The PLAY:stl festival is upon us again. Now in its third year, the weekend boasts more than 100 bands on 10 stages. St. Louis’ premier music festival has been steadily growing since its inception in 2007, from 90 bands on seven stages to 99 bands over three days in 2008.

The bands are mostly on the small-but-mighty indie side. The aspect of discovery is one of the most fun parts about the festival. Notable performers include mashup kings The Hood Internet, Atlas Sound (a Deerhunter side project), Brothers Lazaroff, Midwest Avengers, recent W.I.L.D. performer Nite Owl, Illphonics, Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship and Ellee Ven.

The shows kick off on Wednesday and continue Thursday through Saturday. All 10 stages are at places on the Loop, including Cicero’s, Blueberry Hill, Vintage Vinyl, Racanelli’s Cucina, Chipotle and the 560 Music Building. Each of the venues hosts several sets each night starting around 7 p.m. Check out the full schedule at http://2009.playstlfest.com/.

In addition to the shows, the festival also features a series of advice panels for making it in the music business. Topics include basic business sense for musicians, how to get exposure, social networking and the questionable necessity of booking agents. Panels start Saturday afternoon at Cicero’s.

Wash. U. students can pick up three-day wristbands for $5 (about 5 cents per performance) at the Edison Box Office. That’s a $10 savings on the normal price of a wristband, plus all the swag that comes with it: Wristband holders get a free Chipotle burrito, a free drink or shirt, and preferred admission to panel discussions.

Head out to the Loop this weekend to find yourself a new favorite indie band!