Music festival season is on
A live music connoisseur can expect a wild festival season in the upcoming months, as the Northwest and west coast promises to deliver some of the most electric performances for 2015.
Coachella
Indio, California April 17-19
The lush greens of the Empire Polo Club are soon to be the stomping grounds for colossal star power including Drake, Alt-J, David Guetta, Florence and the Machine, AC/DC, Jack White, The Weeknd and tons of others. Coachella is Mt. Olympus for the American concert attendee, if not the best in the U.S., then the best this side of the Mississippi. With the two weekends of Coachella coming up, now is the best time to snatch up tickets.
Coachella is in the Southwestern desert, so copious a amount of sunscreen is a necessity. There is a fine line between “Wow, nice tan!” and “Wow, I feel pained just looking at you.”
Sasquatch!
The Gorge Amphitheatre, Washington May 22-25
The Gorge Amphitheatre stands as one of the most picturesque concert venues in the Northwest, perched on a cliff overlooking the shimmering Columbia River. Since the festival’s launch in 2002, Sasquatch! has expanded into the national spotlight delivering a hodgepodge of entertainment, including musicians picked from the radio, indie gladiators, hip-hop heavy hitters and comedians. This year will feature Kendrick Lamar, Modest Mouse, Lana Del Ray, Milky Chance, Glass Animals and more.
Paradiso
The Gorge Amphitheatre, Washington June 26-27
The energy exerted from attendees dancing their faces off at the Paradiso music festival could easily power New York City for a week. Armin Van Buren, Skrillex, Knife Party, Alesso and Martin Garrix will host the two-day party this year, with others to be announced. The raver culture of the Northwest recognizes Paradiso as an event that can’t be missed. Be sure to pack your best furs, bracelets, cartoon-y costumes and keep hydrated out there.
Watershed
The Gorge Amphitheatre, Washington July 31-August 2
The country lover’s dream vacation. Watershed mixes the tunes of your favorite artists to sing along and dance to with some of the Northwest’s most gorgeous scenery, blending into a truly unforgettable experience. Rip-roaring jams are promised by the likes of Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Clare Dunn and Joe Nichols, alongside other artists. Don’t forget the barbecue or a packed cooler, two of the best ways to break the ice with the neighboring Watershed campers.
Squamish Valley Music Festival
British Columbia, Canada August 7-9
The Squamish Valley Music Festival is not as well known in the states, but with headliners including Sam Smith, Drake, Alabama Shakes, ODESZA, Of Monsters and Men and A$AP Rocky. What better way is there to end summer intermission with a road trip to the U.S.’s northern neighbor? This year’s festival guarantees mind-blowing performances, and if they don’t do the trick, the pristine natural views surrounding the concert venue will finish the job.
George Wood can be reached at [email protected]