Ditch the traditional water parks and state fairs this summer for more lyrical events. Alex Jenkins, junior in pre-pharmacy, said concerts are a good alternative for more expensive summer vacations. "Most shows are in big cities, so unless you're from one you get to take a road trip to somewhere different and exciting," Jenkins said. "You'll generally spend less money going to a show than an amusement park, and you get to enjoy watching different bands with lots of people who like the same music you do."
Jimmy Mayo, senior in civil engineering. plans on attending concerts this summer. "I'm graduating, so if I don't get a job right away or even if I do, it's a good way to keep from getting bored," Mayo said. "Especially since most bands don't come close to here. You have to go to Atlanta or even farther." Some of the more frequented venues in Atlanta include Tabernacle, Masquerade and Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood. Aaron's Amphitheatre will host the Southern Voice Tour featuring Tim McGraw with special guest Lady Antebellum and Love and Theft May 15.
Looking even further, the venue will showcase Dave Matthews Band Sept. 27. Jenkins said concert-goers should remember the people they are supporting when they go to shows. "People should keep in mind that hardly anyone spends money on music anymore, so if you enjoy a band you should buy a shirt or something," Jenkins said. The Tabernacle, an old church located near Centennial Olympic Park, welcomes Angels and Airwaves May 15 and then Cobra Starship with 3OH!3 June 7. The Masquerade presents Passion Pit at the Tabernacle with Tokyo Police Club June 9 and Damien Marley and Nas with Nneka close out Tabernacle's summer concert line-up June 12.
Birmingham also plays host to some big names this summer. Bryan Adams belts out his ballads May 16 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex mainstage while Carrie Underwood brings her Play On tour to the BJCC Arena June 12. Music festivals are a favorite of college students, with many options in the summer. The Hangout, held in Gulf Shores, is by far the closest festival to the Auburn faithful. Acts perform on the beach at this first-year festival. This allows attendees to have fun in the sun while listening to a lineup which includes Zac Brown Band, Ben Harper and the Relentless7, The Flaming Lips and Girl Talk.
AJ Niland, an organizer from HUKA Entertainment, said this festival is innovative in many ways. "Not only are we the first festival on the east coast of the season, we're also the first festival of this magnitude on a beach ever," Niland said. "That fact alone is pretty amazing, and it's at a place people already know and love." Bonnaroo, held in Manchester, Tenn., is one of the more popular annual festivals. This year, some of the bigger names include Jay-Z, Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, Conan O'Brian and Weezer. "I always think Bonnaroo is a good deal," Mayo said. "There are well over a hundred names there and they do a pretty good job of getting different types of artists. There's something for everybody."
For music buffs looking for a road trip, Wakarusa is a good option. Held in Ozark, Ark., Wakarusa is close enough to drive to and, with full-event passes starting at $144, is cheaper than most festivals. The line-up for Wakarusa includes The Disco Biscuits, The Black Keys, Railroad Earth, John Butler Trio and Umphrey's McGee. The festival is scheduled for June 3 - 6, and provides activities like yoga, disc golf and hiking. A plane ride away, Sasquatch Music Festival in Quincy, Wash., showcases many electronic and alternative favorites. Held Memorial Day weekend, the festival boats names like MGMT, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, My Morning Jacket and Broken Social Scene.
Tickets are $70 per day with free parking, or optional camping pass for the weekend at $99. Niland said he could not stress enough how important it is to wear sunscreen to an outdoor festival. Mayo said that the key is to just have fun. "The most important thing to remember is you're going to have a good time," Mayo said. "As long as you have a good attitude and are enjoying yourself, that's all that matters."
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