Live Spotlight ::: Party in the Park Returns

We'd like to welcome back the return of Party in the Park. After having a very successful inaugural fest PinP returns to Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday, May 18th. Last year's lineup included psychedelic rockers Flaming Lips, Young the Giant, Dawes, AWOLNATION, and Ponderosa all for $25 (even lower if you cashed in on the $15 Groupon).

The 2012 lineup consisted of all high energy, yet diverse artists so it will be interesting to see who is on the bill. The lineup drops on Monday March 4th. Could we see the return of acts like Foster the People, Best Coast, Grouplove, Imagine Dragons, or MGMT? Maybe the addition of a rap act like Atlanta native Childish Gambino? We'll just have to wait to find out. 

With such a large mix of great venues and musical culture Atlanta has quickly grown into a music hub with the rebirth of Music Midtown and additions of festivals like Shaky Knees and Counterpoint (TomorrowLand in 2013?) it is always a sigh of relief when these festivals return for their second year and even better when they can expand. 

New Music Spotlight ::: Yeah Yeah Yeahs

From their upcoming release, Mosquito due out April 15 comes the first single Sacrilege. Featuring a 20 person chorus towards the end, it's a great start for their highly anticipated album. 

Yeah Yeah Yeahs ::: Sacrilege

Coming to Atlanta ::: March '13

There are some quality shows coming up in the month of March. As always you can find a list of all recommended upcoming shows in the Atlanta and Athens area to the right. Below is a spotlight of concerts in March including date, venue, ticket information, and recommendation scale of 1-10.

of Montreal 

Friday 3/01/13

40 Watt

Athens, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 6

Famine Affair

Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers

Saturday 3/02/13

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 7.5

Jubilation Day

Lotus

Saturday 3/02/13

Terminal West

Atlanta, GA

Tickets (Sold Out)

Recommendation Level ::: 7.5

Spiritulize

Eels

Tuesday 3/05/13

Variety Playhouse

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 6

New Alphabet 

Coheed and Cambria

Tuesday 3/05/13

The Tabernacle

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 5.5

Dark Side of Me

Alt-J (SOLD OUT)

Wednesday 3/06/13

Masquerade

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 8.5

Notes: The Masquerade show is sold out, but I've been told that Criminal Records will be having an in-store show with Alt-J. I will update when I can confirm with a time.

Tessellate

The Last Bison

Wednesday 3/06/13

Eddie's Attic

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 6.5

Switzerland

He's My Brother, She's My Sister

Thursday 3/07/13

The Earl

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 8.5

Electric Love

The Ruby Suns

Thursday 3/07/13

Drunken Unicorn

Atlanta, GA

Tickets 

Recommendation Level ::: 6.5

Kingfisher Call Me

Major Lazer w. Dragonette

Friday 3/08/13

Masquerade

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 7

Get Free

Let it Go

Mount Moriah

Saturday 3/09/13

The Drunken Unicorn

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 7.5

The Letting Go

STRFKR

Monday 03/11/13

Terminal West

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 8

Malmo

Kishi Bashi

Thursday 3/14/13

The Earl

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 7.5

Bright Whites

Birdy Nam Nam

Thursday 3/14/13

Masquerade

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 6

The Parachute Endings

The Infamous Stringdusters

Friday 3/15/13

Terminal West

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 7

Blackrock

Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories

Satruday 3/16/13

Variety Playhouse

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level :::  6.5

Stay

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down

Monday 3/18/13

Smiths Olde Bar

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 7

Holy Roller

twenty|one|pilots

Tuesday 3/19/13

40 Watt

Athens, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 6.5

Guns for Hands

Elton John

Wednesday 3/20/13

Macon Centreplex Colisum

Macon, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 8.5

Tiny Dancer

Knife Party

Friday 3/22/13

The Tabernacle

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 6.5

Centipede

Family of the Year

Tuesday 3/26/13

The Earl

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 8

Hero

Dr. John

Saturday 3/30/13

Variety Playhouse

Atlanta, GA

Tickets

Recommendation Level ::: 7.5

Season of the Witch

Live Spotlight ::: Unknown Mortal Orchestra /// Foxygen /// Wampire

Unknown Mortal Orchestra/Foxygen/Wampire

Saturday 2/23/13 ::: 9pm Doors; 9:30 Show

529 ::: Atlanta, GA 

The sold-out show got off to a slightly slow start when Wampire came on nearly 30 minutes late. When we arrived it looked like they were set to go, but over the next 30 minutes it seemed like they were doing a lot of adjusting  of the instruments and levels. Once they worked out the kinks they got the show started right. The duo from Portland, Oregon played their two songs (found here) and a few other jams. It's always tough for an opener to, especially in a three act show, to grab the crowd's attention and hold on.

