2011 Festival Guide

<div> <a href="features/features/2011_festival_guide/"><img src="http://www.qromag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/festivals2011.jpg" alt="2011 Festival Guide" /></a><br /> </div> <div align="left"> <p> What will the new year bring?  If the 2009 festival season was an economic collapse-induced sub-par...
2011 Festival Guide

 

View QRO Magazine 2011 Festival Guide in a larger map

 

 


January & February

American Songbook

What:  American Songbook
Where:  Lincoln Center, New York, NY
When:  January 12-February 20
Who:  Mary Chapin Carpenter, My Brightest Diamond, Joan Osbourne, John Doe, Bebel Gilberto, The Low Anthem and more  See dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Pretty much the classiest venue out there, Lincoln Center celebrates American songwriting in the first two months of 2011 at Allen Room.  See our venue review & photos of Lincoln Center’s Allen Room here
Web:  new.lincolncenter.org/live/index.php/as-2011-home

Ecstatic

What:  Ecstatic
Where:  Merkin Concert Hall, New York, NY
When:  January 17-March 28
Who:  Owen Pallett, Dan Deacon, Clogs, Craig Wedren, Buke and Gass, So Percusion, Nadia Sirota, tUnE-yArDs, and more  See dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with this two month-plus series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web:  www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com

Chicago Psych Fest

What:  Chicago Psych Fest
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  January 21-22
Who:  The Great Society Mind Destroyers, Verma, Black Wyrm See, Sadhu Sadhu, Mondo Drag, and more
Why:  Chicago’s psyche expands to a second day for the second year of this local fest at The Hideout.
Web:  www.facebook.com/pages/The-Chicago-Metaphysical-Circus/214042604494

Noise Pop

What:  Noise Pop
Where:  San Francisco, CA
When: 
February 22-27
Who:  Yo La Tengo, Ben Gibbard, No Age, Admiral Radley, Aesop Rock, Zach Rogue, Best Coast, Ted Leo, Wavves, Kimya Dawson, Dan Deacon, Dåm-Funk, Versus, The Concretes, Film School, Tamaryn, Telekinesis, How To Dress Well, The Love Language, Apex Manor, The Ferocious Few, Gregory & The Hawk, Birds & Batteries, and many more
Why:  Venues across San Francisco start the 2011 festival season, with a nice line-up of acts from the hottest in today’s indie-rock to ultra-vets & in between – and a screening of the new documentary about Brooklyn’s own late, lamented McCarren Park Pool (QRO venue review).
Web:  2011.noisepop.com/

Pandemonium

What:  Pandemonium
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
February 25
Who:  The New Deal, Conspirator, Nero, and more
Why:  Chicago’s Congress Theater has some electronicistas goin’ nuts.
Web:  www.pandemoniumfest.com

Bruise Cruise

What:  Bruise Cruise
Where:  Miami, FL to the Bahamas
When: 
February 25-28
Who:  The Black Lips, Vivian Girls, Surfer Blood, Strange Boys, Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Turbo Fruits, and more
Why:  Garage-rock takes the high seas as ‘Cruise Director’ Ian Svenonius leads a wild line-up on a voyage from Miami to the Bahamas – who knows what these bands will get up to in international water?…  See photos of kick-off party in Miami here
Web:  www.bruisecruisefestival.com

 

 


March

Ecstatic

What:  Ecstatic
Where:  Merkin Concert Hall, New York, NY
When:  January 17-March 28
Who:  Owen Pallett, Dan Deacon, Clogs, Craig Wedren, Buke and Gass, So Percusion, Nadia Sirota, tUnE-yArDs, and more  See dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  The burgeoning indie-classical genre gets Ecstatic with this two month-plus series of events at Merkin Concert Hall.
Web:  www.ecstaticmusicfestival.com

Snowball

What:  Snowball
Where:  Vail Valley, CO
When: 
March 4-6
Who:  The Flaming Lips, Pretty Lights, Bassnectar, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Local Natives, Diplo, Portugal. The Man, Miami Horror, Twin Shadow, Baths, Lord Huron, and more
Why:  An eclectic mix of acts come to Vail Valley for the skiing & the music.
Web:  snowballmusicfestival.com

Winter Music Conference

What:  Winter Music Conference
Where:  Miami, FL
When: 
March 8-12
Who:  Keith Evan, Michel Cleis, Derrick May, Danny Tenaglia, Josh Gabriel & Dave Dresden, Victor Calerone, Jen Lasher, Larry Powers, Francois K, Markus Schulz, Dave Seaman, Dustin Holton, Oscar G, Derrick Carter, Nickodemus, David Morales, Danny Tenaglia, and many more
Why:  Moving earlier in March and separated from the Ultra Music Festival (see below), the Winter Music Conference hosts parties, panels & more – often pool-side.
Web:  www.wintermusicconference.com

Canadian Music Fest

What:  Canadian Music Fest
Where:  Toronto, ON, Canada
When: 
March 9-13
Who:  Good Charlotte, Melissa Etheridge, Papa Roach, Murs, Buckcherry, Janelle Monae, J Mascis, Electric Six, Middle Brother, Deer Tick, Land of Talk, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Russian Futurists, Esben & The Witch, Young Galaxy, Dawes, Yukon Blonde, Miracle Fortress, Gentlemen Reg, Anna Calvi, The High Dials, Hannah Georgas, Rich Aucoin, Hollerado, Still Life Still, Zeus, Hot Panda, The Barr Brothers, Elephant Stone, AWOLNATION, The Wilderness of Manitoba, Ty Segall, MEN, Cuff the Duke, We Are the City, and many, many more
Why:  Just before SXSW (see below), Toronto has it’s own multi-venue music industry fest (not to be confused with North-by-Northeast – see below), with a surprising amount of variety (both in genre & nationality).  And it’s sponosred by Molsen, eh…
Web:
  canadianmusicfest.com

Neon Reverb

What:  Neon Reverb
Where:  Las Vegas, NV
When: 
March 10-13
Who:  The Dodos, Asobi Seksu, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, BRAHMS, Wallpaper, The Mumlers, Braids, Mini Mansions, and more
Why:  Right before SXSW (see below), Las Vegas has it’s own festival in venues across the city (including Vegas’ own Beauty Bar).
Web:
  www.neonreverb.com

35 Conferette 

What:  35 Conferette
Where:  Denton, TX
When: 
March 10-13
Who:  Big Boi, Mavis Staples, Dr. Dog, Local Natives, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, !!!, Portugal. The Man, GAYNGS, Dan Deacon, Miami Horror, A Place To Bury Strangers, Esben & The Witch, Japanther, White Denim, Grass Widow, Colour Revolt, Royal Bangs, O’Death, Pujol, Turbo Fruits, Viva Voce, Hooray For Earth, Parts & Labor, Sugar & Gold, Mondo Drag, MiniBoone, North Highlands, and many more
Why:  NX35 drops the ‘NX’, picks up the ‘Conferette’ & about a million indie bands hitting Denton before SXSW (see below).
Web:
  www.35conferette.com

Foburg 

What:  Foburg
Where:  New Orleans, LA
When: 
March 11-13
Who:  Ra Ra Riot, Das Racist, The Hood Internet, Givers, Toro y Moi, Small Black, Cloud Nothings, Big Freedia, The Pharmacy, Motel Motel, Cults, The Spinto Band, A Million Years, Birds and Batteries, The Forms, The Lisps, The Luyas, The Yes Way, Ryat, Monogold, X-Ray Eyeballs, and more
Why:  Frenchmen Street gives people a reason to stick around in New Orleans the weekend after Mardi Gras (and the weekend before South-by-Southwest – see below).
Web:
  foburgneworleans.com

Nrmal 

What:  Nrmal
Where:  Monterrey, Mexico
When: 
March 12
Who:  Chikita Violenta, Thee Oh Sees, Silje Nes, Bare Wires, Surf City, and many more
Why:  Head down Mexico way to Monterrey for Festival Nrmal.
Web:  www.festivalnrmal.net

San Diego Indie 

What:  San Diego IndieFest
Where:  San Diego, CA
When: 
March 12-13
Who:  We Are Scientists, AWOLNATION, James Marsters, and more
Why:  Venues across San Diego host an array of indie acts (and Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer!…).
Web:  www.sandiegoindiefest.com

Never Say Never 

What:  Never Say Never
Where:  Mission, TX
When: 
March 15-16
Who:  Neon Trees, LMFAO, Travis McCoy, All Time Low, Miami Horror, Fences, Das Racist, and more
Why:  Has the temerity to overlap with South-by-Southwest (see below), in the same state, and share the same name as an emo band & Justin Bieber song/’movie’.
Web:  www.neversayneverfestival.com

South-by-Southwest

What:  South by Southwest
Where:  Austin, TX
When: 
March 16-20
Who:  A million-and-one forever.
Why:  Still the bar by which all other of the multiplying indie music industry expos are judged by – and still the best.  Read & see much, much more in our recap here
Web:
  sxsw.com

Electric Beach

What:  Electric Beach
Where:  Cancun, Mexico
When: 
March 17-20
Who:  Pretty Lights, Wiz Khalifa, Chiddy Band & more
Why:  Spring Break 2011 just got electric.
Web:
  www.beachdogpresents.com

Wanderlust at The Standard

What:  Wanderlust at The Standard
Where: 
Miami, FL
When: 
March 17-20
Who:  Bonobo and more
Why:  Lake Tahoe’s yoga-sponsored music festival (see below) expands to a two more locations, starting poolside at The Standard Spa in Miami.
Web:
  www.wanderlustfestival.com  

Beyond Wonderland - Southern California

What:  Beyond Wonderland – Southern California
Where: 
San Bernardino, CA
When: 
March 19
Who:  Kaskade, Calvin Harris, and more
Why:  The usual electo-DJ line-up.
Web:
  www.beyondwonderland.com/SOCAL  

Valley of the Vapors

What:  Valley of the Vapors
Where:  Hot Springs National Park, AR
When: 
March 20-26
Who:  A Place To Bury Strangers, Lost In the Trees, PeeLander Z, Japanther, Surf City, Chapel Club, Parts & Labor, X-Ray Eyeballs, Pterodactyl, Hooray For Earth, and more
Why:  Those traveling from Austin’s SXSW (see above) can go to to the northeast for The Valley of the Vapors, ‘America’s most humble rock festival’, at Hot Springs National Park.
Web:
  www.valleyofthevapors.com

Fareveller

What:  Fareveller
Where:  Memphis, TN
When: 
March 24-27
Who:  Damien Jurado, Morning Teleportation, Margot & The Nuclear So-and-So’s, Turbo Fruits, Pujol, Bare Wires, Surf City, Chase Pagan, Young Buffalo, and more
Why:  Memphis music of today tries to step out of the shadow of Memphis music of yesterday in this new indie festival.
Web:
  www.fareveller.com

Juno

What:  JunoFest
Where:  Toronto, ON, Canada
When: 
March 25-26
Who:  Basia Bulat, The Birthday Massacre, Said the Whale, Hannah Georgas, Flash Lightning, and many more
Why:  Venues around Toronto celebrate the 40th anniversary of Canada’s Music Award, the Juno.
Web:
  junoawards.ca/40th-anniversary-events/juno-week-events/juno-fest/

Ultra

What:  Ultra
Where:  Miami, FL
When: 
March 25-27
Who:  Tiësto, deadmau5, The Chemical Brothers, Duran Duran, Underworld, David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren, Empire of the Sun, Carl Cox, Pendulum, Crystal Castles, Royksopp, Moby, Cut Copy, Erasure, will.I.am, MSTRKRFT, The Disco Biscuits, Chromeo, Simian Mobile Disco, CSS, The Klaxons, Holy Ghost!, !!!, Afrobeta, and many, many more
Why:  Expanding to three days and further stepping out of the shadow of the Winter Music Conference (see above), the electro-dance Ultra delivers is best line-up ever.
Web:  www.ultramusicfestival.com

snoe.down 

What:  Snoe.down
Where:  Killington/Rutland, VT
When: 
March 25-27
Who:  .moe, Keller Williams, Lotus, The London Souls, and more
Why:  .moe combines jam-bands & skiing.
Web:  www.snoedown.com

Extreme Thing 

What:  Extreme Thing
Where:  Las Vegas, NV
When: 
March 26
Who:  Hollywood Undead, Sum 41, P.O.D., Senses Fail, Attack Attack, and more
Why:  ‘Extreme Thing’ is seriously it’s name – how much more UNextreme can you get?
Web:  www.extremething.com 

Mission Creek 

What:  Mission Creek
Where:  Iowa City, IA
When: 
March 28 – April 4
Who:  Guided By Voices, Jeff Tweedy, John Waters, Kim Gordon & Thurston Moore, British Sea Power, Das Racist, DeVotchKa, Kurt Vile, The Hood Internet, Here We Go Magic, Colour Revolt, Wye Oak, Birds & Batteries, and more
Why:  Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.  Read much more in our preview here
Web:  festival.missionfreak.com/home.html  

 

 


April

Mission Creek

What:  Mission Creek
Where:  Iowa City, IA
When: 
March 28 – April 4
Who:  Guided By Voices, Jeff Tweedy, John Waters, Kim Gordon & Thurston Moore, British Sea Power, Das Racist, DeVotchKa, Kurt Vile, The Hood Internet, Here We Go Magic, Colour Revolt, Wye Oak, Birds & Batteries, and more
Why:  Iowa City kicks if off early with some interesting names.  Read much more in our preview here
Web:  festival.missionfreak.com/home.html  

Middle of the Map

What:  Middle of the Map
Where:
  Kansas City, MO
When:
  April 8-9
Who:
  Two Door Cinema Club, Daniel Johnston, Cursive, The Appleseed Cast, Dosh, Margot & The Nuclear So-and-So’s, The Raveonettes, Dosh, The Life and Times, Paper Route, Tamaryn, Small Black, Soft Reeds, and more
Why:  Head to the middle of the Google Map.
Web:
  www.middleofthemapfest.com 

Wanee

What:  Wanee
Where:
  Live Oak, FL
When:
  April 14-16
Who:
  Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Ween, Sharon Johnes & The Dap-Kings, Wanda Jackson, Dead Confederate, Tea Leaf Green, and many more
Why:  Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Florida hosts a jam-band festival with a few big-band ladies.
Web:
  www.waneefestival.com


Rites of Spring 

What:  Rites of Spring
Where:
  Nashville, TN
When:
  April 15-16
Who:
  Public Enemy, The National, Matt & Kim, Kid Cudi, and Sara Bareilles
Why:  Vanderbilt University knows how to book ’em for its Rites of Spring (fling).
Web:  www.vanderbilt.edu/ros/index.php

Coachella

What:  Coachella
Where:
  Indio, CA
When:
  April 15-17
Who:
  Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, Kanye West, The Strokes, Duran Duran, The Black Keys, Animal Collective, The National, Interpol, Mumford & Sons, PJ Harvey, The Chemical Brothers, Bright Eyes, Robyn, Lauryn Hill, Ratatat, Nas & Damian Marley, Crystal Castles, Jimmy Eat World, The Kills, Broken Social Scene, Cee Lo Green, Chromeo, Cut Copy, Cold War Kids, The Presets, Sleigh Bells, The New Pornographers, Best Coast, Gogol Bordello, Warpaint, Tame Impala, !!!, Elbow, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Two Door Cinema Club, Foals, The Radio Dept., Twin Shadow, Titus Andronicus, The Morning Benders, YACHT, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, The Joy Formidable, Menomena, Phosphorescent, The Love Language Freelance Whales, The Felice Brothers, and many, many more
W
hy:  Once again, Coachella has delivered an unbelieveable line-up that leaves every other festival green with envy.
Web:
  www.coachella.com

Telus

What:  Telus
Where:
  Whistler, BC, Canada
When:
  April 15-24
Who:
  Broken Social Scene, RJD2, Tokyo Police Club, Gogol Bordello, Ozomatli, Dilated Peoples, Black Mountain, Brasstronaut, Dinosaur Bones, and more
W
hy:  In addition to the snow, come for the sounds at Telus World Sk & Snowboard Festival.
Web:
  www.wssf.com

Together

What:  Together
Where:  Boston, MA
When:  April 18-24
Who:  Trentemøller, Mary Anne Hobbs, Future Rock, Pantha Du Prince, Wolfgang Gartner, Above and Beyond, Mr. C, Lorn, DJ Dara, Mike Slott, DJ Bruno, and more
Why:  The Together New England Electronic Music Festival criss-crosses Boston, from night clubs to prestigious colleges.  Read much more in our preview here
Web:  www.togetherboston.com 

