Last year’s Launch music/art/design festival, which went down on July 23, 2011 at Greens Hotel, was hands-down one of the high points of summer. The fashion show, the pop-up shops, the killer tunes from great bands and the overall sense of community were just amazing. This year, Launch is reaching new heights. Over the last couple weeks, they have been dropping hints via their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/LaunchEvents) as to just how crazy this year’s events will be. At least nine events are scheduled over six days (July 23—28, 2012) at multiple venues. Expect to see everything from from digital design battles, to furniture exhibitions to a full-on music festival on the final night at Ceaser Chavez Park. The lineup for said music festival? Absolutely bananas. Peep it: Chromeo, DJ Shadow, Grouplove, !!!, Future Islands, Gardens & Villas, St. Lucia, White Arrows, Sea of Bees, Low Flying Owls (reunion show), Appetite, Resa and more. Hot damn! Between last weekend’s massive Sacramento Electronic Music Festival, the Friday Night Concerts in the Park lineup, Launch and other rad touring bands coming through this summer, Sacramento is looking real nice.

-J.Carabba