It’s that time of year again. The time when the sun shines bright, the jackets come off and finals are wrapping up. Summertime holds a special place in everyone’s heart for a variety of reasons. For me, it’s the summer music festivals that get me pumped up for the semester end.
Pretty soon, all or most of us are going to be starting our summer jobs, and we’re going to need something to blow all our hard earned money on. Lucky for you, this summer brings more concert variety than vitamin water does with their flavors.
The fun is starting a little early this year, with the 5th annual Bamboozle Festival taking place this weekend at the Meadowlands. Once dubbed as a pop punk festival, Bamboozle is bringing in all different kinds of artists this year.
The two-day festival includes big names such as Snoop Dogg, Panic at the Disco, Gym Class Heroes, Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, Coheed and Cambria and “Rock of Love” star Brett Michaels. With all the stress of finals, closing those textbooks and enjoying a weekend of music may be the best way to relax.
Speaking of the Meadowlands, Z100 will be hosting their annual Zootopia concert there on May 17. Always considered a success, this year’s concert will be particularly special, as the New Kids on the Block will be appearing to mark its first performance together in over 20 years. If that wasn’t enough, the show will also feature OneRepublic, Simple Plan, Danity Kane, the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and more.
That’s just an appetizer, though. The big kahunas of festivals are coming in the dead center of summer, although they come with one hefty price. For those who love the road trips and don’t mind shelling out some dough, be sure to look into this year’s Bonaroo Festival. Taking place in the dirty south of Tennessee, the four-day festivities will be hosting one hell of a lineup. Metallica, Kanye West, Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, Chris Rock, O.A.R., Ben Folds, Death Cab for Cutie, Robert Plant, Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic and about a hundred other big names will be performing, making it a must see concert for any concert lovers. If you plan on going, be sure to put in some extra hours at work, because ticket prices are hella hefty. Tickets cost over $250, and that is not including the hotel, gas and food expenses you’ll be sure to throw down.
Bonaroo certainly has some competition this summer though, coming from the three day Chicago festival Lollapalooza. Taking over Grant Park starting August 1, Lollapalooza is offering its most impressive lineup ever this year, with bands like Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Brand New and Wilco hitting the stage. Just like Bonnaroo though, all this fun comes with a steep price. Three day passes currently cost $190, but will rise in price as August draws near.
Not a fan of the all weekend concerts? Don’t like spilling absurd amounts of money on tickets? Don’t worry, you’re still left with many options.
Fairfield favorite John Mayer will be embarking on a U.S. summer tour, bringing along with him radio sensation Colbie Caillat.
Also hitting the road this summer are The Jonas Brothers, Linkin Park, O.A.R., Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, the Counting Crows, Dave Matthews Band and Maroon 5. All you punk rockers have your annual Warped Tour to look forward to as well. Known for its plethora of bands for a low ticket price, this years installment should not disappoint. This years’ line up includes big names such as Angels and Airwaves, Gym Class Heroes, The Academy Is, Jacks Mannequin, The All American Rejects, Paramore and Say Anything.
With the large selection of concerts to choose from, it would be a shame if any music lover didn’t go to at least one. So bust out your sunscreen, and max out that debit card, because summer is almost here.
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