For the Love of Live Music

Summer Music Festivals | The Buzz

By Erin Schroeter

Published on 04–15–2015

Photo by Erin Schroeter

These winter days of grey skies, bone-chilling wind, mounds of snow and puddles of slush have all of us dreaming of the sun-sational and verdant days of summer. When there’s nothing left to do but dream about warmer days, plans for the summer touch the horizon.

The ’60s marked the first appearance of music festivals in America. Since then, thousands of festivals are held worldwide every year, where millions of people come together to share the experience.

This summer’s music festivals are more notable than they have been in years, with legendary artists such as Paul McCartney taking the stage at Firefly Music Festival, Tears for Fears at Bonnaroo and Belle and Sebastian at Coachella. If there were any year to be at a music festival, this would be the one.

But, there’s much more to music festivals than just seeing live music.

“The synchronicity that takes place at all festivals is magical. You could be alone with no form of technology, and yet, you’ll always find someone you know — even if you have never met before,” Zane Dumont, Academy of Art University graduate and 10 year attendee of Coachella, said. “It’s like the world works on overdrive to make sure people are connected.”

At Firefly Festival in Dover, Delaware, camping is encouraged. This provides the opportunity to bond with nature and other people during the festival.

“I loved the way Firefly was set up, with the different stages and passageways between them, filled with lights in the trees, hammocks to rest, and of course, places to stop for wine and/or beer,” Arielle Pellis, Montclair State Graduate, said.

Enjoying music through headphones or speakers is limiting. Listeners lose the soul and spirit of the music because they’re experiencing a modified version. The moment you stand in front of a stage and experience music as the artists intended it to be experienced, the headphone barrier is broken. Listeners feel the energy of the electric guitar, the pulse of the banging drums and the vitality in the lead singer’s voice.

Gathering of the Vibes is a music festival that takes the festival experience to a different level. Based in Connecticut, this festival works cohesively with a vast array of live music and features art installations and workshops. Further, camping on the beach of Seaside Park is available.

“Going to Vibes was a way for me to reconnect with good friends and enjoy the music we love so much. The warm summer breeze, long jams and great company made everything seem magical,” Sam Roberts, Graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design, said.

In a world where we are constantly told to be independent, realistic, hardworking and different, festivals provide us the opportunity to stop for a moment and collectively feel the present moment. History proves that some of the greatest moments, movements and memorable acts of humanity occurred when people come together.

“Music is one of humanities greatest creations, and to experience a time and place where you can enjoy it to its fullest is phenomenal. These events aren’t only great in an individual setting, but have the power to bring groups of people together.” Michelle Ingarra, an undergraduate at Rutgers University, said.

Music festivals pose an opportunity to celebrate the arts, humanity and new experiences in one massive force, with friends, family and strangers alike.