Festivals- Give some Feedback

goose · Feb 04, 2009, 06:55 PM

So last year was my first trip to a festival. So I was wondering if everyone could start throwing out festivals around the states. I am willing to travel if necessary for great tunes. I would just like to know what each of you think about specific festivals, and what types of music are typically there. Might also be a good place for others to get some vacation ideas.

aMillionDreams · Feb 04, 2009, 07:56 PM

:-/

ALady · Feb 04, 2009, 08:16 PM

Sass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?

the_wizzard · Feb 04, 2009, 08:58 PM

QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?

ACL was fun when we went to see the jacket in 2007. But I don't think I could go back. It was so hot, hot, hot! I mean drenched in sweat, "I will pass out if you don't get me to the river for a dip" kind of hot. And everyone who we met from Austin kept remarking about how it was the coolest ACL in years (that is what scares me away). What I loved about the festival is that there are so many awesome evening shows at tiny venues. And that river near the park. Thank God for the river. We got to swim with some gorgeous swans too [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

capt. scotty · Feb 04, 2009, 10:03 PM

If the lineup is good, I think All Good is a good one. Reasonably priced, and at its size, you can typically get up close for any act as long as your there a half hour before, maybe less.

Its a 10 minute walk to your tent at most, and since its in West VA, the heat isnt too bad.

All Good is at Marvin's Mountaintop in West VA, but I went to 1 festival 5-6 years ago at a place called Sunshine Daydream that was probably a 5000 person max there. That place was unbelievable for a festival, and they used to have the Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash there every year, but not sure if they have anything there anymore.

goose · Feb 05, 2009, 07:46 AM

QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?

I went to bonnaroo. I was in between jobs and it was perfect timing. The atmosphere was amazing and I couldn't believe all the bands I saw. My girlfirend and I bought about 10 albums when we returned because we saw so much new music. I loved every minute of it.

goose · Feb 05, 2009, 07:48 AM

Quote
QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?
ACL was fun when we went to see the jacket in 2007. But I don't think I could go back. It was so hot, hot, hot! I mean drenched in sweat, "I will pass out if you don't get me to the river for a dip" kind of hot. And everyone who we met from Austin kept remarking about how it was the coolest ACL in years (that is what scares me away). What I loved about the festival is that there are so many awesome evening shows at tiny venues. And that river near the park. Thank God for the river. We got to swim with some gorgeous swans too [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

When I started my new job last year, I was told I would have a market in Austin. I started planning a trip then to Austin to see the stores right around ACL. Didn't happen, I got Western KY and middle IN.

goose · Feb 05, 2009, 07:48 AM

QuoteIf the lineup is good, I think All Good is a good one. Reasonably priced, and at its size, you can typically get up close for any act as long as your there a half hour before, maybe less.

Its a 10 minute walk to your tent at most, and since its in West VA, the heat isnt too bad.

All Good is at Marvin's Mountaintop in West VA, but I went to 1 festival 5-6 years ago at a place called Sunshine Daydream that was probably a 5000 person max there. That place was unbelievable for a festival, and they used to have the Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash there every year, but not sure if they have anything there anymore.

Thanks Heady

Soulshine · Feb 05, 2009, 11:04 AM

I've been to Roo (05, 06, 07) I'll be there this year. I really enjoy it. The heat can be tough, but all in all good vibes, great bands.

I've been to Lollapalooza 07 & 08. Having the Chicago skyline as the backdrop is really nice. There are a lot of shady places to sit and cool down and you dont have to walk quite as far. However if you dont have a friend that lives in the city, I can see it being pricey. Also, there is no real shakedown.

Each has their ups and downs like everything else. They both get great lineups which keeps me coming back. :)

I've heard good and very bad things about Wakarusa and good things about 10KLF.

ALady · Feb 05, 2009, 11:34 AM

Quote
QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?
ACL was fun when we went to see the jacket in 2007. But I don't think I could go back. It was so hot, hot, hot! I mean drenched in sweat, "I will pass out if you don't get me to the river for a dip" kind of hot. And everyone who we met from Austin kept remarking about how it was the coolest ACL in years (that is what scares me away). What I loved about the festival is that there are so many awesome evening shows at tiny venues. And that river near the park. Thank God for the river. We got to swim with some gorgeous swans too [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Barton Springs Pool! 8-) This was the first year I went for a dip there - so pleasant. I never realized it was so close to the park. 2007 was pretty hot; last year it wasn't as bad, but it was dusty. I generally don't think it's much worse than Lolla, though - it feels less humid. And I have high hopes for cooler weather this year, since ACL will be held later, in October.

