The Beale St. Music Festival can be a little overwhelming. There are tens of thousands of people trying to see several dozen bands in a park that's roughly one mile long. Plus, there's a good chance that it will be raining.

With that in mind, Intern Jerel and I have each complied a list of the bands that we're going to make a point to see, no matter what the conditions.

Intern Jerel's picks:

1. MGMT (9 p.m. Friday, Horseshoe Casino Stage)

Think electronica mixed with vocal harmonies and you’ve got MGMT. They’re sure to bring down the house Friday night and playing that time slot will be perfect for this psychedelic band. I can see it now - people in glow in the dark paint jumping and dancing around high on the band's pure awesomeness.

2. Mumford & Sons (7:15 p.m. Saturday, Bud Light Stage)

This band is more than just another up and coming band - Mumford and Sons has become a phenomenon,  nominated for two Grammys (including“Best New Artist”). They’ve received so much success that some are saying that they’re one of the bands leading the way for another British invasion. It’s not hard to see why this band has what it takes to make it big: a folky sound, brilliant lyrics and an intense live performance. Seeing this band Saturday could possibly mean seeing history in the making.

3. Cage the Elephant (7:25 p.m. Friday, Horseshoe Casino Stage)

Cage the Elephant is young, loud, and driven. Their music is like the rally cry for an entire generation. Listening to them just puts a fire in you, and seeing them live is like being in a whole other world. I recommend that anybody who has ever wanted to scream at the top of their lungs, either out of joy or frustration, go see this band.

4. The New Pornographers (5:40 p.m. Saturday, MATCU stage)

The New Pornographers are a group of mostly-Canadians carry on the pop tradition of the greats like The Beatles and Smokey Robinson. In today’s world of fluffy pop sometimes you just need to sit back and listen to how it’s supposed to be done.

5. Manchester Orchestra (6 p.m. Friday, Horseshoe Casino Stage)

This band is the one act that I’m most excited to see at Music Fest. For me Manchester Orchestra is much more than just a band. When I listen to them, I get goosebumps.  Maybe it’s the honesty that drips from the lyrics like honey, or maybe it’s the way that every instrument hits me like a bag of bricks. Whatever it is, I’m in love with Manchester Orchestra, and I hope to see tons of people right there with me going crazy over this band at Music Fest.

Kerry's picks:

1. The Avett Brothers (6:55 Sunday, Horseshoe Casino stage)

I fell in love with the Avett Brothers when I heard their record "I and Love and You". Though the Brothers have folk and bluegrass roots, they're plenty rock'n'roll enough for BSMF. Though I've never seen them live, I've heard that they're a lot more energetic than their sound would sometimes imply.

Avett Brothers on NPR Music

2. Jerry Lee Lewis (5:40 Saturday, Bud Light stage)

Legendary piano rocker Jerry Lee Lewis has been a BSMF mainstay for years. Even though he's pushing 80, his live shows still have plenty of fire. If you've never seen him play, make a point to do it this year - you'll always be able to say that you were able to see him live.

3. The New Pornographers (5:40 p.m. Saturday, MATCU stage)

Intern Jerel is right about the New Pornographers - they make great pop music. They also put on a hell of a live show, packing almost every inch the stage with people and instruments. Their BSMF line up includes the band's three biggest songwriting stars - Dan Bejar (of Destroyer), AC Newman and Neko Case.

4. Flaming Lips (10:50 p.m. Friday, Horseshoe Casino stage)

The Flaming Lips are back to make good on last year's cancelled BSMF performance. I've never seen them live, but I've heard all sorts of stories about the costumes and props that the psychedelic, funky indie band brings to their live shows. Giant hamster balls? Check. Balloons? Most likely. Confetti? Natch.

5. Wilco (8:40 Sunday, Horseshoe Casino stage)

Say what you will about "Sky Blue Sky" - you need to see Wilco at BSMF. Songwriter Jeff Tweedy's alt-countryish, sort of power-pop band is, in a lot of ways, better live than on record. Their show on Sunday night will be the perfect way to wrap up the weekend.

For a full Beale St. Music Festival schedule and line up, check out the Memphis in May site. Before you head to the park, familiarize yourself with this list of essential MIM survival tips (including several ways to keep your cell phone from getting soaked).