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.
:-/
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?
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]
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.
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.
QuoteQuoteSass 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.
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
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.
QuoteQuoteSass 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.
QuoteQuoteSass 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?
QuoteQuoteQuoteSass 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.
QuoteQuoteSass 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
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.
hot'n'crunchy avocado cone? that has to be better than it sounds. lol
Oh, it is. It is.
(http://kthread.com/apple_pie/chicken_avocado_cone.jpg)
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
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.
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 :)
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteSass 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.
QuoteQuoteSass 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!
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?
QuoteQuote3. 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
QuoteQuoteHookahville, 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 :)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I totally grew up sneaking into bars to see Ekoostik Hookah! Cannot believe they are still together and have an annual festival (I left Ohia in 1993 right after high school and never looked back).
Quote
Barton Springs Pool! 8-)
And I have high hopes for cooler weather this year, since ACL will be held later, in October.
Yes Barton Springs is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
And October is a much better call! Now I will reconsider depending on lineups. We rented a fabulous house from a fabulous family and she has offered to rent it to us again.
Quote
Have you been to Sasquatch, wizz? You're up in that neck of the woods, right?
I have not gone :(
Last year I hosted my Evil Urges listening party that weekend and I have no excuse for prior years. I love the gorge, but for me to do it in comfort requires an RV. May is not too hot though, so I am being a wimp about camping & the 4 hour drive. Sasquatch is better than our local festival, MusicFest NW. They have some learnin' to do on how to get people into shows (they have a whole wristband system that sucks).
QuoteQuoteQuote3. 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
Gotcha. I knew I had heard of it. My girlfriend is from WA and she talks about the Gorge at George all the time. Maybe we will check it out this year.
QuoteQuote
Barton Springs Pool! 8-)
And I have high hopes for cooler weather this year, since ACL will be held later, in October.
Yes Barton Springs is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
And October is a much better call! Now I will reconsider depending on lineups. We rented a fabulous house from a fabulous family and she has offered to rent it to us again.
Oh, nice! That's one thing I really like about the Austin fests - renting a house is often a lot more convenient (and cheaper) than getting a hotel room. We're getting a house for SXSW this year right off South Congress, and if it works out, it'd be a nice location for ACL too.
If you decide to go to Sasquatch this year, let me know! I have some good Sasquatch camping tips :)
The Gorge is gorge-ous!
(http://www.hob.com/pics/corporate/040322/gorge.jpg)
QuoteQuoteHookahville, 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 :)
Hey, man, not trying to pimp hookah at all. Just trying to stay on task with the festival 411. ;)
in minnesota we have the 10,000 Lakes Festival. i went to it two or three years ago, and thought it kinda sucked. but this year looks like they got some bigger acts to play. Wilco, DMB, WSP. not bad.
//www.10klf.com
I really need to make it to The Gorge once or twice before I die
QuoteI really need to make it to The Gorge once or twice before I die
same here. i'm sure that the picture doesn't even do it justice.
QuoteI really need to make it to The Gorge once or twice before I die
Most def on my list of venues to experience
Okay, okay...one more for y'all (and no, I don't work for the Gorge ;D)
(http://papajohnnyroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/gorge.jpg)
QuoteOkay, okay...one more for y'all (and no, I don't work for the Gorge ;D)
(http://papajohnnyroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/gorge.jpg)
Stop it!! I just jizzed in my pants a little
Quotein minnesota we have the 10,000 Lakes Festival. i went to it two or three years ago, and thought it kinda sucked. but this year looks like they got some bigger acts to play. Wilco, DMB, WSP. not bad.
//www.10klf.com
Thanks for the info!
Hey peoples, I am looking for a website for this year's sasquatch festival. Anyone know anything to get me there?
They have not announced the lineup yet, probably still hashing it out. They will launch a website once the lineup is built.....
QuoteI really need to make it to The Gorge once or twice before I die
It is a pretty awesome venue.....
QuoteHey peoples, I am looking for a website for this year's sasquatch festival. Anyone know anything to get me there?
