Another year at DU is drawing to a close as summer is once again upon us.
The mysteriously half-full classes, campus-wide sunbathing and smell of hot dogs on the grill are constant reminders that the end is near.
Two months ago, it seemed like summer would never come again, and we would be forever doomed to live through one apocalyptic snowstorm after another.
Now that this fear has been dispelled, the impending break offers up its own set of problems.
The biggest being, “What ever will I do this summer?”
For many, the drudgery of school will give way to the “love it or hate it” summer job. While the concept may seem daunting, have no fear.
Summer is a great time to spend with friends and family, but of course, you already know that.
What many people forget, however, is that summer is the prime time to partake in many of the nation’s outstanding music festivals.
No matter where you might find yourself this summer, there is sure to be a festival to suit you.
Here is a small sampling of the popular and sometimes hard-to-find events said below taking place in various settings across the country.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
June 14-17
Manchester, TN
Bonnaroo is one of the most established and well-recognized music festivals this great nation has to offer.
Held on a 700-acre farm, this four day, multi-stage camping festival is sure to have something for everyone.
The event incorporates just about every kind of contemporary music you can think of, including: jazz, hip-hop, rock, electronica and Americana.
In addition, there is a multitude of other activities to enjoy like free yoga classes, on-site cinema, comedy club, silent disco and beer festival.
This year, over 170 artists will be present, including: The Police, Damien Rice, Tool, Widespread Panic, Lily Allen, The Roots, The Kings of Leon, Gov’t Mule, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Ziggy Marley and STS9.
Tickets: four-day pass with on-site camping is $246.35, including fees. For more information, go to: www.bonnaroo.com.
California WorldFest
July 12-15
Grass Valley, CA
California WorldFest is the perfect place to go to sample and savor new tunes from all over the globe.
The festival mixes camping, workshops, fine crafts and international cuisine with an array of world music and dance on eight stages.
Performers this year include: Ani DiFranco, Perla Batalla, Blame Sally, The Singh Sisters and Pistolera. Tickets: four-day with camping $130.
For more information, go to www.worldfest.net.
Lollapalooza Music Festival
August 3-5
Chicago
World-renowned musical menagerie Lollapalooza offers one of the best festival experiences possible.
The event takes place in downtown Chicago at Grant Park over the course of three days.
While Lollapalooza doesn’t offer the camping experience, it does provide a great combination of art, community, food, and music.
Performers this year include: Pearl Jam, Daft Punk, Iggy and the Stooges, Muse, Modest Mouse, Snow Patrol, My Morning Jacket, Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Patti Smith and Spoon.
Tickets: three-day passes are $195, including all charges. For more information, go to www.lollapalooza.com.
Northeast Kingdom Music Festival
August 3-4
Albany, VT
One of the most wholesome music festivals around, NEKMF, features the best in reggae, hip-hop and grassroots music.
The festival also offers camping, art workshops and yoga classes.
A fun aspect of this event is the annual burning of a giant wooden effigy, just for fun.
This year’s performers include: Fishbone, The Coup (with Live Band), Sister Carol, Forro in the Dark and The Devil Makes Three.
Tickets: two-day passes range from $65-$90 depending on date of purchase. For more information, go to www. nekmf.com.
