to michael franti photo by Hejl

As I  mentioned in last week’s post we’re taking a look at the upcoming summer of rock on our side of the pond. I’m going to gloss over the obvious (cause we all know about Coachella…and its dunzo for this year anyway) and mention a few maybe lesser known but solid music festivals in Canada and the U.S. These festivals are a great compromise for the music-thirsty traveler on a budget. A festival pass and a tank of gas is practically all you need to have yourself one awesome summer of rock vacation.

Sasquatch Music Festival May 23 – 25
Located at The Gorge Amphitheatre near George, Washington, the Sasquatch Music Festival is a haven for indie and alternative rock and hip hop. It was started in 2002 with the intention of filing the void left behind when festivals like Lilith Fair (resurrecting in 2010 ?!?) and Lollapalooza (also revived) had come undone. Since then the festival has drawn the likes of the Nine Inch Nails, Coldplay, The Beastie Boys and Death Cab for Cutie. I am personally lamenting that I can’t go this year as the headlining act is The Kings of Leon (whom I heart). As if that’s not bad enough, I’ll also being missing out on The Decemberists (teardrop), Silversun Pickups, Gogol Bordello (sigh), Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mos Def, TV on the Radio, Fleet Foxes and so many more that it hurts!

Bonnaroo Gate photo by adamiwebb

Bonnaroo June 11 – 14
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival isn’t actually a lesser known festival. Especially not after Rolling Stone Magazine name it the Best Festival of 2009 calling it “the ultimate over-the-top summer festival.” But if you’re not yet in-the-know then let me fill you in. Bonnaroo came about in 2002 in a farm field near Manchester, Tennessee. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in music and crosses into many genres. Proof of that can be found in this years lineup which includes Elvis Costello, Merle Harggard, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Snoop Dog, MGMT, and of Montreal. The festival also makes a solid effort to promote green initiatives like sourcing food locally and encouraging event recycling and waste services.

Sled Island June 24 – 27

If you’ve been to the Sled Island Music Festival than you’re either from Calgary, AB or you’re well informed. The festival will be going into its third year and even in its tender infancy attracts some of the best indie bands out there. One of my favorite things about this festival is the way its casually spread throughout the downtown core of Calgary. With acts playing on stages in big small venues ranging from Millenium Park to the Marquee Room, the festival is nearly as much about discovering the charm of the city as it is about the stellar music. This years lineup is still a tight-lipped secret (full lineup to be announced sometime between now and June 1st) but the festival’s sophomore effort brought forward The Broken Social Scene, Tegan & Sara, Mogwai, The Dodos, Of Montreal and some of my favorite local acts like The Dudes, Jane Vain and The Dark Matter and Beija Flor.

Next week, I’m going to cover a few more festivals kicking around in Canada and the US. If you have any suggestions for a gem in your area, I’d love to hear it!

Millenium Park, Calgary, Alberta is highlighted on the Flight Centre travel map.

Jennifer Maley is an International Travel Consultant based in Victoria, British Columbia and can be reached at 1 866 604 6340.

Categories: Off The Beaten Path

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