My wife was a fesitval junkie. She'd gone to 4 or 5 a year from the age of 16. It was her thing. I'd take the kids camping and for 2 or 3 weeks at a time, off she'd go. I'd not go because I had an almost phobic reaction to that sort of thing. Just prior to her death she wrote a list of 25 things for me to do, it's a way of being a part of my life I guess, and I've been working through the list. I wasn't sure about doing it, but decided I'd give them a whirl. One of the "jobs" on my list was to go to three festivals. It's something I've been putting off. One of our daughter's (who's now 18) found the list and organized me into going to one in Asheville, Bonnaroo and Wakarusa (don't worry I paid for them). Before I go, what am I letting myself in for?
overcrowded, commercialized, drug filled, apathetic scene. On the plus side their is usually some good music.
i was nervous about going to a festival my first time too.. but i went, alone, and had a GREAT time, despite my social anixety. it's like one big happy camping party. arty: my only advice is bring TOILET PAPER! i don't know about east coast fest.. but they always seem to run outta paper in the port-a-potties at the ones here.
alone, Why not swap one for Kerrville? much better scene and closer, too (I grew up on folk fests) I'm assuming you have done outdoor concerts. If so, think of it as three days of outdoor with a rather large family reunion going on between. Fests can be what you make them... but you have to actively be looking for the good side of it all. sad that you never had a fest with your sweetie....
Thanks for the advice. I'll certainly look into Kerville. My wife's parents live in Asheville and when they heard of my "list," they offered to take the kids (who I know they adore, even if they aren't keen on me). That was why my daughter started me off in Asheville. The last outdoor concert I've been to was in 1991 (Genesis and Paul Young). I always said I'd go with her, but we never got round to it, usually saying "Maybe next time..."
No, my folks come over from England (I'm English) when it's on and they didn't like the Texas heat. The result was we ended up doing the tourist thing in th North East or California.
well.. one thing you learn after goin to festivals for a while is you get lack of sleep.. maybe an hour or 2 a night... and you get used to cheap beer.. i prefer PBR or Old Style.. and your body get an over working... so usually ya need one good day of bed afterwards
Yea , i need to get in on these fests they sound like a real good time... Im kinda thinking its gonna be like getten trashed in the woods with a bunch of freinds and alot of music... and yea lots of other ppl doing the same thing... Groovy lol
Music fests are a great thing if treated with respect for yourself and others. I can honestly say i prefer to go for the music, although I know alot of folks go for the drugs, which is a sad thing. As the word gets out about fests they get bigger and bigger, with more people in the mix things can get out of control. The overall atmosphere though is great. I refuse to let a few individuals ruin my good time. There is nothing better than groovin to live music all night and then hitting a big drum circle after the bands are done for the night.
that is absolutely sweet =) the list......... almosy makes me cry, it really does... bonnaroo....... blah I went a few years ago and the only thing I remember that wasnt crap was being in front for The Dead =) and the guys pushing the septic truck out when it got stuck in the mud. There were too many people......... Which one are you going to in Asheville, everything I have been to in Asheville has been really cool, not too crowded and most of the time layed back! I suggest anything at Sunshine Daydream in West Va. Tripps place is gorgeous!!