and Big Thief, with more TBA. Tickets are on sale now.

Homecoming is happening in association with MusicNOW, which includes concerts happening at various Cincinnati venues from April 27-29. The initial lineup for that is also now announced, featuring the Eighth Blackbird ensemble playing with both The National’s Aaron & Bryce Dessner and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, plus Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, Mouse On Mars, Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir (of Múm), Crash Ensemble, and more. Here are more details via press release:

Some of MusicNOW’s many highlights will include:

• eighth blackbird with Bryce Dessner perform the evocative music of late composer Julius Eastman
• eighth blackbird join Bonnie “Prince” Billy in a powerful performance of Frederic Rzewski’s poltically-charged classic, “Coming Together”
• Ireland’s Crash Ensemble perform Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen’s masterpiece, “Schnee”
• Organist James McVinnie performs the work of Philip Glass, Nico Muhly, Meredith Monk, Bryce Dessner and others

Noted writer and musicologist Will Robin will host several pre-concert discussions.

Cincinnati’s Contemporary Art Center will host an exhibition by photographer Graham MacIndoe, featuring images from The National’s “Sleep Well Beast” and subsequent tour curated by The National’s Scott Devendorf.

Also running concurrently with the festival: two video installations by Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson – a frequent collaborator with The National and the Dessners – on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum, “The Visitors” and “Scenes from Western Culture.”

The Cincinnati Ballet will present a work based on Bryce Dessner’s “Murder Ballads” with music performed by eighth blackbird and choreograpy from the legendary Justin Peck of the New York City Ballet in several performances during the weekend.

Ticket info for MusicNOW is TBA, and “Homecoming passholders and VIPs will be offered a special presale, along with discounts and free admission to select MusicNOW programs.”

Almost exactly a month later, The National play Boston Calling, which Aaron Dessner curates. In July, the Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon-curated Eaux Claires festival returns.