Local music festivals kick off

HOMEGROWN music gets a big boost this July with three festivals taking place over the next few weekends.

Baybeats kicks off on Friday and runs until Sunday with 28 bands (including a handful of regional ones) performing across four venues at the Esplanade. On the bill are acts like retro-pop five-piece Obedient Wives Club, whose new EP Cinematica is out now, and post-rockers Amateur Takes Control, back after a three-year hiatus.

Taking place at the Republic Polytechnic Lawn over July 28 and 29 is Ignite!, which features rappers Shigga Shay and Th…