What To Do This Weekend? Music Is In the Air

by wakitu

It’s that time of year. The weather is changing, the birds are cranking their tunes, there is too little time and too many things to do every weekend. But don’t let that To-Do List keep you from some of the best things in life! Not surprisingly, music comes to mind, as well as camping, crafting and wandering in the outside with your shoes off.

Click through to see a little of what’s happening this weekend.

Among the incredible musical adventures this weekend are, in no particular order:

The Great Escape 2010 – the world showcase for New Music – has already begun in Brighton, UK and will continue through the 15th. With over 30 venues and more than 300 bands accessible with that magic wristband, we’re not going to even try to hit the  highlights. If you can get to Brighton, click that link and check it out!

Though it officially starts Friday and runs through Sunday night in Gulf Shores, AL, rumor has it the beach kickoff party for the Hangout Music Festival took place Thursday night with the help of Catfish Alliance, Gravy, and The Rez. Some of the headliners at this little gathering include Zac Brown Band, John Legend, The Black Crowes and The Roots, who joined the Festival when Flaming Lips had to drop out due to the hospitalization of their guitarist, Steve Drozd. It has been announced that all profits from the Festival will go toward coastal conservation and restoration. In addition to the benefit concerts, they have organized a supply drive and activism, awareness and fundraising campaigns. For those of you who cannot attend, The Hangout Music Festival will be broadcast via live (though silent) web cam.

I’ve heard that Blind Willie, who was born in Thomson, GA (and died in 1959) was one of the all-time greats of acoustic country blues guitar, a  master particularly of the 12-string. That, in itself, sounds like a good enough reason to me for a music festival! The fine entertainment at the  Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival in Thomson on May 15th will include Little Feat (rockin since ‘69), Atlanta’s Delta Moon, and the harmonica of Charlie Musselwhite. Weather is expected to be in the high 80s.

They’ll be camping in the California desert for the 8th Annual Joshua Tree Music Festival running all weekend. Free water will be available but attendees must bring their own containers. The Stanton Warriors will be making with the dance tunes and the alt-rock and electronica will be provided by Mexican Institute of Sound, along with a variety of other musical options. In addition to music, there will be art installations, vendor booths, exhibits and other attractions. The focus here is on good vibes, good tunes and clear desert skies.

They’ll also be camping in the lovely rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, which will resound with sounds of the local music – led off by the amazing Loretta Lynn, and followed by dozens of other performers – and the enjoyment of local artistry that is part of the three-day Nelsonville Music Festival.

Wherever you may be this weekend, keep a good thought, hum a little tune and keep your bare feet tapping … and bookmark the BareFoot Festival Line-Up so you can check back often for more musical gatherings near you!