Hot fun in the summertime

Summer is one of the best times of the year for live music. This year is a bit of a disappointment for concertgoers, however. Once home to headliners like Jay-Z and Radiohead, New Jersey’s All Points West festival is in doubt for this year. Organizers are saying that the festival probably won’t happen in 2010.

To help dry your tears, here’s a list of some options to fill the void this summer. Whether you’re working hard to pay the bills or mooching off your parents this summer, find out which are worth the price tag and the trip. 

Bonnaroo (website)

Where: Manchester, Tenn.

When: June 10-13

Tickets: $249.50 (Includes four days, camping, and parking)

Since 2002, Bonnaroo has grown to become the quintessential summer concert. At its inception the concert featured predominantly jam bands, but more recently has expanded to nearly every genre of music. This summer’s lineup lacks the massive headlining bands of the previous few years. The past few years have featured major headliners like Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, The Police, and Radiohead. This year’s lineup, while certainly full of impressive acts, lacks a seasoned headliner. The lineup should still have something for everyone.

There’s less emphasis on jam bands, one of the few in attendance being Dave Matthews. More popular acts like Weezer and Kings of Leon share headlining duties with music legend Stevie Wonder and Jay-Z, who has developed a strong presence at summer concerts in recent years. Indie acts like Phoenix, The National, and The xx will be in attendance, along with folk-inspired acts like She & Him, Dr. Dog, and The Avett Brothers.

The festival lacks some acts that have become staples like My Morning Jacket, Wilco, and Widespread Panic. There are many strong performers, but most are smaller and the lineup seems to lack some of the live juggernauts the festival has featured in recent years.

Although the festival should be pleasing for fans of the event itself, it might not draw casual fans who are hesitant to shell out the expensive cost of tickets and make the trek all the way to Tennessee.

Lollapalooza (website)

Where: Chicago, Ill.

When: August 6-8

Tickets: Three day passes for $215

Another staple of the summer festival discussion is Chicago’s Lollapalooza. The festival is later in the summer. Unlike most summer festivals, it’s based in an urban environment, which should please those who don’t want to camp out. The lineup leans more towards the indie/alternative crowd with acts like The Strokes, Arcade Fire, Spoon, The National, and Grizzly Bear. Still, headliners Green Day and Lady Gaga should make for an interesting change of pace. The recently reunited Soundgarden could be one of the festival’s most memorable performances.

Lollapalooza features some more famous acts, although there’s a little less variety, there should still be something for everyone. It’s still expensive for casual fans, but the lineup looks promising enough to make it worthwhile.

Pitchfork Music Festival (website)

Where: Chicago, Ill.

When: July 16-18

Tickets: Three day passes are currently sold out, one day passes for $40.

Also based in Chicago, the Pitchfork Music Festival is geared primarily towards Pitchfork Media’s hipster fanbase. The lineup essentially offers nothing to casual music fans. The only act with commercial notoriety is Modest Mouse.

Still, low-fi legends Pavement should be worth the price of admission. Although there are barely any major headlining acts, most of the lineup is strong and should please fans of the genre. There’s still some variety with folk acts like The Tallest Man on Earth on the same bill as trip-hop crowd-pleasers Major Lazer.

Although there will undoubtedly be a plethora of tragically hip twentysomethings, the festival does have a number of promising acts. The concert should feature some great performances for those brave enough to face the Pitchfork zombies.

Sasquatch! Music Festival (website)

Where: George, Wash.

When: May 29-31

Ticekts: One day passes for $70

Washington’s Sasquatch! Music Festival emphasizes indie, but there’s a dash of hip-hop acts and comedians to add some variety. Pavement, My Morning Jacket, Vampire Weekend, and MGMT are among the more famous acts with indie leanings.

Folk troubadours like She & Him, Mumford & Sons, and The Tallest Man on Earth will all make the trek out to the west coast. Hip-hop acts include Wale, Public Enemy, and Kid Cudi, among others. Folk rockers like Dawes and Dr. Dog are also worth catching. Comedians include recent breakout Aziz Ansari, and Craig Robinson (Darryl from “The Office”).

Sasquatch! includes a number of strong indie acts and is worthwhile for fans willing to head over to Washington state. Hey, you can even stop on the trip and see the setting of the “Twilight” series.

Philadelphia Folk Festival (website)

Where: Schwenksville, Pa.

When: August 20-22

Tickets: Three day pass for $105 ($145 of you're camping), one day pass for $40

A slightly less expensive option that requires much less travel is the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Set in Schwenksville, Pa., the Philly Folk Fest is a smaller festival, but there are a number of surprising headliners.

Award winning blues legend Taj Mahal will undoubtedly put on a great show. Americana roots-rocker Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy is another of the more famous acts. Once an unknown, but massively talented songwriter, Billy has started to receive some well-deserved attention as of late.