Wampire in action

After a short intermission Foxygen hit the stage and and came out guns blazing with On Blue Mountain. They played their critically acclaimed new LP, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, in its entirety while mixing in a few of their early songs. Their album was so great to me I was somewhat worried about it translating to the stage, but they didn't disappointing. From the constant variations in voice inflection to the range the instruments hit Foxygen delivered even better than their recording does. After producing such a great album and tour across the entire country with Unknow Mortal Orchestra, Foxygen will likely take off and gain more national notoriety. If you love 60s and 70s rock this group will take you right back to that time with sounds that mirror the works of the Doors, Beatles, and Rolling Stones in the best way possible. Having already been confirmed for 2013 Forecastle in Louisville, KY (full lineup coming March 4th) they're making a name for themselves. 

The headlining act Unknown Mortal Orchestra picked up where Foxygen left off with their energy and keeping the audience entertained. Atlanta was their 24th stop on their latest tour in support of their newest album, II. It was clear that they had fully grasped their roles playing songs from II live. They moved fluidly moving from their newer works while melding hits from their 2011 self titled release.  

UMO hitting their stride

Setlist: 

Little Blue House

Thought Ballune
Bicycle
How Can U Luv Me
Faded in the Morning
No Need for a Leader
Strangers are Strange
Jello
From the Sun
Swim and Sleep
So Good at Being in Trouble
Ffunny Ffriends
Boy Witch

Currently Listening To ::: 2-25-13 Spotify Playlist

Weekly Musical Guide for TV

This week's late night talk shows host quite the array of musical guests this week. Here is your complete guide to who is playing where so you can have your DVR ready or know what clips to look for the next morning.

Monday 02/25/13
Conan ::: Japandroids
Letterman ::: Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
Kimmel ::: Ryan Bingham
Leno ::: Robert Randolph and the Slide Brothers Perform
Fallon ::: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Tuesday 02/26/13
Conan ::: Tenacious D
Letterman ::: Kendrick Lamar
Kimmel ::: Morrissey Churchill (Meat is murder cancelled, so Churchill got the call up)
Leno ::: Boz Scaggs
Fallon ::: Tyler the Creator

Wednesday 02/27/13
Letterman ::: Solange
Kimmel ::: Gold Fields
Leno ::: Father John Misty
Fallon ::: Jason Aldean

Thursday 02/28/13
Letterman ::: Jose James
Leno ::: Shooter Jennings
Fallon ::: Bob Mould

Friday 02/29/13
Letterman ::: Dave Grohl and the Sound City Players (repeat)
Leno ::: The Mavericks
Fallon ::: Mariah Carey

Other Musical Related TV Programming of Note:
::: Palladia
Monday 
12PM ::: Imagine Dragons: The Making. A documentary on their 2012 album
Tuesday
5PM ::: Hangout Festival 2012: Hour 1
6PM ::: Hangout Festival 2012: Hour 2
Wednesday
12AM ::: Storytellers: Kings of Leon
2AM ::: Live From Daryl's House: Allen Stone
10AM ::: Two Door Cinema Club: 2011 Isle of Wight Festival Performance
Thursday
1AM ::: Paul McCartney 2007 Concert
6:30PM ::: Storytellers: My Morning Jacket
8PM ::: World Stage: Arcade Fire

Reptar at the 40 Watt Club in Athens (February 22, 2013)

Today's concert review comes from a great show put on for a great cause. Reptar headlined a show at the 40 Watt last night that was a benefit for a charity called Songs for Kids. They do fantastic work in helping kids get involved with music that may not have an opportunity to otherwise. The show raised $10,000 for the charity, and was a rockin' show, so it was a 2 for 1!

The openers were Wowzer Bowzer (an up and coming band out of Atlanta) and the other was Athens staple Five Eight (who have toured with REM in the past). Wowzer Bowzer definitely showed a lot of promise and look to be a band that is still developing their own sound, and Five Eight was just what was expected, a solid show that was neither amazing or terrible. Honestly though, I was here for Reptar and the other two bands were just there for me.

