Choices, choices, choices...
1) Bonnaroo
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 10-13th
Sleeping Accomodations: Camping, On-site RVs, the Woods.
2010 Headliners: Dave Matthews Band, Kings of Leon [headliner? really?], Stevie Wonder, and Jay-Z:
Necessary Honorable Mention: The Flaming Lips w/ Stardeath and White Dwarfs performing "Dark Side of the Moon" [late night], Phoenix, Baroness, Steve Martin and the Canyon Rangers, John Fogerty, The National, Les Claypool, Thievery Corporation, The Avett Brothers, Jimmy Cliff, LCD Soundsystem, Local Natives, Miike Snow, She & Him, Jeff Beck, The Dead Weather, Explosions in the Sky, Dr. Dog, Blitzen Trapper, They Might Be Giants, and many, many more TBA
If the Rose Bowl is the "Granddaddy of them all" and The Masters is a "tradition unlike any other", Bonnaroo is "heaven's little slice of Americana." Not for the faint of heart or the heat stroke inclined, but consistently the can't miss musical event of the year in the Southland, with 18 hours of music a day, activities and amenities for the kids at heart (Batting cage, DJ academy, Playstation discotheque, ferris wheel, Silent Disco, and countless independent vendors peddling their wares). Casual music fans should stay at home [and, they usually do after coming for one year] because you have to REALLY LOVE MUSIC to endure 4 days and nights of oppressive heat, dust, mud, storms and w00kies. But if you come in with an open mind, you'll undoubtedly have the time of your life. Also, the late night shows are legendary and worth the price of admission itself. Whether it was moe. in 2002, STS9 in 2005, The Flaming Lips in 2007, or My Morning Jacket [Click to listen] in 2008, every year there's been a monumental performance for the ages that didn't get crackin' til after midnight. 2010's [9th Annual] edition is fairly vanilla at the top, but I've learned time and time again from my 7 summers down on the farm that it's generally the bands you least expect [or don't even know about] who end up making the weekend worthwhile. Also, just realized that after attending the festival this summer I will have spent 32 days of my life at Bonnaroo. Over a month...just plain scary.
2) The Hangout
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
When: May 14-16
Sleeping Accomodations: assortment of lodging options surrounding the festival including traditional hotels and beach-front condos to camping at the local state park.
2010 Headliners: Trey Anastasio and TAB, Zac Brown Band, & John Legend
Necessary Honorable Mention: Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Ray LaMontagne, The Flaming Lips, The Black Crowes, Gov't Mule, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Funky Meters, Keller Williams, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Matisyahu, North Mississippi Allstars, Girl Talk, Blind Boys of Alabama, Pnuma Trio, Moon Taxi and more...
A novel concept and guaranteed amazing weather in May on the Gulf Shore. The lineup is nothing too special, but should be an excellent way for college kids and grad schoolers to unleash some pent-up brain funk after a long year.
3) All Good Festival
Where: Masontown, WV
When: July 8-11
Sleeping Accodomodations: Camping
2010 Headliners: Furthur, Widespread Panic & Umphrey's McGee
Necessary Honorable Mention: Dark Star Orchestra, Yonder Mountain String Band, Lotus, Rebelution, The New Deal, Railroad Earth, and more
If you're a jam bander, this is probably the best stop for you this summer. Temperate climate in coal mining country and round the clock goo balls on several stages. Should be a righteous weird time.
Still To Be Announced: Lollapalooza [w/ Soundgarden (!) rumored to headline], Austin City Limits & The Voodoo Experience.
What better way to get amped for festival season than by viewing some videos at of the World's finest interpretative dancers "performing" at last year's summer festivals?
World's Best Dancer at Lollapalooza 2009:
World's Best Impromptu Dance Party at Sasquatch! 2009 [1.3 million vies so you know it's good]:
And finally, The Amazing Grass Skirt Dancer at Bonnaroo 2009:
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