Austin is such a fun city to explore before/after the fest, and the aftershows are fantastic - Dylan, the Black Keys and the Black Angels at Stubb's, Band of Horses at the Parish, DBT at Emo's...lots of options if you aren't into the headliners.

Have you been to Sasquatch, wizz? You're up in that neck of the woods, right?

Soulshine, I've also heard good things about 10klf; I was considering it this year because of Wilco, but I don't think I can swing it in this economy.

Quote
QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?

I went to bonnaroo. I was in between jobs and it was perfect timing. The atmosphere was amazing and I couldn't believe all the bands I saw. My girlfirend and I bought about 10 albums when we returned because we saw so much new music. I loved every minute of it.

Cool! Sounds like you had an awesome time. Are you thinking about going back this year?

Soulshine · Feb 05, 2009, 11:51 AM

Quote
Quote
QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?
ACL was fun when we went to see the jacket in 2007. But I don't think I could go back. It was so hot, hot, hot! I mean drenched in sweat, "I will pass out if you don't get me to the river for a dip" kind of hot. And everyone who we met from Austin kept remarking about how it was the coolest ACL in years (that is what scares me away). What I loved about the festival is that there are so many awesome evening shows at tiny venues. And that river near the park. Thank God for the river. We got to swim with some gorgeous swans too [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Barton Springs Pool! 8-) This was the first year I went for a dip there - so pleasant. I never realized it was so close to the park. 2007 was pretty hot; last year it wasn't as bad, but it was dusty. I generally don't think it's much worse than Lolla, though - it feels less humid. And I have high hopes for cooler weather this year, since ACL will be held later, in October.

Austin is such a fun city to explore before/after the fest, and the aftershows are fantastic - Dylan, the Black Keys and the Black Angels at Stubb's, Band of Horses at the Parish, DBT at Emo's...lots of options if you aren't into the headliners.

Have you been to Sasquatch, wizz? You're up in that neck of the woods, right?

Soulshine, I've also heard good things about 10klf; I was considering it this year because of Wilco, but I don't think I can swing it in this economy.

Quote
QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?

I went to bonnaroo. I was in between jobs and it was perfect timing. The atmosphere was amazing and I couldn't believe all the bands I saw. My girlfirend and I bought about 10 albums when we returned because we saw so much new music. I loved every minute of it.

Cool! Sounds like you had an awesome time. Are you thinking about going back this year?

I hear ya ALady...I'm in the same boat. You will have a great time at ROO! :D

Sassbox · Feb 05, 2009, 11:53 AM

1. SXSW - great scene once you get the hang of it. Bring your comfortable shoes and stamina! I love Austin.

2. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival - '09 will be my 20th (I'm a New Orleans' native now living in MD). It's usually insanely hot, but this has the best vibe of all the fests, IMO. The lineups are pretty diverse, the aftershows are unparalleled and the food. The food. The food.

3. Sasquatch - '08 was my first. It's a beautiful venue and the lineup was my favorite of all the fests I did last year. My only complaint was that the food selection is pretty bad, and I'm not that discriminating when it comes to festival food. It's a camping festival, but we opted to stay at a hotel about 30 minutes from the site. I'd consider camping next time.

4. Bonnaroo - oh my. We went the VIP route in '08 and will be doing it again in '09. Those prone to hyperbole (I'm not one) will say that Bonnaroo changes your life; it was an amazing experience, indeed. I'm still breathless from the '09 lineup!

5. Lolla - love, love, love Chicago, but this was probably my least favorite overall. The lineup was great, but I found traversing Grant Park several times a day to be exhausting. One of the stages is on an asphalt lot...in August...in Chicago. Hot. Great aftershows, but a bit of traveling involved to get to them. That said, I'd go again pending lineup.

6. Virgin Fest - loved the lineup, loved that it's pretty easy to get on the rail (there are only two stages). Really disliked the vibe and don't know that I'd do it again.

7. ACL - what's not to love about Austin? ACL seems to have the most consistently good lineup, the food is fantastic (Hot 'n Crunchy Avocado cone, anyone?) and Zilker Park is quite manageable. It's a scorcher, though.

