Jam Central Station 06.02.12: Summer Music Festival Extravaganza Pt. 3
Posted by Jeff Modzelewski on 06.02.2012
The third (and final?) installment of Jam Central Station's 2012 Summer Music Festival Extravaganza!
Hey everyone. I am officially still scraping dirt off my toes after an amazing Summer Camp last weekend. Saw tons of great bands, survived the heat (water and sunscreen, don't screw around), and had an all-out amazing time. I hope you have some live music coming up in your future. With Wakarusa happening this weekend and Bonnaroo just around the corner, there's no reason not to catch some great music in the coming weeks. Anyways, on with the show!
July 13-15
Louisville, KY
After a year off, Forecastle is back in Louisville. Considered one of the best city festivals in the country, Forecastle has put together a solid and diverse lineup. My Morning Jacket is headlining and curating the event, and they're bringing along plenty of other great artists. Bassnectar and Wilco are the other headliners, while the rest of the lineup is made up of some great electronic and indie artists. Girl Talk, Andrew Bird, Sleigh Bells, Atmosphere, Neko Case, Galactic, The Head and The Heart, and Dr. Dog will all draw crowds. Clutch will bring in the alternative hard rock scene. Abigail Washburn and Ben Sollee will bring some great diversity. Overall, it's an impressive lineup that builds on the great traditions of this festival.
Why You Should Go
It's a great city festival in a great city. There's plenty to do in Louisville beside the music, and, let's be honest, the music itself is pretty great. There are literally over a dozen artists on the bill that are absolutely on the top of their game, and plenty of up-and-comers as well. And, if you're a My Morning Jacket fan, this is their home base, so they'll definitely be aiming to please their fans.
What You Need To Know
3 day passes are at $144 right now, but that will go up to $159 at some point. VIP is $350, and there are plenty of options for those who wish to go that route. Single day tickets are also available. Also, remember that it's a city festival, so you need to either get a hotel, get room at a local campground (there are camping options in the area), or have a friend in the area to with. Finally, local venues will be hosting a Thursday pre-party as well as late-night shows on Friday and Saturday. Of course, tickets to those are limited, and they come at an extra cost.
July 19-22
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
After spending the past few years at Marvin's Mountaintop, All Good is moving to Legend Valley, which is just east of Columbus, OH. The venue has hosted some great shows over the years, and 2012 is a comeback year of sorts for the historic location. In celebration of the new venue, the event has a lineup packed with big names and great newcomers. The Allman Brothers, Phil Lesh & Friends, and The Flaming Lips are all headling. Along with Phil and Warren, nearly every member of The Dead will be present, as Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsy will perform together with Branford Marsalis, and The Mickey Hart Band is on the bill. Other big names include Michael Franti & Spearhead, Yonder Mountain String Band, Lotus, G. Love & Special Sauce, Big Gigantic, Shpongle, and Galactic. It's a very jam-heavy lineup with an obvious Grateful Dead influence.
Why You Should Go
New venue, lots of history, and a great lineup. With almost all of the Dead members all at one festival, the opportunity for collaborations is pretty spectacular. The Flaming Lips have a headlining spot as well, and they'll absolutely make the most of the opportunity. Finally, with the way All Good is set up, you never have to miss a set because there's no overlap between the two main stages. So find a good spot and be prepared for four days of nonstop music.
What You Need To Know
4 day passes are $199, and the VIP starts at $490. There's no guarantee that you'll be camped by your car either, although they're promising that you will at least be parking close to your camping area. But beyond that, the price of the ticket pretty much gets you everything the event has to offer.
July 19-22
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT
Speaking of The Grateful Dead, Gathering of the Vibes is back again this year. And, as usual, the lineup has a lot of Dead up top. Phil Lesh & Friends leads the way, along with Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby with Branford Marsalis, 7 Walkers, and the Mickey Hart Band. Primus is also at the top of the lineup, as they continue to command a headlining spot. The Avett Brothers are well on their way to breaking through to some huge success, and STS9 and Yonder Mountain String Band are both jam heavyweights from different genres.
Why You Should Go
Over the years this festival has gone from a celebration of the Grateful Dead family to a solid jam band festival, and this year is no exception. While they certainly aren't shying away from The Dead, they also continue to add diversity from all musical spectrums. It's also at a great venue located right on the water, and there's plenty to do at the park and in the city as well.
What You Need To Know
4-day tickets are at $205 right now, and include camping, and VIP passes start at $420. There are also single-day tickets if you're not looking for the whole weekend. There are also a variety of options if you don't want to camp at the festival. It's a mix of a city/camping festival, so you get some of the best of both.
