As the weather gets warmer and warmer, getting outside and taking in some much-needed fresh air becomes something almost everyone wants to do. A great way to spend some time in the sun (or sometimes even the rain) is to pack the car and hit the road and spend some time at one of the various music and arts festivals located all across the country. No we’re not talking the run of the mill one-day event like a Warped Tour, or Ozzfest where the music dies at nightfall. We’re talking an all out rage fest, where the music doesn’t stop until the end of the weekend, and making friends is as simple as sharing a hot dog with a hungry neighbor.
Following in the style of Woodstock, Music Festivals such as Bonnaroo, Coachella and Wanee offer festival goers the opportunity to mix a camping vacation with some of their favorite artists (as well as some artists who end up becoming a favorite) to create an experience that most in attendance would agree is unlike any other. Festivals such as these typically range from 3-4 days in duration, and a full ticket typically includes an area to camp nearby your car.
Bonnaroo, being the largest running annual festival each summer on the east coast, typically occurs in early June in Manchester, Tennessee. In 2009 reaching an attendance of just shy of over 100,000 through the course of the weekend, Bonnaroo has become a festival that encompasses the largest array of music. Bonnaroo 2010, marks the festivals 8th year, and hopes to be its largest with artists such as The Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder, Jay Z, and The Flaming Lips filling up headlining spots. It addition to the nearly 100+ music acts involved in putting on the festival, Bonnaroo has become known for its comedy and cinema tents, that allow individuals to have a change of pace during their weekend. Coachella, in its 11 year, offers a similar experience however takes place at eh Empire Polo Fields complex in Indio, California.
More locally, Florida residents are fortunate to have a number of festivals at their fingertips. One of the most popular Florida festivals, is the Wanee Festival, held at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL, Wanee is typically headlined by local favorites The Allman Brothers Band. Miami offers its yearly Ultra Music festival however, gears its line up to attract internationally popular acts from the electronic genre.
Music festivals allow attendants to experience an event where everyone is dedicated to the music. Camping out, and getting to know fellow music lovers is a great way to enjoy some time off from work or school, so check out some of the MANY music festivals available to music lovers across the country in a wide array of genres spanning full across the musical spectrum.
I like your overview of some of the top music festivals in the US. I know Bonnaroo as well as some others have recently been purchased by MTV--what are your thoughts/have you noticed any changes in the festivals during your travels?
ReplyDeleteI think this is well written and I also like how you named some of the festivals and tied it into meeting friends, camping out, etc. I hate to say this... but I didn't realize that such festivals were around much at all these days. Interesting topic. Sounds like something that would be a lot of fun.
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