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Spring, 2008
By Luke Runyon
A & E Reporter
After months of cold, dreary weather things are starting to look up in the Midwest. As winter and spring draw to a close, bands start packing up their gear and tents start popping up in parks all over the country. I am talking about the iconic summer activity-- the music festival! Here’s a handy guide for a few festivals going on in the Midwest, for those of us who can only afford mini road trips.
Who: moe., The Flaming Lips, O.A.R., Girl Talk
Where: Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe, Illinois (about 20 miles north of Peoria)
When: May 23-25
What: In 2001 Summer Camp started up as a jam band haven in the middle of nowhere. As the festival has grown, it has been able to expand its lineup while still sticking to its hippie roots. Speaking of which, no need to book a hotel, as most festival goers choose to camp on the grounds of the park. With most of the stages nestled in between pine trees, Summer Camp is a great way to connect back with nature while still enjoying some great music.
How Much: Buy three day passes online for $155 or at the gate for $170
Who: Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Gnarls Barkley, MGMT
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
When: August 1-3
What: Originally started as a traveling festival by Alice in Chains frontman Perry Farrell, this behemoth musical orgy has made a permanent home in Chicago’s Grant Park. The festival draws tens of thousands of music lovers to the park with its diverse lineup. There is something for everyone in the nearly 100 bands featured. Eight stages laid out across the park surely give the festivalgoer a workout trying to see all their favorite bands.
How Much: Advance three day passes cost $190 while passes at the gate are $205. One day passes will also be available as the start date approaches.
Who: Animal Collective, Vampire Weekend, Spoon, M. Ward, Fuck Buttons
Where: Union Park, Chicago
When: July 18-20
What: Set up by the popular online music review website Pitchfork, the festival showcases over 40 independent music artists. Having only three stages allows for more intimate shows in this small park. Attendance to this fest will definitely raise your indie cred and give you an edge in discussing the bright and shining stars of independent music. Even the festival’s website is elitist saying “With so many blockbuster festivals gouging their attendees out of absolutely obscene sums of money, only to confine them in uncomfortable, tight spaces and skimp on basic necessities, our goal is to do the right thing.”
How Much: One day passes cost $30 a piece. A two day pass is $50 and three day passes go for $65.
Who: Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie, Sigur Ros, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson
Where: A 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee (about 60 miles southeast of Nashville)
When: June 12-15
What: A festival usually associated with hippie culture, Bonnaroo has increased the diversity of their lineup over the years. As the jam band craze has started to die out, Bonnaroo organizers looked to independent artists to fill the lineup void. Now in its seventh year, the festival draws on many genres in music to give it one of the most diverse sounds this summer. Make sure to bring a tent and sleeping bag as the festival practically requires camping. With nearly one hundred bands over four days, this is one festival that requires dedication to the music.
How Much: $229.50 for a four day pass.
Who: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Matisyahu
Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Henry Maier Festival Park
When: June 26-July 6
What: Around since 1968, Summerfest holds the Guinness Record for being the “World’s Largest Music Festival”; a title that it states proudly. The festival goes on for eleven days usually attracts close to a million visitors over its run. Featuring both local Milwaukee bands and mainstream pop stars, Summerfest is a family affair. The festival has 12 stages throughout its grounds and has vendors selling food from local Milwaukee restaurants.
How Much: Adult tickets for one day admission are $15 on weekends and evenings and $8 on weekday afternoons.
So, get out there my fellow Illinoisans! Enjoy the bounteous festivals of music sprouting up all over the Midwest! It does not matter if you are young or old, black or white, dumb or smart; there is something out there for you! Yes, YOU! Now go find it! Carpe diem!
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