Summer Music Festivals This Spring
A List of Summer Music Festivals That Fall Before the Summer
It's a common misconception that all the great music festivals take place during the summer. Here's proof.
Spring is upon us. Yes I can feel the imperious gaze of the sun slowly burning heavier on me. And this can only mean one thing: Summer is right after that. This again means only one thing to music mad individuals: Festivals. But this is a common misconception as some of the finest festivals to be offered fall before the official start of summer. Here’s proof.
SXSW March 14-18 Austin, TX- This festival actually already began down in Austin, but the music doesn’t arrive until the 14th. At this point more than 1300 bands will descend upon the city in what is described as the unofficial beginning of the music festival season.
All Tomorrow’s Parties April 27-29 Somerset, England- Founded in 1999 as an alternative to larger more mainstream British festivals this weekend long extravaganza has a more indie-slanted lineup. Cat Power, Do make Say Think, Notwist, Explosions In The Sky and Built to Spill will be among the acts this year. Also, at the end of May ATP presents another festival featuring acts voted on by fans to appear.
Coachella April 27-29 Indio, California – This is a who’s who of top acts. Acts appearing at this years festival are as varied as ever with Bjork, Arctic Monkeys, The Roots, Lupe Fiasco and Tokyo Police Club among many. Closing out this year’s festival will be Rage Against The Machine reuniting to crush all comers.
Sasquatch May 26-27 George, Washington. Taking place at one of the better outdoor venues in the country, The Gorge, the festival hosts such acts as the Beastie Boys, Interpol, Grizzly Bear, Bad Brains and Spoon. Sarah Silverman has been confirmed as the host so there will be abundant amounts of comedic interlude to offer respite from even the most depressing bands.
North by Northeast June 7-9 Toronto, Canada – Patterned after SXSW this is a festival and conference spanning the second weekend of June each year. The line-up hasn’t yet been announced but it’s always one of the best and past acts that have appeared are current popular favorites such as Gym Class Heroes and The Weakerthans. If this isn’t enough there’s a film festival that runs concurrently with the music festival as well.
So there you go, five festivals that fall before the official start of summer. If you want get your fix in early or just get yourself warmed up. Either way it beats a summer job.
