Raleigh, N.C. — Hopscotch Music Festival announced the first artist in its 2013 lineup this morning: John Cale!

The artist will play at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium during the festival. Cale was one of the founding members of the rock band Velvet Underground and has achieved much success as a solo artist, songwriter and experimental artist through the decades while demonstrating his expertise with a variety of instruments.

The three-day music festival will draw thousands to downtown Raleigh. The rest of the show lineup will be released in late April; however, you can expect about 180 bands at dozens of venues. The festival will be held on Sept. 5-7.

Tickets for the festival are still on sale. VIP passes, which include priority access to all the shows and entrance to the opening night party, are $180. Three-day wristbands are also on sale for $125.

Passes for single-day shows and shows in City Plaza will go on sale in June.