What should you check out at Osheaga 2017? Here are 3 picks

The organizers of Osheaga had a tough act to follow after the success of the 2016 lineup, with headliners Radiohead and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

At the stroke of noon Tuesday, I found myself hovering overOsheaga's websiteand hitting refresh, waiting for the early lineup for 2017 to appear on the screen.

Now we have it.

There are a few names missing from this year's lineup:I would rush through theJean-DrapeauPark gates to see reggae's newest star,Chronixx, or hip hop's rap prince, Chance The Rapper.

• Osheaga2017: TheWeeknd, Muse,Lordetop eclectic lineup

Still, the 12th edition of the festival that's become one of Canada's hottest events of the summer promises to provide a balanced mix of the big, recognizable names and niche artists who everyone should be enthralled to discover.

Here are my top three picks.

1. Alabama Shakes

So, I screamed in an "at the open-concept office" kind of way when I saw Alabama Shakes in this year's Osheaga lineup.

When the heart palpitations settled, knowing that powerhouse lead vocalistBrittany Howard was coming back to our fair city, I was a little judgy at the fact that Alabama Shakes'name appears on the second line of the purple poster, in a font sizesmaller than our big Canadian star, The Weeknd.

But that's neither here nor there: font size really does not matter.

Clearly, Alabama Shakes isjust loved for itsrocking, howling, soulful sound: despite producing no new music since 2015,the blues-rock band still secured a spot in one of North America's hottest music and arts festivals.

Here's a taste of what to expect:

2. Solange

And then I did my best imitation of a toddler grin and gigglewhen I saw Solange's name.

Far out of the shadow of big sister Beysince the September release of her third albumSeat At The Table, Solange has hadmusic critics singing herpraises for this politically charged, Afro-futuristic soul album.

A2017 Grammy win for Best R&BPerformance was a nice cherry on top of a pretty sweet year.

Celebrating the ties between music, visual artsand fashion, Solange's videos and live performances on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show are creative teasers to what we can expect from a full Solange concert.

• Solange on CBC Music.ca

3. Teganand Sara

My heart warmed to see Canadian twin pop starsTegan and Sara on the bill.

The sisters have been on the road with theirLove You To Deathtour,making a point in every city to connect with their LGBTQ fans and communities.

Montreal will not be any different. Presenting art and activism as a party, Tegan and Sara's show at Osheaga promises to be fun, inspiring and informative.

• Tegan and Sara on Q:'Not a lot of bands make it to eight records'
• Osheaga2017: TheWeeknd, Muse,Lordetop eclectic lineup