YABAI! is an indie rock band from Burlington known for playing sunny and upbeat original songs. The band formed when Phil Smith returned to Burlington after living in Japan for two years. Though he hadn’t written or played regularly in six years, a dinner with friend Scott Barrett sparked the idea of starting a band—Scott revealed he was a drummer and wanted to play, and the two began collaborating.

Phil and Scott soon brought in their friend Eric Winebrenner, who dusted off his high‑school bass, and after a few early jam sessions, they recruited Mitch Bergeron as lead guitarist. With a mix of covers and early originals, the band found its footing, developing catchy, high‑energy indie rock with a hint of emo. They released their first single, Simplify, on the day of their first show, and have since become active in the Vermont punk and alternative rock scene, performing regularly and recording new music.

Joining them is We're Here! To Kill, a radical alternative band known for their 90s‑grunge‑inspired sound paired with a sardonic take on modern problems. Their performances feature strong riffs, powerful melodies, and the occasional inflatable‑themed comedic bit. Formed with attitude and sincerity at their core, WH!TK includes Burlington scene regulars Fisher Wagg, Riley Rae Burridge, front‑them Teagan Cook, and bassist Becca Hammond. Their debut single, Worth It, is available now on streaming services and music stores worldwide.

Remi Russin also takes the stage, a hyper‑local multi‑instrumentalist and producer grounded in a strong DIY ethos. Their music blends 80s pop and new wave with dream‑pop, synth‑pop, and shoegaze textures, layering somber undertones into heavy, dance‑driven energy.