A little help from my friends: Summer Festival Guide
time going to shows, collecting vinyl records and dis-
covering new music. In her column she discusses and
reviews the music and venues that keep her going. Photo by Tobi Scott.
As summer comes near, music gradually migrates outside. I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite summer festivals that are within a reasonable distance.
One that I don’t plan on attending, but definitely want to mention is Forecastle. Forecastle is located in the heart of bourbon country and nestled along the riverbanks of the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky. Forecastle has become a widely known festival by people across the nation.
It has numerous attractions including various stages, countless food vendors and their very own bourbon lodge. Unlike any other festival experience, the Bourbon Lounge is another attraction on its own. This festival offers a wide variety of delicious bourbon and local food
The Forecastle lineup consists of performers such as Alabama Shakes, Grouplove, The Avett Brothers, Gary Clark Jr., Moon Taxi, Shaky Graves, Sylvan Esso and Glass Animals. While not the entire lineup, these artist are some of my noteworthy favorites.
The lineup definitely leans towards a folk feel more than other festivals which makes this festival unique and worth paying for. The only issue with Forecastle is the parking and transportation. Comparative with other modern festivals, it does not provide camping accommodations which is personally why Forecastle is not my first choice.
Another festival, which I will more than likely be attending, is Hangout Fest. Hangout Fest is located directly on the beach of Gulf Shores and runs from May 22 through May 22.Hangout Fest without a doubt will be one of the “hottest” festivals of the year.
Compared to other festivals, I believe Hangout Fest has the best lineup of the season. Their lineup includes The Weeknd, Calvin Harris, Florence and the Machine, Alabama Shakes, Panic at the Disco, Cage the Elephant, Fetty Wap, The Struts and Ellie Goudling.
Not only does the Hangout website have all of the most popular hits, but it also provides a list of affordable hotels that you can stay considering it is not a camping friendly festival. Hangout Fest also provides free transportation to and from the festival, which for me seals the deal.
Not only does it offer live music and performances, but also a wide variety of other activities such as obstacle courses and beach volleyball tournaments.
Another festival which I will be attending for the second time this year is Bonnaroo. Located in the hot sun of Manchester, Tennessee from June 9 to June 12, Bonnaroo will earn and remain its ranking as the largest festival in the United States.
Every year the privately owned farm located in middle Tennessee accommodates over 100,000 festivalgoers who are eager to hear the year’s newest and uprising bands.
A couple of the bands include Band of Horses, Haim, Saint Motel, M83 and the Chainsmokers. There will also be various music legends such as Pearl Jam, Dead and Company and Leon Bridges. This simple, quiet, private middle Tennessee farm turns into a small city full of life and excitement over the course of three days.
It has everything from its own newspaper, movie theatre and now new and improved permanent showers and restroom facilities. Unlike the other festivals on my list, Bonnaroo welcomes campers with open arms which can tremendously cut down the cost of your stay.
I may be biased when it comes to festivals, however I believe Bonnaroo is one of the most outstanding and memorable festival experiences that you could have. You can attend Bonnaroo regardless of your age or music taste and still have the time of your life.
Try to write a new conclusion that wraps up the article referring back to the festivals you mentioned.