It always seems to drop kind of late. Word is February 25th. They will probably update this site eventually:
http://sasquatchfestival.com/2008/
Last year's lineup and schedule are in there, too, if you want to get an idea of what it's like.
Also, you can watch these blogs for updates:
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/earcandy/category.asp?blogID=42&category=931
http://sasquatchmusicfestival.blogspot.com/2009/01/first-sasquatch-music-festival-2009.html
QuoteQuoteHey peoples, I am looking for a website for this year's sasquatch festival. Anyone know anything to get me there?
It always seems to drop kind of late. Word is February 25th. They will probably update this site eventually:
http://sasquatchfestival.com/2008/
Last year's lineup and schedule are in there, too, if you want to get an idea of what it's like.
Also, you can watch these blogs for updates:
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/earcandy/category.asp?blogID=42&category=931
http://sasquatchmusicfestival.blogspot.com/2009/01/first-sasquatch-music-festival-2009.html
I found this after that reply this morning. It may not be complete though. Looks like some of the same that will be at bonnaroo.
http://www.prefixmag.com/news/sasquatch-festival-lineup/9423/
Quote
I found this after that reply this morning. It may not be complete though. Looks like some of the same that will be at bonnaroo.
http://www.prefixmag.com/news/sasquatch-festival-lineup/9423/
The 2009 lineup isn't out yet. That prefix article is from 2007... :-?
Noise Pop is a "festival" organized similarly to ACL and held every February in San Francisco over a week or so...it's really more of a lot of good bands flooding the city to play different venues under the Noise Pop banner. Here's some info on this years lineup: http://www.noisepop.com/the-2009-festival
The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival is a GREAT event held every fall in Golden Gate Park (in SF). Bluegrass, country, folk, americana, always a top-notch lineup.
High Sierra Music Festival (held in Quincy, CA up in the mountains) caters more to the hippie crowd, and it's a lot of fun. I'm not even sure if they do Reggae On The River any more, but it's a great one up in Humboldt County.
Hmmm...I'll see if I can think of anymore Northern California festivals...
QuoteQuote
I found this after that reply this morning. It may not be complete though. Looks like some of the same that will be at bonnaroo.
http://www.prefixmag.com/news/sasquatch-festival-lineup/9423/
The 2009 lineup isn't out yet. That prefix article is from 2007... :-?
Wow! I must have not read well on that one. It was crzy because I saw BEasties and Cope so I just thought they were doing festival tours this year. Thanks for the lookout.
Sasquatch lineup should be out on February 10th according to this guy:
http://pugetsoundblogs.com/spintheblackcircle/2009/01/28/sasquatch-2009-lineup-leaks/
bbill, I've heard great things about Noise Pop and Hardly Strictly- would love to travel out there for a fest one day!
I may get out there this year. Looks like someone I know is moving to San Fran
Don't forget about the Rock Creek Revival Festival at The Cabin in Cunningham in late October/early November. There is no official website, invites only. Anybody who's anybody will be there. However, I don't think My Morning Jacket will be there this year.
Hmmm, only did a quick scan of the thread but don't think I saw:
Bumbershoot (Seattle, WA) -- great little fest with a broad variety of arts (music, film, visual and performing arts). The line up is usually all over the map.
New Orleans Jazz Fest -- best festival ever. This year will be my 12th consecutive. 13 stages and tents with music all day and unparalleled food. Night time shows are outrageous. Have some friends who only go for the night time events.
French Quarter Fest, Satchmo Fest -- if you like New Orleans music then these 2 events might be perfect. FQF happens before Jazz Fest in April; it's free. Satchmo is held each August and is also free. Hotel rates in August are beyond cheap on account of the Africa-hot weather.
High Sierra Music Fest -- have only been once, but this was probably the most laid back event ever. We didn't camp, got a cabin a few miles away and drove in/out each day. Musically this one leans toward hippie-jam music, but they always have some other greats acts.
QuoteDon't forget about the Rock Creek Revival Festival at The Cabin in Cunningham in late October/early November. There is no official website, invites only. Anybody who's anybody will be there. However, I don't think My Morning Jacket will be there this year.
Only in spirit. We may get them out next year.