SunFest

What:  SunFest
Where:
  West Palm Beach, FL
When:
  April 27-May 1
Who:
  Jason Mraz, Earth, Wind 7 Fire, Styx, MGMT, Sublime w/ Rome, Cee Lo Green, Jeff Beck, Taking Back Sunday, Greg Allmann, Neon Trees, The Avett Brothers, O.A.R., Mike Posner, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Brooke Fraser, Ziggy Marley, and more
Why:  The sun always shines on Palm Beach.  Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web:
  www.sunfest.com

Norman 

What:  Norman
Where:
  Norman, OK
When:
  April 28-30
Who:
  The Walkmen, Keller Williams, White Denim, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Stardeath and White Dwarf, Colour Revolt, Peelander-Z, Locust Avenue, Ty Segall, Other Lives, Sherree Chamberlain, Vandeveer, Colourmusic, and many more
Why:  Now in its fourth year, Norman Oklahoma’s own free festival stays sweet, even as it expands to a third day.  Read & see more in 2010 our recap here
Web:
  www.normanmusicfestival.com 

Nocturnal

What:  Nocturnal
Where:  Rockdale, TX
When: 
April 29-30
Who:  Ghostland Observatory, Bassnectar, Crystal Castles, STS9, Eclectic Method, Beats Antique, Innerpartysystem, Big Freedia, and many more
Why:  A dancetronic festival hits Texas, this time in the spring.
Web:
  www.nocturnalfestival.com

Austin PsychFest

What:  Austin Psychfest
Where:
  Austin, TX
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:
  Roky Erickson, Spectrum, The Black Angels, Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Atlas Sound, Prefuse 73, A Place To Bury Strangers, Crystal Stilts, Crocodiles, The Fresh & Onlys, Tobacco, Sleepy Sun, Indian Jewelry, Beach Fossils, This Will Destroy You, Pontiak, Black Hollies, Young Prisms, Bass Drum of Death, The Blue Angel Lounge, and many more
Why:  Austin’s East Side Drive-In plays host to a mixture of indie & psych.
Web:
  www.austinpsychfest.com

Bamboozle

What:  Bamboozle
Where:
  East Rutherford, NJ
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:
  Lil Wayne, Motley Crue, Taking Back Sunday, The Gaslight Anthem, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars, Circa Survive, Dashboard Confessional, Insane Clown Posse, Anberlin, Boys Like Girls, Frank Turner, New Found Glory, Senses Fail, RX Bandits, and more
Why:  The New Meadowlands Sports Complex hosts three days of bro-rock.
Web:
  thebamboozle.com

Beale Street

What:  Beale Street
Where:
  Memphis, TN
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:
  John Mellencamp, Ke$ha, Jason Mraz, Stone Temple Pilots, MGMT, Godsmack, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Cee Lo Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, CAKE, Ludacris, Ziggy Marley, Gregg Allman, Macy Gray, Everclear, Cage the Elephant, Amos Lee, The New Pornographers, Manchester Orchestra, Lucero, and more
Why:  Beale Street’s alive with music.
Web:
  www.thebealestreetmusicfestival.com

McDowell Mountain

What:  McDowell Mountain
Where:
  Phoenix, AZ
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:
  Martin Sexton, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Black Joe Lewis & The Honybears, Xavier Rudd, What Laura Says, Rubblebucket, and more
Why:  Phoenix gets a jam-band festival (thought there was a concert boycott?…).
Web:
  www.mmmf.net/2011

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What:  New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where:
  New Orleans, LA
When:
  April 29-May 8
Who:
  Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Kid Rock, John Mellancamp, Wilco, Willie Nelson, The Strokes, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Lucinda Williams, Tom Jones, Jason Mraz, Fantasia, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, John Legend & The Roots, Wyclef Jean, The Avett Brothers, Cyndi Lauper, Arlo Guthrie, The Decemberists, Lupe Fiasco, Amos Lee, Mumford & Sons, Allen Toussaint, Jesse Winchester, Kenny G, Maze, The Low Anthem, Edie Brickell, Justin Townes Earle, and many, many more
Why:  Arcade Fire, The Strokes & The Decemberists playing the same festival as Bon Jovi, Tom Jones & Kenny G (plus a ton of jazz & zydeco)?  Only in the Big Easy…
Web:
  www.nojazzfest.com

Sweet Life

What:  Sweet Life
Where:
  Baltimore, MD
When:
  April 30
Who:
  The Strokes, Girl Talk, Lupe Fiasco, Crystal Castles, Cold War Kids, Ra Ra Riot, Theophilus London, Walk the Moon, and more
Why:  An early festival with some big names comes to Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Web:
  sweetlifefestival.com

Power-Pop-A-Licious

What:  Power Pop-A-Licious
Where:
  Asbury Park, NJ
When:
  April 30May 1
Who:
  Paul Collins, The Sights, Amoebas, Future Virgins, and many more
Why:  Paul Collins of The Beat puts on a power pop showcase at the legendary Asbury Lanes.
Web:
  power-pop.tumblr.com/post/3182883291

 

 


May

SunFest

What:  SunFest
Where:
  West Palm Beach, FL
When:
  April 27-May 1
Who:  Jason Mraz, Earth, Wind 7 Fire, Styx, MGMT, Sublime w/ Rome, Cee Lo Green, Jeff Beck, Taking Back Sunday, Greg Allmann, Neon Trees, The Avett Brothers, O.A.R., Mike Posner, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Brooke Fraser, Ziggy Marley, and more
Why:  The sun always shines on Palm Beach.  Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web:
  www.sunfest.com 

Austin PsychFest

What:  Austin Psychfest
Where:
  Austin, TX
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:  Roky Erickson, Spectrum, The Black Angels, Omar Rodriguez Lopez Group, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Atlas Sound, Prefuse 73, A Place To Bury Strangers, Crystal Stilts, Crocodiles, The Fresh & Onlys, Tobacco, Sleepy Sun, Indian Jewelry, Beach Fossils, This Will Destroy You, Pontiak, Black Hollies, Young Prisms, Bass Drum of Death, The Blue Angel Lounge, and many more
Why:  Austin’s East Side Drive-In plays host to a mixture of indie & psych.
Web:
  www.austinpsychfest.com

Bamboozle

What:  Bamboozle
Where:
  East Rutherford, NJ
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:
  Lil Wayne, Motley Crue, Taking Back Sunday, The Gaslight Anthem, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars, Circa Survive, Dashboard Confessional, Insane Clown Posse, Anberlin, Boys Like Girls, Frank Turner, New Found Glory, Senses Fail, RX Bandits, and more
Why:  The New Meadowlands Sports Complex hosts three days of bro-rock.
Web:
  thebamboozle.com 

Beale Street

What:  Beale Street
Where:
  Memphis, TN
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:  John Mellencamp, Ke$ha, Jason Mraz, Stone Temple Pilots, MGMT, Godsmack, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Cee Lo Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, CAKE, Ludacris, Ziggy Marley, Gregg Allman, Macy Gray, Everclear, Cage the Elephant, Amos Lee, The New Pornographers, Manchester Orchestra, Lucero, and more
Why:  Beale Street’s alive with music.
Web:
  www.thebealestreetmusicfestival.com

McDowell Mountain

What:  McDowell Mountain
Where:
  Phoenix, AZ
When:
  April 29-May 1
Who:
  Martin Sexton, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Black Joe Lewis & The Honybears, Xavier Rudd, What Laura Says, Rubblebucket, and more
Why:  Phoenix gets a jam-band festival (thought there was a concert boycott?…).
Web:
  www.mmmf.net/2011

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage

What:  New Orleans Jazz & Heritage
Where:
  New Orleans, LA
When:
  April 29-May 8
Who:  Arcade Fire, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffett, Kid Rock, John Mellancamp, Wilco, Willie Nelson, The Strokes, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Lucinda Williams, Tom Jones, Jason Mraz, Fantasia, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, John Legend & The Roots, Wyclef Jean, The Avett Brothers, Cyndi Lauper, Arlo Guthrie, The Decemberists, Lupe Fiasco, Amos Lee, Mumford & Sons, Allen Toussaint, Jesse Winchester, Kenny G, Maze, The Low Anthem, Edie Brickell, Justin Townes Earle, and many, many more
Why:  Arcade Fire, The Strokes & The Decemberists playing the same festival as Bon Jovi, Tom Jones & Kenny G (plus a ton of jazz & zydeco)?  Only in the Big Easy…
Web:
  www.nojazzfest.com

Power-Pop-A-Licious

What:  Power Pop-A-Licious
Where:
  Asbury Park, NJ
When:
  April 30May 1
Who:
  Paul Collins, The Sights, Amoebas, Future Virgins, and many more
Why:  Paul Collins of The Beat puts on a power pop showcase at the legendary Asbury Lanes.
Web:
  power-pop.tumblr.com/post/3182883291

Nitefall On the River

What:  Nitefall On the River
Where:
  Des Moines, IA
When:
  May 4 – July 28
Who:
  Natasha Bedingfield, Slightly Stoopid, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Toad the Wet Sproket, Umphrey’s McGee, Matisyahu, Gin Blossoms, Keller Williams, Meat Puppets, The Wailers, and more
Why:  Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river.  See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web:
  nitefalldsm.com

Rockville

What:  Rockville
Where:
  Jacksonville, FL
When:
  May 8
Who:
  Godsmack, Stone Sour, Seether, Theory of a Deadman, Puddle of Mudd, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and more
Why:  Unfortunately, the festival named ‘Rockville’ is just about what you’d expect from that name (and not the R.E.M. song…).
Web:
  www.welcometorockvillefestival.com

Music Now

What:  Music Now
Where:  Cincinnati, OH
When: 
May 13-15
Who:  The National, Shara Worden, Owen Pallett, Sharon Van Etten, Megafaun, and more
Why:  The National return to their home town with some exemplar friends in tow.
Web:  www.musicnowfestival.org 

Beyond Wonderland - Seattle

What:  Beyond Wonderland – Seattle
Where: 
Seattle, WA
When: 
May 14
Who:  David Guetta, A-Trak, Kid Sister, and more
Why:  The usual electo-DJ line-up.
Web:
  www.beyondwonderland.com/Seattle

Homegrown

What:  Homegrown
Where:  Dallas, TX
When: 
May 14
Who:  Neon Indian, School of Seven Bells, Astronautalis, This Will Destroy You, Seryn, and more
Why:  All nice fest in Dallas for only fifteen bucks.
Web:  homegrownfest.com

Jackfest

What:  Jackfest
Where:  Oberlin, OH
When: 
May 15
Who:  Questlove, Born Ruffians, Slick Rock, Bill Fox, Wise Blood, and more
Why:  Oberlin welcomes some outsiders.
Web:  wobc.org/events

NYC Popfest

What:  NYC Popfest
Where:  New York, NY
When: 
May 19-22
Who:  The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Betty & The Werewolves, Caucus, Geoffrey O’Connor, Panda Riot, Sea Lions, and more  See dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Artists from around the world come to NYC to go pop.
Web:  www.nycpopfest.org

The Hangout

What:  The Hangout
Where:
  Gulf Shores, AL
When:
  May 20-22
Who:
  Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, Flaming Lips, My Morning Jacket, The Black Keys, Cee-Lo Green, Girl Talk, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Pretty Lights, Primus, Ween, Amos Lee, G. Love & Special Sauce, Matisyahu, Dead Confederate, Umphrey’s McGee, Drive By Truckers, Minus the Bear, Portugal. The Man, Rich Aucoin, and many more
Why:  In its second year, The Hangout has a line-up more interesting than most festivals that have been around a lot longer.
Web:
  www.hangoutmusicfest.com

Rock On the Range

What:  Rock On the Range
Where:
  Columbus, OH
When:
  May 21-22
Who:
  A Perfect Circle, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Staind, Hollywood Undead, Hinder, A Day To Remember, Danzig, Saving Abel, P.O.D., Bad City, and more
W
hy:  How is Columbus, Ohio "where rock lives" (or a "range", for that matter?)?  Thought that was Cleveland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame…
Web:
  www.rockontherange.com


Downtown Sound

What:  Downtown Sound
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  May 23 – July 25
Who:  Iron & Wine, Blonde Redhead, Low, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cairo Gang, Justin Townes Earle, Kings Go Forth, Delicate Steve, Cave, Glen Hasard, The Head and The Heart, and more
Why:  Chicago’s Millennium Park hosts some great outdoor shows all summer – for free!  See more in our photo galleries from Millennium Park here
Web:  Website


Waterfront Wednesday

What:  Waterfront Wednesday
Where:  Louisville, KY
When:  May 25 – September 21
Who:  They Might Be Giants, Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, Hayes Carll, Over the Rhine, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Sarah Jaffe, Ponderosa, Harper Blynn, Scars on 45, Katie Herzig, The Deloreans, and more
Why:  Though the first night was rained & the second had to move location, Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday continues on with a show a month (though perhaps too much water…).
Web:  www.louisvillewaterfront.com


HOZAC Blackout

What:  HoZac Blackout
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  May 26-28
Who:  The Spits, Nervous Eaters, Nobunny, The Brides, K-Holes, Reading Rainbow, and more
Why:  HOZAC Records takes over Chicago’s Empty Bottle for three nights.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:  hozacrecords.com  


Electric Daisy - Orlando

What:  Electric Daisy – Orlando
Where:  Orlando, FL
When:  May 27-28
Who:  Paul Van Dyck, Tiësto, Afrojack, Diplo, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, and many more
Why:  The first of five-count ’em-five Electric Daisy Festivals, starting in Orlando.
Web:  electricdaisycarnival.com/Orlando


Rocklahoma

What:  Rocklahoma
Where:  Pryor, OK
When:  May 27-29
Who:  Motley Crue, Staind, Whitesnake, Seether, Papa Roach, Saving Abel, Sick Puppies, Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights, and more
Why:  A bunch of hard rock acts?  At least the name’s good (though it doesn’t pronounce right…).
Web:  www.rocklahoma.com 


Summer Camp

What:  Summer Camp
Where:  Chillicothe, IL
When:  May 27-29
Who:  moe., Umphrey’s McGee, STS9, Bassnectar, Cypress Hill, The Avett Brothers, Girl Talk, Keller Williams, Lotus, and more
Why:  Though pretty much the same line-up as last year, Summer Camp does reach a bit outside the jam-band with acts like Cypress Hill & Girl Talk.
Web: 
www.summercampfestival.com


Lightning In a Bottle

What:  Lightning In a Bottle
Where:  Silverado, CA
When:  May 27-30
Who:  Pretty Lights, Thievery Corporation, Beats Antique, Bonobo, Baths, Ekmo, Paper Diamond, Fool’s Gold, Y La Bamba, and more
Why:  Trance/electronica captures lightning in a bottle.
Web:  lightninginabottle.org


Punk Rock Bowling

What:  Punk Rock Bowling
Where:  Las Vegas, NV
When:  May 27-30
Who:  Dropkick Murphys, Descendents, Fishbone, Cock Sparrer, Stiff Little Fingers, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, Bouncing Souls, Skatalites, Killing Joke, Citizen Fish, krum bums, Off With Their Heads, and more
Why:  Sams Town Hotel & Gambling Hall takes the punks bowling.
Web:  www.punkrockbowling.com


Sasquatch!

What:  Sasquatch!
Where:  George, WA
When:  May 27-30
Who:  The Foo Fighters, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, The Decemberists, Robyn, Wilco, Flying Lotus, Bright Eyes, Flogging Molly, Das Racists, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Iron & Wine, The Flaming Lips, Cold War Kids, Old 97’s, Ratatat, Wolf Parade, Chromeo, Guided By Voices, Yeasayer, Beach House, Local Natives, Matt & Kim, Deerhunter, Sleigh Bells, !!!, Archers of Loag, Against Me!, The Thermals, Best Coast, Surfer Blood, Jenny & Johnny, GAYNGS, The Radio Dept., The Antlers, Sharon Van Etten, Stornoway, Black Mountain, Noah & The Whale, Wye Oak, Washed Out, Dan Mangan, Basia Bulat, The Bronx, and many, many more
Why:  Along with the kind of killer line-up one practically expects from the fest by this point, Sasquatch! expands to a fourth day in 2011!  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:  www.sasquatchfestival.com


B.O.M.B.

