If you’re a music lover, then you’re probably looking for something to do this summer. Why not a music festival? They are relatively inexpensive and because you will see more than one artist perform, you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Bumbershoot – August 31 – September 3
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA
CitySearch.com calls this festival the “biggest music festival on the west coast” and rightfully so. This labor day, Bumbershoot will celebrate its 31st music festival. While headliners include top names like Sugar Ray and Ani DiFranco, music lovers will also be able to watch their favorite local musicians.
$12 a day
Central Park SummerStage – July 7 – 9
72nd St and 5th Ave--Rumsey Field
New York, NY
Going on its 15th year, not only does the Central Park
SummerStage feature great music, but you can also find wonderful poetry and opera at this event. Best of all…it’s FREE!
Milwaukee Summerfest - July 6 – July 8
200 N Harbor Dr
Milwaukee, WI
1999 Guiness Book of World Records proclaimed the Milwaukee Summerfest the “World’s Biggest Music Festival.” The festival grounds include 13 stages, including the Marcus Amphitheater, which seats 24,000. This year’s headliners include Paul Simon, Brian Wilson, BoDeans, Destiny's Child, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Blink-182, Tim McGraw, Bon Jovi, G. Love & Special Sauce, James Brown, the Cult, the Wallflowers, Jonny Lang, Cheap Trick, Monster Magnet, Little Feat, Everclear and Blues Traveler.
$8 a day, or $21 for a three-day pass
http://www.summerfest.com/
JVC Newport Jazz Fest - August 11 –12
Ocean Dr/Harrison Ave
Newport, RI
This festival, which had its first show in 1954, celebrates the true art of jazz. This summer’s headliners include Grammy-winning Diana Krall, Natalie Cole and Ray Charles.
$25 - $85
San Francisco Blues Festival - September 22 – 23
Fort Mason Center
Buchanan St
San Francisco, CA
This year’s performers include this year including Ike Turner, Los Lobos, Hot Tuna's Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, Little Milton, Robben Ford and Maria Muldaur.
$25 - $40
San Jose Jazz Festival
San Jose, CA
The San Jose Jazz Festival – also a fundraiser for the San Jose Jazz Society, is the largest jazz festival in the country. This five-day event combines smooth jazz, latin pop, R&B, and big band. This year’s musical guests include Angelique Kidjo, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Pete Escovedo (Sheila E’s father).
Tanglewood – July 6 -7
Route 183 (West St)
Lenox, MA
If you like orchestral music, this music festival is a must-see. the world famous Boston Sympany Orchestra will be performing Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.