August 3-5
Grant Park
Chicago, IL
What started as a touring festival in the 90's to show of some of Perry Farrell's favorite bands has turned into one of the premier genre-crossing festivals in the country. This year is no different. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are legendary alternative hard rockers. The Black Keys and Jack White both have carved out massive names from themselves over the past 10 years or so. And Lollapalooza will include the only currently scheduled U.S. date for Black Sabbath. With headliners like that, there's something for everyone. The rest of the lineup includes Florence + The Machine, Bassnectar, At The Drive In, Justice, Passion Pit, Sigur Ros, Big Gigantic, Wale, The Head and The Heart, Alabama Shakes, and many more. There are also lounges to hang out in, a wine bar, Chowtown featuring dozens of Chicago restaurants, and plenty of activities for everyone.
Why You Should Go
This festival is a great combination of Bonnaroo and Coachella, set right in the middle of an amazing city. If you don't want to camp but you still want the best top-notch artists, this is the festival for you to hit up. If you were looking for an excuse to head to Chicago, this is a great reason to go. And, if you're an old-school metalhead, this is the only chance you have to see Black Sabbath this year. Perry has thrown a great party every year with Lollapalooza, and this year is definitely no exception.
What You Need To Know
Tickets are sold out, so get ready to pay big bucks for tickets. The secondary market tickets are going at over $360 right now, and that very well could head up as the festival approaches. Seeing as early bird tickets were $200 (and there were a very limited number of $75 3-day passes sold as well), you're better off buying a ticket as soon as they go on sale and then selling it if you change your mind. Lodging isn't included, and Chicago area hotels know the festival is in town, so that'll cost you as well. Of course the city has some great public transportation, so you don't have to stay right in downtown.
August 10-12
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
Outside Lands is still a relatively young festival, but that doesn't stop them from bringing a great lineup. This may be one of the biggest lineups yet, with Metallica (who are from San Francisco), Stevie Wonder, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Jack White, and the Foo Fighters all at the top of the lineup. Each of those artists are festival headliners in their own right, so having them all on one bill is a coupe for Outside Lands. Right under are artists like Beck, Sigur Ros, Justice, Norah Jones, Dispatch, The Kills, Regina Spector, and many others. There's a limited amount of jam on the festival, but there are some gems such as Dr. Dog, Trampled by Turtles, and Big Gigantic. Plus, this is another city festival in another amazing city, so San Francisco is a big draw for many. And, like Lollapalooza, you get local restaurants, a wine bar, and many other attractions to visit between the music.
Why You Should Go
If you're out west and couldn't make Coachella, Outside Lands is a great alternative. It's extremely diverse and there are plenty of big names for those who are looking for major headliners. Beyond that, there's a little bit of everything on the lineup, so your whole day would be packed with artists you know and love as well as new music to discover. Finally, San Francisco is another amazing city, and the festival organizers are doing their best to bring the San Francisco vibe into the festival.
What You Need To Know
Tickets are $225, but parking passes are all sold out. Also, it's a city festival, so be prepared to find your own lodging. For the actual festival you can get yourself a Cabana, which includes a personal tented area and tons of VIP amenities, but that will of course cost you as well. But even with just a general admission ticket, this is a lineup that rivals any other major festival, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Coachella. It's one of the last major festivals of the year, and each year they keep adding more attractions.
Electric Forest Additions
Electric Forest added some new artists to their 2012 lineup. To go along with three nights of the String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, STS9, and many more are conspirator, Karl denson's tiny Universe, Break Science, Novalima, Dumptruck Butterlips, and many others. The festival will take place in Rothbury, MI on June 28-July 1.
STS9 to Axe The Cables
STS9 will be performing a special Axe the Cables acoustic set as part of their Red Rocks run later this month. This set will be performed prior to the screening of their #ReGENERATION documentary at the boulder Theater on June 17.
Gene Ween retires
Aaron Freeman, better known as Gene Ween, is ending the band after 25 years. He stated that it's time to move on and the split is amicable. Freeman has stated that he plans on focusing on his solo material. He just released his solo debut in May.
Umphrey's McGee adds dates
Umphrey's McGee added another round of dates this week. Their tour dates take them through September, while they have festivals in place through the end of the year.
