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Bonnaroo | Manchester, Tenn. June 13-16
In sickness and in health: Across 700 acres in Tennessee, fans camped out in June to the sounds of Paul McCartney, Jack Johnson, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Mumford & Sons cancelled their set after their bass player had to undergo emergency brain surgery, which he made it through. McCartney made up for the band’s absence with a 60-minute surprise sound check for fans. Fun fact: McCartney wrote the song "Blackbird" about the Civil Right's Movement in America.
SXSW | Austin, Texas March 8-17
What's new grumpy cat?: Tech met music yet again at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival held in March in Austin, Texas. The famously-scowling Grumpy Cat made an appearance, and Google brought a talking shoe for show. There was also an at-home 3D printer showcased, which could allow users to scan a 3D object and re-create it in all its three-dimensional glory. Other highlights: a robotic coffee barista called "Brilliant Brew," a light switch you can control with a Wi-Fi device, and an app called Highlight that helps you turn strangers around you into best buds. What could be better? How about music, a.k.a. Prince, with a 22-man band, five encores and a set that latest until 3 a.m. T.I. also performed with Usher and b.O.b., and a mashup with indie band the Afghan Wigs. Sorry Grumpy Cat, you can’t steal this show.