Steel Notes Magazine | 15
Under The Radar : Summer Music Festivals by Lori Kapes
Summer music festivals have a long and storied history dating all the way back to the first Woodstock in the fields of New York in the summer of 1969 . Since then hundreds of music and art festivals have popped up all over the country bringing together various genres of music . Most recently summer festivals that span several days or even weekends have gained notoriety and attracted a myriad of performers .
One of the most popular festivals is Coachella , which is held every April in California and attracts 75,000 people per day during its two weekend romp . Initially Coachella , launched in 2001 , showcased rock and folk artists and bands , but hip-hop and r & b acts have been featured primarily on the bill . Bonnaroo , held every summer in Tennesee , has had a similar history to Coachella . The 4-day festival has attracted a variety of notable acts such as TOOL , Phish , Jay Z , Stevie Wonder , and The Black Keys . Jay Z most recently started his own annual music festival that takes place in Philadelphia . The Made in America festival started in 2013 and while the other festivals require a ticket , this one is free . Made in America attracts a lot of well-known acts across the musical spectrum . While this and the other festivals have established histories and / or established musical acts there are other festivals around the country that aren ’ t as well-known but do boast eclectic line-ups .
The Peach Music Festival , held annually in Scranton , Pa ., is backed by the Allman Brother ’ s Band . Taking inspiration from the band Phish and their jamband concerts in the 1990 ’ s , the Peach Music Festival ’ s acts include the Trey Anastasio Band , Gov ’ t Mule , and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals . Exclusively made up of indie , folk , and rock music , The Peach Music Festival has a more specific musical focus than other festivals . However , like most of the other festivals , fans can camp out and enjoy the music whenever they ’ d like .
Obviously there are a plethora of music festivals that happen every summer , and even in the fall and spring , across the country . While some may not attract widely-known acts they do shine a light on lesser-known and local acts . Avid concert goers should attend at least one festival and experience new music genres they wouldn ’ t normally listen to . There is even a website called “ MusicFestivalJunkies ” that highlights festivals that are happening this year all over America . ♫
Steel Notes Magazine | 15