Warm weather makes work harder to get done, the South 40 a beach of tanning bikini-clad girls and campus a place where you see people everywhere, rather than bundled up students rushing from class to class to avoid the weather. Summer is approaching quickly, which means only one thing: music festivals abound. Now, summer 2007 may not go down in the history books as the “summer of love,” but the legacy of Woodstock’s hippie flower children, coming together to celebrate peace, love and togetherness in the name of music shall live on through the summer tradition of outdoor festivals. With the vast number of phenomenal (and often overwhelming) line-ups, gorgeous venues and $6 beers to choose from across the nation, the decision of where to spend the big bucks, take a road trip and geek out to your favorite musical heartthrobs can be gut-wrenching. Take a look at the festivals below, where you can make your educated decision on where to rock ‘n’ roll this summer.
Sasquatch!
For the indie music extraordinaire
When: May 26-27
Where: George, Wash.
Cost: $65/day ($75/day after May 21)
Headliners: Bjork, Arcade Fire, Interpol, Spoon, The Dandy Warhols, Ozomatli and more
Sarah Silverman has been confirmed as the hostess, so there will also be copious amounts of comedic interlude to offer respite from even the most depressing of the indie variety bands.
CMA Fan Fair
For those who strike a fancy to good ol’ country music
When: June 8-11
Where: Nashville, Tenn.
Cost: $110-$260
Headliners: Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson
You cannot spend the entire summer reveling in jam bands and indie rock ridiculousness. Don’t even deny the inexplicable charm of country. Embrace it: the lyrics totally always hit close to home.
Wakarusa
For the jam-band and blues-oriented buff
When: June 7-10
Where: Lawrence, Kan.
Cost: $139
Headliners: Les Claypool, Widespread Panic, Yonder Mountain String Band, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Alejandro Escovedo
The word “Wakarusa” actually comes from a Native American term meaning “ass deep,” in reference to the nearby Wakarusa River. This medium-sized festival is sure to leave you ass-deep in groove.
Bonnaroo
For a fanatic of all that is music
When: June 14-17
Where: Manchester, Tenn.
Cost: Starting at $184.50 (4-day pass) and increasing to $199.50 and then $214.50
Headliners: Wilco, The Flaming Lips, String Cheese Incident, The Decemberists, Franz Ferdinand, Damien Rice, Widespread Panic, Bob Weir & Ratdog, The Black Keys
With jam bands and nouveau-hippies alike, the repertoire of the Bonnaroo-goer had better be as eclectic as its lineup. In addition to epic performances by jam, rock, blues and folk artists, the 100-acre entertainment/camping village features a classic arcade, an on-site cinema, comedy club, beer festival and an all out musical experience that is sure to rock your world.
Summerfest
For the music extraordinare looking for a mix of big feature performances, no-namers and everything in between
When: June 28 – July 8
Where: Milwaukee, Wis.
Cost: $14/day, $23/two-day pass (see coupons in the local papers to get discounted tickets)
Headliners: Complete lineup to be released mid-May; mainstage acts John Mayer with Ben Folds, Def Leppard with Styx and Foreigner, The Fray with OK Go
Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as “The World’s Biggest Music Festival,” Summerfest will give you the greatest bang for your buck with its over 550 acts over a span of 11 days. Just beware when looking for a water fountain. We Wisconsinites call them bubblers.
Ozzfest
For the die-hard metalhead
When: July 12 – Aug. 30 (check the website for specific dates in your area)
Where: Washington to Florida
Cost: Nada!
This 12th annual tour is named “FreeFest.” “This will change everybody’s impression of the way touring in the summer in America should be,” said Sharon Osbourne at the Concert Industry Consortium. “For the last few years, ticket prices have steadily climbed as artists demand more and more money for summer tours. We certainly want everybody to make money; however, we also want the kids to be able to afford to come out and have an incredible experience.”
Headliners: Ozzy Ozbourne, Lamb of God, Three Inches of Blood
Don’t be deterred by the overtly horrifying names of each and every band of the lineup.
Pitchfork
A mecca for indie music and small act rockers
When: July 13-15
Where: Chicago, Ill.
Cost: $50/three-day pass, $35/two-day pass, $25/single day pass (Sat. or Sun.), $15/single day pass (Fri.)
Headliners: The Ponys, De La Soul, Iron & Wine, Cat Power, Sonic Youth, Of Montreal, New Pornographers
On opening night, Sonic Youth will perform Daydream Nation from start to finish. Wu-Tang lyrical mastermind GZA (Genius) will perform his 1995 Shaolin showstopper Liquid Swords, arguably one of the greatest rap albums of all time. And those are only the first two acts.
www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com
10,000 Lakes
For the hippie-at-heart, yearning for another chance at Woodstock ’69
When: July 18-21
Where: Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Cost: $130/weekend pass
Headliners: Umphrey’s McGee, moe., The Derek Trucks Band, Keller Williams, The Tragically Hip, The Disco Biscuits, Little Feat, Trey Anastasio, Gov’t Mule, Zappa Plays Zappa and more
Located in beautiful Minnesota like country, 10,000 Lakes is sure to provide a stress-relieving weekend for the jam-band extremists. Oh, and word on the street, the fireworks display is among the most impressive in the Midwest.
Lollapalooza
For the all-around music enthusiast, looking for the most out of control inundation of the senses you’ll ever experience
When: Aug. 3-5
Where: Chicago, Ill.
Cost: $195/three-day pass
Headliners: Pearl Jam, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon, Regina Spektor, Yo La Tengo, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Cold War Kids
Not to mention its fantastic location in the heart of The Loop in Chicago, Lollapalooza is ideal for a deluge of musical genius. Running around from stage to stage, festival-goers must plan their weekends carefully so as not to miss those acts that they hold near and dear and to be sure that their faves don’t overlap times.
Vans Warped Tour
For the 15-year-old punk at heart, every pop punk and screamo fan’s dream
When: June 29 – Aug. 25
Where: Starting & ending in California (check the website for stops)
Cost: $40
Headliners: Alkaline Trio, Yellowcard, New Found Glory, The Used, Bayside, Coheed and Cambria, Flogging Molly
Musical mayhem in its purest form, the Warped Community boasts a host of musical acts that are sure to please budding head boppers. I mean, Blink 182 “couldn’t wait for the summer and the Warped Tour” according to their song “The Rock Show.” Who knows? Maybe you’ll fall in love with the girl at the rock show.
Austin City Limits
For the student itching to get out of the Wash. U. bubble early on in the game
When: Sept. 14-16
Where: Austin, Texas
Cost: $55/single day pass
Headliners: The official lineup will not be announced until mid-May, but word on the street: Bloc Party, Asleep at the Wheel, Ben Kweller, Andrew Bird and Roberl Earl Keen
If you’re looking for an early break from the doldrums of being back in class, Austin City Limits is where it’s at. The co-producers of Lollapalooza do this festival as well, undoubtedly yielding the rock, country, folk, indie, hip-hop, reggae and bluegrass mix embraced by any music lover.
While these weekend extravaganzas may seem like blockbuster festivals gouging attendees out of absolutely obscene sums of money, only to confine them in tight spaces and skimp on basic necessities, the allure of outdoor festivals is certainly the cherry on the hot fudge sundae of a perfect summer.
Who can resist the smell of charcoal and cheap beer? Whether you’re a bohemian flower child, a Satanist, a pretentious music snob or just dig music, there’s a festival for you this summer. Just don’t forget where you parked your car.