What:  B.O.M.B.
Where:  Hartford, CT
When:  May 28-29
Who:  Weezer, Snoop Dogg, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Wiz Khalifa, Coheed & Cambria, Neon Trees, State Radio, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, The New Pornographers, Against Me!, Best Coast, HEALTH, RJD2, Titus Andronicus, Wavves, The Cool Kids, Portugal. The Man, Man Man, Dum Dum Girls, The Felice Brothers, Dam-Funk, Freelance Whales, Holy Fuck, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Dan Deacon, Free Energy, Woods, Real Estate, The Hood Internet, Small Black, EULA, and more  Read more in our preview here
Why:  Da B.O.M.B. comes back to Connecticut’s Durham Fairgrounds, with now a second day & new location for the second, much bigger year for the varied Bring Our Music Back Fest.  See much more in our photo gallery of the 2010 inaugural year here
Web:  www.bombfest.com 


Movement

What:  Movement Electronic
Where:  Detroit, MI
When:  May 28-30
Who:  Carl Craig, Fatboy Slim, Felix Da Housecat, Adam Beyer, FLying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, Little Dragon, and many more
Why:  Electronic music returns to the city where techno (and much more) was born. 
Web:  www.paxahau.com/festival

 

 


June

Nitefall On the River

What:  Nitefall On the River
Where:
  Des Moines, IA
When:
  May 4 – July 28
Who:
  Natasha Bedingfield, Slightly Stoopid, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Toad the Wet Sproket, Umphrey’s McGee, Matisyahu, Gin Blossoms, Keller Williams, Meat Puppets, The Wailers, and more
Why:  Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river.  See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web:  nitefalldsm.com


Downtown Sound

What:  Downtown Sound
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  May 23 – July 25
Who:  Iron & Wine, Blonde Redhead, Low, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cairo Gang, Justin Townes Earle, Kings Go Forth, Delicate Steve, Cave, Glen Hasard, The Head and The Heart, and more
Why:  Chicago’s Millennium Park hosts some great outdoor shows all summer – for free!  See more in our photo galleries from Millennium Park here
Web:  Website


Waterfront Wednesday

What:  Waterfront Wednesday
Where:  Louisville, KY
When:  May 25 – September 21
Who:  They Might Be Giants, Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, Hayes Carll, Over the Rhine, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Sarah Jaffe, Ponderosa, Harper Blynn, Scars on 45, Katie Herzig, The Deloreans, and more
Why:  Though the first night was rained & the second had to move location, Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday continues on with a show a month (though perhaps too much water…).
Web:  www.louisvillewaterfront.com


Mountain Jam

What:  Mountain Jam
Where:  Hunter Mountain, NY
When:  June 2-5
Who:  Gov’t Mule, My Morning Jacket, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Avett Brothers, Umprhey’s McGee, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Mavis Staples, Portugal. The Man, Dawes, The London Souls, and more
Why:  Despite the name, the festival at Hunter Mountain has been more than just another jam-fest.
Web:  mountainjam.com


Wakarusa 

What:  Wakarusa
Where:  Mulberry Mountain, AR
When: 
June 2-5
Who:  My Morning Jacket, Ben Harper and RELENTLESS7, Thievery Corporation, Umphrey’s McGee, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Mumrod & Sons, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Ghostland Observatory, Ozomatli, Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses, Lucero, The Heavy, Budos Band, Grupo Fantasma, Langhorne Slim, Peelander-Z, Those Darlins, These United States, and many more
Why:  Now fully enscounced in the Ozarks (after having to exit Kansas after 2008), Bill Clinton’s backwoods gets their jam on, with many double sets & ampersands.  See our photos from the last year in Kansas here
Web:
  www.wakarusa.com 


Hillstock

What:  Hillstock
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When:  June 3-5
Who:  The So So Glos, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, Laura Stevenson, Ava Luna, GunFight!, Bad Credit No Credit, Quiet Loudly, EULA, and many more  See dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Three-day Brooklyn D.I.Y. block party – and the middle day is the best & free. 
Web:  www.neverbreakdown.com/hillstock


Hockeyfest

What:  Hockeyfest
Where:  Brantford, ON, Canada
When:  June 3-5
Who:  Martina McBride, Three Days Grace, Sublime with Rome, Tokyo Police Club, The Trews, Hollerado, and more
Why:  "Country, Rock, and Bonus" makes for a painfully mainstream festival celebrating Canada’s greatest pasttime. 
Web:  www.brantfordhockeyfest.com


Huichica

What:  Huichica
Where:  Sonoma, CA
When:  June 4
Who:  Fruit Bats, J Mascis, Sonny & The Sunsets, These United States, Tu Fawning, and more
Why:  Gundlach Bundschu Winery gives you some music to go with you wine-tasting. 
Web:  huichica.com


Indie West

What:  Indie West
Where:  Ventura, CA
When:  June 4
Who:  Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven, Redd Kross, The 88, Taylor Locke & The Roughts, Bleu, Gram Rabbit, He’s My Brother She’s My Sister, and more
Why:  Independent music heads west to sunny San Buenavantura – including a double-dose of David Lowery! 
Web:  indiewestfest.com


KROQ Weenie Roast

What:  KROQ Weenie Roast
Where:  Irvine, CA
When:  June 4
Who:  Linkin Park, Rise Against, The Strokes, Bad Religion, Cage the Elephant, A Day To Remember, Neon Trees, The Airborne Toxic Event, Lykke Li, Foster the People, Young the Giant, and more
Why:  Put another weenie on the barbie roast for KROQ’s middling-but-acceptable event. 
Web:  kroq.radio.com/shows/weenie-roast-2011


Roots Picnic

What:  Roots Picnic
Where:  Philadelphia, PA
When:  June 4
Who:  The Roots, Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffitti, The Dismemberment Plan, Esperanza Spalding, Little Dragon, YelaWolf, Man Man, and more
Why:  The best band in late night returns to Philly’s Festival Pier (but will they slow jam the news?). 
Web:  www.okayplayer.com/news/4th-annual-roots-picnic-announced.html


Do Division

What:  Do Division
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  June 4-5
Who:  Big Freedia, Bonobo, A Place To Bury Strangers, White Mystery, Javelin, Omar Souleyman, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Royal Bangs, Thao & Mirah, Tristen, Empires, and more
Why:  Held on ten blocks of Chicago’s Division Street, Ashland to Leavitt, the Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale features Chicago indie rock thanks to local music clubs The Empty Bottle & Subterranean. 
Web:  do-divisionstreetfest.com


Free Press

What:  Free Press
Where: 
Houston, TX
When: 
June 4-5
Who:  Weezer, Big Boi, Ween, Cut Copy, Yeasayer, Beirut, Chromeo, Neon Indian, Girls, Killing Joke, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Tobacco, The Black Angels, HEALTH, Fucked Up, Lower Dens, Eternal Summers, Those Darlins, Wild Moccasins, and more
Why:  Check this cheap & winning festival – including side ‘Dancey Pants’ stage.
Web:
  www.freepresssummerfest.com


Central Park SummerStage

What:  Central Park SummerStage
Where:  Central Park, NY
When:  June 7-August 28
Who:  Florence & The Machine, Levon Helm Band, Emmylou Harris, Guster, Lykke Li, Friendly Fires, Rakim, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Wanda Jackson, Jim Gaffigan, Yo-Yo Ma, We Are Scientists, Reggie Watts, Ozomatli, The Budos Band, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Sugarhill Gang, Wavves, Talib Kweli, Pink Martini, Jack’s Mannequin, Twin Shadow, The Naked & Famous, Fitz & The Tantrums, Imelda May, Milagres, Funkmaster Flex, Cults, and more  See June dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs!  See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here  
Web:
  www.summerstage.org    

Twangfest

What:  Twangfest
Where:  St. Louis, MO
When:  June 8-11
Who:  The Baseball Project, Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3, Robbie Fulks with Nora O’Connor, Kelly Willis and Bruce Dobinson, and more
Why:  88.1 KDHX brings some twang to Middle America.
Web:  twangfest.com

Noise For the Needy

What:  Noise For the Needy
Where:  Seattle, WA
When:  June 8-12
Who:  Detroit Cobras, Girl In a Coma, Illinois, The Pharmacy, and more
Why:  Seattle’s benefit-cum-festival returns at venues across the city.
Web:  www.noisefortheneedy.org   

Bonnaroo

What:  Bonnaroo
Where:  Manchester, TN
When:  June 9-12
Who:  Eminem, Arcade Fire, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, Buffalo Springfield, My Morning Jacket, Lil Wayne, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, The Decemberists, Ray Lamontagne, Iron & Wine, Girl Talk, Primus, Pretty Lights, Florence & The Machine, Explosions In the Sky, Gogol Bordello, Beirut, Big Boi, Ratatat, Robyn, Deerhunter, Matt & Kim, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Cold War Kids, The Walkmen, DeVotchKa, Neon Trees, Portugal. The Man, Sleigh Bells, Best Coast, The Sword, The Drums, The Black Angels, School of Seven Bells, Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, Wavves, !!!, Junip, Freelance Whales, Deer Tick, Sharon Van Etten, Man Man, The Low Anthem, Alberta Cross, 22-20s, Phosophorescent, and many, many more
Why:  The granddaddy of indie-meets-jam & more music festivals celebrates its 10th year with another overstuffed line-up, across all genres.
Web:  www.bonnaroo.com

Ravinia

What:  Ravinia
Where:  Highland Park, IL
When:  June 9 – September 11
Who:  Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robert Plant, Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Maroon 5, The Judds, Carrie Underwood, Steely Dan, Lyle Lovett, Guster, The Moody Blues, Wynton Marsalis, The Go-Go’s, Hall & Oates, Jennifer Hudson, Chicago, Deep Purple, k.d. lang, Rufus Wainwright, The B-52s, Jack’s Mannequin, Five For Fighting, Los Lobos, Vanessa Carlton, Company of Thieves, and more
Why:  All the old-timers are at Ravinia.
Web:  www.ravinia.org

Harmony

What:  Harmony
Where:  Santa Rosa, CA
When:  June 10-12
Who:  Flaming Lips, Primus, Michael Franti & Spearhead, G. Love 7 Special Sauce, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Railroad Earth, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Ghostland Observatory, Krishna Das, and more
Why:  Sonoma County Fairgrounds welcomes a better class of jam festival.
Web:  www.harmonyfestival.com

Neon Marshmallow

What:  Neon Marshmallow
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  June 10-12
Who:  Morton Subotnick, OneOhTrix Point Never, Lucky Dragons, Pelt, White Rainbow, Mountains, and more
Why:  Chicago’s Empty Bottle welcomes three nights of experimental music.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:  neonmarshmallowfest.com

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What:  Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When:  June 10-August 11
Who:  The Decemberists, Cut Copy, Sufjan Stevens, Animal Collective, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Rosanne Cash, Ra Ra Riot, Raekwon, The Feelies, The Heavy, Justin Townes Earle, The Books, Los Lobos, Best Coast, Foster the People, Junip, Real Estate, Delicate Steve, The London Souls, Doveman, Buke and Gass, Times New Viking, Superhuman Happiness, and more  See June dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long, starting with Andrew Bird on opening night.  See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web:  www.briconline.org/celebrate 

Electric Daisy - Denver

What:  Electric Daisy – Denver
Where:  Denver, CO
When:  June 11
Who:  Kaskade, Sander Van Doorn, Z-Trip, and many more
Why:  The second Electric Daisy is a lesser, one-day installment in Denver.
Web:  electricdaisycarnival.com/Denver

North-by-Northeast

What:  North by Northeast
Where:  Toronto, ON, Canada
When:  June 13-19
Who:  DEVO, Descendents, Stars, Men Without Hats, Digable Planets, Hot Water Music, The Dodos, Twin Shadow, Fucked Up, Deerhoof, OFF!, Art Brut, The Bouncing Souls, Land of Talk, Handsome Furs, Swervedriver, Chad Van Gaalen, Cults, Dum Dum Girls, Evan Dando & Juliana Hatfield, Braids, Grimes, Ty Segall, Suuns, PS I Love You, Crocodiles, Wild Nothing, The Luyas, Lower Dens, Royal Bangs, Julianna Barwick, Talk Normal, PUJOL, AIDS Wolf, and more
Why:  State support has given Canada a ton of great alternative acts, and even their own version of South by Southwest in North by Northeast.
Web:  www.nxne.com

WFNX Clam Bake

What:  WFNX Clam Bake
Where:  Boston, MA
When: 
June 16
Who:  Cold War Kids, Buffalo Tom, Noah & The Whale, Foster the People, The Naked & Famous, Young the Giant, DOM, and more
Why:  Radio station WFNX holds a clam bake at Boston’s House of Blues on Lansdowne Street, across from Fenway. 
Web:  wfnx.com/supplements/2011/clambake

Northside

What:  Northside
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When:  June 16-19
Who:  Guided By Voices, Beirut, Wavves, YACHT, Atlas Sound, Surfer Blood, Deer Tick, Woods, Sharon Van Etten, Eleanor Friedberger, Theophilus London, Thee Oh Sees, DOM, Mount Eerie, The Strange Boys, Twin Sister, Javelin, Sun Airway, Frankie Rose, Grouplove, BELL, Blondes, Xray Eyeballs, Zambri, Teengirl Fantasy, Ida, Holiday Shores, Caveman, White Rainbow, Walk the Moon, Woven Bones, Darlings, Grooms, Shark?, Sherlock’s Daughter, Luke Rathborne, Ava Luna, Sean Bones, Monogold, I’m Turning Into, The Gypsy West, Bangladeafy!, The Yes Way, and many more
Why:  L Magazine‘s Northside Festival returns for a third year, taking place in venues across the Williamsburg & Greenpoint neighborhoods, with showcases curated by all sorts of New York City music industry players.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:  www.thelmagazine.com/blogs/NorthsideFestivalNews

Telluride Bluegrass 

What:  Telluride Bluegrass
Where:  Telluride, CO
When:  June 16-19
Who:  Robert Plant & Band of Joy, Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, The Decemberists, Mumford & Sons, and more
Why:  The ski resort of Telluride’s bluegrass festival brings some big names in along with the jam.
Web:  www.bluegrass.com/telluride 

Winnipeg Jazz

What:  Jazz Winnipeg
Where:  Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: 
June 16-25
Who:  Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Wynton Marsalis, Pink Martini, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Blonde Redhead, Shad, Ollabelle, The Appleseed Cast, Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Pujol, and many more
Why:  Instead of another Canadian city’s folk music festival, a jazz one. 
Web:
  www.jazzwinnipeg.com

Campout East

What:  Campout East
Where:  Crozet, TA
When:  June 17-18
Who:  Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven, Sons of Bill, Those Darlins, Futurebirds, Jonny Corndawg, and more
Why:  Since Indie West (see above) pretty much covers the original western Campout terrain, David Lowery’s brought his Campout to his home state on the East Coast.
Web:  www.campouteast.com

Taste of Randolph Street

What:  Taste of Randolph Street
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  June 17-19
Who:  The Reverend Horton Heat, The Heavy, Swervedriver, Anamanaguchi, The 1900′, Here We Go Magic, Peelander-Z, Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers, JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, and more
Why:  Middle America gives Randolph Street a middling taste.
Web:  tasterandolph.com

Ann Arbor

What:  Ann Arbor Summer
Where:  Ann Arbor, MI
When:  June 17-July 10
Who:  Andrew Bird, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, k.d. lang, Los Lonely Boys, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Pink Martini, Alejandro Escovedo, Haley Bonar, The Belle Brigade, NOMO, and more
Why:  Home of the University of Michigan (and The Dharma Initiative…), all those kind of guys who are hailing from Ann Arbot get a much-needed reason to smile with this three-week Summer Fest.
Web:  www.annarborsummerfestival.org

Bro-Am 

What:  Bro-Am
Where:  Encinitas, CA
When: 
June 18
Who:  Switchfoot, The Howls, Romany Rye, The Silent Comedy, and more
Why:  Switchfoot hold their seventh annual ‘Bro-Am’ at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, with all the proceeds going to StandUp For Kids. 
Web:
  www.switchfoot.com/c/bro-am

Electric Daisy - Dallas

What:  Electric Daisy – Dallas
Where:  Dallas, TX
When:  June 18
Who:  Paul Van Dyck, Wolfgang Gartner, Diplo, Skrillex, Innerpartysystem, and many more
Why:  The third Electric Daisy is a hot day in Dallas.
W
eb:  electricdaisycarnival.com/Dallas

Governors Ball

What:  Governors Ball
Where:  Governors Island, NY
When:  June 18
Who:  Girl Talk, Pretty Lights, Empire of the Sun, Big Boi, Neon Indian, People Under the Stairs, Miami Horror, Das Racist, and more
Why:  NYC’s Governors Island hosts a ball of festival with dance & electronica.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:  governorsballmusicfestival.com

Make Music Pasadena

What:  Make Music Pasadena
Where:  Pasadena, CA
When:  June 18
Who:  Ra Ra Riot, Best Coast, The Morning Benders, Zola Jesus, La Sera, and more
Why:  Pasadena’s free fest mixes world & more.
Web:  www.makemusicpasadena.org

Southern Shore 

What:  Southern Shore
Where:  Cumberland County Fairgrounds, NJ
When:  June 18
Who:  Leon Russell, Deer Tick, Justin Townes Earle, and more
Why:  The southern shore of New Jersey holds a one-day old-school festival.
Web:  www.southernshoremusicfestival.com 

