Festivals create summer memories

The snow is finally gone and the arrival of summer brings many long-awaited things with it, but the best one? The music.

Whether you enjoy the trendy, the lesser known, or just the classics — if you have money to burn or are looking for a free show — if you’re willing to invest your time on the road, or if you’re looking for something closer to home — there’s a festival for you.

The season starts with Bonnaroo. Manchester, Tenn. is the home of this well-known show June 9-12. Stages will be open to Eminem, Arcade Fire, the Black Keys, Mumford & Sons, Gogol Bordello and even comedians like Lewis Black. Tickets are $249.50. Not a prepared camper? Rent a tent for an additional fee or book a room in a nearby hotel.

In Michigan the Rothbury’s Electric For- est festival June 30 – July 3. Four-day passes are $239.50. Music includes Stephen Mar- ley, REO Speedwagon, EOTO and more.

Enjoy the festival’s namesake — the Sher- wood Forest — a relaxing scene during the day, but once the sun goes down it becomes the electric forest, dripping in brilliant light displays — the perfect party spot.

August 5-7, Lollapalooza occurrs in Chicago. Passes are $215; save money when you book a room online with participating hotels. As usual, Lollapalooza features the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, Bright Eyes and the Kills to name a few.

Detroit plays host to traveling festivals too. The Vans Warped Tour returns to Comerica Park July 8 and tickets are just under $35. The line-up for Detroit includes Less Than Jake, The Wonder Years, The Devil Wears Prada, A Day To Remember and more.

Lisa Coppola, a mathematics junior is a regular of this pop-punk gathering.

“I’ve been going to Warped Tour for years– since I was still a preteen, I go because it’s the one time I get to see all my favorite bands together at one show.”

Coppola enjoys the personal aspect of the show.

“I’ve also had some fun opportunities meeting bands,” she said. “For example, a few years ago I had the opportunity to

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A large crowd forms in Hart Plaza for WYCD Downtown Hoedown in May 2010.

meet Every Avenue because I mistakenly got into their fan line.”

Save money with local shows like the WYCD Downtown Hoedown May 13-15, or the Detroit Jazz Festival September 2-5. Both are at Hart Plaza and are free to attend.

Alicia Moceri, an exercise science major, has attended the Hoedown for several years and believes the free entry helps

fans to focus on the music and atmosphere rather than cost.

“I love getting dressed up and heading to Detroit,” Moceri said. “It’s true country fans.”

Every Memorial Day weekend, the De- troit Electronic Music Festival showcases the best that the genre has to offer.

Get out of town, or stay close to home — either way, music will fill the air.