The BayFest bands

Little Big Town

• Bio: The Nashville foursome has been singing together since 1998. The band hit the big time with its 2005 album, "The Road to Here," which was certified platinum. The band went on to receive a number of award nominations, including a Grammy nomination.

• What they do best: Little Big Town is known for its tight harmonies and for turning out solid live shows.

• Friends in high places: The band sang backing vocals on John Mellencamp's album, "Freedom's Road." LBT has performed with country greats George Strait and Martina McBride, among others.

• Download this: "I'm with the Band," from the album "The Rod to Here"

Rodney Atkins

• Bio: Rodney Atkins' country music career officially launched in 1997, but it wasn't until he released his first full-length album in 2003 that the county music world started taking notice.

After a two-year absence from the music charts, Atkins resurfaced in 2006 with his latest album, "If You're Going Through Hell." The album went on to be certified platinum, and Atkins won the 2006 Country Music Award for best new male vocalist and was nominated for six Academy of Country Music awards.

• What he does best: Atkins' songs have been known to make grown men cry.

• In good-looking company: Atkins made the MSN's list of "Dreamy Dads," along with Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt and Patrick Dempsey.

• Download this: "Invisibly Shaken" from the album "If You're Going Through Hell."

3 Doors Down

• Bio: The rockers from Mississippi burst onto the charts in 2000 with their mega-hit "Kryptonite." The band has since released three full-length albums, and has had a number of chart-topping singles including the current hit "It's Not My Time."

• What they do best: The five-piece rock outfit knows how to rock a crowd.

• Home of the brave: The members of 3DD are outspoken supporters of U.S. troops. Last year, the band released the single "Citizen/Soldier" as an homage to the National Guard.

• Download this: "It's Not My Time" from the band's self titled album.

Everclear

• Bio: With seven albums polished off, Everclear is back with four new band members and a new album, "Welcome to the Drama Club."

• What they do best: Lead singer and songwriter Art Alexakis pulls no punches when it comes to his music. His songs are raw and honest, and there's no wondering why he calls himself the "drama king."

• Critical acclaim: Everclear's best hits album, "Ten Years Gone: The Best of Everclear," received a four-star review from "Rolling Stone" magazine. See review on Page 18.

• Download this: "Hater" from the album "Welcome to the Drama Club."

Live

• Bio: The four members of Pennsylvania alt-rock band Live have been playing and performing together since they were teenagers. They've been together for 22 years and are still writing and playing music for hordes of super devoted fans who got hooked early on the guys' post-grunge sound.

Live has released eight full-length albums, which, collectively, have sold more than 20 million copies.

Live's latest album, "Radiant Sea: A Collection of Bootleg Rarities and Two New Songs," is a compilation disc of 10 previously recorded songs and two previously unreleased songs. The album is only available at its concerts or online at www.friendsoflive.com.

• What they do best: Live loves its fans. The band interacts with its fans personally as much and as often as it can. Live is also known for its long live sets.

• Chart busters: Live's 1994 album "Throwing Copper" is the only album in Billboard history to stay on the charts for 52 weeks and then reach No. 1. The album went platinum 12 times.

• Download this: "The River" from the album "Songs of Black Mountain."

— Kawehi Haug