Westword 

What:  Westword
Where:  Denver, CO
When:  June 18
Who:  Chromeo, Yo La Tengo, Del the Funky Homosapien, Murder by Death, Young the Giant, UME, The Sword, and more
Why:  Thing To Do In Denver on a Saturday.
Web:  microapp.westword.com/musicshowcase/2011

Clearwater

What:  Clearwater
Where:  Croton Point Park, NY
When:  June 18-19
Who:  Pete & Tao Seeger, Drive-By Truckers, Martin Sexton, Indigo Girls, Arlo Guthrie, Josh Ritter, Suzanne Vega, Billy Bragg, The Low Anthem, The Felice Brothers, Justin Townes Earle, Joe Purdy, Toubab Krewe, and more
Why:  This year includes ‘Clearwater Generations’ on the Hudson, with parents joining their children in folk dynasties.
Web:  www.clearwater.org/festival


River-to-River 

What:  River to River
Where:  Downtown Manhattan, NY
When: June 19-July 16
Who:  Patti Smith, The Radio Dept., The Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger, My Brightest Diamond, Rufus Wainwright, Laurie Anderson, Lower Dens, My Teenage Stride, Pow Wow!, Ivan & Alyosha, Asobi Seksu, Weekend, Dirty Beaches, and more  See dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  River to River celebrates a decade of bring free art to downtown Manhattan, starting with the Bang On a Can Marathon (QRO photos), with free shows at Castle Clinton, World Financial Center, and especially South Street Seaport.  See our venue review & photos of Castle Clinton hereSee our venue review & photos of South Street Seaport hereSee our venue review & photos of World Financial Center here
Web:  www.rivertorivernyc.com 


Sled Island

What:  Sled Island
Where:  Calgary, AB, Canada
When:  June 22-25
Who:  of Montreal, Blonde Redhead, Buzzcocks, The Dandy Warhols, Minus the Bear, Deer Tick, The Raveonettes, Cursive, Lee Renaldo, Man Man, The Sword, Wild Flag, Alejandro Escovedo, Crocodiles, Electric Six, Twin Shadow, Justin Townes Earle, Braids, Chali 2na, Dum Dum Girls, Parts & Labor, The Soft Pack, Starfucker, Alberta Cross, Times New Viking, The Greenhornes, Thee Oh Sees, Surf City, An Horse, Chad VanGaalen, Kurt Vile, Dinosaur Feathers, Wild Nothing, Zola Jesus, Hot Panda, The Luyas, and many more
Why:  The mammoth & varied Sled Island returns to Calgary.
Web:  www.sledisland.com  


AthFest

What:  AthFest
Where:  Athens, GA
When:  June 22-26
Who:  Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Centro-Matic, Futurebirds, Oryx and Crake, Thomas Hardy, and more
Why:  The home of R.E.M. & The B-52s throw another year of local & imported acts in AthFest.
Web:  www.athfest.com 

Re:Generation

What:  Re:Generation
Where: 
North Plains, OR
When: 
June 23-26
Who:  STS9, Bassnectar, The Glitch Mob, Lotus, Beats Antique, Paper Diamond, and more
Why:  Re:Generation has the usual electro-dance suspects.
Web:
  regenerationfestival.com  

Wanderlust Vermont

What:  Wanderlust Vermont
Where: 
Bondville, VT
When: 
June 23-26
Who:  Andrew Bird, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Krishna Das, and more
Why:  Lake Tahoe’s yoga-sponsored music festival (see below) expands to a two more locations, including on the other side of America.
Web:
  www.wanderlustfestival.com   

Electric Daisy - Las Vegas

What:  Electric Daisy – Las Vegas
Where:  Las Vegas, NV
When:  June 24-26
Who:  David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Tiésto, Paul Oakenfold, Röyksopp, The Glitch mob, Bassnectar, Empire of the Sun, Calvin Harris, Major Lazer, Skrillex, and more
Why:  The fourth Electric Daisy is bigger, better, and longer, in – where else? – Vegas, baby.
W
eb:  electricdaisycarnival.com/LasVegas

Solid Sound

What:  Solid Sound
Where: 
North Adams, MA
When: 
June 24-26
Who:  Wilco, Levon Helm Band, Thurston Moore, The Autumn Defense, Jamie Lidell, Pillow Wand, Pronto, Here We Go Magic, Liam Finn, JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, and more
Why:  Alt-country superstars Wilco return for the first Solid Sound Festival, now with two headlining nights at MASS MoCA.
Web:
  solidsoundfestival.com

Montreal Jazz

What:  Montreal Jazz
Where:  Montreal, QC, Canada
When: 
June 24-July 4
Who:  Norah Jones, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Peter Frampton, Gil Scott-Heron, The Roots, Sade, Branford Marsalis, Dianna Krall, Cyndi Lauper, k.d. lang, Ben Harper, Ron Sexsmith, Southside Johnny, Wanda Jackson, Daniel Lanois, The Dears, Madeleine Peyroux, Chris Garneau, Imelda May, Men Without Hats, Kaki King, Sophie Hunger, Leif Vollebekk, The Jolly Boys, Esperanza Spalding, Lee Fields, and more
Why:  Jazz has always fit best in Francophone America. 
Web:
  www.montrealjazzfest.com

Green Music

What:  Green Music
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
June 25-26
Who:  Yo La Tengo, Les Savy Fav, The Thermals, Trampled By Turtles, The Life & Times, and more
Why:  The eco-friendly Green Music fest comes to Chicago Ave for only a five dollar donation. 
Web:
  www.greenmusicfestchicago.com 

KCRW World

What:  KCRW World
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When:  June 26-September 11
Who:  Stevie Wonder, The National, Rickey Minor, A.R. Rahman, Neko Case, Beck, Janelle Monae, Ziggy Marley, Grace Potter, Ed Droste, Sharon Jones, Victoria Legrand, The Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger, Mike Patton, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sharon Van Etten, Cibo Matto, and more
Why:  KCRW brings the world to the Hollywood Bowl, including some collections of all-stars.
Web:  www.kcrw.com/events/world-music-festival-2011 

Summerfest

What:  Summerfest
Where:  Milwaukee, WI
When:  June 29-July 3 & July 5-10
Who:  Kanye West, Kid Rock, Katy Perry, Def Leppard, Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel, Flaming Lips, REO Speedwagon, George Clinton, Toby Keith, Styx, Peter Frampton, Maroon 5, The Black Keys, Girl Talk, Heart, Ben Harper, Alkaline Trio, Dropkick Murphys, Kid Cudi, Matisyahu, Florence & The Machine, Panic! At the Disco, Sara Barielles, Rise Against, Michael Franti, The Bravery, Wiz Khalifa, Jack’s Mannequin, The Airborne Toxic Event, Neon Trees, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Meat Puppets, Cage the Elephant, Alejandro Escovedo, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Young the Giant, Leroy Powell, Mark Mallman, AWOLNATION, and many, many more
Why:  The biggest music festival in the world is also the most mainstream, but there’s so many bands over so many days, bound to be someone you want to see.
Web:  www.summerfest.com

Electric Forest

What:  Electric Forest
Where:  Rothbury, MI
When: 
June 30 – July 3
Who:  The String Cheese Incident, Tiësto, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, REO Speedwagon, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Stephen Marley, Kaskade, Shpongle, Galatic, Railroad Earth, Skrillex, EOTO, Bonobo, Beats Antique, Paper Diamond, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Rubblebucket, and more
Why:  Double JJ Resort in Rothbury gets a new music festival (QRO photos of final year of Rothbury Festival). 
Web:
  www.electricforestfestival.com

High Sierra

What:  High Sierra
Where:  Quincy, CA
When: 
June 30 – July 3
Who:  My Morning Jacket, Ween, Neko Case, Dr. Dog, Beats Antique, Delta Spirit, Dawes, and more
Why:  California’s High Sierra Music Festival, up in the mountains, is stocked with festival staples. 
Web:
  www.highsierramusic.com

House of Vans

What:  Vans House Parties
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When: 
June 30 – August 25
Who:  Superchunk, Tokyo Police Club, No Age, Man Man, Fucked Up, Converge, Against Me!, OFF!, HEALTH, Cro-Mags, Big Freedia, Cults, Screaming Females, Crystal Antlers, Japanther, Team Robespierre, and more  See June date in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  In addition to the Warped Tour (QRO recap), Vans is also hosting a series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans (QRO venue review). 
Web:
  www.vans.com/microsites/houseparties

 

 


July

Nitefall On the River

What:  Nitefall On the River
Where:
  Des Moines, IA
When:
  May 4 – July 28
Who:
  Natasha Bedingfield, Slightly Stoopid, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Toad the Wet Sproket, Umphrey’s McGee, Matisyahu, Gin Blossoms, Keller Williams, Meat Puppets, The Wailers, and more
Why:  Nite falls over the Simon Estes Amphitheater on the Des Moines river.  See more in our photo galleries from Simon Estes Amphitheater here
Web:  nitefalldsm.com

Downtown Sound

What:  Downtown Sound
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  May 23-July 25
Who:  Iron & Wine, Blonde Redhead, Low, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy & The Cairo Gang, Justin Townes Earle, Kings Go Forth, Delicate Steve, Cave, Glen Hasard, The Head and The Heart, and more
Why:  Chicago’s Millennium Park hosts some great outdoor shows all summer – for free!  See more in our photo galleries from Millennium Park here
Web:  website

Waterfront Wednesday

What:  Waterfront Wednesday
Where:  Louisville, KY
When:  May 25 – September 21
Who:  They Might Be Giants, Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, Hayes Carll, Over the Rhine, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Sarah Jaffe, Ponderosa, Harper Blynn, Scars on 45, Katie Herzig, The Deloreans, and more
Why:  Though the first night was rained & the second had to move location, Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday continues on with a show a month (though perhaps too much water…).
Web:  www.louisvillewaterfront.com

Central Park SummerStage

What:  Central Park SummerStage
Where:  Central Park, NY
When:  June 7-August 28
Who:  Florence & The Machine, Levon Helm Band, Emmylou Harris, Guster, Lykke Li, Friendly Fires, Rakim, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Wanda Jackson, Jim Gaffigan, Yo-Yo Ma, We Are Scientists, Reggie Watts, Ozomatli, The Budos Band, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Sugarhill Gang, Wavves, Talib Kweli, Pink Martini, Jack’s Mannequin, Twin Shadow, The Naked & Famous, Fitz & The Tantrums, Imelda May, Milagres, Funkmaster Flex, Cults, and more  See July dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs!  See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web:  www.summerstage.org    

Ravinia

What:  Ravinia
Where:  Highland Park, IL
When:  June 9 – September 11
Who:  Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robert Plant, Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Maroon 5, The Judds, Carrie Underwood, Steely Dan, Lyle Lovett, Guster, The Moody Blues, Wynton Marsalis, The Go-Go’s, Hall & Oates, Jennifer Hudson, Chicago, Deep Purple, k.d. lang, Rufus Wainwright, The B-52s, Jack’s Mannequin, Five For Fighting, Los Lobos, Vanessa Carlton, Company of Thieves, and more
Why:  All the old-timers are at Ravinia.
Web:  www.ravinia.org

Celebrate Brooklyn!

What:  Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When:  June 10-August 11
Who:  The Decemberists, Cut Copy, Sufjan Stevens, Animal Collective, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Rosanne Cash, Ra Ra Riot, Raekwon, The Feelies, The Heavy, Justin Townes Earle, The Books, Los Lobos, Best Coast, Foster the People, Junip, Real Estate, Delicate Steve, The London Souls, Doveman, Buke and Gass, Times New Viking, Superhuman Happiness, and more  See July dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long, starting with Andrew Bird on opening night.  See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web:  www.briconline.org/celebrate 

Ann Arbor

What:  Ann Arbor Summer
Where:  Ann Arbor, MI
When:  June 17-July 10
Who:  Andrew Bird, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, k.d. lang, Los Lonely Boys, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Pink Martini, Alejandro Escovedo, Haley Bonar, The Belle Brigade, NOMO, and more
Why:  Home of the University of Michigan (and The Dharma Initiative…), all those kind of guys who are hailing from Ann Arbor get a much-needed reason to smile with this three-week Summer Fest.
Web:  www.annarborsummerfestival.org

River-to-River 

What:  River to River
Where:  Downtown Manhattan, NY
When: June 19-July 16
Who:  Patti Smith, The Radio Dept., The Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger, My Brightest Diamond, Rufus Wainwright, Laurie Anderson, Lower Dens, My Teenage Stride, Pow Wow!, Ivan & Alyosha, Asobi Seksu, Weekend, Dirty Beaches, and more  See dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  River to River celebrates a decade of bring free art to downtown Manhattan, starting with the Bang On a Can Marathon (QRO photos), with free shows at Castle Clinton, World Financial Center, and especially South Street Seaport.  See our venue review & photos of Castle Clinton hereSee our venue review & photos of South Street Seaport hereSee our venue review & photos of World Financial Center here
Web:  www.rivertorivernyc.com 

Montreal Jazz 

What:  Montreal Jazz
Where:  Montreal, QC, Canada
When:  June 24-July 4
Who:  Norah Jones, Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Peter Frampton, Gil Scott-Heron, The Roots, Sade, Branford Marsalis, Dianna Krall, Cyndi Lauper, k.d. lang, Ben Harper, Ron Sexsmith, Southside Johnny, Wanda Jackson, Daniel Lanois, The Dears, Madeleine Peyroux, Chris Garneau, Imelda May, Men Without Hats, Kaki King, Sophie Hunger, Leif Vollebekk, The Jolly Boys, Esperanza Spalding, Lee Fields, and more
Why:  Jazz has always fit best in Francophone America. 
Web:
  www.montrealjazzfest.com

KCRW World

What:  KCRW World
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When:  June 26-September 11
Who:  Stevie Wonder, The National, Rickey Minor, A.R. Rahman, Neko Case, Beck, Janelle Monae, Ziggy Marley, Grace Potter, Ed Droste, Sharon Jones, Victoria Legrand, The Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger, Mike Patton, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sharon Van Etten, Cibo Matto, and more
Why:  KCRW brings the world to the Hollywood Bowl, including some collections of all-stars.
Web:  www.kcrw.com/events/world-music-festival-2011

Summerfest

What:  Summerfest
Where:  Milwaukee, WI
When:  June 29-July 3 & July 5-10
Who:  Kanye West, Kid Rock, Katy Perry, Def Leppard, Sheryl Crow, Peter Gabriel, Flaming Lips, REO Speedwagon, George Clinton, Toby Keith, Styx, Peter Frampton, Maroon 5, The Black Keys, Girl Talk, Heart, Ben Harper, Alkaline Trio, Dropkick Murphys, Kid Cudi, Matisyahu, Florence & The Machine, Panic! At the Disco, Sara Barielles, Rise Against, Michael Franti, The Bravery, Wiz Khalifa, Jack’s Mannequin, The Airborne Toxic Event, Neon Trees, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Meat Puppets, Cage the Elephant, Alejandro Escovedo, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Young the Giant, Leroy Powell, Mark Mallman, AWOLNATION, and many, many more
Why:  The biggest music festival in the world is also the most mainstream, but there’s so many bands over so many days, bound to be someone you want to see.
Web:  www.summerfest.com


Electric Forest

What:  Electric Forest
Where:  Rothbury, MI
When: 
June 30 – July 3
Who:  The String Cheese Incident, Tiësto, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, REO Speedwagon, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Stephen Marley, Kaskade, Shpongle, Galatic, Railroad Earth, Skrillex, EOTO, Bonobo, Beats Antique, Paper Diamond, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Rubblebucket, and more
Why:  Double JJ Resort in Rothbury gets a new music festival (QRO photos of final year of Rothbury Festival). 
Web:
  www.electricforestfestival.com

High Sierra

What:  High Sierra
Where:  Quincy, CA
When: 
June 30 – July 3
Who:  My Morning Jacket, Ween, Neko Case, Dr. Dog, Beats Antique, Delta Spirit, Dawes, and more
Why:  California’s High Sierra Music Festival, up in the mountains, is stocked with festival staples. 
Web:
  www.highsierramusic.com 

House of Vans

What:  Vans House Parties
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When: 
June 30 – August 25
Who:  Superchunk, Tokyo Police Club, No Age, Man Man, Fucked Up, Converge, Against Me!, OFF!, HEALTH, Cro-Mags, Big Freedia, Cults, Screaming Females, Crystal Antlers, Japanther, Team Robespierre, and more  See July dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  In addition to the Warped Tour (QRO recap), Vans is also hosting a series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans (QRO venue review). 
Web:
  www.vans.com/microsites/houseparties

