summer 2009 music tours

I can't tell you how excited I get around this time of year. Yes Spring is just around the bend,and I love that season, but also I know what comes AFTER Spring... SUMMER!!! I am a summer-lovin', sun worshipping,Earth Fairy who can't get enough of the sweet smell of summer! Oh and did I mention I love, live music? Live music outside, even better!

I have wrote about this before,a few blogs ago, I had wrote about some recently announced Spring and Summer tours. Well now there's even more to write about. There are more dates for more bands and even really great shows popping up here in the Northwest.

Let's start with The Dead touring again this Spring and Summer. They are really excited(maybe as much as the fans)to get out there and play some music! The tour starts off in Greensboro,NC on April 12th. It ends in Washington on May 16th at The Gorge Ampitheatre. What an amazing venue this is! If you haven't seen a show here,go,go,go! It's beautiful and the views are magnificent! The tour spans across the U.S. and I am thinking that they may add more dates as the days go on... Where else do you think they should play? I have been thinking about songs too. I hope that whatever they play, they play directly from their heart. I saw The Dead perform at the Gorge years back when they were touring after Jerry died, it was great, I just have a feeling this time will be even better.

I want to write about the tour that has everyone,including me, buzzing! I mean The Dead is truly buzz-worthy, but NIN AND Janes Addiction?? Really? Yes really! They start off this adventure performing at The Sasquatch Music Festival, on May 24th. This Fest has so many other great musicians, besides Jane's and NIN, but the magnitude of these two powerful bands make it worth the trip to the Gorge just to see THEM! I am really thinking about going for the day they are playing, only... I've never seen NIN, and I have already seen Ben Harper,and a few of the other artists on this list. Besides NIN and Jane's Addiction, I am not a HUGE fan of many of the other bands. I do like some other's, but my attention would be focused on the powerhouses of the above mentioned. These 2 bands together again like during the Lollapalooza days; we are fortunate to be able to see this musical (ad)venture unfold.

I have been following forums, gossip and blogs talking about Bonnaroo, and the word is that everyone really loves this lineup. David Byrne! I can't say enough about him. I am a big fan and I have not been able to see him yet, so I am truly excited for this performance. And of course there is the reunion of Phish. I knew they would play Bonnaroo when they decided to get back together, it's the perfect place for them and their Legions of fans. A campout, in the sun, a GIANT group of friends, gathering for a long weekend to party, like they have NEVER partied before! This, in a nutshell is Bonnaroo, anyway; with or without Phish. I am going again this year, not exactly FOR Phish....David...Byrne.....! But I know this will be one amazing time!

From June 11th to June 14th, Manchester Tn. becomes a metropolis of music lovers! A city that was just bare land, is now full of wild parties,campers and art of every kind! It's really hot and they need more SHOWERS and BATHROOMS! I know there are a trillion things at Bonnaroo that always blow my mind, so I hate complaining about some of the other "stuff". They need to be a bit more sustainable too. I do recognize that they started doing composting and having people "moniter" the trash,and recycling. That was very helpful to some, their are still so many places that don't recycle the way we do here in the Northwest, so I know not everyone knows what to or not to recycle. It'll never be anything like Burningman. Nothing this big and so commercial could be like Burningman. This festival and Bonnaroo are pretty different to say the least...

I hope that besides seeing whom I think is an utter genius, that the other acts will also play from the bottom of their hearts. You can't lose by coming out to this year's festival, I asure you!

I want to add that more snippets of band and tour news will be coming this way, yet again later and tomorrow. I have alot to say about some festivals and the line ups I am seeing pop up. Summer is the best time to see music, and with what we have to look forward to,I think this summer is going to Rock!

I said I would write more, so here I am, to do just that. I love certain websites out there thatI tend to look to for music news and there was one I looke dat today that made me want to be on the East Coast(??) on June 6th for a one day only musical event, it's a masterpiece, really. There is a one day Festival called Starscape Music Festival, in Baltimore! Why so far away? From me, that is?? Like I said, I wish I could go to this thing! It's a LONG one day event of booty-shakin', energy-swappin', feet bumpin' all in one place!

Here is what is happening here: The Disco Biscuits, Bassnectar,Chromeo, EOTO,Lotus, Dieselboy, I am only naming a few! check out their website for more info, and to see the WHOLE list of amazing talent. Here is the website: starscapefestival.com

I can't say enough about this event. The tickets are looking to be about $39.50 for the time being, these are the early birds, they may go quick! They also are doing a VIP package like everyone else does now too, those are running about $129.00. The event starts at 2pm and ends the following morning at around 2am. WOW!!!!

Now for some news that has everyone in Portland, OR, really stoked. The 2 night run of STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector Nine) at the Roseland, on March 6th and 7th! Not only are they playing there, the official Sts9 after party is at one of THE best places to shake it in Portland, The Crowne Room! So after the Saturday night show(6th) get on over to The Crowne Room for even more booty shakin tunes! On the 7th the Official AfterParty will be at Berbati's. Also another fun spot! I think Portland is in for an amazing week of music and partying!

There is a local band playing on the 6th at The Roots Brewery in Southeast Portland, they are called Vivid Curve and surely deserve a listen! If you like the didj then you NEED to go! Listening to The Urban Shaman, which Jeff calls himself, is a healing and energetic journey that I always like to be on!

SO much for a relaxing week, GEEZZZ!

Hope to see ya all out on the dance floor, ShaKIn' It!!!!

Melissa M