The past couple weekends kicked off most of our jam- packed music calendars of 2013. The festivities began with the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee and was followed by the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware. Both festivals had KILLER line-ups this year and the girls at Philly_PR_Girl split up the endless shows and marked our favorites. If you couldn’t make either of the trips, don’t worry– we’ve got your back, and included a roundup of the most memorable performances and included our top picks for this summer’s festival series throughout Philly.
Bonnaroo:
Starting the weekend off right was an incredible performance by the young ladies of HAIM, who Kate saw open up for Mumford & Sons earlier in the year and absolutely loved. These mid- 20’s, LA natives took the audience by storm with sounds influenced from 80’s pop, Stevie Nicks and 90’s R&B. They also played the Governors Ball Music Festival earlier in June. To top off a long Day 1, was a 3-hour set and fireworks display by Sir Paul McCartney and his soul-filled backing band. The experience was pure magic and engrossed the crowd with a compelling version of “Live and Let Die.” Another highly anticipated event of the weekend was the annual, Rock ‘N Soul Superjam gathering artists from all genres to play a mixture of 70’s soul, funk, rock& roll and spread the Bonnaroo message of peace. We were truly lucky to have participated in the two-hour dance party featuring; John Oates and Jim James, Zigaboo Modeliste from The Meters, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, later joined by Brittney Howard of The Alabama Shakes, R.Kelly and Billy Idol to end the most talked about night of the weekend. As they say in Manchester, until next year see ya on the farm Bonnaroovians!
Firefly:
Dover, Delaware has earned its reputation as a top festival destination as Firefly just completed its highly successful second year of existence. Over 60,000 people flocked to the Raceway last weekend to enjoy the diverse lineup with sounds from, The Red Hot Chile Peppers, Vampire Weekend, Kendrick Lamar, The Alabama Shakes and the all-American favorite, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Remarkable performances included a scandalous show from Matt &Kim, Schoolboy Q as Earl Sweatshirt’s replacement and an encapsulating performance by Ellie Goulding. Tickets for 2014 are already being reserved, and we would suggest you pre-order them ASAP as next year is projected to be even bigger and better.
Philly Festival Series:
This summer, Philly is home to a multitude of music events with something for everyone. Events we cannot miss include:
- WaWa Welcome America Festival (July 1 – 7) – The Roots, John Mayer, Demi Lovato, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo, & more take the stage on July 4th for America’s largest free concert. Oh and friends to Philly PR Girl Chill Moody & GoGo Morrow are performing on the Questlove Stage!
- Vans Warped Tour (July 12) – Known as the best day ever for punk music fans the Warped Tour is always a good time! Bands include The Used, Reel Big Fish, Relient K, and so much more!
- Xponential Music Festival (July 26 – 28)- Held at the Camden Waterfront with The Lumineers, Dr. Dog, John Butler Trio, Dawes
- 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties (August 4th) – The Fifth Annual 2nd Street Festival is from noon until 10 p.m and includes music, workshops, art, food, beer gardens, and more.
- Philadelphia Folk Festival (August 15 – August 18) – The 52nd Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival began in 1962 and is the largest and longest-running Festival of its kind in the country.
- Budweiser’s Made in America is back and this year’s headliners are Beyonce and Nine Inch Nails! (August 31 – September 1)
Let us know what you’re excited to see!