Reptar opened with their biggest hit "Houseboat Babies" and it definitely got the show going in the right direction. The thing I love about this band is that they have grown up right in front of me. Their shows did not have near as much fluidity or structure in the beginning, but now they flow seamlessly from "RainBounce" to "Blastoff" to "Isoprene Bath" and so on and so forth. Once the set was "over" , the crowd (which was great as seen here) did 

 

 something that has become commonplace for shows in Athens, the Tomahawk Chop (Braves season is right around the corner). The band came back out and performed a two song encore of "Sweet Sipping Soda" and "Cannabis Canyon", which I hadn't heard them play live in a while which was nice. The only qualm I had with last night's show (and their last few shows for that matter) is that they have not played the first track off their first full length album entitled "Orifice Origami", which is a really good track. Seeing as that was my only issue however, this show was really good (not as good as their show at the Georgia Theatre in November, but still really solid). Overall, I give it an 8 out of 10 and am looking forward to the boys from Reptar representing Athens at Bonnaroo this year. I leave you now with the song "Sweet Sipping Soda" (which is actually featured on the latest installment of the FIFA video game series). Hope y'all enjoy and in the words of the incomparable Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the end of their set at Bonnaroo 2012: "Support Live Music! Little kids, old ladies playing violins and harmoniums, Bulgarian Polka music, reggae, punk rock, hip hop, electronic music, underground Avant Garde weird music, Britney Spears pop music, all of it. Support live music go on out it's the word of God! Thank you we love you GOOD NIGHT!"

        

Sweet Sipping Soda - Reptar

 

2013 Bonnaroo and Firefly Festivals

2013 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

June 13-16

Manchester, TN ::: Great Stage Park

Spotify Playlist of Artists

2013 Bonnaroo

2013 Firefly Music Festival

June 21-23

Dover Delaware ::: Dover International Speedway

2013 Firefly Festival

Country Spotlight ::: Iceland

We've had a couple of city spotlight posts, featuring artists from cities across the US. Now it's time to venture across the Atlantic in our first Country Spotlight, Iceland.

For a country whose temperature tops out in the mid-50's during the summer months the music has a strong variety of upbeat tones. Even the more mellow songs, including Pétur Ben's I'll Be Here (below) maintains a sense of optimism. 

Before we get into the music, here is a post about Icelandic music which appears to be a student practicing for an academic presentation. The highlight of the video is when she talks about never hearing Bjork before, but she's heard she great. "I mean she has more grammy's than Adele".

 MaddyRunsWithLions ::: A Brief History of Icelandic Music

My Bubba & Mi

My bubba & Mi is a daringly sweet pair of ladies, whose songs are slow and easy, teasing and pleasing. They call them lullabies from the countryside, with one part sweet talking, one part mumbo jumbo and one part pure wisdom. Bubba (from Iceland) plays the guitar and the banjo, and My (Swedish) has an ancient table harp. Sometimes a contrabass or a mandolin is part of the outfit, as 'Mi' represents the changing additional musicians who accompany on tours and recordings. And they sing. Sweetly and simply, songs that stroke you like a banana cream pie and the sound of wood, and remind you of a great grandmother's perfume. 

My Bubba & Mi ::: Fuck the Pain Away

My Bubba & Mi ::: Apple Spell 

Pétur Ben
Pétur mixes calm guitar riffs with a relaxing and reassuring voice. I liken him to a mellow and much smaller Arcade Fire.

Pétur Ben ::: I'll Be Here

https://soundcloud.com/petur-ben/cold-war-baby

Pétur Ben ::: Cold War Baby

Pétur Ben ::: Billie Jean (Cover)

Of Monster & Men

You've no doubt heard this five-piece folk band, likely falling in love with them the first time you heard them. Their debut album, My Head Is An Animal, is a cheery collection of well produced fairy tale like stories. If you've been under a rock for the past year enjoy the OM&M collection below.

Of Monsters & Men ::: Little Talks

Of Monsters & Men ::: Sloom

Of Monsters & Men ::: Mountain Sound

(Backstage @ Sasquatch 2012)

Björk 

I'm not sure I can give a better introduction to our next Icelandic artist than the one given in the first video above. She has been associated with great acts since she hit the music scene in 1992 with the Sugarcubes, though it has sometimes been overshadowed by her wardrobe. She has continued her illustrious with her recent Grammy nominated Biophilia.

