The cusp of summertime is upon us and for all intents and purposes, it is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the sunshine, long days and amazing connections go hand in hand. Now comes for the soundtrack, and the experience. Enter the Music Festival… The intoxication of the Sunlight can only be sweeter with the inclusion of the music that moves those moments, as well as the Artists that craft the soundtrack to those Myspace angled pictures and Facebook mobile updates. The Summer Musical Festival season is quickly approaching, and with so many festivals out there, it can get frustrating and confusing as to who is playing where and for how much. Lets sort this one out, together, shall we?
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
When? April 17-19
Where? Indio, California
Who? Paul McCartney, Morrissey, Franz Ferdinand, MIA, The Killers Thievery Corporation,The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Paul Weller, The Chemical Brothers, Leonard Cohen, Brian Jonestown Massacre
It’ll Cost Ya… But… $269 For a three-day pass… However
The Payoff… If there was ever an opportunity in your lifetime to find and eat as much Peyote as humanly possible (if your into that kind of thing) this would most likely be the best event to indulge in your journey to the spiritual realm. This legendary festival is housing Legendary acts from the last 50 Years of music History hosting a Beatle, The Father of Goth, The Transcendent Shoe Gaze Godfathers, The Kings of post modern Psychodelia, and Every indie band you would ever want to see at a festival…
To Further Blow your Mind … Do your self a favor and check out Henry Rollin’s Spoken Word set. He will bring you back to reality… with a resounding crash of intensity and truth.
New Orleans Jazz Festival
When? April 24 - 26, April 30 – May 3
Where? N’Orleans
Who? [Weekend 1] Wynton Marsalis, Joe Cocker, Spoon, Irma Thomas, James Taylor, Wilco, Erykah Badu, Dave Matthews Band, Earth, Wind & Fire, Etta James & the Roots Band, The Robert Cray Band
[Weekend 2] Ben Harper & Relentless7, Emmylou Harris, Solomon Burke, Jakob Dylan, Sugarland, Tony Bennett, Bonnie Raitt, Doc Watson, Patty Griffin, Dr. John, Bon Jovi, Kings of Leon, The O’Jays, The Neville Brothers, Neil Young, Allen Toussaint, Los Lobos
Choices, Choices! Pricing Varies depending on who you want to see, where, when, etc. Starting at $50 per day, however there are VIP and Weekend Passes Available, as well as Single Tickets for Single Musical acts (most of the Headliners)
It Ain’t No Thing, ‘Les it’s got that swing!? Aside from the "Advertised Headliners" this festival is completely and totally immersed in the Culture, experience and institution that help put the Big Easy on the Map (not to mention classify American Culture around the 1930's). Smooth Jazz, Nu Jazz, Classic Jazz, Brass Band Jazz, Fusion Jazz, Kick Back to the Legends of Jazz, Etc, Etc, Etc, Can be found during these 6 days of Cajun Commemoration. Go for the Music, Stay for the Food. Indulge in a bowl of gumbo and crawfish. brush up on your Creole and immerse yourself in something uniquely Dare I say... American.
Movement: Detroit Electronic Music Festival
When? May 23-25
Where? Detroit, Michigan
Who? Carl Cox, Derrick May, Loco Dice vs. Luciano, Damien Lazarus, RJD2
Very Nice, How Much? $40
So what Else is New? It’s 40 Bucks! Didn’t make it to Ultra Because the Economy has your wallet (and balls) in a pair of giant vice-grip pliers that just wont let up and you’re driving distance from the Motor City? Why not! The lineup isn’t substantial with 35 Acts over 3 days, However the price is unbeatable for an ENTIRE WEEKEEND OF EDM GOODNESS! P.S. Check at RJD2, indie techno is in, and this Guy fulfills every nerd at hearts pseudo downbeat craving while keeping it real, Star Wars Style.
Sasquatch Music Festival
When: May 23-25
Where: Quincy, Washington (At The Gorge)
Who: Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, The Walkmen, The Avett Brothers, Explosions in the Sky, M83, The Doves, Kings of Leon
The Green For the Goods: $154.50 for 3 days of goodness!