June 8 Manchester, TN – Bonnaroo
June 21-24 North Plains, OR – Re:Generation Festival
June 28 Richmond, VA – Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
June 29 Philadelphia, PA – Outside the Factory
June 30 Boston, MA – Bank of America
July 1 Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer stage
July 3 Interlochen, MI – Kresge Auditorium
July 4 Cincinnati, OH – Moonlite Gardens
July 7 Indianapolis, IN – White River Lawn
July 20 Kalamazoo, MI—Bell's Brewery Eccentric Cafe
July 28-29 New York, NY – Catalpa NYC Music Festival
August 6-10 Big Indian NY – sUMmer school at Full Moon Resort
August 10 Burlington, VT—Higher Ground
August 11 Bridgeport, VT—The Klein
August 12 Turin, NY—Moe.Down 13
August 24-26 Somerset, WI—Summer Set Music Festival
August 30 Kansas City, MO—The Crossroads KC
August 31 Eldrige, MO—Green Mountain Eco Fest
September 1 Chicago, IL—North Coast Music Festival
September 2 Chicago, IL—Congress Theater
September 5 Charlottesville, VA—Jefferson Theater
September 6 Norfolk, VA—The Norva
September 8 Black Mountain, NC—Pisgah Brewery
September 12 Des Moines, IO—Simon Estes Amphitheater
September 13 Omaha, NB—Sumtur Amphiteater
September 14 Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheater
September 15 Boulder, CO—Boulder Theater
September 19 Birmingham, AL—Workplay Soundstage
September 20 Memphis, TN—Minglewood Hall
September 21 Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
September 22 Louisville, KY—Iroquois Amphitheater
October 12 Austin, TX—Austin City Limits Music Festival
October 26 Milwaukee, WI—Riverside Theatre
October 27 Milwaukee, WI—Riverside Theatre
November 8-11 Live Oak, FL – Bear Creek Music & Art Festival
December 17-21 Tulum, MEX – Mayan Holidaze
Mountain Jam
May 31-June 3, 2012
Hunter Mountain, NY
Performers include: Gov't Mule, Steve Winwood, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Roots, Ben Folds Five, The Word, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and many others.
Wakarusa
May 31-June 3, 2012
Mulberry Mountain
Ozark, AR
Performers include: Pretty Lights, Robinson & Greene Acoustic Trio, Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, G. Love & Special Sauce, Railroad Earth, Beats Antique, ALO, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters and others.
Bonnaroo
June 7-10, 2012
Manchester, TN
Performers include: Phish, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avett Brothers, The Beach Boys, Umphrey's McGee, Skrillix, and many many many others!
Electric Daisy Festival
June 8-10, 2012
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, NV
Performers include: Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, MSTRKRFT, Tiesto, will.i.am., Moby, and many others
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 21-24, 2012
Telluride, CO
Performers for the 39th annual festival include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Punch Brothers, Bela Fleck & The Marcus Roberts Trio, Greensky Bluegrass, and many others.
Governor's Ball
June 23-24, 2012
Randall's Island
New York, NY
River Romp
June 28-30 2012
Arrowhead Campgrounds
Grassy, MO
Performers include: Yonder Mountain String Band, Cornmeal, Hot Buttered Rum, Split Lip Rayfield, and others
Electric Forest Festival
June 28-July 1, 2012
Double JJ Ranch and Resort
Rothbury, MI
Performers include The String Cheese Incident (3 shows), STS9 (2 shows), Bassnectar, Theivery Corp., Girl Talk, Ghostland Observatory, Steve Aoki, Richie Hawtin, The Travelin' McCoury's featuring Keller Williams, Big Gigantic, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, EOTO, Das Racist, and many more
High Sierra Music Festival
July 5-8, 2012
Quincy, CA
Performers include: Ben Harper, Avett Brothers, Railroad Earth, Galactic, Lotus, Toots & The Maytals, and many others.
Camp Bisco XI
July 12-14, 2012
Indian Lookout Country Club
Mariaville, NY
Forecastle Festival
July 13-15, 2012
Waterfront Park
Louisville, KY
My Morning Jacket will headline and curate the event.
All Good
July 19-22, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Gathering of the Vibes
July 19-22, 2012
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT
Performers include: Primus, Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby with Branford Marsalis, STS9, 7 Walkers, Micky Hart Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, and many others.
Floyd Fest
July 26-29, 2012
Lover's Rock
Floyd, VA
Performers include: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Leftover Salmon, Matisyahu, Galactic, Punch Brothers, Toubab Krewe, Drew Emmitt Band, and many others.
