Warped Tour
If Warped Tour had a theme song, it would be: "Smells Like Teen Spirit," by Nirvana. But maybe change the words to "Smells Like Angry Minors."
Lineup: More than 100 bands will grace the Warped Tour stages, including New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Sum 41, The Starting Line and Coheed and Cambria.
Why you should go: Warped Tour is without a doubt the world's biggest celebration of the punk/emo genre and holds a little something for everyone: whiny emo, acoustic emo, hardcore emo and screamo, to name a few. But thrown in among the not-so-great acts are some acts worth catching: highly underrated prog-rockers Coheed and Cambria always give an electrifying performance, and up-and-coming Paramore sounds the way Fall Out Boy would have if their lead singer was an adorably peppy 16-year-old girl. Even if you were always "too cool" for emo, you can at least go to people watch: Warped boasts more pierced-up, gothed-out tweens than your local Hot Topic.
Visiting various cities across the United States, July 25-Aug. 25. Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee, July 31. See www.warpedtour.com for more information.
Lollapalooza
If Lollapalooza had a theme song, it would be: "Cocaine," by Eric Clapton. Because that's probably the only thing that will keep your energy up while you're frantically sprinting between stages, screaming at your friends to hurry up or they'll "accidentally" get elbowed in the throat during the show.
Lineup: More than 120 bands make up this incredible bill, including Pearl Jam, Modest Mouse, The Black Keys, Spoon, TV on the Radio, Pete Yorn, Regina Spektor … I can't type any more, my hands are shaking too badly with excitement.
Why you should go: OK, if the above list isn't reason enough … I'll just continue to list bands. Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Motion City Soundtrack, Lupe Fiasco, Kings of Leon … but start saving for your ticket now: The fest comes with a hefty price tag ($195.00 for a three-day pass). Also, don't forget to wear a comfy pair of shoes: You will probably be running back and forth between stages, trying not to miss the one act that everyone will be talking about for weeks to come. Set in Chicago's beautiful Grant Park, this is one music fest you won't want to miss.
Grant Park, Chicago, Aug. 3-5. See www.lollapalooza.com for more information.
Summerfest
If Summerfest had a theme song, it would be: "White and Nerdy," by Weird Al. I mean, come on, the festival does take place in Wisconsin. Zing!
Lineup: Wolfmother, Less Than Jake, Ben Folds with opener John Mayer, The Fray, OK Go.
Why you should go: Summerfest is the best place to go if you want the three B's: bands, beer and big spectacles. Running from June 28 to July 8, each night features a variety of music on 10 permanent stages, ranging from jam bands to mainstream country to indie rock. Aussie trio Wolfmother should give a rousing performance of their in-your-face rock, while the variety of acts like B.B. King, Def Leppard, and yes, Weird Al Yankovic keep the surprises coming. And the Ben Folds-John Mayer combination should prove interesting; if you get bored with the concert, you can always just ponder the mystery of how so much talent ended up in two such goofy-looking people … I kid, I kid. Sort of.
Milwaukee, June 28 to July 8. See www.summerfest.com for more information.
Bonnaroo
If Bonnaroo had a theme song, it would be: Any song by Widespread Panic. Because widespread panic is what will occur with the older-than-40 crowd if technical difficulties occur during "Fields of Gold."
Lineup: The much-hyped reunion of the Police, not to mention the White Stripes, Widespread Panic, the Decemberists and Wilco.
Why you should go: What could be more fun than a road trip to Tennessee to see some of today's best musicians? While this festival caters to a more specific taste in music, there is still fun to be had by all: If indie rock isn't your thing, there's a Comedy Tent where comedians Lewis Black and Dave Attell will perform, and morning yoga sessions will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on one of the stages each morning of the festival. Not to mention, if you see the Police perform live, you may be able to figure out why your mom thinks Sting is so hot. Woof.
Manchester, Tenn. June 14 to 17. See www.bonnaroo.com for more information.
