Summer ’09 packed with festivals around the country
Iliana Deanda
With summer just around the corner concertgoers can expect a plethora of music festivals allowing them to unleash their inner hippie while enjoying the diversity of music and art. Here are some of the upcoming events that will occur this summer.
Sasquatch Music Festival: It was founded in 2002 by promoter Adam Zacks. The concept of the festival was to attend to the demanding outpour of music enthusiasts to provide a festival that catered to eclectic taste.
The three day festival takes place in Washington at the Gorge Amphitheatre on May 23-25. Recently added this year is a comedy and dance tent.
“Last year was amazing. I enjoyed seeing Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie. The view is so amazing there. The vibe is totally there and everyone is just caught up in the music,” said Jacob Shaddik.
Expected artists include Kings of Leon, Santigold, Grizzly Bear, Silversun Pickups, TV On The Radio and many more.
The Detroit Electronic Music Festival: It’s an ongoing festival that takes place in Detroit, Mich. at the Hart Plaza from May 23-35.
Previously known as Fuse-in Detroit, Electronic Soul Movement or Movement, the festival has been handed off to Kevin Saunderson, an electronic music promotion company. This event is considered to be one true to its roots. The line up for this year includes Flying Lotus, Tiga, Z-Trip, Frankie Vega and many more.
Warped Tour: Evolving from skateboard shows, Kevin Lyman created the Vans Warped Tour in 1993. Typically this all-day event is held at outdoor venues hosting as many as 100 bands. There are several local stages featuring artists from across the nation.
“I have been going to Warped Tour for six years now, making this year seven,” said Sami Sahyouni.
“My favorite part of the show is drinking with friends, listening to great music, as well as experiencing new talent,” Sahyouni said.
This year will mark the 15 year anniversary of the tour. A wide range of events from skateboarding, BMX, a tiny city of merch booths, as well as amazing music will be there. The Vans Warped Tour will be stopping into town on June 30 at Cricket Wireless Pavillion.
Bonnaroo: It’s an annual four-day festival that started in 2002. June 11-14 it will be held at Great Stage Park on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tenn.
Main attractions include multiple stages featuring a diverse array of musical styles, craftsmen selling unique products, food and other activities. Comedians Jimmy Fallon, Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter and others will take the stage.
Milwaukee Summerfest: It’s a festival that takes place over 11 days at Marcus Amphitheatre. More than 700 bands will perform on 11 different stages, starting from noon till midnight daily. Named “The World’s Largest Music Festival”, it will run from June 25 through July 5. This year Summerfest will go green hosting special events promoting its eco-friendly changes.
All Points West Music Festival: It’s here to stay, at least for one more year. With last years success bursting onto the scene with a lineup featuring two nights of Radiohead, Jack Johnson, and more than 40 other acts, the three-day music festival will return to Jersey City’s Liberty State Park.
“I think that if given the opportunity to attend a festival of this sort, anyone should go for it. It’s a whole new experience and everyone should experience,” said Catlin Faught.
This year the festival will take place July 31 through Aug 2.
The festival’s name is inspired by the area’s rich history, particularly Ellis Island and the NJ Central Railroad terminal located on the festival site, where many arriving immigrants boarded trains for All Points West. This year’s headliners include Tool and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