Dance.Here.Now

What:  Dance.Here.Now
Where:  Governors Island, NY
When: 
July 1-4
Who:  Paul Van Dyck, Fatboy Slim, Benny Benassi, Victor Calderone, The Japanese Popstars, and more  See date in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Dance.On Governors Island.Fourth of July Weekend. 
Web:
  www.danceherenowfestival.com    

80-35

What:  80/35
Where:  Des Moines, IA
When: 
July 2-3
Who:  Girl Talk, of Montreal, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Okkervil River, Titus Andronicus, Handsome Furs, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Poison Control Center, Bear Hands, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and more
Why:  Better known for corn & presidential primaries, Iowa has also been holding hold a sweet & diverse 80/35 festival, now in its fourth year.  Read & see much more in our recap here  
Web:  www.80-35.com  

Winnipeg Folk

What:  Winnipeg Folk
Where:  Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When: 
July 6-11
Who:  k.d. lang, M. Ward, Tegan & Sara, Tim Robbins, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Dawes, Toots & The Maytals, Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens, The Jayhawks, Mountain Man, Dan Mangan, Sarah Jarosz, and many more
Why:  Every city in the Great White North has a folk festival – this one at Winnipeg’s Birds Hill Park.
Web:
  www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca

Ottawa Bluesfest

What:  Bluesfest Ottawa
Where:  Ottawa, ON, Canada
When: 
July 5-17
Who:  Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket, Soundgarden, John Fogerty, The Flaming Lips, Ben Harper, The Tragically Hip, The Roots, Tegan 7 Sara, A Perfect Circle, Death From Above 1979, Peter Frampton, The Black Keys, Cheap Trick, Steve Miller Band, Erykah Badu, Huey Lewis & The News, Jennifer Hudson, Girl Talk, M. Ward, Leon Russell, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Wanda Jackson, Ra Ra Riot, Dropkick Murphys, Rise Against, Billy Talent, Chali 2na, Josh Ritter, Neon Indian, Dawes, Mother Mother, Nicole Atkins, Gomez, Yukon Blonde, Braids, Hanna Georgas, Hey Rosetta!, PS I Love You, and more
Why:  Cisco Systems again treats the capital of Canada to a wide span of acts over a wide span of days at a wide span of stages. 
Web:
  www.ottawabluesfest.ca/en  

Camp Bisco

What:  Camp Bisco
Where: 
Mariaville, NY
When: 
July 7-9
Who:  The Disco Biscuits, Cut Copy, Wiz Khalifa, Pretty Lights, Death From Above 1979, MSTRKRFT, Ghostland Observatory, Yeasayer, Neon Indian, RJD2, Holy Ghost!, Beats Antique, Das Racist, Black Moth Super Rainbow, The Hood Internet, Tobacco, Afrobeta, and many more
Why:  Festival mainstays jam & electro meet at The Disco Biscuits’ tenth year of Camp Bisco.  Read much more in our preview here
Web:
  www.campbisco.net


Quebec City Summer

What:  Québec City Summer
Where:  Québec City, QC, Canada
When: 
July 7-17
Who:  Elton John, Ben Harper, The Black Keys, Cut Copy, Girl Talk, Wanda Jackson, The Low Anthem, Cage the Elephant, An Horse, and more
Why:  The capital of Francophone America hosts an odd collection of acts, from old to young, mainstream to indie, jazz to metal, folk to electronica. 
Web:
  www.infofestival.com


Basilica Block Party

What:  Basilica Block Party
Where:  Minneapolis, MN
When: 
July 8-9
Who:  David Gray, Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Drive-By Truckers, The Jayhawks, Amos Lee, Citizen Cope, Fitz & The Tantrums, Lissie, Gomez, G Love & Special Sauce, Scars on 45, and more
Why:  Minneapolis holds a music festival – to raise money to renovate The Basilica of St. Mary?… 
Web:
  basilicablockparty.org 


Northern Lights Festival Boréal

What:  Northern Lights Festival Boréal
Where:  Sudbury, ON, Canada
When: 
July 8-10
Who:  Broken Social Scene, The Weakerthans, Geoff Berner, Ox, and more
Why:  Sudbury’s Northern Lights Festival Boréal is basically two Canadian heavy-hitters and others only Canadians have ever even heard of. 
Web:
  nlfbsudbury.com


Beach Party

What:  Beach Party
Where: 
New York, NY
When: 
July 10 – August 7
Who:  Mission of Burma, The Raveonettes, Cheeseburger, Xray Eyeballs, Swirlies, Frankie & The Outs, Eternal Summers, and more  See July dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Around the corner from South Street Seaport (QRO venue review), Beekman Beer Garden has its own free shows this summer.
Web:
  www.beergardenevents.com


Sonshine

What:  Sonshine
Where: 
Willmar, MN
When: 
July 13-16
Who:  Switchfoot, Anberlin, and many more
Why:  Eventually, the Festival Guide was going to include a Christian rock festival.
Web:
  sonshinefestival.com 


All Good

What:  All Good
Where: 
Masontown, WV
When: 
July 14-17
Who:  Furthur, Primus, Pretty Lights, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, STS9, Keller Williams, Toots & The Waytals, Beats Antique, These United States, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, and more
Why:  It’s all good, bro…
Web:
  www.allgoodfestival.com


RiverRocks

What:  RiverRocks
Where: 
Hudson River Park, NY
When: 
July 14 – August 11
Who:  Deer Tick, Metronomy, tUnE-yArDs, DOM, Austra, and Class Actress  See July dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Pier 54 juts out into the Hudson River as Hudson River Park, and hosts three great free shows this summer.  See our venue review & photos of Hudson River Park here
Web:
  www.riverrocksnyc.com 


Twilight

What:  Twilight
Where: 
Salt Lake City, UT
When: 
July 14 – August 25
Who:  The Decemberists, Explosions In the Sky, Bright Eyes, Lupe Fiasco, Ghostland Observatory, Thurston Moore, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, No Age, Wild Nothing, Phantogram, The Entrance Band, Kurt Vile, Typhoon, and more
Why:  Defying your stereotypes about Utah and anything with the world ‘Twilight’ in it, Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Park holds a Big Apple-worthy series of free concerts.
Web:
  twilightconcertseries.com


Home County Folk

What:  Home County Folk
Where: 
London, ON, Canada
When: 
July 15-17
Who:  Basia Bulat, Dan Mangan, Sarah Harmer, The Acorn, and more
Why:  Victoria Park in London, Canada, has its own festival.
Web:
  www.homecounty.ca


Pitchfork

What:  Pitchfork
Where: 
Chicago, IL
When: 
July 15-17
Who:  TV On the Radio, Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, Neko Case, Cut Copy, DJ Shadow, The Dismemberment Plan, Guided By Voices, Thurston Moore, Battles, Deerhunter, Superchunk, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Destroyer, No Age, James Blake, OFWGKTA, Gang Gang Dance, Zola Jesus, Twin Shadow, Toro y Moi, Wild Nothing, OFF!, Das Racist, HEALTH, Woods, Kurt Vile, Yuck, The Fresh & Onlys, The Radio Dept., Baths, Twin Sister, tUnE-yArDs, and many more
Why:  The mother of all online indie music magazines returns for another festival with all the bands they’ve been telling you that you have to hear.
Web:
  www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com


Vancouver Folk

What:  Vancouver Folk
Where: 
Vancouver, BC, Canada
When: 
July 15-17
Who:  Rosanne Cash, Justin Townes Earle, The Jayhawks, Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Tim Robbins & The Rogues Gallery, Kathryn Calder, Beats Antique, and more
Why:  Music from all over the world is celebrated at Vancouver’s Jericho Beach Park.
Web:
  thefestival.bc.ca

What the Heck?

What:  What the Heck?
Where: 
Anacortes, WA
When: 
July 15-17
Who:  Liturgy, Earth, LAKE, Mount Eerie, Karl Blau and more
Why:  It’s the tenth year of asking, "What the Heck?"
Web:
  whattheheckfest.com

4Knots

What:  4Knots
Where: 
New York, NY
When: 
July 16
Who:  The Black Angels, Titus Andronicus, Davila 666, Obits, Oberhofer, Eleanor Friedberger, and Mr. Dream  See date in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  The Village Voice goes to Manhattan’s South Street Seaport – but that means no Siren on Coney Island (QRO 2010 recap), and the line-up is nowhere near as good.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:  microapp.vvmedia.com/nyv/4knots/index.php

Green River

What:  Green River
Where: 
Greenfield, MA
When: 
July 16-17
Who:  Emmylou Harris, Toots & The Maytal, Wanda Jackson, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Old 97’s, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Grupo Fantasma, Rubblebucket, and more
Why:  This lighter jam-folk fest is has hot air balloon rides.
Web:
  www.greenriverfestival.com  

Calgary Folk

What:  Calgary Folk
Where: 
Calgary, AB, Canada
When: 
July 21-24
Who:  k.d. lang, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, The Felice Brothers, Nanci Griffith, City and Colour, Patrick Watson, Joseph Arthur, Blind Pilot, BRAIDS, The Head and the Heart, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and more
Why:  Another Canadian folk festival, this time in the country’s prairie heartland.
Web:
  www.calgaryfolkfest.com

Gathering of Vibes 

What:  Gathering of Vibes
Where: 
Bridgeport, CT
When:  July 21-24
Who:  Furthur, Jane’s Addiction, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, moe., Levon Helm Band, Toots & The Maytals, Assembly of Dust, Tea Leaf Green, Rubblebucket, and more
Why:  Gathering of Vibes is about as jam band-y as the title would suggest – but New England gets precious few festivals.
Web:
  www.gatheringofthevibes.com 

Capitol Hill Block Party 

What:  Capitol Hill Block Party
Where: 
Seattle, WA
When: 
July 22-24
Who:  TV On the Radio, Explosions In the Sky, Ghostland Observatory, Thurston Moore, The Head and the Heart, The Cave Singers, Battles, Ra Ra Riot, Les Savy Fav, Best Coast, Handsome Furs, The Posies, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Yuck, Fucked Up, Telekinesis, Cults, Cold Cave, Woods, Fences, Papercuts, Austra, The Fresh & Onlys, Eleanor Friedberger, Loch Lomond, The Pharmacy, and more
Why:  Seattle’s little ol’ Capitol Hill Block Party takes over 3 stages & 3 days.
Web:
  www.capitolhillblockparty.com

Evolve 

What:  Evolve
Where: 
Antigonish, NS, Canada
When: 
July 22-24
Who:  Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Pretty Lights, Chali 2na, Man Man, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, and more
Why:  Ever-imperiled by being cut off from the rest of Anglophone Canada by Quebec independence, Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia have to jump at what they can, like Evolve.
Web:
  www.evolvefestival.com

Hillside 

What:  Hillside
Where: 
Guelph, ON, Canada
When: 
July 22-24
Who:  Chali 2na, Kevin Drew & The Beauties, The Dears, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Memphis, These United States, Hannah Georgas, GOBBLE GOBBLE, Hollerado, Braids, Old Man Luedecke, Dan Mangan, Mother Mother, Braids, Grimes, and more
Why:  While many Canadian festivals have flamed out, Hillside has passed its quarter century mark and is still going strong.
Web:
  www.hillsidefestival.ca  

PDX Pop Now! 

What:  PDX Pop Now!
Where: 
Portland, OR
When: 
July 22-24
Who:  Jared Mees & The Grown Children, Loch Lomand, Weinland, and more
Why:  Portland celebrates its music scene with this free event.
Web:
  www.pdxpopnow.com

XPoNential 

What:  XPoNential
Where: 
Camden, NJ
When: 
July 22-24
Who:  Emmylou Harris, Ben Folds, Booker T., Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Ra Ra Riot, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Citizen Cope, Joseph Arthur, Sun Airway, Jukebox the Ghost, Givers, Matt Duke, and more
Why:  WXPN 88.5 holds an Americana alt-country fest at Camden’s Waterfront.
Web:
  www.xpn.org/concerts-events/festival11

Wicker Park Fest 

What:  Wicker Park Fest
Where: 
Chicago, IL
When: 
July 23-24
Who:  Wild Flag, Wavves, Joe Pug, Blitzen Trapper, Flosstradamus, Murder By Death, Off With Their Heads!, Flosstradamus, Dead To Me, Everest, Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social, Netherfriends, and many more
Why:  Way better than the crappy movie of the same name (though it did have a good soundtrack)…  See much more in our photo gallery here 
Web:
  www.wickerparkfestchicago.com

Floydfest

What:  FloydFest
Where: 
Floyd, VA
When: 
July 28-31
Who:  Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Old Crow Medicine, Show, Taj Mahal, Del McCoury Band, Xavier Rudd, Railroad Earth, Yard Dogs Road Show, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and more
Why:  Americana-jam at the tenth FloydFest.
Web:
  www.floydfest.com

Wanderlust California

What:  Wanderlust California
Where: 
Lake Tahoe, CA
When: 
July 28-31
Who:  Girl Talk, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Wailers, and more
Why:  Lake Tahoe’s yoga-sponsored music festival comes back for a third year – with two satellites fests beforehand (see above).
Web:
  www.wanderlustfestival.com   

Milwauke Avenue

What:  Milwaukee Avenue Arts
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
July 29-31
Who:  JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, The Hood Internet, White Mystery, Rabble Rabble, The Eternals, Netherfriends, Panda Riot, Secret Colours, and more
Why:  Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago hosts some local acts.  
Web:
  milwaukeeavenueartsfestival.org

Newport Folk

What:  Newport Folk
Where:  Newport, RI
When: 
July 29-31
Who:  The Decemberists, Elvis Costello, EmmyLou Harris, Gogol Bordello, M. Ward, Amos Lee, Tegar & Sara, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, The Felice Brothers, Middle Brother, Delta Spirit, Justin Townes Earle, Freelance Whales, The Cave Singers, The Head & The Heart, Mountain Man, and many more
Why:  The festival where Bob ‘Judas’ Dylan is still going strong.  
Web:
  www.newportfolkfest.net

Osheaga

What:  Osheaga
Where:  Montréal, QC, Canada
When: 
July 29-31
Who:  Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Eminem, The Flaming Lips, The Tragically Hip, Death Cab For Cutie, Death From Above 1979, Kid Cudi, Bright Eyes, City and Colour, Ratatat, Sam Roberts Band, Malajube, Beirut, Crystal Castles, MSTRKRFT, The Sounds, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Sia, Fucked Up, Eels, Mountain Goats, White Lies, Braids, Hey Rosetta!, Manchester Orchestra, Twin Shadow, Anna Calvi, Smith Westerns, Tokyo Police Club, PS I Love You, The Joy Formidable, The Low Anthem, Suuns, The Luyas, Elephant Stone, The High Dials, and many, many more
Why:  After delivering maybe the sickest line-up of 2010, Osheaga expands to a third day & goes ultra-diverse (but still Canada-stocked) in 2011.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:
  www.osheaga.com/en

SappyFest

What:  Sappyfest
Where:  Sackville, NB, Canada
When: 
July 29-31
Who:  Owen Pallett, Charles Bradley, Chad Van Gaalen, Ladyhawk, Julie Doiron, Frimes, Nat Baldwin, GOBBLE GOBBLE, The Acorn, Ghostkeeper, Grimes, Rich Aucoin, and more
Why:  Sackville gets Sappy.  
Web:
  sappyfest.com

Woodsist

What:  Woodsist
Where:  Big Sur, CA
When: 
July 30-31
Who:  Real Estate, Thee Oh Sees, Fresh & Onlys, Woods, Nodzz, and more
Why:  Woodsist Records has a little festival up in Big Sur.  
Web:
  www.folkyeah.com

 

 


August

Waterfront Wednesday

What:  Waterfront Wednesday
Where:  Louisville, KY
When:  May 25 – September 21
Who:  They Might Be Giants, Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, Hayes Carll, Over the Rhine, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Sarah Jaffe, Ponderosa, Harper Blynn, Scars on 45, Katie Herzig, The Deloreans, and more
Why:  Though the first night was rained & the second had to move location, Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday continues on with a show a month (though perhaps too much water…).
Web:  www.louisvillewaterfront.com

Central Park SummerStage

What:  Central Park SummerStage
Where:  Central Park, NY
When:  June 7-August 28
Who:  Florence & The Machine, Levon Helm Band, Emmylou Harris, Guster, Lykke Li, Friendly Fires, Rakim, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Wanda Jackson, Jim Gaffigan, Yo-Yo Ma, We Are Scientists, Reggie Watts, Ozomatli, The Budos Band, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Sugarhill Gang, Wavves, Talib Kweli, Pink Martini, Jack’s Mannequin, Twin Shadow, The Naked & Famous, Fitz & The Tantrums, Imelda May, Milagres, Funkmaster Flex, Cults, and more  See August dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  A mixture of paid benefit shows and free shows receiving those benefits are a staple every summer in the Big Apple at the iconic Central Park – as well as other parks in all five boroughs!  See our venue review & photos of Central Park SummerStage here
Web:  www.summerstage.org


Celebrate Brooklyn!

