(Clockwise: Lecrae, Kids These Days, Willy Moon, Aesop Rock)
Ahh, what you would do to have that temperate wind blowing
through your hair, feeling the mud on
the bottom of your Converse, as you pitch a tent waiting for the next class act at your favorite festival to take the stage. Or maybe you’re in the front row, basically squished, hands
up, jamming to acts that have recently hit online radar. Or are you the one
running around trying to find out who is dope so you can tell all your friends
first?
Yep, it’s festival time for industry lovers and music
enthusiasts alike. A great time to re-iterate who the big-wigs are in the
field, and to bring a bunch of fresh acts who will be that epic come 10 years.
But before you go off running into the grassy dawn, GBSTL is going to help you navigate through the overwhelming hype that is festival season, after the jump.
Bonnaroo
What: How would you like to get a taste of the great outdoors? Oh yeah! How would you like to max and relax to the greatest indie acts. Hell yea! The first Bonnaroo took place in 2002, selling out in two weeks with performers like Ben Harper and Norah Jones. This year, in Bonnaroo fashion, Weird Al Yankovic has announced a line-up that’s sure to make you jump for joy.
Where: 700 acre farm in Manchester, Tenessee
What: How would you like to get a taste of the great outdoors? Oh yeah! How would you like to max and relax to the greatest indie acts. Hell yea! The first Bonnaroo took place in 2002, selling out in two weeks with performers like Ben Harper and Norah Jones. This year, in Bonnaroo fashion, Weird Al Yankovic has announced a line-up that’s sure to make you jump for joy.
Where: 700 acre farm in Manchester, Tenessee
When: June 13, 14, 15, 16
Why: Because you want the complete festival experience. Because you’re not exactly Hollywood—or a youngin. Sound like you? Then get your tent.
Who you'll know: Sir Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Björk, Kendrick Lamar, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas.
Who you may want to meet: Action Bronson, DIIV, araabMUZIK
Why: Because you want the complete festival experience. Because you’re not exactly Hollywood—or a youngin. Sound like you? Then get your tent.
Who you'll know: Sir Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Björk, Kendrick Lamar, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas.
Who you may want to meet: Action Bronson, DIIV, araabMUZIK
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. It’s so good, it sells out every year in a few hours.
Where: Indio, California. Empire Polo Club
When: April 12, 13, 14, & April 19, 20, 21
Why: Because it’s indie.
Who you’ll know: Pusha T, Janelle Monáe, Aesop Rock,
Jurassic 5
Who you may want to meet: Grimes, Kids These Days, Jessie
Ware
Essence Music Festival
What: Since 1995, Essence music festival has provided for
its guests music from the R&B, Neo-Soul and Gospel genres. But that’s
not all! Their speakers and panels are led by those who talk the talk and walk
the walk. This year, join Iyandla Vanzant, Steve Harvey, Dr. Steve Perry and
more as they tackle the issues that hit urban communities the hardest.
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: July 5, 6, 7
Why: Surely the dealmaker in going is that King Bey is going
to be there. But besides doing the scissor leg with her (jest—that’s harder than
it looks in a festival space), you’ll be filled with R&B/Soul; plus, the
lifestyle and betterment panels are a filling investment.
Who you’ll know: Beyoncé, Big Daddy Kane, Blackstreet,
Solange, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, Anthony David
Who you may want to meet: Mia Borders
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.” Created by George Wein, this a heritage fair is full of multiple stages, grub booths, arts and crafts,
and evening showcases. It's not just about jazz, but about the acts inspired by and containing elements of jazz.
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
When: April 26-May 5
Why: Jazz is the real deal in live music. Get out your Louie
Armstrong trumpet impression, and jam with some of the best (eat some jambalaya
too).
Who you’ll know: BB King, Dave Matthews Band, Earth Wind
& Fire, Juan Luis Guerra 440, Frank Ocean, Jimmy Cliff
Who you may want to meet: Creole String Beans, A Tribe Called Red
South By South West (SXSW)
What: Ronald Swenson, Louis Black, and Nick Barbaro created
this three part festival in 1987. All attendees get their choice of three
parts, music, film and/or interactive. One thing’s for sure, SXSW is one of the
biggest trendspotter events in the good ol' US of A.
Where: Austin, TX
When: Interactive- March 8-12, Film- March 8-16, Music-March
12-17
Why: Because you want to know before everyone else does.
Who you’ll know: Tegan & Sara, Lecrae
Who you may want to meet: Willy Moon, Icona Pop, Rockie
Fresh
