Music Festivus for the Rest of Us

I've been quite happy with the re-emerging popularity of Music Festivals in recent years.

Three of the major North American "destination" festivals held each year, The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (in Indio, California just outside Palm Springs), Bonnaroo (in Manchester, Tennessee … by Nashville) and Lollapalooza (Chicago) deliver some of the best multi-day/multi-stage concert action money can buy.

Coachella always sets the tone for the outdoor concert season, as it's the first major music fest to take place in the calendar year. This year's dates are April 15th to 17th, and it sold out quick, fast and in a hurry (looking for tix? try eBay, Craigslist or StubHub). This year's headliners include Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, Kanye West, The Strokes, and Animal Collective. Plus there's been tons o' talk about this year's Death From Above 1979 reunion. The band is set to take the stage on Sunday's portion of the event, and will play several other shows throughout the year.

Jay-Z performing at Coachella 2010

(photo via aceshowbiz.com)

Bonnaroo will celebrate it's 10th anniversary this June. The lineup was announced on Feb 15th, and keeping with tradition, its another eclectic mix of rock, hip hop, electronic, and jam-bands. There's even a comedy tent and some film screenings too. Check out this year's lineup.

My Morning Jacket on stage at Bonnaroo 2008

(photo via wnew.radio.com)

Lollapalooza goes down from August 5th to 7th. After being a multi-city "touring" festival from 1991-1997, it has taken place annually in Chicago's Grant Park since 2005. I've attended in both 2007 and 2008, and I must say ... Chi-Town really knows how to throw a party! With the city's skyline as the backdrop, this festival continues its strong run of impressive lineups. This year's performers will be announced shortly, but rumours are already circulating as to who'll be on the slate.

Lollapalooza 2009, Chicago

(photo via lp33.tv)

I've had the pleasure of attending Montreal's Osheaga Festival the last two years, and it's one of the best outdoor concert experiences that Canada has to offer. Some of my favourite performance last year included The Black Keys, The National, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Lidell, and Major Lazer. This festival continues to grow in popularity, and i'm sure the 2011 edition will deliver the way it has in recent years. Peep their site regularly for updates on this year's list of performers.

The Black Keys at Osheaga 2010

(photo via midnightpoutine.ca)

Here are links to sites with great festival information:

Festival Outlook

Music Festival Junkies

Got some cool Music Festival experiences to share? Have an opinion on lineups announced so far? We here at P&B would love to hear from you, so share your thoughts!

-Turnbull