What:  Celebrate Brooklyn!
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When:  June 10-August 11
Who:  The Decemberists, Cut Copy, Sufjan Stevens, Animal Collective, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Rosanne Cash, Ra Ra Riot, Raekwon, The Feelies, The Heavy, Justin Townes Earle, The Books, Los Lobos, Best Coast, Foster the People, Junip, Real Estate, Delicate Steve, The London Souls, Doveman, Buke and Gass, Times New Viking, Superhuman Happiness, and more
Why:  Once again, Prospect Park Bandshell’s Celebrate Brooklyn! delivers all summer long, starting with Andrew Bird on opening night.  See our venue review & photos of Prospect Park Bandshell here
Web:  www.briconline.org/celebrate


Ravinia

What:  Ravinia
Where:  Highland Park, IL
When:  June 9 – September 11
Who:  Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robert Plant, Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Maroon 5, The Judds, Carrie Underwood, Steely Dan, Lyle Lovett, Guster, The Moody Blues, Wynton Marsalis, The Go-Go’s, Hall & Oates, Jennifer Hudson, Chicago, Deep Purple, k.d. lang, Rufus Wainwright, The B-52s, Jack’s Mannequin, Five For Fighting, Los Lobos, Vanessa Carlton, Company of Thieves, and more
Why:  All the old-timers are at Ravinia.
Web:  www.ravinia.org


KCRW World

What:  KCRW World
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When:  June 26-September 11
Who:  Stevie Wonder, The National, Rickey Minor, A.R. Rahman, Neko Case, Beck, Janelle Monae, Ziggy Marley, Grace Potter, Ed Droste, Sharon Jones, Victoria Legrand, The Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger, Mike Patton, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sharon Van Etten, Cibo Matto, and more
Why:  KCRW brings the world to the Hollywood Bowl, including some collections of all-stars.
Web:  www.kcrw.com/events/world-music-festival-2011

House of Vans

What:  Vans House Parties
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When: 
June 30 – August 25
Who:  Superchunk, Tokyo Police Club, No Age, Man Man, Fucked Up, Converge, Against Me!, OFF!, HEALTH, Cro-Mags, Big Freedia, Cults, Screaming Females, Crystal Antlers, Japanther, Team Robespierre, and more  See August dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  In addition to the Warped Tour (QRO recap), Vans is also hosting a series of free Brooklyn house parties at the House of Vans (QRO venue review). 
Web:
  www.vans.com/microsites/houseparties


Beach Party

What:  Beach Party
Where: 
New York, NY
When: 
July 10 – August 7
Who:  Mission of Burma, The Raveonettes, Cheeseburger, Xray Eyeballs, Swirlies, Frankie & The Outs, Eternal Summers, and more  See August dates in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Around the corner from South Street Seaport (QRO venue review), Beekman Beer Garden has its own free shows this summer.
Web:
  www.beergardenevents.com


RiverRocks

What:  RiverRocks
Where: 
Hudson River Park, NY
When: 
July 14 – August 11
Who:  Deer Tick, Metronomy, tUnE-yArDs, DOM, Austra, and Class Actress  See August date in QRO NYC Show Preview here
Why:  Pier 54 juts out into the Hudson River as Hudson River Park, and hosts three great free shows this summer.  See our venue review & photos of Hudson River Park here
Web:
  www.riverrocksnyc.com


Twilight

What:  Twilight
Where: 
Salt Lake City, UT
When: 
July 14 – August 25
Who:  The Decemberists, Explosions In the Sky, Bright Eyes, Lupe Fiasco, Ghostland Observatory, Thurston Moore, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, No Age, Wild Nothing, Phantogram, The Entrance Band, Kurt Vile, Typhoon, and more
Why:  Defying your stereotypes about Utah and anything with the world ‘Twilight’ in it, Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Park holds a Big Apple-worthy series of free concerts.
Web:
  twilightconcertseries.com

Edmonton Folk

What:  Edmonton Folk
Where: 
Edmonton, AB, Canada
When: 
August 4-7
Who:  k.d. lang, KT Tunstall, Andrew Bird, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Brandi Carlile, Lissie, Wanda Jackson, Noah & The Whale, Deer Tick, Sarah Jarosz, Imelda May, and more
Why:  Some nice names come to Edmonton.
Web:
  www.edmontonfolkfest.org

Escape to New York

What:  Escape to New York
Where:  Southampton, NY
When: 
August 5-7
Who:  Patti Smith, of Montreal, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Best Coast, Mates of State, Chairlift, The Psychedelic Furs, White Rabbits, Au Revoir Simone, Reptar, Lissy Trullie, The Postelles, The Submarines, Savoir Adore, Static Jacks, and more
Why:  Be like a reverse Snake Blisken and escape to New York for a surprisingly strong line-up.  See more in our photo gallery here  
W
eb:  www.escape2ny.com

Kanrocksas

What:  Kanrocksas
Where: 
Kansas City, KS
When: 
August 5-6
Who:  Eminem, Muse, The Black Keys, Flaming Lips, A Perfect Circle, Bassnecatar, Kid Cudi, Ween, Girl Talk, Primus, Flogging Molly, Cage the Elephant, Ellie Goulding, Arctic Monkeys, Major Lazer, Best Coast, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Jack’s Mannequin, OK Go, D12, The Black Angels, Fitz & The Tantrums, Kerli, The Joy Formidable, and more
Why:  Hit the Kansas City Speedway like Clark Kent bustin’ outta Smallville for the inaugural Kanrocksas.  Read much more in our recap here
Web:
  www.kanrocksas.com

Wolfe Island 

What:  Wolfe Island
Where: 
Wolfe Island, ON, Canada
When: 
August 5-6
Who:  Stars, Great Lake Swimmers, Buck 65, Plants & Animals, Rich Aucoin, and more
Why:  Located on the largest of the 1,000 islands in the St. Lawrence River, Wolfe Island is accessible to Yanks & Canucks alike.
Web:
  www.wolfeislandmusicfestival.com

Lollapalooza

What:  Lollapalooza
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
August 5-7
Who:  Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, My Morning Jacket, deadmau5, Cee Lo Green, Damian Marley & Nas, The Cars, Ween, Bright Eyes, Arctic Monkeys, Deftones, Explosions In the Sky, Death From Above 1979, Crystal Castles, Flogging Molly, Cold War Kids, Lykke Li, OK Go, Local Natives, The Kills, White Lies, Portugal. The Man, Two Door Cinema Club, Ellie Goulding, Delta Spirit, The Mountain Goats, Sleigh Bells, Manchester Orchestra, Best Coast, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Black Lips, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cults, Noah & The Whale, Lissie, DOM, The Vaccines, Titus Andronicus, Phantogram, Rival Schools, Friendly Fires, Maps & Atlases, An Horse, Wye Oak, The Joy Formidable, Lia Ices, and many, many more
Why:  The granddaddy of today’s indie fests still brings a hell of a solid line-up right to Chicago’s Grant Park (after holding an earlier Lollapalooza in April all the way down in Chile!). 
W
eb:  www.lollapalooza.com 

Newfoundland & Labrador Folk

What:  Newfoundland & Labrador Folk
Where:  St. John’s, NL, Canada
When: 
August 5-7
Who:  Sarah Harmer, Good Lovelies, Paul Brady, Ron Hynes, Basia Bulat, Catherine MacLellan, and more
Why:  Even the most distant of the Atlantic provinces has singer/songwriters of folk. 
W
eb:  www.nlfolk.com/fest2011/fest2011.html

Pickathon

What:  Pickathon
Where:  Happy Valley, OR
When: 
August 5-7
Who:  Mavis Staples, Black Mountain, Bill Callahan, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Califone, Grupo Fantasma, Thao, Fruit Bats, Vetiver, Wye Oak, Damien Jurado, The Builders and The Butchers, Laura Viers, Future Islands, Brownout!, Lightning Dust, AgesandAges, Dawn Landes, and more
Why:  Pickathon’s picks include some of the better indie-country/folk – on a farm, of course. 
W
eb:  pickathon.com

Regina Folk

What:  Regina Folk
Where:  Regina, SK, Canada
When: 
August 5-7
Who:  k.d. lang, Taj Mahal, KR Tunstall, Andrew Bird, Dan Mangan, Braids, Rah Rah, and more
Why:  Regina welcomes ladies & gentlemen of folk. 
W
eb:  www.reginafolkfestival.com

MFest

What:  M Fest
Where:  Halifax, NS, Canada
When: 
August 7
Who:  Broken Social Scene, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Surfer Blood, Hey Rosetta!, and more
Why:  Head to Halifax, you hooser! 
W
eb:  halifaxpopexplosion.com/m-fest 

Kah Bang

What:  KahBang
Where:  Bangor, ME
When: 
August 5-13
Who:  My Morning Jacket, Lupe Fiasco, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Chromeo, Atmosphere, Surfer Blood, DOM, and more
Why:  Little ol’ Bangor, Maine’s KahBang covers many days & more bands in its third year.
Web:
  www.kahbang.com

MusikFest

What:  Musikfest
Where:  Bethlehem, PA
When: 
August 5-14
Who:  Steely Dan, Stone Temple Pilots, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Train, Steve Miller Band, Maroon 5, Buckcherry, The Verve Pipe, John Oates, Dawes, Los Straitjackets, NEEDTOBREATHE, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Nikka Costa, and more
Why:  Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has a bunch of shows in August, the many smaller of which are free, but the bands that are those that were big twenty to forty years ago (that includes STP…), with only a few younger acts.  
Web:
  www.musikfest.org 

HARD Summer

What:  HARD Summer
Where: 
Los Angeles, CA
When: 
August 6
Who:  Chromeo, Ratatat, Odd Future, Special Disco Version, Digitalism, Holy Ghost!, Skrillex, Juan Maclean, Shit Robot, Boys Noize, and more
Why:  The dancetronic HARD returns to L.A.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:
  www.hardfest.com


Outside Lands

What:  Outside Lands
Where: 
San Francisco, CA
When: 
August 12-14
Who:  Muse, Phish, Arcade Fire, The Shins, The Black Keys, Deadmau5, MGMT, Girl Talk, The Decemberists, John Fogerty, Erykah Badu, Beirut, The Roots, Arctic Monkeys, Big Boi, Big Audio Dynamite, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding, Sia, OK Go, Josh Ritter, !!!, Old 97’s, Phantogram, Best Coast, Foster the People, STRFKR, Junip, tUnE-yArDs, The Vaccines, Toro Y Moi, The Joy Formidable, The Limousines, Wye Oak, Lord Huron, Tamaryn, Grouplove, The Fresh & Onlys, Ty Segall, and many, many more
Why:  San Francisco’s gorgeous Golden Gate Park plays host to another year of Outside Lands, extended to three days with an incredible line-up.
Web:
  www.sfoutsidelands.com  

Maha

What:  Maha
Where: 
Omaha, NE
When: 
August 13
Who:  Guided By Voices, Matisyahu, Cursive, J Mascis, The Reverend Horton Heat, and more
Why:  Music returns to Omaha’s riverfront.
Web:
  www.mahamusicfestival.com 

Pacific

What:  Pacific
Where: 
Orange County, CA
When: 
August 13
Who:  Snoop Dogg, Cut Copy, Ghostland Observatory, Calvin Harris, Black Lips, Steve Aoki, !!!, Phantogram, Toro Y Moi, Bag Raiders, and more
Why:  This is how we do it in The O.C.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:
  www.pacificfestival.com  

Music To Know - cancelled

What it would have been:  Music To Know
Where
it would have beenEast Hampton, NY
When
it would have beenAugust 13-14
Who would have played:  Vampire Weekend, Bright Eyes, Matt & Kim, Cold War Kids, Ellie Goulding, Chromeo, Tame Impala, Ra Ra Riot, Fitz & The Tantrums, Dawes, M. Ward, We Are Scientists, The Limousines, The Naked & Famous, Francis & The Lights, and more
Why you would have gone:  The Hamptons’ Music To Know Festival was unfortunately cancelled a week before it would have happened.  Read more in our preview of what would have been here
Web:
  www.musictoknow.com  

Sunset Strip

What:  Sunset Strip
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When: 
August 18-20
Who:  Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Bush, Public Enemy, Matt & Kim, She Wants Revenge, Cobra Starship, Nico Vega, Dredg, and more
Why:  The iconic Sunset Strip holds another street festival.  Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web:
  www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com 

Best Friends Day

What:  Best Friends Day
Where:  Richmond, VA
When: 
August 18-21
Who:  Against Me!, 7 Seconds, Converge, Corrosion of Conformity, Strike Anywhere, Off With Their Heads!, Dead To Me, Screaming Females, Kevin Seconds, and more
Why:  Venues across Richmond get together today’s punks for everyone’s Best Friends (over four days).
Web:
  www.bestfriendsdayrva.com  


SoundTown

What:  SoundTown
Where:  Somerset, WI
When: 
August 19-20
Who:  Flaming Lips, The New Pornographers, Ghostland Observatory, DeVotchKa, Okkervil River, Delta Spirit, Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh, Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons, Pink Mink, and more
Why:  Somerset Amphitheater welcomes two fine days of music to Middle America. 
Web:
  somersetamphitheater.com/soundtown-festival


Philadelphia Folk

What:  Philadelphia Folk
Where:  Philadelphia, PA
When: 
August 19-21
Who:  Levon Helms Band, Arlo Guthrie, Justin Townes Earle, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Wilderness of Manitoba, and more
Why:  Like the cities to the north in Canada (see above), Philly has a folk festival, celebrating its fiftieth year. 
Web:
  www.pfs.org/PFF.php


Salmon Arms Roots & Blues

What:  Salmon Arm Roots & Blues
Where:  Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
When: 
August 19-21
Who:  Broken Social Scene, J.J. Grey & Mofro, John Butler Trio, The Sojourners, Taj Mahal, Arkells, and more
Why:  British Columbia opens its Salmon Arms for artists from around the world. 
Web:
  www.rootsandblues.ca


Spirit of Peace & Music

What:  Spirit of Peace & Music
Where:  Freeport, IL
When: 
August 19-21
Who:  Chevelle, Everclear, Filter, and more
Why:  America’s heartland welcomes the spirit of peace & mainstream music. 
Web:
  spiritofpeaceandmusicfestival.com


Rock On the Range Canada

What:  Rock On the Range Canada
Where:
  Winnipeg, MB, Canada
When:
  August 20
Who:
  Alice In Chains, Sum 41, Evanescence, Volbeat, Anberlin, Crash Kings, Duff McKagan’s Loaded, The Sheepdogs, and more
W
hy:  Columbus, Ohio’s Rock On the Range (see above) goes north of the border.
Web:
  www.rockontherange.com


Dia de los Toadies

What:  Dia de los Toadies
Where:  New Braunfels, TX
When: 
August 26-27
Who:  The Toadies, The Sword, The Black Angels, Ume, Quiet Company, and more
Why:  The Toadies welcome some of Texas’ best & hardest.  
Web:
  toadies.sonarmanagement.com


Sunset Junction

What:  Sunset Junction
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When: 
August 27-28
Who:  Bobby Womack, Butthole Surfers, Hanson, Melvins, Rooney, Helmet, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Ozomatli, Art Brut, GAYNGS, The Belle Brigade, Tapes ‘n Tapes, Dum Dum Girls, He’s My Brother/She’s My Sister, Charles Bradley, The Soft Pack, and more
Why:  Silverlake’s street fair returns to Sunset & Santa Monica Boulevards.  
Web:
  www.sunsetjunction.org

Loufest

What:  LouFest
Where:  St. Louis, MO
When: 
August 27-28
Who:  The Roots, TV On the Radio, Cat Power, Deerhunter, The Hold Steady, !!!, Surfer Blood, Das Racist, DOM, The Low Anthem, Kings Go Forth, Lost In the Trees, Sleepy Sun, and more
Why:  Not a celebration of the bassist from Dinosaur Jr. or the Red Sox player, LouFest celebrates the spirit of St. Louis.  
Web:
  www.loufest.com    

 

 


September

Waterfront Wednesday 

What:  Waterfront Wednesday
Where:  Louisville, KY
When:  May 25 – September 21
Who:  They Might Be Giants, Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, Hayes Carll, Over the Rhine, J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Sarah Jaffe, Ponderosa, Harper Blynn, Scars on 45, Katie Herzig, The Deloreans, and more
Why:  Though the first night was rained & the second had to move location, Louisville’s Waterfront Wednesday continues on with a show a month (though perhaps too much water…).
Web:  www.louisvillewaterfront.com