Björk ::: Army of Me

Björk ::: Crystalline

Sigur Rós

An Icelandic post-rock band with melodic, classical, experimental, and minimalist elements. The band is known for its ethereal sound and lead singer Jónsi’s falsetto voice. Sigur Rós means Victory Rose, named after Jonsi's little sister.

Sigur Rós ::: Hoppipolla

Sigur Rós ::: Sæglópur

Other Icelandic bands include Icelandic medieval music group Voces Thules, jazz fusion band Mezzoforte,  and singer Emilíana Torrini.

Currently Listening To ::: 2-18-13 Spotify Playlist

spoti.fi/XlkQbe 

Artists include; Atoms for Peace, alt-J, MS MR, Best Coast, High Highs, Lord Huron, Local Natives, Foxygen, Kid Sensation, Macklemore, Father John Misty, Tegan and Sara, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Grizzly Bear, River City Extension, Avett Brothers.

Thoughts on the songs? Leave a comment.

New Music Spotlight ::: January '13 Album Releases

2013 is off to a roaring start with new music. There have been arguably as many quality albums released in the first 31 days on the year as the final three months of 2012. We have given the albums a ranking from 1-100 based on playability, quality of songs, and how they compare to the artists' previous releases. This scale is more of a 1-10 scale than a pass/fail academic grade. We will revisit these rankings quarterly to see what has staying power and see what has grown on us.

To help you get acquainted with all this new music we have created a spotify playlist including the albums that are available in their entirety. 

spoti.fi/Vhjd1h 

As always, if you like what you hear, we encourage you to buy the album...

Everything Everything ::: Arc

Released 01/08/13

B Rating: 71

R Rating: 75

Overall :73

Various Artists ::: Girls Soundtrack Volume 1: Music From The HBO Original Series

Released 01/08/13

B Rating: 80

R Rating: 81

Overall : 80.5

Notes: Artists include Fleet Foxes, ICONA Pop, fun., Grouplove, and Robyn

A$AP Rocky ::: Long.Live.A$AP

Released 01/15/13

B Rating: 60

R Rating: 64

Overall : 62

Local Dates: April 22nd @ Philips Arena

Yo La Tengo ::: Fade

Released 01/15/13

B Rating: 78

R Rating: 74

Overall : 76

Local Dates: Played Buckhead Theater January 25th

The Lone Bellow ::: The Lone Bellow 

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 62

R Rating: 72

Overall : 67

Note: I liken this album to the Civil War's as a three piece with more instrumental depth. 

Local Dates: Played Eddie's Attic in December

Toro Y Moi ::: Anything in Return

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 82

R Rating: 79

Overall : 80.5 

Local Dates: Played Masquerade Feburary 6th

Blue Hawaii ::: Untogether

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 84

R Rating: 81

Overall : 82.5

Foxygen ::: We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 87

R Rating: 96

Overall: 91.5

Notes: I keep waiting for an article to come out saying that this album is a mix of Doors, Beatles, and Rolling Stone songs that were never released. Absolutely love this album from top to bottom. 

Local Dates: 529 with Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Wampire

Widowspeak ::: Almanac

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 89

R Rating: 82 

Overall : 85.5

Ra Ra Riot ::: Beta Love

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 35

R Rating: 32

Overall : 33.5

Local Dates: Masquerade Febaruary 24th

He's My Brother, She's My Sister ::: Nobody Dances in this Town

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 75

R Rating: 83

Overall : 79

Local Dates: The Earl on March 7th

The Joy Formidable ::: Wolf's Law

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 65

R Rating: 63

Overall : 64

Local Dates: Shaky Knees Festival

ON AN ON ::: Give In

Released 01/22/13

B Rating: 74

R Rating: 82

Overall : 78

High Highs ::: Open Season 

Released 01/25/13

B Rating: 69

R Rating: 75

Overall : 72

Flux Pavillion ::: Blow the Roof Off

Released 01/28/13

 

B Rating: 62

R Rating: 64

Overall : 63

Local Dates: Magnetic Music Fest

The Ruby Suns ::: Christopher 

Released 01/29/13

B Rating: 64

R Rating: 60

Overall : 62

Local Dates: Drunken Unicorn March 7th

Ducktails ::: The Flower Lane

Released 01/29/13

B Rating: 68

R Rating: 65

Overall :66.5

Local Dates: Savannah Stopover & the Earl March 9

Tegan & Sara ::: Heartthrob

Released 01/29/13

B Rating: 63

R Rating: 70

Overall :66.5

Notes: Admittedly more 'poppy' than previous works as they're trying to grow their audience. I like to listen to the songs mixed on a playlist with other songs, but doesn't stand alone well. 

