Lollapalooza: A diamond in the rough!

Summer music festivals have been popping up across the country from Coachella to Bonnaroo, and director Ang Lee has even come up with a movie commemorating the mother of all music festivals, Woodstock, entitled, “Taking Woodstock.” With such an out pour of interest and ticket sales there may be some of you who are wondering, “Which festival can I get the most bang for my buck?” My interest was previously focused on the amazing line-up of Manchester, Tennessee festival Bonnaroo, but with such high ticket prices, and the state at which our economy and my wallet is in, the reality of venturing to the festival is looking more like a fantasy. The only tickets left for purchase are $249.50 general admission and $1,349.50 VIP packages. Though Bonnaroo does have an incredible list of acts (Jenny Lewis, Elvis Costello, Phish, etc.), one festival that has the potential to be just as musically inspiring is Lollapalooza, held in Grant Park, Chicago. Of the impressive list of musicians set to grace the stage of Lollapalooza, some stand out performers include Velvet Underground alum Lou Reed, Grammy Award- winning Kings of Leon, and critically acclaimed TV on the Radio. With artists such as this, and ticket prices a good degree lower (Advanced general admission $190), and free shipping with PrintPass, Lollapalooza will be a treat for any music lover. Though the festival is in the latter portion of the summer, August 7 – 9, the 3-day venture into a musical reverie will prove to be less costly, and give the concert-goer the much needed bang for their buck. For more information on tickets and the full line-up check out http://www.lollapalooza.com/.

- Jessica Cole

Currently listening to: “Vicious” by Lou Reed from the album Transformer