I've alway been a bit of an Inspector Gadget type, and can usually be found w/a utlity pack brimming w/accessories, doodads, what if's and just in cases. There's just something appealing about knowing that if I was stranded on a desert island, my trusty backpack and hideway pockets contain everything I'd need to live high on the hog without having to knaw off my own toes to survive.

I tend to take the same approach when heading out to a multi day festival. Whether we're talking Reggae On the River, All Tomorow's Parties or Burning Man (good god, especially Burning Man), you always have to consider the elements when on musical pilgrimage.

Every fest is a little different. The sun could be burning a hole through your vintage t-shirt or the rain might be pounding harder on the roof of your tent than the music outside. But one thing rings true for the multi-day, bring-your-own-everything concert-goer: comfort baby, comfort.  Read more »

Alright, let's call it what it is-the economy's in the toilet and folks are kinda broke. For the festival lovin' faithful, this might mean that your 2009 concert calendar is looking a little slimmer than you might have hoped. But fear not music junkies, there are still ways you can round up enough money to make it to your favorite annual festival to rock yourself silly. Exhibit A: ticket layaway.  Read more »

Outside Lands will be a complete experience of the senses. Another Planet Entertainment, Superfly Productions and Starr Hill Presents will feature on-site activities to highlight San Francisco traditions. Emerging technologies, art, wine and food will be featured at the inaugural Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, to take place in San Francisco’s historic Golden Gate Park August 22-24, 2008.

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'Treasure Trove’ has been added the to the list of attractions at the second installment of the Treasure Island Music Festival to take place September 20-21. Noise Pop and Another Planet Entertainment announce the on site attraction "Treasure Trove", which is an interactive art and culture tent that will highlight Bay Area artists and galleries. It will give festival goers a chance to take a break from the music. “Treasure Trove” is co-curated by Betty Nguyen of San Francisco based contemporary arts publication First Person Magazine (http://www.firstpersonmag.com).  Read more »

Popwatch Blog: Sooo....When I last left you all, I had just finished standing in a contorted position for most of Friday night, squashed in between many thousands of fairly rude people so I could catch Radiohead's set up close. Like I said, probably not the best possible setting in which to see my favorite band. I couldn't really be bothered, though, considering how awesome Friday night's set was. The band was even tighter and more enthusiastic than they were when I saw them this spring. more...

I’m not exactly sure whose idea it was, my daughter’s or mine. She had recently gone to a Radiohead concert in Charlotte and had proceeded to go out and buy all their music and I had noticed that Wilco, one of my favorites, was scheduled to appear at Lollapalooza this year. We were definitely going to the Midwest to visit family in Michigan and Chicagoland and one of us suggested taking in Lollapalooza while in Chicago.

My wife and other daughter had little interest but did not object to Dad and daughter attending the festival together. We went online and bought two three- day passes and then convinced a couple other friends with daughters to meet up with us. The result was three Dads in their mid-fifties with their teenage daughters spending three great days visiting and listening to music in one of the world’s great cities. I wasn’t a stranger to music festivals but had never been to anything on the scale on this year’s Lollapalooza.  Read more »

Here's a glimpse of this weekend's upcoming festivals, from California to Canada.

British Colombia: Give you tips on: "How to do Pemberton in comfort and style." More...  Read more »