Bonnaroo
Dates: June 13–16 Price: $269.50Going down south this summer? Don't miss this four–day concert experience (that's what previous Bonnaroovians would call it) in good old Manchester, Tennessee. With artists like Paul McCartney, Billy Idol, Matt & Kim, Earl Sweatshirt, Passion Pit and the Lumineers headlining, Bonnaroo offers the most even distribution of up–and–comer, super–popular–right–now, and forever relevant musical acts (and there's comedy, too!) A camping area is provided for you in your general admission ticket and you'll be stationed with a bunch fellow barefoot, music–loving hippies. Don't fret though, there are bathrooms and showers for you to use as well. Not to mention, a "Broo'ers Festival" tent featuring over 20 different breweries, and more food trucks (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options) than you'll know what to do with.
Writer's Musical Pick: Pretty Lights
Writer's Comedy Pick: David Cross
Editor’s Must-See: Don’t miss Local Natives down in Tennessee. Their young acoustic sound matures in their most recent album release, "Hummingbird." Apart from their emotive lyrics and rich acoustics, Local Natives have come up with a unique sound characterized by an upbeat tempo umatched by other indie rock bands. Make sure to know the lyrics to “Breakers."
Firefly
Dates: June 21–23 Price: $258
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Vampire Weekend, MGMT and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be headlining this concert festival in nearby Dover, Delaware. Kicking off its second year, Firefly plays out like a sort of lightweight, light–drug version of Coachella, only not in California. Campgrounds are all sold out, but alternate lodging options are available—plus, if you're in Philadelphia for the summer, getting over the border each day shouldn't be too troublesome. Plus, with only four stages, it'll be easier for you to catch every single act you wanna catch once you're there. Dogfish Head has brewed a special Firefly Ale just for the occasion, which is a reason to go on its own. If you're looking for baby steps into the concert fest scene, Firefly is the place for you.
Writer's Pick: The Lumineers
Editor’s Must-See: St. Lucia’s distinctive pop sound will definitely be worth checking out. Jean–Philip Grobler’s (a.k.a. St. Lucia) raspy vocals and melodic instrumentals create euphoric energy that’s sure to speak to a chilled–out crowd. Grobler’s eponymous debut album, “St. Lucia,” got buzz from dance–floor DJs such as Alex Metric and The Knocks last year. Be sure to know “Before the Dive” before you dive into this fly concert.
Governor's Ball
Dates: June 7–9 Price: 3 day passes are sold out, but $95/day
Did you nab an NYC internship? Good Quaker, give yourself a break and go see the likes of Pretty Lights, Local Natives, Japandroids, and Yeasayer (don't forget to holla at Penn alum and lead guitarist, Anand Wilder) in Randall's Island Park. Heavyweights like Kanye West and Kings of Leon will be at Governor's, too, but never fear the force of the mainstream: this festival also offers non–concert activities like the Silent Disco and fun lawn games. How can a disco be silent? By way of live DJing channeled into personal headsets. Then dance your ass off with a bunch of other people doing the same thing. Music + bad dancing = great time, at least in our opinion.
Writer's Pick: Of Monsters and Men
Editor’s Must-See: Trekking from Australia, indie electronic group Cut Copy is a must. Their latest album, “Zonoscope” provides a varied mix of upbeat pop and soft techno. Their 80’s pop-infused sound allows for a unique experience that attracts all sorts of crowds. The synth ballads with disco beats will get everyone dancing. Furthermore, “Lights & Music” is sure to have a psychedelic light show.