Hipsters Laugh at you, Not with You: Tim and Eric, Todd Barry, Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin
Green Means GO! Half of the reason for attending this festival lies in the Venue itself. The Gorge is a far removed, beautiful Amphitheatre nestled quietly by an Enormous Lake in the middle of the Pacific North West. Although the lineup for the festival is incredibly similar to half of the other festivals going on this summer, it is completely worth your time and energy, (if you are a fan of any kind of Comedy) to Check out Zach Galifianakis and Co. The music is bound to be amazing and entertaining however If you do find yourself in the crowd, do not miss Explosions in the Sky.. The Austin Instrumental Band will sooth you to sleep with their liquefying aural soundscapes, suited perfectly for the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
I Sure Wish James Brown Were Alive...: He is, or at least his soul, Transmuted into a 30 Something Eccentric Indian (like Mumbai) hipsters Pied Piper Named King Khann who’s back up band resembles the Crew of the Belefonte from the Life Aquatic… And oh so amazing! DO NOT MISS THIS EXPERIENCE
Bonnaroo
When? June 11-14
Where? Manchester, TN
Who? Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Phish, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Snoop Dogg, Paul Oakenfold, Yeah Yeah Yeahs MGMT, The Decemberists, Girl Talk
The Bad News: Tickets are $249.50, plus tax, fees, parental consent and a Doctor’s note…(Body Paint Extra)
So what Else is New?? Live Comedy for one! Jimmy Fallon, Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, An Evening with the Daily Show Ft: John Oliver, Rob Riggle, and Rory Albanese
So What? Bonnaroo never fails to draw a diverse crowd, however with lineups drawing from a pool of the best artists from nearly all musical Sub Genre’s as well as Live comedy this festival is worth the trip, as well as the money. A Payment plan is available for those who can’t front the bill right away but still want to get 3rd degree sunburns from the Tennessee Sun as well as the become part of the inevitably awkward social experiment of sub culture separation the likes of which have not been experienced since High School in 1998.
All Points West
When: July 31 – August 2
Where: Jersey City, NJ
Who: Beastie Boys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, MSTRKRFT, The National, Tool, My Bloody Valentine, Gogol Bordello, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, MGMT, Mogwai
Yeah But What the F@#$ Is it gonna Cost me: $199 for a 3 day pass
“Johnny used to work on the Dock…” This Festival Feels a little bit more British than all of the others, If you take into account TOOL, Cold Play Vampire Weekend, Mogwai, and The Arctic Monkeys. If you have never seen Tool in a Festival Atmosphere it would be well worth it… Not to mention the fact that All Points West is one of just a few stops for Coldplay This Summer in the Us. Worth time if you’ve got it.
Lollapalooza
When: August 7-9
Where: Chicago, IL
Who: Janes Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, TBA
Que? Details are still coming in for this event, however Being Perry Farrell’s personal festival, it is almost certain that Janes Addiction and Nine Inch Nails will round out their Summer Jaunt In Chi Town. Keep to the website for more information.
Austin City Limits
When: October 2-4
Where: Austin, TX
Who: Rumored Acts Include Dave Matthews Band, The B 52's Beastie Boys, Long Legend, Sonic Youth Say What? : Although little is known so far about the lineup it is shaping up to be somewhat of a strange experience…
What happens when summer comes to an end?
VooDoo Experience
When? Oct. 30th to Nov. 1st
Where? New Orleans’ City Park
Who? Not yet released, but last year’s line-up included The Mars Volta, N*E*R*D, TV on the Radio, Irma Thomas, Butthole Surfers
Very Nice, How Much? $103 for 3-Day Weekend Pass or $336 for a 3-Day Loa Lounge VIP Pass
So what Else is New? This is quite possibly one of the coolest music festivals that you could attend, not to mention that it falls on Halloween! So what better to do on this day than to listen to some of the most prominent bands in music today? Right now it’s only $103 for a 3-day pass, which is extremely reasonable considering the times we’re in. The line-up hasn’t been released it, but we’re pretty sure that’s it’s gonna pack a hell of a musical punch.
