As most students concentrate on adjusting to new schedules, many WGRE artists look ahead to the summer festival circuit. These enticing lineups offer some of the most thorough talent heard on our airwaves.
Bonnaroo - For the second year in a row, Bonnaroo has wowed music enthusiasts worldwide while being headlined by a 60-year-old. Billy Joel tops this Tennessee fest a year after Elton John did, along with a stacked supporting cast. My Morning Jacket, Mac DeMarco and The War On Drugs provide a stellar rock presence, while emerging gems like Tycho, MØ and Pokey LaFarge add a refreshing alternative. This festival will start June 11 and end June 14 in Manchester, TN.
Coachella - Just after spring break, the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Headliners include Jack White, AC/DC and Drake. Other big acts to look forward to include Florence + The Machine, alt-J, Alabama Shakes and Tyler the Creator. If you have the opportunity to go, I highly recommend getting a ticket. Weekend passes are all sold out, so your best bet might be Craig’s List. Coachella will be April 10-12 in Indio, California.
Sasquatch - Overshadowed by rival West Coast fests just a few states south, Washington’s Sasquatch perseveres with one of the most impressive lineups of 2015. The Decemberists and Modest Mouse return as some of the Pacific Northwest’s most reputable rock representatives. Chromeo, James Blake, SOHN and Tame Impala round off the well-versed lineup. This music festival will be May 22 – 25 in Quincy, WA.
Governor's Ball - If you live in NYC, this festival would be the best homecoming gift after a year away. Located on the beautiful Randall's Island Park, Governor’s Ball is supposed to be a blast. Artists performing include The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Hot Chip, Deadmau5, Chromeo, Björk, Weird Al Yankovic and plenty of others. If you don’t live there, let’s take a road trip. Governor's Ball is held on June 5-7 on Randall’s Island Park, NYC.
Summer Camp - Since its inception in 2001, Summer Camp has gained a reputation as one of the most promising fests. Steve Miller Band and STS9 compliment five sets each by mainstays Umphrey’s McGee and moe. Electronic music continues to season the lineup, this year with Big Gigantic and Cherub. The Summer Camp music festival is held on May 22-24 in Chillicothe, IL.
Wakarusa - One of the must anticipated music festivals to attend this summer is Wakarusa. Now in its 12th year, the lineup is BIG. Including The Roots, Thievery Corporation, Umphrey’s McGee, Chance the Rapper, Savoy and many more. If you are not doing anything at the end of this year, this would be a great festival to start off the summer. Wakarusa takes place on June 4-7 in Ozark, Arkansas.
Tickets are still available for some, and sold out for others, but there is always room for more volunteers, scalpers and the loving partners at Stub Hub. There are many other festivals throughout the summer all over the country. Some to keep on the radar include Summerfest, Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, Bunbury and Newport Folk Festival.