I'm hoping to make Pitchfork this year. Haven't done Coachella and was considering it this year, but the lineup just wasn't enough to get me there in '09. I'm also thinking about Outside Lands.

Penny Lane · Feb 05, 2009, 02:00 PM

hot'n'crunchy avocado cone? that has to be better than it sounds. lol

ALady · Feb 05, 2009, 03:48 PM

Oh, it is. It is.

wharf rat · Feb 05, 2009, 04:25 PM

Hookahville, anyone? Every Spring and Fall. It's bounced back and forth mostly between Buckeye Lake and the Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, OH. Not a summer festival and pretty small scale in terms of festival-ness, but they've had some pretty good lineups over the years.

http://www.hookahville.com/30/past_hookahvilles.shtml

Ghosts_on_TV · Feb 05, 2009, 04:29 PM

Bonnaroo is the only major festival I have been to, and I loved it every time. I've been to all except '02 and '07, and plan to attend this year. Oh, I was at Woodstock 99, but I think we all know how that went down. ;D I had fun there though.

capt. scotty · Feb 05, 2009, 05:26 PM

QuoteHookahville, anyone? Every Spring and Fall. It's bounced back and forth mostly between Buckeye Lake and the Frontier Ranch in Pataskala, OH. Not a summer festival and pretty small scale in terms of festival-ness, but they've had some pretty good lineups over the years.

http://www.hookahville.com/30/past_hookahvilles.shtml

If Ekoostik Hookah didnt suck, then maybe :)

goose · Feb 05, 2009, 06:39 PM

Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?
ACL was fun when we went to see the jacket in 2007. But I don't think I could go back. It was so hot, hot, hot! I mean drenched in sweat, "I will pass out if you don't get me to the river for a dip" kind of hot. And everyone who we met from Austin kept remarking about how it was the coolest ACL in years (that is what scares me away). What I loved about the festival is that there are so many awesome evening shows at tiny venues. And that river near the park. Thank God for the river. We got to swim with some gorgeous swans too [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Barton Springs Pool! 8-) This was the first year I went for a dip there - so pleasant. I never realized it was so close to the park. 2007 was pretty hot; last year it wasn't as bad, but it was dusty. I generally don't think it's much worse than Lolla, though - it feels less humid. And I have high hopes for cooler weather this year, since ACL will be held later, in October.

Austin is such a fun city to explore before/after the fest, and the aftershows are fantastic - Dylan, the Black Keys and the Black Angels at Stubb's, Band of Horses at the Parish, DBT at Emo's...lots of options if you aren't into the headliners.

Have you been to Sasquatch, wizz? You're up in that neck of the woods, right?

Soulshine, I've also heard good things about 10klf; I was considering it this year because of Wilco, but I don't think I can swing it in this economy.

Quote
QuoteSass is the festival queen, but I can advise on Lolla, ACL, Pitchfork, SXSW, and Sasquatch. And after this year, Roo.

Which one did you go to last year, goose?

I went to bonnaroo. I was in between jobs and it was perfect timing. The atmosphere was amazing and I couldn't believe all the bands I saw. My girlfirend and I bought about 10 albums when we returned because we saw so much new music. I loved every minute of it.

Cool! Sounds like you had an awesome time. Are you thinking about going back this year?

I hear ya ALady...I'm in the same boat. You will have a great time at ROO! :D

Yes, I will be there. I think the lineup looks great!

goose · Feb 05, 2009, 06:43 PM

Quote3. Sasquatch - '08 was my first. It's a beautiful venue and the lineup was my favorite of all the fests I did last year. My only complaint was that the food selection is pretty bad, and I'm not that discriminating when it comes to festival food. It's a camping festival, but we opted to stay at a hotel about 30 minutes from the site. I'd consider camping next time.

Where is Sasquatch?

capt. scotty · Feb 05, 2009, 08:26 PM

Quote
Quote3. Sasquatch - '08 was my first. It's a beautiful venue and the lineup was my favorite of all the fests I did last year. My only complaint was that the food selection is pretty bad, and I'm not that discriminating when it comes to festival food. It's a camping festival, but we opted to stay at a hotel about 30 minutes from the site. I'd consider camping next time.
Where is Sasquatch?

at The Gorge in Washington