Let's have a vote to make festival season year-round, shall we? Wear scarves and shorts with boots, jackets and bikinis, and shake things up.
Festivals aren't just for the spring-time! Heck, there's a bunch of underground artists waiting to be sought out by big wigs such as the Made In America festival created by Jay-Z on the cusp of fall, and many other festivals spanning the USA that are pleasing to the ear. It's a good time to spot that next hit-maker, but it's also a great time to check out film, theater, art, comedy, and the like. So grab that mini-wallet and that hip earthy outfit, and get ready and raring to go!
Rock The Bells
What: Rock the Bells is a touring hip-hop festival started
in 2004, by Guerilla Union, an urban lifestyle brand company. Its first run
through had greats such as Wu-Tang, Jurassic 5 and Cypress Hill. This year, for its
tenth anniversary, they’re planning on something monumental. Perhaps a reunion
like this one last year.
Where: Multiple Cities/Traveling
When: Multiple Dates
Why: Because you heart whoever is about that life.
Who you’ll know: Line-ups vary by city. Freddie Gibbs,
Freeway, Danny Brown, Earl Sweatshirt, Wale, Kid Cudi and Lecrae create one
well rounded NY roster. Check out what’s happening in your city below.
Who you may want to meet: Get to know Snow Tha Product and
singer Jhené Aiko.
Mad Decent Block Party
What: A wild festival that’s come a long way from techno or house. It’s
EDM and more, with a mixture of eclectic artists and extreme performances. This block party is curated by the master-of-ceremonies and creator of the label Mad
Decent, Diplo. The first festivities were held in Philadelphia in 2008. Rye
Rye, Flosstradamus, Octamis Prime & DJ Sega rocked out at that
one. Now it’s a multi-city phenomenon that’s even better when it rains.
Where: Multiple cities, traveling.
When: Multiple Dates, Summer 2013
Why: It’s an experience that you probably couldn’t forget,
even if you tried.
Who you’ll know: Skream, Matt and Kim, Action Bronson, Danny
Brown
Who you may like to meet: Destructo, Grand Theft, Thugli.
CMJ
What: CMJ Holdings Corp serves a bunch of purposes, but one of its main missions is to join music fans and music industry heads through interactive media, live events, and print. CMJ holds an annual
festival every year that shows the best of whats next. Multiple shows are held at different venues throughout the city throughout that
week. There are also conferences and seminars, parties, all the cutting edge of
what is about to go down in music in the following 12 months. Last year, Angel Haze, Maya Azucena, The Skins and more made for an unforgettable week at CMJ.
This year is probably no different.
Where: Manhattan/Brooklyn NY
When: October 15-19, 2013
Why: The city's a buzz with this very large festival with lots of choices and
opportunities to explore new talent.
Who you’ll know: Line-up’s haven’t been announced yet. Will
update.
North Coast Festival
What: A three-day
festival in Chicago IL, full of electronic, hip-hop and soul. Past line-ups
include Wiz Khalifa, Common, Major Lazer, The Chemical Brothers, Mayer Hawthorne,
and more.
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August
30-September 1
Why: To say “bye-bye” to summer the right way.
Who you’ll know: Aloe Blacc, Nas, Lotus, Wu-Tang, Passion
Pit, Mac Miller
Who you may want to meet: On and On, Capital City
Music Midtown Festival
What: Peter Conlon and Alex Cooley started the Music Midtown festival in 1994.
It ran until 2005 before experiencing a six-year hiatus, returning back in
2011. Last years line-up included Neon Trees and Pearl Jam.
Where: Atlanta, GA, Piedmont Park
When: September 20-21, 2013
Why: Weezer. "Buddy Holly."
Who you’ll know: Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Ward,
Tegan and Sara, Kendrick Lamar
Who you may want to meet:
Nashville TN based Mona
Bumbershoot Festival
What: “Festival '71" was the name of this festival back in
the early 70’s. It wasn’t just music that caught the eye of these Seattle
Washington city-goer’s. Festival '71 was full of logging shows, horseback rides,
and races in the coliseum, in addition to dance troupes and rock bands. Created
by Mayor Wes Uhlman, it was a family affair.
Now the festival spotlights the best in music, theater,
film, visual arts, and a children’s museum for the little one’s. It’s clearly a
community builder that’s 40 years strong.
Where: Seattle WA, The Seattle Center
When: August 31-September 2
Why: An enjoyable time scoping out new local acts.
Who you’ll know: Fun, Icona Pop, Joey Bada$$, Lissie
Who you may like to meet: Aurelio & Garifuna, Nikki
Hill
Made In America Festival
What: Curator Jay-Z has conquered music, fashion, and sports, all with a magic
touch. But one of his newest ventures is a melting pot of the biggest acts of
this generation and musicians who are next in line. It’s a baby in the festival
business, but in it’s second year, the Made in America festival is already one
for the books.
Where: Philadelphia, PA
When: August 31-September 1, 2013
Why: Because Jay-Z’s not that hoity toity that he can’t spot
trends at the bottom.
Who you’ll know: Deadmau5, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar,
Solange, Emeli Sandé, Beyoncé, Nine Inch Nails
Who you may want to meet: Feed Me, Haim, Jay Rock, Jessie
Rose
