Festivus: A Festive Fourth
posted in: Features
The Fourth of July. A time for barbecues, fireworks, beaches and bevy of outdoor fun…the list of suitable activities for the summer holiday staple is endless. And while many an American spent these patriotic days of their youth attending parades and playing horseshoes, I spent them listening to rock and roll. Excuse me while, in true Fourth of July fashion, I get nostalgic for a moment. Summers of my childhood were always kicked off on the Fourth, we’d pull up the anchor on our boat and sail off into the seas, with the melodies of Jimmy Buffett, Carly Simon and the Rolling Stones trailing in our wake. Now that I’m older, I can appreciate what my parents were doing for my musical prowess. But more importantly, can embrace this holiday for embracing me, and allowing for endless hours of musical enjoyment. Festival planners have since gotten on board, providing my seasoned senses a plethora of festivals and endless musical enjoyment to partake in over the long weekend. The boat may be gone (thanks a lot, Mom and Dad) but the tradition lives on. Just on dry land.
High Sierra (July 1st-4th): Held in the mountainous area of Quincy, California, High Sierra features a vibrant mix of everything from jazz to bluegrass to electronica. The festival features 2 stages and a tented stage as well as offers workshops and exercise classes, arts and crafts, shopping and children’s activities. This year’s featured artists include Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes, The Avett Brothers, Ozomatli, Dr. Dog, Blitzen Trapper, Lotus and The Radiators.
Nateva (July 2nd-4th): We first introduced Nateva back in April, and since then the buzz surrounding this inaugural fest taking place in Maine has done nothing but explode, enjoying press from Rolling Stone Magazine, Consequence of Sound and Relix. We hate to say it, but we told ya so. This year’s featured artists include The Flaming Lips, Further, moe., Derek Trucks, STS9, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Lotus, Moonalice and John Brown’s Body.
Essence (July 2nd-4th): Held at the New Orleans Superdome, Essense Music Festival is the largest hip hop festival held in the US. In addition to a slew of hip hop performances, the fest also features a ton of seminars aimed toward the African American community, including Ed and Lisa Wu-Hartell (best know from The Real Housewives of Atlanta) and Darren Sharper of the New Orleans Saints. This year’s featured artists include Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Monica, Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson and DJ Soul Sister.
Already American flag deep in your Fourth festivites? No worries. The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival kicks off tomorrow (July 5th) at Brooklyn Bridge Park and will feature artist performances from Black Moon, Mikeflo, Q-Tip, DJ Rob Swift and more through July 8th.
There’s also still time to head to Masontown, West Virginia where the All Good Music Festival gets going on July 8th. All Good will be second chance to catch some of the artists you may miss at High Sierra and Nateva, including Further, Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dark Star Orchestra, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and Bassnectar. You can catch Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and The New Deal. The cool thing about All Good? There are NO overlapping sets. Music to our patriotic ears.