Ravinia

What:  Ravinia
Where:  Highland Park, IL
When:  June 9 – September 11
Who:  Lynyrd Skynyrd, Robert Plant, Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Maroon 5, The Judds, Carrie Underwood, Steely Dan, Lyle Lovett, Guster, The Moody Blues, Wynton Marsalis, The Go-Go’s, Hall & Oates, Jennifer Hudson, Chicago, Deep Purple, k.d. lang, Rufus Wainwright, The B-52s, Jack’s Mannequin, Five For Fighting, Los Lobos, Vanessa Carlton, Company of Thieves, and more
Why:  All the old-timers are at Ravinia.
Web:  www.ravinia.org

KCRW World

What:  KCRW World
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When:  June 26-September 11
Who:  Stevie Wonder, The National, Rickey Minor, A.R. Rahman, Neko Case, Beck, Janelle Monae, Ziggy Marley, Grace Potter, Ed Droste, Sharon Jones, Victoria Legrand, The Ghost of a Sabertooth Tiger, Mike Patton, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sharon Van Etten, Cibo Matto, and more
Why:  KCRW brings the world to the Hollywood Bowl, including some collections of all-stars.
Web:  www.kcrw.com/events/world-music-festival-2011

moe.down

What:  moe.down
Where:  Mohawk, NY
When: 
September 2-4
Who:  moe., Ween, Levon Helm with Bob Weir, TV On the Radio, Slightly Stoopid, Railroad Earth, Ozomatli, Rubblebucket, The Ragbirds, and more
Why:  moe.’s annual shindig in Upstate New York mixes acts you want to see with acts that you don’t.
Web:
  www.moedown.com

North Coast

What:  North Coast
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
September 2-4
Who:  David Guetta, Bassnectar, STS9, Wiz Khalifa, Thievery Corporation, Fatboy Slim, Common, Gogol Bordello, Carl Cox, of Montreal, Major Lazer, Neon Indian, Little Dragon, The Budos Band, Rubblebucket, The Hood Internet, and more
Why:  "Summer’s last stand" returns for a second year to Chicago’s Union Park.  Read & see much more in our recap of the inaugural 2010 edition here
Web:
  www.northcoastfestival.com

Electric Zoo

What:  Electric Zoo
Where:  Randall’s Island, NY
When: 
September 2-4
Who:  Tiesto, David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren, Moby, Chromeo, BT, Bloody Beetroots, Boys Noize, Diplo, Calvin Harris, Kid Sister, Skrillex, and more
Why:  Bringing European-style electronic craziness is Electric Zoo, which returns for a third year & a third day on New York City’s Randall’s Island.
Web:
  www.madeevent.com/ElectricZoo

FYF Fest

What:  FYF Fest
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When: 
September 3
Who:  Descendants, Death From Above 1979, Broken Social Scene, Explosions In the Sky, Guided By Voices, Simian Mobile Disco, Cold War Kids, Girls, No Age, The Dead Milkmen, Dan Deacon, The Head and the Heart, Four Tet, YACHT, The Weakerthans, Cults, Cass McCombs, Smith Westerns, OFF!, The Strange Boys, Japandroids, Avi Buffalo, Twin Sister, and more
Why:  Altamont brings downtown L.A. the FYF Fest on Labor Day Weekend – fuck yeah!  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:
  fyffest.com

PJ20

What:  PJ20
Where:  East Troy, WI
When: 
September 3-4
Who:  Pearl Jam, The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age, Mudhoney, John Doe, Joseph Arthur, Glen Hansard, Liam Finn, thenewno2, Jason Lytle, and more
Why:  First labels celebrated their twenty-something anniversaries with festivals, now bands are, with Pearl Jam’s stocked PJ20 on Labor Day Weekend – and all bands play both days!
Web:
  www.pj20.com

Bumbershoot

What:  Bumbershoot
Where:  Seattle, WA
When: 
September 3-5
Who:  Hall & Oates, Wiz Khalifa, Ray La Montagne & The Pariah Dogs, Broken Social Scene, The Presidents of the United States of America, The Reverend Horton Heat, Leon Russell, Minus the Bear, The Kills, Grant Lee Buffalo, Mavis Staples, YACHT, Atari Teenage Riot, Sharon Van Etten, STRFKR, Dam-Funk, School of Seven Bells, Phantogram, Warpaint, Toro y Moi, Urge Overkill, The Lonely Forest, Over the Rhine, Fitz & The Tantrums, Das Racist, PS I Love You, Valient Thorr, The Lonely Forest, Thee Oh Sees, The Jim Jones Revue, AgesandAges, and more
Why:  Seattle’s Bumbershoot heads into its 41st year after announcing an artist a day in May.
Web:
  bumbershoot.org

Sonic Boom

What:  Sonic Boom
Where:  Edmonton, AB, Canada
When: 
September 4
Who:  Jane’s Addiction, Weezer, Social Distortion, CAKE, Cee Lo Green, Manchester Orchestra, The Joy Formidable, Hollerado and more
Why:  Some of the better names in mainstream-ish punk & more make for a better line-up.
Web:
  www.sonicboomfestival.com  

Fueled by Ramen 15th Anniversary

What:  Fueled by Ramen 15th Anniversary
Where:  New York, NY
When: 
September 7-9
Who:  Paramore, Cobra Starship, Sublime with Rome, fun., Gym Class Heroes, The Academy Is…, and more
Why:  Leading emo label Fueled by Ramen celebrates fifteen years with three nights at Terminal 5 (QRO venue review).
Web:
  fueledbyramen15.com

Hopscotch

What:  Hopscotch
Where:  Raleigh, NC
When: 
September 8-10
Who:  The Flaming Lips, Guided By Voices, Drive-By Truckers, Superchunk, The Dodos, Swans, Yelawolk, Japandroids, J Mascis, Black Lips, Twin Shadow, The Love Language, Toro Y Moi, The Budos Band, John Vanderslice, Weekend, Liturgy, Lower Dens, Jluianna Barwick, Xiu Xiu, Royal Bangs, Braids, Beach Fossils, Lonnie Walker, Annuals, Generationals, All Tiny Creatures, Apex Manor, Dinosaur Feathers, The Body, Spider Bags, and many more
Why:  The Independent Weekly throws a great fest at venues across Raleigh for a second year.
Web:
  hopscotchmusicfest.com

Music Fest NW

What:  Music Fest NW
Where:  Portland, OR
When: 
September 8-11
Who:  Band of Horses, Iron & Wine, Explosions In the Sky, The Kills, Butthole Surfers, Archers of Loaf, Blind Pilot, Blitzen Trapper, Sebadoh, Handsome Furs, The Vaccines, The Antlers, The Joy Formidable, YACHT, Sharon Van Etten, Charles Bradley, Thee Oh Sees, The Thermals, The Horrors, Cass McCombs, Phantogram, Avi Buffalo, Rhett Miller, Big Freedia, Ty Segall, Crooked Fingers, Ted Leo, Grails, The Hood Internet, The Moondoggies, Twin Sister, PS I Love You, Dirty Beaches, Viva Voce, and more
Why:  "The Dream of the Nineties Is Alive In Portland" – and so is Blunderbuss Music Fest NW.  Read & see much more here in our recap here
Web:
  musicfestnw.com

Tinderbox

What:  Tinderbox
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When: 
September 10
Who:  Holly Miranda, Eternia & The Band, XYLOS, ULA, and more
Why:  Leading NYC indie ladies get together at Kntting Factory (QRO venue review) to support charities Girls Write Now & Willie Mae Rock Camp For Girls.  Read & see more in our recap here  
Web:
  tinderboxmusicfestival.com 

Virgin Mobile Free

What:  Virgin Mobile Free
Where:  Columbia, MD
When: 
September 10
Who:  The Black Keys, deadmau5, TV On the Radio, Cee Lo Green, James Murphy, Cut Copy, Patti Smith, Okkervil River, Empire of the Sun, Calvin Harris, !!!, Ghostland Observatory, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Two Door Cinema Club, Bombay Bicycle Club, Alberta Cross, and more
Why:  While Virgin seems to have permanently abandoned its great series of Canadian festivals, it’s free one at Merriweather Post Pavilion is back. 
Web:
  www.virginmobilefestival.com 

A.V. Fest

What:  A.V. Fest
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
September 10-11
Who:  Archers of Loaf, Hum, Tokyo Police Club, The Thermals, Maps & Atlases, Telekinesis, Cloud Nothings, Like Pioneers, and more
Why:  The Onion‘s A.V. Club is holding a two-day free shindig. 
Web:
  www.avclub.com/fest  

Harvest Jazz & Blues

What:  Harvest Jazz & Blues
Where:  Fredericton, NB, Canada
When:  September 13-18
Who:  Greg Allman, Medeski Martin & Wood, Taj Mahal, and more
Why:  New Brunswick’s Harvest mixes the folk festivals of Canada with the jazz & blues of Acadia’s lineal descendants, Cajun country.
Web:  www.harvestjazzandblues.com

Austin City Limits

What:  Austin City Limits
Where:  Austin, TX
When: 
September 16-18
Who:  Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Kanye West, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Nas & Damian Marley, Cee Lo Green, Bright Eyes, Cut Copy, Santigold, Pretty Lights, TV On the Radio, Big Boi, Randy Newman, Iron & Wine, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Bingham, Broken Social Scene, Chromeo, Death From Above 1979, Cold War Kids, Airborne Toxic Event, Elbow, Delta Spirit, The Walkmen, Foster the People, Smith Westerns, Young the Giant, Alexander, James Blake, Twin Shadow, AWOLNATION, The Antlers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., The Head and The Heart, Mariachi El Bronx, Joseph Arthur, Daniel Lanois’ Black Dub, Phosphorescent, The Vaccines, An Horse, Theophilus London, and many, many more
Why:  ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’ & America’s longest-running live music show bring their festival back to Zilker Park with another ridiculously stocked line-up of both old & new, mainstream & not.  Read much more in our recap here
Web:
  www.aclfestival.com

Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusement

What:  Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusement
Where:  Chicago, IL
When:  September 16-18
Who:  School of Seven Bells, Bill Callahan, Shellac, CAVE, A Hawk and a Hacksaw, Charles Bradley, Dark Dark Dark, A Lull, Dan Deacon, Fool’s Gold, and more
Why:  Chicago’s Eckhart Park welcome music & magic in the inaugural Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusement.
Web:  brilliantcornersofpopularamusements.com

Musicfest

What:  Musicfest
Where:  Cranford, NJ
When:  September 16-18
Who:  Blondie, Collective Soul, The Smithereens, Southside Johnny, Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and more
Why:  About as creative as the name, but Union County’s Musicfest can get some good acts – and it’s free.  Read & see much more in our 2010 recap here
Web:  www.ucmusicfest.com

Pygmalion

What:  Pygmalion
Where:  Champaign-Urbana, IL
When: 
September 21-24
Who:  Explosions In the Sky, Cut Copy, Braid, Gang Gang Dance, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Washed Out, Toro y Moi, The Dodos, Deerhoof, Japandroids, Xiu Xiu, The Hood Internet, STRFKR, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Bear Hands, Asobi Seksu, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Joan of Arc, The Luyas, Bass Drum of Death, NewVillager, Ava Luna, Delicate Steve, and more
Why:  Central Illinois’s Pygmalion Music Festival returns for a seventh year.
Web:
  pygmalionmusicfestival.com

Soundland

What:  Soundland
Where:  Nashville, TN
When: 
September 21-24
Who:  Foster the People. M. Ward, Ghostland Observatory, The Low Anthem, Ben Sollee, Bonobo, Paper Route, YelaWolf, Justin Townes Earle, The Watson Twins, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Cults, Dawes, Reptar, PUJOL, JEFF: The Brotherhood, and more
Why:  Next Big Nashville holds its Soundland across venues in the Country Music Capitol of the World.
Web:
  www.nbnsoundland.com

Pop Montreal

What:  Pop Montréal
Where:  Montréal, QC, Canada
When: 
September 21-25
Who:  Arcade Fire, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Chromeo, Redd Kross, Kid Sister, Peter Hook, Andrew W.K., tUnE-yArDs, Laura Marling, Girls, Fucked Up, Yuck, Asobi Seksu, Japandroids, Liam Finn, Liturgy, Frankie Rose, Bass Drum of Death, Ohbijou, Grimes, Born Gold, Dirty Beaches, and more
Why:  The artistic alt-CMJ showcases acts based on artistic style, not commercial viability, in the snowly but beautifully European Montreal. 
Web:
  www.popmontreal.com 

Blackwater

What:  Blackwater
Where:  Live Oak, FL
When: 
September 22-24
Who:  Flaming Lips, STS9, Girl Talk, EOTO, Ghostland Observatory, Buckethead, Pepper, and more
Why:  Spirit of the Suwannee Park welcomes this jam fest (and not the military contractor). 
Web:
  www.blackwatermusicfestival.com  

Midpoint

What:  Midpoint
Where:  Cincinnati, OH
When: 
September 22-24
Who:  Okkervil River, The Felice Brothers, Man or Astro-Man?, Xiu Xiu, Cut Copy, The Album Leaf, Washed Out, The Joy Formidable, Gang Gang Dance, The Low Anthem, Deerhoof, Asobi Seksu, Bear Hands, The Luyas, Kaki King, The Dodos, Mates of State, The Watson Twins, NewVillager, Those Darlins, Jones Street Station, Delicate Steve, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Toro y Moi, The Seedy Seeds, Ava Luna, and more
Why:  Queen City’s festival-cum-industry showcase returns to the Over-the-Rhine district. 
Web:
  www.mpmf.com

Goner

What:  Goner
Where:  Memphis, TN
When: 
September 22-25
Who:  Gories, Alarm Clocks, Icky Boyfriends, Ty Segall, Brides, and more
Why:  Goner Fest brings a weekend of rock ‘n’ roll to Memphis. 
Web:
  www.goner-records.com/gonerfest

Rifflandia

What:  Rifflandia
Where:  Victoria, BC, Canada
When: 
September 22-25
Who:  Broken Social Scene, Cold War Kids, City and Colour, De La Soul, Blackalicious, Gomez, J Mascis, Ra Ra Riot, AWOLNATION, The Cave Singers, Braids, Dinosaur Bones, Damien Jurado, Hollerado, Malajube, Old Man Luedecke, Pepper Rabbit, Suuns, The Besnard Lakes, We Are the City, and more
Why:  Rifflandia returns to the Garden City at Royal Athletic Park. 
Web:
  www.rifflandia.com 

What:  Clean Air Clean Stars
Where:  Pioneertown, CA
When:  September 23-24
Who:  Adam Franklin & Bolts of Melody, Mark Gardener, The Warlocks, Icarus Line, The Black Ryder, Morning After Tirls, Highway, Miranda Lee Richards, Lou-is, and more
Why:  Musicians get together to plant trees & fight global warming.
Web:  www.cleanairclearstars.com

iHeartRadio

What:  iHeartRadio
Where:  Las Vegas, NV
When:  September 23-24
Who:  Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Steven Tylter, Sting, Usher, Black Eyed Peas, Kenny Chesney, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, Jane’s Addiction, John Mayer, David Guetta, and more
Why:  iHeartRadio, the conglomeration of 750+ radio stations streaming online (and host of events at PC Richard & Son Theater – QRO venue review) throws the biggest live music event in radio history.
Web:  www.iheartradio.com/cc-common/iheartradio-music-festival

Popped!

What:  POPPED!
Where:  Philadelphia, PA
When:  September 23-24
Who:  The Shins, Pretty Lights, Girl Talk, Cage the Elephant, Foster the People, Panda Bear, Elbow, Rakim, Cults, The Hold Steady, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Joy Formidable, The Vaccines, Titus Andronicus, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Charles Bradley, The Budos Band, Tennis, Yuck, Mates of State, Dead Confederate, and more
Why:  Philadelphia goes POPPED!  See more in our photo gallery here
Web:  poppedphiladelphia.com  

Nor'Easter

What:  Nor’Easter
Where:  Burlington, VT
When:  September 23-24
Who:  G. Love & Special Sauce, RJD2, Okkervil River, Mariachi El Bronx, River City Extension, and more
Why:  Music + skiing.
Web:  noreasterems.com  

Epicenter

What:  Epicenter
Where:  Irvine, CA
When:  September 24
Who:  Limp Bizkit, Staind, Paparoach, Five Finger Death Punch, Buckcherry, Puddle of Mudd, and more
Why:  The (Epi)center of hard rock.
Web:  www.epicenterfestival.com  

Riot Fest East

What:  Riot Fest East
Where:  Philadelphia, PA
When:  September 24
Who:  Descendents, Dead Milkmen, X, Plow United, Hot Water Music, Naked Raygun, 7 Seconds, Suicide Machines, Samiam, Weston, Larry & His Flask, and more
Why:  Before the big shindig in Chicago in October (see below), Riot Fest hits up the East Coast.  See much more in our photo gallery here
Web:  www.riotfest.org/east

Life Is Good

What:  Life Is Good
Where:  Canton, MA
When:  September 24-25
Who:  Ray LaMontagne, The Avett Brothers, Levon Helm, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Brandi Carlile, The Hold Steady, Raphael Saadiq, Martin Sexton, Ingrid Michaelson, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and more
Why:  Boston’s Life is Good is holding a two-day fest to raise money for kids.
Web:  www.lifeisgood.com/festivals 

Abbot Kinney

What:  Abbot Kinney
Where:  Venice, CA
When: 
September 25
Who:  Thundercat, Kisses, Mia Doi Todd, Family of the Year, Hanni El Khatib, and more
Why:  Venice-on-the-Pacific gets a festival.  
Web:
  abbotkinney.org  

Ooh La L.A. 

