In 2006, Cincinnati native Bryce Dessner of The National launched the MusicNOW festival, bringing unique and creative artists and Indie music heavyweights to his hometown for a unique and subsequently much-anticipated springtime event. With a global profile as high as it's ever been, The National will headline MusicNOW 2011's final night May 15.  

Cincinnati native Bryce Dessner's MusicNOW brainchild has evolved into one of the singular musical events in the Midwest, a multi-day festival featuring a like-minded collection of creatively adventurous musicians who relish the opportunity to partake in its laid-back, artist-friendly atmosphere. Dessner talks about his approach to MusicNOW, why Memorial Hall is the right venue and the upcoming album from his band, The National.  

St. Vincent can be deceiving. First there's the name, which brings to mind a chanting religious dude in white robes (it's actually a reference to the hospital where poet Dylan Thomas spent his final hours). Then there's the physical appearance of the person behind the moniker, Annie Clark, a demure woman with a mop of curly, jet-black hair and a face that looks as innocent as Bambi's. She headlines the second night of MusicNOW.  

David Harrington, founder and leader of the world-famous (and world-traveled) Kronos Quartet, finds it hard to believe the group hasn't played Cincinnati since 1987. Kronos will be the headliner for both nights of the MusicNOW festival March 11-12 at Memorial Hall in Over-the-Rhine.