Coachella, Bonnaroo, Ultra, Lollapalooza, Burning Man, Outside Lands, Sasquatch...the list goes on and on. I don't claim to be any kind of expert on the phenomenon of music festivals, I've only been to one: last year's Lollapalooza.
It was one of the best weekends I've ever had. I saw 26 bands in 3 days, including my all-time favorite The Strokes, who I had yet to see, and met some of my best friends here in NYC. Needless to say, I'm hooked. The bands, the crowds, the sun. I love a music festival.
Anyway, I'm sad. I can't afford to go to Lollapalooza this summer. If I had a disposable income, you betta believe I would be VIP at every festival from Jazz Fest to Splendour in the Grass, but the sad reality is that most people in their early 20s who want to go to music festivals have a very fixed income (if any at all).
So, how do I and many music-lovers like me get our fix? While I can't spend a grand road tripping to Bonnaroo, or two grand flying across the pond to Glastonbury, I can do some research on what's closer to my area, and make some compromises. And they're not looking half bad. Here they are:
Northside Festival, June 16-19 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Over 250 bands will be announced for this festival right here in Brooklyn. There will be various venues, some inside, some outside. Last year was mostly indie bands, a lot of local ones, which is great! This is right up my alley.
Price: $60 early bird pass, $200 for VIP
Artists of note: Not all are announced yet but so far they have Beirut, Wavves, Ava Luna, Deer Tick, Javelin, Delicate Steve, Guided by Voices, and Twin Sister.
Camp Bisco, July 7-9 in Mariaville, NY
This upstate festival seems more for your dub-step, house music lovers. They have some great acts from Brooklyn performing, plus, the ticket price for three days is very reasonable.
Price: $160 for 3-day pass
Artists of note: Cut Copy, Yeasayer, Das Racist, Pretty Lights, Neon Indian, Holy Ghost!, MSTRKRFT, and Wiz Khalifa
Moe Down, September 2-4 in Mohwak, NY
A little further upstate, this camping festivals is for those who loved the early Bonnaroo days, pre-bro infestation. Jam bands galore.
Price: $90 for early bird, and $110 for regular passes.
Artists of note: Moe. The rest will be announced in the future.
