If work’s got you down, look ahead, because so many music festivals are right around the corner. Yes, the summer festival circuit is about to commence, and we at MXDWN and TG Daily couldn’t be happier.
The famed SXSW festival in Austin, Texas is right around the corner, and big names are signing on for performances and special events last minute. When Bruce Springsteen was announced SXSW’s keynote speaker, everyone secretly suspected a surprise performance of sorts. All the suspicions have turned out to be correct, as this week Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band confirmed that they’ll be playing a set at the festival.
Details are currently sparse, but their super private performance is scheduled for March 15th, location undisclosed. To attend this amazing set, you must meet specific and extensive badge/wristband requirements. First, you must have specific SXSW credentials, and if eligible, you must swing by one of four “Connection Centers” in Austin to get your badge/wristband/tag scanned to enter the drawing. Those who’ve been randomly selected to attend the performance will be notified via email March 15th. Good luck to all those who enter!
Other big names stopping by SXSW March 17th are the folksy outfits Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and the Old Crow Medicine Show. In support of Emmet Malloy’s new documentary Big Easy Express, tracing the bands’ tour in vintage train cars, the bands will gather at The Paramount Theater for a Q & A session with the director, followed by an exclusive acoustic set. This affair is open to SXSW film and music badge holders as well as those with wristbands and film passes.
It’s hard to find many things not related to the big SXSW festival coming up, but there are other upcoming festivals that deserve a big shout out, as their lineups are stellar. Killington, Vermont’s SnowMont Festival announced their lineup this week, featuring Snoop Dogg, Big Boi, Diplo, The Flaming Lips and others.
Taking place March 30- April 1st at a snowy ski resort, this is a unique festival that combines snow-covered mountain slopes with great music. The grounds are perfectly situated for skiers and snowboarders, and not far from awesome shopping spots and a great night scene. Tickets are on sale now.
Another great festival that released their lineup this week was Brooklyn’s Pitchfork Music, headed by online music critics turned festival organizers. Taking place July 13- 15 in Chicago’s Union Park, the 6th annual Pitchfork Music Festival will celebrate with performances from Vampire Weekend, Feist, Hot Chip, Cloud Nothings and more. Tickets will be released March 9th, with day passes costing $45, and 3-day passes running at $110.
If you’re looking for a festival with a bit more angst and fierceness, check out Costa Mesa, California’s fifth annual MusInk Tattoo Convention & Music Festival, taking place March 2-4 at the OC Fair & Events Center. Besides appearances from well-known tattoo artists like Jack Ruby and Mark Mahoney, the event will also feature live performances from Tiger Army, New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Against me!, Yellowcard and many more.
This lineup is an emo kid’s dream! It’s not too late to make a last minute ticket purchase for the event; Day passes are a reasonable $25, while 3-day passes are $50 and VIP passes are $75.
Unplugging In Brief:
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Confirmed to Perform at SXSW 2012 – We all rejoiced when Springsteen was announced SXSW’s keynote speaker, but now Springsteen and the E Street Band have announced a very private performance at the festival.
Members of Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show to Perform Together at Big Easy Express Film Event at SXSW 2012 – In support of the new documentary Big Easy Express, featuring the folk acts on the road, members from the highly acclaimed bands will stop by the film screening for a Q & A and exclusive acoustic set.
SnowMont Festival Announces 2012 Lineup Featuring Kaskade, The Flaming Lips and Big Boi – A perfect union of snow, sports and music, the SnowMont Festival takes place in the mountains of Vermont, and features a very interesting lineup.
Pitchfork Music Festival Announces 2012 Lineup Featuring Vampire Weekend, Feist and Godspeed You! Black Emperor – The acclaimed Pitchfork Music Festival has announced their 6th annual lineup, to take place in Chicago this July.
MusInk Tattoo Convention & Music Festival Announces 2012 Lineup – It’s not too late to get excited for the edgy and totally cool MusInk Tatto Festival, featuring some great rock bands and appearances by awesome tattoo artists.