Local Natives ::: Hummingbird

Released 01/29/13

B Rating: 74

R Rating: 85

Overall : 79.5

Wake Owl ::: Wild Country EP

Released 01/29/13

B Rating: 76

R Rating: 83

Overall : 79.5

Notes: The only problem I have with this album is it's too short. 

What are your ratings for these albums? Agree or Disagree? What new releases are you most looking forward to?

Currently Listening To ::: Spotify Playlist

Instead of posting a bunch of videos, below is this week's spotify playlist of what YOTHT is currently listening to. Clicking on the link should launch spotify and load the songs. You can also subscribe to us at YouOughtToHearThis on Spotify.

spoti.fi/Z0CCEF 

Thanks for listening

Southeast Music Festival Roundup

Today is Valentines Day so it is only appropriate to do a roundup of one of my biggest loves, music festivals. Below is an overview of some of the great music fests hitting the southeast over the next few months. Music fests are a great way to enjoy a years worth of music in a 1-4 day span, see big name bands while discovering the lesser known groups.

Savannah Stopover Music Festival 

March 7-9

Savannah, GA

A collaborative effort of MusicFile Productions and countless volunteers, partners, vendors, and media sponsors, the Savannah Stopover will showcase more than 100 bands in multiple venues across Savannah’s walkable Historic District. Bands will enjoy the quirky, shamelessly social elements of Georgia’s Hostess City while festival goers will be exposed to up-and-coming bands in closer, more personal environs. The full schedule is available on their website. 

BUKU Music + Arts Project
March 8 & 9
Mardi Gras World ::: New Orleans, LA

Premiered in 2012 by Winter Circle Productions, the Buku Music + Art Project has established itself as the premier progressive music and arts festival in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. For those tired of the mega-festival and wanting an intimate setting with close stage views and clear/loud audio, BUKU fills that void. The location's post-industrial vibe fits perfectly with BUKU's fusion of EDM, hip-hop and various sub-genres of indie rock. Paying homage to the NOLA setting, BUKU features local food vendors, indigenous art exhibits and dozens of regional support acts playing stage changeover sets.

Tickets  General Admission passes start at $149.50 

Through FanFueledEngaged you can WIN tickets through completing easy social media actions like posting the lineup to facebook via HERE!!!

SweetWater 420 Fest

April 19-21

Candler Park ::: Atlanta, GA

Nestled in Candler Park the SweetWater 420 Festival has become the unofficial start to spring in Atlanta. What better way to bloom into spring than with a solid musical lineup and over 20 craft beers brewed just a few miles away. In its 9th year 420 takes a more funk flavor compared to previous lineups. Seeing Robert Randolph & The Family Band put on a show that is hard for anyone to beat. George Clinton was right along side Randolph in showmanship, but has taken a more subdued approach in recent years as the Paliament Funkadelic has taken a large portion of their shows. Ivan Neville has a storied musical career being a part of great acts. His latest venture, Dumpstaphunk, started in 2003 will bring a house down with their energy leading them to be one of Flea's favorite acts.

For $5 its hard to beat good weather, delicious craft beer, and quality music.   

Magnetic Music Festival
April 20
Kennesaw State University Athletic Complex ::: Kennesaw, GA

This first time festival, brought to you by Liquefied, brings a mix of dubstep and EDM music to the athletic fields of Kennesaw State Festival. Liquefied is known for putting on great dance music shows across Atlanta and having a part in the inaugural Counterpoint Festival (that is expanding to multiple cities). The festival hit a minor PR snafu in December when they announced they would be releasing phase one of their lineup and ultimately delaying it over a month. The wait looks to be worth it after releasing phase one of the lineup including Flux Pavillion, Zeds Dead, and Flosstradamus.
Tickets range from $65 for one-day general admission ($25 payment plan available) to $165 for VIP.
We'll wait until phase two is announced to level our final verdict on this one-day festival, but after working out some kinks MMF seems to be working towards a good future where it could grow.


