2012 has been jam-packed with many concerts and festivities but the most talked about, attended, and loved events in the US are as follows:
SXSW Conference & Festival
March 9-18 (Music portion March 13-18)
Austin, Texas
This extravaganza wasn’t only music based but it included films and the most fascinating technology. During the day they held discussions about the music industry: how they go about recording. Then by night the festival featured thousands of bands from around the world. They preformed at arenas all over the city. They also screened film premieres, such as Cabin in the woods and 21 Jump Street. If you are interested in any of the media industries this was a had-to-go-to event!
Winter Music Conference
March 16-25
Miami Beach, Florida
This conference was overflowing with DJs and electronic dance bands. This year’s gathering attracted 100,000 fanatics and many of the world’s leading musical representatives. Is serves as an eye-opener for new and up-and-coming indie artists. This is where most indie groups are “found” by producers and record labels. If you are all about the electronic dance craze, this is the event to attend next year.
Lollapalooza
August 5-7: Chicago, Illinois
Lollapalooza is one of the most diverse events of the year featuring different genres–from heavy metal to hip-hop and dance–clearly an iconic American festival. The event expanded to Chile in 2011 and moved into Brazil this year. Historically this event is remembered for for alternative bands but has expanded its range of musical performances. Some of the headlining acts included Bjork, Foo Fighters, MGMT, Arctic Monkeys, and Skrillex. Next year is rumored to be bigger and better!
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
April 13-15 and April 20-21
Indio, California
After last year’s event sold out in under a week, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held its 2012 installment over two weekends. According to a statement, organizers attempted to produce two identical festival weekends featuring the same lineup. Every year, more than 100,000 music fans head to the Southern California desert for the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. In the decade since Coachella launched, the multi-stage event has grown in size and acclaim and is now considered the opener of the summer festival season.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 27-May 6
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans isn’t only known for Mardi Gras, this 10-day cultural feast is filled with thousands of musicians and an audience of hundreds of thousands. But music is always better with a little something to eat, right? Now there wasn’t any “carnival food” only authentic culinary cuisine. Arts and crafts, food and good music; if this sounds like a fun time you know where to go next year.
Bonnaroo Festival
June 7-10
Manchester, Tennessee
This four-day musical event has been quoted as “the festival of the year” by New York Times in its past years. Originally their focus was on jam bands and folk rock. This being its eleventh showing has been one of the most diverse event including acts form hip-hop to electronica. But some of the most interesting things that happen there are the artisan crafts. Many perform comical acts, silent discos and even ferris wheels. From music to amusement this festival has it all.
iHeartRadio Music Festival
September 21,22, Las Vegas
“Biggest live music event in radio history,” according to MTV.com. In only its second year running, the iHeartRadio festival is already the have-to-be-at event! Hosted at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, it has already attracted thousands of music lovers. Tickets sold out in about 8 minutes but many who attended won their way in through the radio itself. Handing out two tickets every hour, My FM gained thousands of new listeners and promoted their station. Next year if you’re not able to purchase your ticket you can always win them.
Rock The Bells
August 18-19 San Bernardino, CA
August 25-26 Mountain View, CA
September 1-2 Holmdel, NJ
So close yet so far away. Here in San Bernardino county, Rock the Bells rocked the house. This being more of a concert than a festival, it is mostly known for hip-hop. New, old and mainstream artists are some of the many types who headlined the event this year. Rumors of some of the biggest hip-hop artists are to open up the event next year so get your tickets soon.