Newport Folk Festival
July 28-29, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
YarmonyGrass Festival
August 2-5, 2012
Rancho Del Rio & State Bridge, CO
Performers include: Railroad Earth, Elephant Revival, The Contribution, Honkytonk Homeslice, Poor Man's Whiskey featuring Michael Kang performing "Dark Side of the Moonshine," Danny Barnes, and a special Nershi's Joint Set.
Newport Jazz Festival
August 3-5, 2012
Ft. Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Performers include: Tedeschi Trucks Band, 3 Clarinets, Gretchen Parlato &Lionel Loueke, Pedrito Martinez Group, and many others.
Osheaga Festival
August 3-5, 2012
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Monreal, Quebec
Performers include: The Black Keys, Snoop Dogg, Justice, Sugar Rios, Florence + The Machine, The Shins, MGMT, Garbage, and many others.
Lollapalooza
August 3-5, 2012
Grant Park
Chicago, IL
Performers include: Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Keys, Jack White, Bassnectar, Florence & The Machine, At The Drive In, Justice, and many others.
Outside Lands Festival
August 10-12, 2012
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
moe.down
August 10-12, 2012
Snow Ridge Ski Resort
Turin, NY
Performers include: Multiple sets of moe., Umphrey's McGee, SOJA, and many others to be announced.
Hoxeyville
August 17-19, 2012
Wellston, MI
Performers include: 7 Walkers, Greensky Bluegrass, BoomBox, The MacPodz, The Ragbirdz, and many others.
Fall Hookahville
August 23-25, 2012
Frontier Ranch
Pataskala, OH
Camp Barefoot
August 23-26, 2012
Camp Hidden Meadows
Bartow, WV
Performers include: Zach Deputy, Brothers Past, The Motet, Euforquesta, That 1 Guy, and others. Headliners yet to be announced.
Music on the Mountaintop
August 24-26, 2012
Grandfather Mountain Campground
Boone, NC
The event will be hosted by Railroad Earth. Other artists will be announced later.
Summer Set Festival
August 24-26, 2012
Somerset, WI
Performers include: Umphrey's McGee, Pretty Lights, Big Gigantic, Lotus, Nas, Black Star, Excision, Zed's Dead, Matt & Kim, Rebolution, and many others.
Dark Star Jubilee
August 31-September 2, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Performers include: 3 nights of Dark Star Orchestra, Mickey Hart Band, 7 Walkers, Donna Jean Godchaux Band with Jeff Mattson, Keller Williams, The Infamous Stringdusters, Cornmeal, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Donna the Buffalo, Rumpke Mountain Boys, and many others.
The Werk Out Music and Arts Festival
September 20-23, 2012
Legend Valley
Thornville, OH
Harvest Music Festival
October 11-13, 2012
Mulberry Mountain
Ozark, AR
Yonder Mountain String Band will host the event and perform multiple sets. More artists will be announced later.
Austin City Limits
October 12-14, 2012
Zilker Park
Austin, TX
Performers include: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Black Keys, Jack White, Florence + The Machine, The Avett Brothers, Umphrey's McGee, Big Gigantic, Bassnectar, The Roots, Gotye, Weezer, Thievery Corp., and many others.
Bear Creek
November 8-11, 2012
Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park
Live Oaks, FL
Performers include: Umphrey's McGee, Soulive, Lotus, Perpetual Groove, Break Science, The Heavy Pets, and many others.
Strings & Sol
December 12-16, 2012
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Tulum, Mexico
Yonder Mountain String Band will perform 3 shows, and Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, and The Infamous Stringdusters will each be performing 2 shows.
Mayan Holidaze
December 17-21, 2012
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Tulum, Mexico
Umphrey's McGee, The Disco Biscuits, and STS9 will each perform two shows. STS9 will also perform a special midnight set commemorating the beginning of the new Great Cycle of the Mayan Calendar.
Island Exodus IV
January 16-20, 2013
Negril, Jamaica
Gov't Mule will host the event and perform multiple sets. No word on other performers.
Jam in the Sand
March 1-5, 2013
Breezes Grand Resort
Negril, Jamaica
Dark Star Orchestra's first Jamaican event. This event will feature multiple DSO shows as well as three Keller Williams sets and other activities
Coachella
April 12-14, 2013
April 19-21, 2013
Thanks for checking out Part 3 of my Summer Music Festival preview! I may do a Part 4 that would cover everything leading into the fall. Have to see what those lineups look like. Anyways, have a great one, and check out Jam Central Station on Facebook and Twitter. Until next week, Jam On!