Shaky Knees Music Festival
May 4 & 5
Old Forth Ward Park, Masquerade Music Park::: Atlanta, GA

Atlanta will welcome a brand new music event, Shaky Knees Music Festival, to the Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Masquerade Music Park on May 4 and 5th. The two-day festival will feature 28 bands across three outdoor stages as well as local food trucks, artisans and vendors. Two-day general admission tickets as well as VIP passes go on sale on February 7 at Ticketmaster.

The creators of this american folk festival has the Atlanta music scene cornered. Seemingly going right after the 18-35 range this is right in their wheelhouse. Shaky Knees has put together a great 2-day lineup that is deep enough to bring people from outside Atlanta to enjoy the inaugural festival. Headlined by The Lumineers and Band of Horses and followed up with quality acts including Gary Clark Jr, Jim James (whose new album is very good), Dr. Dog, Delta Spirits, and the Joy Formidable. 

Tickets start at $99 for both days and are moving quickly. VIP Packages ($265) including free Fox Bros. BBQ (WOAH!), beer, and water among other amenities are already sold out. Single day passes are available for $61 and there are still single day VIP Package available. 

Hangout Beach, Music and Arts Festival
May 17-19
Gulf Shores, AL

The Hangout Festival is the first music festival of it's kind in North America. Since it's beginning in 2010 the beach music festival has grow including Duluna Fest in Florida. Located directly on the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, AL. The festival treats guests to a unique festival experience and consistently features a diverse selection of top touring artists. In its 4rd year the festival continues to grow. In 2010 the festival welcomed around 14,000 festival goers per day. The beach fest more than doubled that up to 35,000 per day in 2011. Last year Hangout sold out rather quickly after adding Red Hot Chili Peppers as their third headliner alongside Jack White and Dave Matthews Band. With the insane depth music has these days the 2013 lineup is an initial disappointment to the YOTHT crew. There is still one headliners still to be announced and other possible additions to help the cause. 

Like other festivals in the city limits of larger cities Hangout has a curfew for the acts which puts a slight damper on the weekend. Highlights of the festival include the return of Kings of Leon after a drunken sabbatical, Kendrick Lamar, Bassnectar, Bloc Party, Passion Pit, and Best Coast. Hangout did a good job of securing a large amount of acts that will be more prominent on the European music festival circuit than in America over the summer including Bloc Party, Ellie Goulding, Grouplove, the Breeders and Kings of Leon.

Wakarusa Festival
May 30-June 2
Mulberry Mountain ::: Ozark, AR

For those who find themselves wanting to be taken back to Bonnaroo's original roots when it started in 2002, Wakarusa is the spot for you. Located in the between Little Rock and Fayetteville Arkansas, in the heart of the Ozark Mountains provides great views for a music fest. A mix between Bonnaroo and Wannee festivals Wakarusa has put together a nice mixture of genres with something for everyone.

Headlined by jamband forefathers Widespread Panic and genre defeating Dispatch the undercard is made up of everything from Snoop Dog's reggae persona Snoop Lion, The Black Crowes, Of Monsters and Men, Allen Stone, and endurance champions Umphrey's McGee. Wakarusa is a camping festival so be sure to prepare adequately.

Tickets  come in a variety of packages.


FloydFest~12
July 25-28
Floyd, VA

A 4-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia! Bridging the gap between genres, generations and cultures, the festival features over 100 performers on 10 stages! Americana, folk, and string bands your cup of tea? This festival was made for you. One of the more family friendly festivals Floyfest invited you to enjoy great music, art, and fun in the tiny town of Floyd, Virginia located near Blacksburg and Roanoke. 

Tickets  are available in a range of different packages including 1, 2, 3, or all 4 days with camping, VIP, and even a kids option. If this is your preferred genre this is a very good and deep lineup for this level of festival. 

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
June 13-16
Great Stage Park ::: Manchester, TN
Lineup Announcement ::: February 19 on YouTube at Noon (lineup at 1pm EST)
(note the below lineup is a mock lineup created by me)

The 12th version of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival proves to be one of the best. We will have a full breakdown of the lineup when it is announced next Tuesday, but until then below is my mock lineup created from scratch using/recreating this year's theme.

Please leave feedback on the mock lineup, your favorite festival, or festival experiences!