Everyone has their own kind of music. Everyone has their own particular genres and artists that make them scream, sing, jump up and down, help them sleep, cry, and so on. That is the power of music. Going to see those artists in concert can be even more exciting because the music is literally created right there in front of the fan, who is also surrounded by a large group of other fans, and they all have one thing in common: their unique taste in music.
At music festivals, a fan can go watch all their favorite artists in one venue. They can see ones they know, be introduced to music they have never heard, and meet all kinds of people who travel across the country for the music.
Ms. Miranda Whitmore, a teacher in the Upper School English Department, attended the Lilith Fair in Chicago back in the 90’s. The Lilith Fair was a traveling feminist music festival that hosted both grunge and folk artists.
Ms. Whitmore enjoyed it so much because of the unique community of people that gathered there. She described it as “an intergenerational, woman-centered filled with all types of people who supported women’s empowerment.”
Another great aspect of music festivals is that the music is complemented by great food from around the area provided by those who help to sponsor the festival. Festivals can also include different activities; many festivals last over the span of a couple days and some include camping for guests to live inside the venue itself.
Ms. Denise Key, the Upper School Counselor and Class of 2018 Dean, attended and camped at Gathering of the Vibes, a three day music festival located in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Ms. Key really enjoyed her experience camping because of the groups of “laid back, chill people” she met there.
“I love and really appreciate live music,” she said. “I enjoy the hoop-la, and being with other people who enjoy the same thing.”
Ms. Key also attended Lollapalooza back in 1991. It was the first Lollapalooza ever to be in DC.
Over the past couple years, music festivals have grown in popularity. Many people are familiar with names like Sweetlife, Lollapalooza, and Coachella. However, because these events span across the country, it is sometimes difficult for people to attend them.
In addition, going to them can be very costly due to the length of the event, its popularity, and any housing and travel costs that may be included.
Some popular events around the country that are coming up include Coachella in Indio, California in April; Bonnaroo in Manchester,Tennessee in June; Summerfest at the end of June in Milwaukee; Osheaga in Montreal Canada in July, and Lollapalooza in August in Chicago.
Another really cool aspect to a lot of these events is the different styles that are worn to them. From hipster to boho to punk, people plan their outfits weeks in advance for these events, making grand statements and stepping outside of the box with the newest trends.
Some music festivals that are much closer to Stone Ridge that are coming up this spring, summer, and fall include Broccoli City in D.C. in May; Firefly in Dover, Delaware in June; the Vans Warped Tour in Baltimore in July; the Moonrise Festival in Baltimore in August, Landmark Music Festival here in D.C. in September, and Made In America held in Philadelphia in September as well.
These different festivals include genres like EDM, punk, rap, and alternative music with a mix of popular and newly discovered artists.
One festival that has grown extremely popular since 2009 is the Sweetlife Festival, usually held at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Baltimore in May. The event is sponsored by Sweetgreen, who has decided to cancel its event this year so that it can return to its original roots. Sweetlife began as a block party in D.C.and quickly grew into a much larger event. However, because people around the country have become a part of the “Sweetlife,” Sweetgreen has decided to change Sweetlife from one big festival to a nationwide block party with smaller events around the country, the first of which will be held in Dupont Circle where it all began, dates still to be determined.
Last year, Maggie Quinn ‘17, attended Sweetlife, Made in America, and Firefly, and said that Firefly was definitely her favorite among the three.
“Firefly is so big, and it is in the woods, so the landscape was really pretty. There were also a ton of activities in addition to the awesome music. It’s an amazing experience. I totally recommend it,” she said.
