Clockwise: Luke James, Outasight, The Black Keys, Esperanza Spalding
It's the beginning of the year again, the time when the music industry, alum, artists, followers, and fans alike see what are the "go-to" festivals for this year. You know that GB had to break it down for you.
Festivals are like the closeted gold mines for finding new artists who want their press and established artists who want their cred. Most of the new artists you see on blogs today have performed at the biggest festivals from the last year. It's a good way to find new acts, and enjoy the one's you have grown to know and love at the same time. It's a people packed, music, film and panel filled, good time. If you want to be a part, check out the ones below and keep checking back to this ever updating post. Some festivals haven't announced their line-ups yet, so when they do, here is where you need to go.
Bonnaroo
What:
Says the site, Bonnaroo is, "4 days of best days ever, 80,000 happy
campers...trees...hyperbolic verbiage...high fives...This. That. The
Other." Oh yeah! Music also. The first Bonnaroo took place in 2002,
selling out in two weeks with performers like Ben Harper and Norah
Jones. Now it hosts many indie acts, acts you've been waiting to hear
from for awhile, and what's right now, all in a sort of melting pot of
music.
Where: 700 acre farm in Manchester, Tenessee
When: June 7, 8, 9, 10
Why: Because. You couldn't get into Coachella! J/K. It'll still be a good time, and some of the same acts will be here at Bonnaroo.
Why: Because. You couldn't get into Coachella! J/K. It'll still be a good time, and some of the same acts will be here at Bonnaroo.
Who you'll know: The Beach Boys, Ludacris, Ben Folds Five, The Roots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Yelawolf
Who you may want to meet: Bon Iver, Mogwai, Darondo
How much: General 4 day admission for one person and car starts at $234, w/o the addons. VIP package for two is $1399.50
Buy Tickets Here (NOTE: Tickets go on sale February 18 at NOON EST. Like tomorrow!)Essence Music Festival
What: Since 1995, Essence music festival has provided for its guests music from the R&B, Neo-Soul and Gospel genres, along with guest speakers and panels.
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: July 6, 7, 8
Why: Because you’ve got soul! Train…lol. Because there’s no better way to kick off summer than with some music for the heart.
Who you’ll know: Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Fred Hammond, Kindered The Family Soul
Who you may want to meet: Luke James
Check out the Full Lineup!
How much: Weekend packages go from $120 to $750, for a limited time.
Buy tickets here
Bamboozle
What: 2003 was the first Bamboozle festival, which was derived from the Skate and Surf Festival. The Roots performed that year, followed by G. Love, and Gym Class Heros in some of the following years.
Where: Asbury Park, New Jersey
When: July 18, 19, 20
Why: Established and hot acts that are on the radar come together for a blast of a good time. Because it’s more rock and hip-hop, less indie.
Who you’ll know: Blink 182, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, Mac Miller, Incubus
Who you may want to meet: Outasight, He is Me, DJ Pauly D, The Wonder Years
Check out the full line-up!
How much: 3 Day Writstbands start at $160. VIP Bands go from $295 to $7500.
Buy Tickets Here 3-Day Wristband / VIP
Coachella
What: Coachella is a forum for fresh acts to take the stage to hundreds of thousands of guests. 1999 sported the first Coachella festival in Indio California, with Jurassic 5, Moby, The Chemical Brothers, and Gil-Scott Heron. Since then, they’ve moved the event to spring and allowed on-site camping.
Where: Indio, California. Empire Polo Club
When: April 13, 14, 15, & April 20, 21, 22
Why: Because this is the place to be! Coachella tickets sold out in less than 6 hours. It’s a hot commodity. Not to mention, your favorite star, even if not performing, will be hanging out in the crowds enjoying the show with you.
Who you’ll know: The Black Keys, David Guetta, Fiest, Martin Sloveig, La Roux, Santigold
Who you may want to meet: Gotye, Fitz and the Tantrums, Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Azealia Banks
Check out the full line-up!
How much: $285 Tickets have sold out the day of release. Hmm, that would take some sleuthing, but surely you could find a way, if you wanted to!
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
What: In 1970, New Orleans city leaders sought out to create a festival worthy of the “birthplace of Jazz.” George Wein created the concept—a heritage fair full of multiple stages, grub booths, arts and crafts, and evening showcases. The first year sported 350 guests, but now, more than half a million people show up a year.
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: April 27-29, May 3-6
Why: Because you want to hear real Jazz from the ones who do it best, along with a few surprises.
Who you’ll know: Al Green, Jill Scott, Esperanza Spalding, Yolanda Adams, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
Who you may want to meet: Big Chief Bo Dollis and The Wild Magnolias, Theresa Anderson, Banu Gibson, Bonerama.
Check out the full line-up!
How much: $40/day discount tickets (limited), $50/day starting March 1; $65/day at the gate. 3 and 4 day group tickets available.
Buy Tickets Here
South By South West (SXSW)
What: Ronald Swenson, Louis Black, and Nick Barbaro created this three part festival in 1987. It has three parts, music, film and interactive. Originally held at the Austin Convention Center, this year, the festival sporting “the next big thing” is getting bigger and better.
Where: Austin, TX
When: March 9-18 2012
Why: Because you want to know before everyone else does.
Who you’ll know: Travis Porter, Nikka Costa
Who you may want to meet: Lecrae, Ingrid Michaelson, Just A Band
Check out the full line-up!
How much: $550 (Film)-$1295 (Platinum) depending on the sector, through Feb 10. Walk-up rate is higher.
Buy Tickets Here
Photo Cred: Esperanza, Black Keys, Outasight