What:  OohLaLA
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When: 
September 29-October 1
Who:  Nouvelle Vague, Tinariwen, Birdy Nam Nam, Hugh Coltman, and more
Why:  OohLaLA returns for a third year, from The Consulate General of France in Los Angeles.  See our photos from the inaugural 2009 festival here
Web:
  www.oohlalafestival.com 

ATP America

What:  ATP Asbury Park
Where:  Asbury Park, NJ
When: 
September 30 – October 2
Who:  Portishead, Jeff Mangum, Public Enemy, Swans, Bonnie Prince Billy, Battles, The Horrors, Chavez, Deerhoof, Cults, The Album Leaf, DD/MM/YYYY, and more
Why:  Now in its fourth year in America, the Yankee wing of the U.K.’s famed All Tomorrow’s Parties (QRO U.K. festival photo gallery) moves from the Catskills to the Jersey Shore.  Curated by Portishead, with a special appearance by Jeff Mangum doing Neutral Milk Hotel material for the first time in a decade (though you gotta buy three-night passes to see that), and Public Enemy performing Fear of a Black Planet, you know what time it is: it’s T-Shirt Time!  See more in our photo gallery here
Web:
  www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymasburypark.php

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

What:  Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where:  San Francisco, CA
When: 
September 30 – October 2
Who:  Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Mekons, Fitz & The Tantrums, A.A. Bondy, Chris Isaak, Those Darlins, Bob Mould, Emmylou Harris, Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell & 400 Unit, DeVotchKa, Robyn Hitchcock, Thurston Moore, Elbow, MC Hammer, Cass McCombs, Broken Social Scene, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Low Anthem, The Jayhawks, Gomez, The Civil Wars, Ralphy Stanley, Patti Griffin, Bright Eyes, M. Ward, The Flice Brothers, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Woods, and many more
Why:  Golden Gate Park welcomes big names that may not be strictly bluegrass, but is free!
Web:
  www.strictlybluegrass.com 

 

 


October

Ooh La L.A.

What:  OohLaLA
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When: 
September 29-October 1
Who:  Nouvelle Vague, Tinariwen, Birdy Nam Nam, Hugh Coltman, and more
Why:  OohLaLA returns for a third year, from The Consulate General of France in Los Angeles.  See our photos from the inaugural 2009 festival here
Web:
  www.oohlalafestival.com

ATP America

What:  ATP Asbury Park
Where:  Asbury Park, NJ
When: 
September 30 – October 2
Who:  Portishead, Jeff Mangum, Public Enemy, Swans, Bonnie Prince Billy, Battles, The Horrors, Chavez, Deerhoof, Cults, The Album Leaf, DD/MM/YYYY, and more
Why:  Now in its fourth year in America, the Yankee wing of the U.K.’s famed All Tomorrow’s Parties (QRO U.K. festival photo gallery) moves from the Catskills to the Jersey Shore.  Curated by Portishead, with a special appearance by Jeff Mangum doing Neutral Milk Hotel material for the first time in a decade (though you gotta buy three-night passes to see that), and Public Enemy performing Fear of a Black Planet, you know what time it is: it’s T-Shirt Time!  See more in our photo gallery here
Web:
  www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymasburypark.php

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

What:  Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Where:  San Francisco, CA
When: 
September 30 – October 2
Who:  Robert Plant & The Band of Joy, Mekons, Fitz & The Tantrums, A.A. Bondy, Chris Isaak, Those Darlins, Bob Mould, Emmylou Harris, Justin Townes Earle, Jason Isbell & 400 Unit, DeVotchKa, Robyn Hitchcock, Thurston Moore, Elbow, MC Hammer, Cass McCombs, Broken Social Scene, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Low Anthem, The Jayhawks, Gomez, The Civil Wars, Ralphy Stanley, Patti Griffin, Bright Eyes, M. Ward, The Flice Brothers, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Woods, and many more
Why:  Golden Gate Park welcomes big names that may not be strictly bluegrass, but is free!
Web:
  www.strictlybluegrass.com

Cultivate

What:  Cultivate
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
October 1
Who:  Calexico, Mayer Hawthorne & The County, White Rabbits, The Rural Alberta Advantage, and more
Why:  Burrito chain Chipotle holds a one-day event with bands & chefs – but will there be Chipotle Away?…
Web:
  www.chipotle.com/en-US/html/cultivate.html

Culture Collide

What:  Culture Collide
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When: 
October 6-9
Who:  CSS, Lindstrøm, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Gang Gang Dance, YACHT, Avi Buffalo, Liam Finn, The Elected, Rainbow Arabia, MEN, The Morning After Girls, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Isobel Campbell, Chad VanGaalen, He’s My Brother/She’s My Sister, The Yellow Dogs, The Postelles, American Royalty, and more
Why:  Filter Magazine’s Culture Collide festival returns to venues across Los Angeles for a second year.  Read & see much more in our recap here
Web:
  culturecollide.com

Red Bull Riot Fest

What:  Red Bull Riot Fest
Where:  Chicago, IL
When: 
October 6-9
Who:  Weezer, Descendents, Social Distortion, Danzig, X, Suicide Machines, ALL, Helmet, 7 Seconds, Strike Anywhere, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and more
Why:  Old-school (well, late eighties/early nineties) punk (and some ska) comes to various venues in Chi-town as Riot Fest.
Web:
  www.riotfest.org

Athens Popfest

What:  Athens Popfest
Where:  Athens, GA
When: 
October 11-15
Who:  Dead Milkmen, Bob Mould, Man or Astroman?, Throwing Muses, The Olivia Tremor Control, Wild Moccasins, and more
Why:  Athens, Georgia gets a second festival (see above), two months later than last year, and it Pops.
Web:
  athenspopfest.com 

DeLuna

What:  DeLuna
Where:  Pensacola Beach, FL
When: 
October 13-16
Who:  Weezer, Jane’s Addiction, Linkin Park, The Shins, CAKE, Girl Talk, Big Boi, Stars, Cut Copy, The Airborne Toxic Event, Diplo, Matt & Kim, Cold War Kids, The New Pornographers, Manchester Orchestra, Ghostland Observatory, Ladytron, The Sounds, Wanda Jackson, Ra Ra Riot, AWOLNATION, Givers, The Limousines, Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears, Grouplove, The Hood Internet, Telekinesis, Kevin Devine, Bad Books, Nico Vega, Royal Bangs, Bear Hands, Dinosaur Feathers, PS I Love You, Asobi Seksu, Robbers On High Street, Colour Revolt, and more
Why:  It may be cold up north, but it’s still very warm down on the Gulf shore with this hot line-up.
Web:
  www.delunafest.com

Homegrown

What:  Homegrown
Where:  Boston, MA
When: 
October 14-16
Who:  White Fence, Blues Control, Grass Widow, The Men, Gary War, Royal Baths, Young Adults, Truman Peyote, PC Worship, and more
Why:  DIY festival in Boston, Columbus Day Weekend.
Web:
  www.homegrownfestboston.com

Neon Marshmallow NYC

What:  Neon Marshmallow New York
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When: 
October 14-16
Who:  Tim Hecker, Rhys Chatham, Grouper, Phill Niblock, Alan Licht, Mark Fell, Kevin Drumm, Loren Connors, Phoenicia, Rene Hell, Blues Control, James Ferraro, The Men, Xeno & Oaklander, La Big Vic, Forma, Palmetto Moon Electronic Group, Mandlebrot & Skyy, Joe Lentini, Ryley Walker, and more
Why:  The weekend before CMJ (see below), Public Assembly (QRO venue review) welcomes the new NYC edition of Chicago’s Neon Marshmallow (see above).  Read more in our preview here
Web:
  www.neonmarshamallow.com

Treasure Island

What:  Treasure Island
Where:  San Francisco, CA
When: 
October 15-16
Who:  Death Cab for Cutie, Empire of the Sun, Explosions In the Sky, Cut Copy, Death From Above 1979, Beach House, Chromeo, The Hold Steady, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, Dizzee Rascal, Friendly Fires, Flying Lotus, St. Vincent, Battles, The Head and The Heart, The Naked and Famous, YACHT, Warpaint, The Antlers, Thee Oh Sees, Weekend, and more
Why:  One of the most interesting new festivals, with a Saturday of electronica & a Sunday of indie, continues in one of the most interesting settingsSee much more in our 2010 photo gallery here
Web:
  www.treasureislandfestival.com

hMAG Music Fest

What:  hMag MusicFest
Where:  Hoboken, NJ
When: 
October 116
Who:  The Walkmen, School of Seven Bells, The KickDrums, Wormburner, and more
Why:  Hoboken gets a free day of music.
Web:
  www.h-mag.com/musicfest

CMJ

What:  CMJ
Where:  New York, NY
When: 
October 18-22
Who:  Portugal. The Man, CSS, Neon Indian, The Wombats, J Mascis, Wild Flag, Rusted Root, Shonen Knife, Islands, Metronomy, Talib Kweli, Gang Gang Dance, Zola Jesus, Class Actress, Cloud Nothings, Free Energy, Dum Dum Girls, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, BRAIDS, Davila 666, Eleanor Friedberger, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., CasioKids, Twin Shadow, Pharoah Monche, Datarock, Sea of Bees, Weekend, Handsome Furs, Parts & Labor, Zomby, Robbers On High Street, Zambri, Young Buffalo, Kate Miller-Heidke, and many, many more  Read much more in our preview here
Why:  Even the collapse of Wall Street can’t stop the rock, as everyone in the industry comes to New York’s plethora of venues, from Bowery to Brooklyn to MSG and beyond.  Read & see much more in our 2010 day-by-day recap here
Web:
  www.cmj.com/marathon

Halifax Pop Explosion

What:  Halifax Pop Explosion
Where:  Halifax, NS, Canada
When: 
October 18-22
Who:  Stars, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Rural Alberta Advantage, Thermals, Fucked Up, Twin Shadow, The Juan MacLean, Murder By Death, Trouble Andrew, Timber Timbre, Titus Andronicus, PS I Love You, BRAIDS, Dan Mangan, Plants and Animals, Chad VanGaalen, Ohbijou, Graham Wright, Pepper Rabbit, DD/MM/YYY, Thee Oh Sees, Rich Aucoin, Born Gold, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, JEFF: The Brotherhood, and more
Why:  Who knew little ol’ Halifax had enough venues for a Pop Explosion? 
Web:
  halifaxpopexplosion.com

Bridge School Benefit

What:  Bridge School Benefit
Where:  Mountain View, CA
When: 
October 22-23
Who:  Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, Los Invisibles, Beck, Mumford & Sons, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Jenny Lewis, and more
Why:  Neil & Pegi Young celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Bridge School Benefit Concert, with an all-star line-up.
Web:
  bridgeschool.org/concert/index.php

Fest 10

What:  Fest 10
Where:  Gainesville, FL
When: 
October 28-30
Who:  Hot Water Music, Against Me!, Less Than Jake, Upright Citizens Brigade, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Lifetime, Bouncing Souls, Dillinger Four, None More Black, Franz Nicolay, Paint It Black, Small Brown Bike, Dead To Me, Teenage Bottlerocket, Tim Barry, A Wilhelm Scream, Off With Their Heads, Cobra Skulls, Bomb the Music Industry, Banner Pilot, The Measure [SA], Blacklist Royals, Look Mexico, Dirty Tactics, A Great Pile of Leaves, and more
Why:  Punk of all stripes returns to north Florida.
Web:
  www.thefestfl.com

Moogfest

What:  Moogfest
Where:  Asheville, NC
When: 
October 29-31
Who:  Brian Eno, Flaming Lips, Moby, Passion Pit, STS9, TV On the Radio, Crystal Castles, Chromeo, Ghostland Observatory, Suicide, Childish Gambino, M83, Battles, Dan Deacon, St. Vincent, Holy Fuck, The Naked and Famous, Mayer Hawthorne & The County, Zomby, Twin Shadow, YACHT, The Drums, Matthew Dear, Toro y Moi, Atlas Sound, Glasser, Gold Panda, Austra, Oneohtrix Point Never, Baths, Active Child, Grimes, and more
Why:  Three days of music celebrate Bob Moog and his wonderful instrument.  Read more in our preview here
Web:
  www.moogfest.net

HARD Haunted Mansion

What:  HARD Haunted Mansion
Where:  Los Angeles, CA
When: 
October 28-29
Who:  Fatboy Slim, Soulwax, Rusko, Skrillex, Laidback Luke, 2manydjs, Major Lazer, Skream + Benga, Tiga, Fake Blood, and more
Why:  The dancetronic HARD rocks L.A. one more time.  See more in our preview here
Web:
  www.hardfest.com

Voodoo Experience

What:  Voodoo Experience
Where:  New Orleans, LA
When: 
October 28-30
Who:  Soundgarden, Blink-182, The Raconteurs, Snoop Dogg, Fatboy Slim, Girl Talk, TV On the Radio, My Chemical Romance, Cheap Trick, Social Distortion, Social Distortion, X, A-Trak, Ray Davies, The Wombats, Ani DiFranco, Z-Trip, Ozomatli, City and Colour, Fitz & The Tantrums, Portugal. The Man, Givers, Mates of State, Blind Pilot, The Sheepdogs, and more
Why:  Though the calendar forces it to end before All Hallow’s Eve, expect sights & sounds that you won’t/can’t forget in the Big Easy.  See much more in our 2009 photo gallery here
Web:
  thevoodooexperience.com

 

 


November & December

 

New Noise Santa Barbara

What:  New Noise Santa Barbara
Where:  Santa Barbara, CA
When: 
November 3-6
Who:  deadmau5, Phantogram, Deer Tick, Mickey Avalon, Typhoon, The Entrance Band, Fruit Bats, Parson Redheads, Reptar, and more
Why:  Santa Barbara welcomes all the new noise.
Web:
  newnoisesb.com

Fun Fun Fun Fest

What:  Fun Fun Fun Fest
Where:  Austin, TX
When: 
November 5-6
Who:  Spoon, Passion Pit, Slayer, Public Enemy, Henry Rollins, Lykke Li, Danzig Legacy, M83, The Damned, Odd Future, Brian Posehn, Blonde Redhead, Girls, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Okkervil River, Neon Indian, Childish Gambino, Architecture in Helsinki, Boris, Four Tet, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Spank Rock, Dan Deacon, tUnE-yArDs, Ra Ra Riot, Del tha Funky Homosapien, Cold Cave, YACHT, MDNR, Mates of State, Austra, The Joy Formidable, Asobi Seku, and more
Why:  The worst-titled music festival in the world somehow moves down to the shores of Austin, with another stocked line-up.  Read much more in our preview here
Web:
  www.funfunfunfest.com

Brooklyn Electronic

What:  Brooklyn Electronic
Where:  Brooklyn, NY
When: 
November 11-12
Who:  Diamond Rings, Matthew Dear, Four Tet, Hudson Mohawke, Daedelus, Reggie Watts, Eclectic Method, and more
Why:  Venues across the borough welcomes electronic music.  Read & see much more our 2009 recap here
Web:
  www.brooklynemf.com

Orlando Calling

What:  Orlando Calling
Where:  Orlando, FL
When: 
November 12-13
Who:  The Kills, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, The Raconteurs, Kid Rock, Kid Cudi, Chris Isaak, Pixies, Drive-By Truckers, Blues Traveler, The Avett Brothers, Doobie Brothers, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Dr. Dog, Brandi Carlile, Less Than Jake, The Roots, Iron & Wine, Pete Yorn, Justin Townes Earle, Gogol Bordello, Lucero, Jason Isbell & The 400 Units, Civil Twilight, Dwight Yoakam, The Felice Brothers, Ben Sollee, and more
Why:  Sunny Orlando throws one last festival for 2011, with a stocked & diverse line-up.
Web:
  www.orlandocalling.com

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