Music Festivals

I can't imagine a world without music. Thank God that there are great singers and composers who shared their talents to give melodies to our lives. There are different types of music. If you enjoy listening to classical music, like me, you will definitely enjoy the celebration of the Colorado Music Festival, too. This event highlights classical music done by magnificent musicians from different parts of the world. This annual event encourages people to remember, honor, and recognize the contributions of great musician in the field of music.

Starting in 1976, this yearly music festival has been entertaining, educating, and encouraging audiences of different ages. Variety of classical music fill the entire Chatauqua auditorium during this special occasion. One will appreciate more the beauty of classical songs by listening to extraordinary presentation of some talented performers from Europe, South America, and other countries.

So if you love to listen to a different kind of music, try to join in this fantastic event. Once you hear their songs again, you will definitely remember your Mommy's favorite song. This music festival is for all music lovers. Try to experience this festival, and see how classical music can lift up your life and you spirit.

Have you ever asked what life could be without the sound of music? Although not everyone can sing in nice tune and harmony, I still believe that we all want to hear music. Music affects the life of people and brings joy to everyone. The music of the past are still very much a part of today's songs.

There are different types of music for different people. Some like the metallic sound while others want a mellow touch. Some want to hear R&Bs and others prefer the old songs. Really, there are different tunes for different tastes of people. Yet, to classify them, these various sounds are still music to our ears. For as long as they have tune and lyrics, they are music and not noise. This is the reason why we see the need to celebrate different kinds of music festivals.

There are several music festivals celebrated around the world, and one of this is the Boston Early Music Festival. It celebrates the music of the past and highlights magnificent performances from Medieval to Baroque music. Concerts, orchestral playing, dancing, and other exciting activities are the highlights of this festival. Indeed, Boston is recognized as the capital of America's early music.

There are numerous song festivals around the world. Song festivals give an opportunity for local and international singers, composers, and song producers to highlight their arts and expertise through music. Song festivals give high regards to makers of songs that make our life more colorful and lively. In fact without a song, I don't know what this life would be.

If you are living in San Francisco, USA you would probably want to experience the San Francisco Song Festival. This affair aims to boost the talented song art composers, and singers, and make the audience feel the importance of song to everyone. Established in 2003, the SFSF has become part of distinctive national music affairs. They created concerts for song lover audiences, highlighted the recitals of some great performers.

If you want to enjoy a different kind of music, try to attend the SFSF. It's more than a simple cultural event. It is a high-esteem celebration of the nation's identity and pride. Actually, song festivals are created for the ears of appreciative audiences. They benefit both audiences and performers. Since we can celebrate other kinds of festivals, why not recognize the beauty of songs through a merrymaking affair?

I bet you're familiar with the saying that goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Am I right? Well, it is true for some situations. However, I do know a thing or two that's going to happen in Vegas. But, it does not necessarily mean that it's going to stay there. In fact, you can remember the event for quite some time. I am talking about the Country LifeStyle Festival.

The said event will be held on May 12 through 14 in 2006. Around a hundred and fifty booths offering country style f living -- great music, products, and heritage will grace the event. Also, several music and dance competitions, seminars, and workshops will keep the guests and participants of the said event entertained. A bunch of swell prizes are in store for the lucky participants.

Lastly, everyone is sure to enjoy the event -- young and old alike. The organizers of the event have included a couple of clowns, balloonists, and even face painters to visit the event. In this way, you are assured that both you and you're kids will have a grand time in Vegas. Now, who says that Vegas was just for adults?

If you're going to talk about music festivals, there's no way the Woodstock festival can't be mentioned. The Woodstock Music and Art Festival is regarded by many as the most famous and biggest rock festival to ever be held in history. It represented the counterculture of the 60's and the peak of the hippie era. The rock festival was name Woodstock because it was originally planned to be held in the town of Woodstock in Ulster County. The town didn't have any place to accommodate such a big event and it was almost cancelled. Sam Yasgur urged his father to permit the event to be held in their alfalfa field in Sullivan County. It was estimated that 500,000 people would attend the event, however the attendees exceeded the estimated number.

Woodstock is known for three days of non-stop music performances by many of the famous musical figures of the generation. Originally, it was promoted as three days of peace and music in 1969 but in 1999, it seemed that it became more of a commercial festival. A lot of musicians and fans alike frowned upon the events that took place in the latest Woodstock Festival. The price of the ticket for the festival is 150 and the prices of food are costly as well.

Concertgoers were forbidden to bring their own food and water which forced them to purchase inside. The poor sanitation, lack of food and water and an 88 degree heat became the ingredients to a volatile event. Violence ensued during the last part of the Woodstock when the Red Hot Chili Peppers attempted to perform Jimi Hendrix's "Fire". Candles were passed around to the crowd but it was used to light up bon fires. Riot ensued and two ATM's were tipped over and destroyed.

"Tours run their course and lose their freshness. We don’t want that to happen...We want to end leaving people wanting more." This is the exact quote Sarah McLachlan gave when asked why they decided to end the Lilith Fair in 1999. Seven years, it's been seven years.

I still remember the last stop of their tour in Edmonton, Canada. The concert was very emotional. Although the attendance of this mostly composed of women, there are also men who attended and are very appreciative of the music. It rained during the concert but it didn't make any concert goer leave any earlier.

In the line up of the tour was Sarah McLachlan, the tour's organizer, Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, Melky Sedeck, Splashdown, Bertine, Nina Gordon, Rachael Sage, Fiona Apple, Lisa Loeb, and Letters to Cleo among others. They sang songs together, hugged and said inspirational speeches to the audience.

Wonder where Lilith Fair got its name? Actually, for centuries, Lilith is known as a demoness. In the beginning, it was said that Eve was not the first one to accompany Adam. When paradise was created and Adam asked for a companion because he was bored, Lilith came. Lilith is a winged creature disguised as a woman. When Lilith suddenly showed Adam that she had a mind of her own, he got angry. Lilith left and started hanging out with Satan. Adam missed her and asked God to bring her back. Lilith refused and was punished to become a demon.

This concert festival has changed all that. Now, Lilith is the revered as the icon for those women who do not conform and are independent.

I can't wait till this tour comes back.

The MTV 2005 Music Awards is one of my most favorite shows since I began watching MTV! Every year the MTV Music Awards keeps getting better and better. Last year's awards show was a blast. The host was rapper, mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, he was very energetic alright. Everyone at the show was all glammed up.

The MTV Music Awards was held in sunny state Miami. All the biggest names in the music industry had their own grand entrances. They were on board expensive yachts and limited edition shiny luxury cars. It was in fact, a grandiose affair. The part that I loved the most is the pre-show specials. You'll get to see what the Hollywood stars are wearing and who they're dating at the moment. Of course you'll know this because you'll get to see who they arrive with on the red carpet. All the performances that night were amazing and hot-off-the-grill spectacular!

My favorite Hip-Hop artist Missy Elliot bagged two awards. She won best Hip-Hop video of the year and best dance video. The performance that I waited for was The Killers performance with their hit song "Mr. Brightside." They also won the best New Artist of the year. And the most important award went to Green Day, with the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." Green Day also won best Group video, best Rock video, and the Viewer's choice award. I'm looking forward to this year's MTV Music Awards, it's bound to be off the hook!

"We Don't Want Your Money, We Want Your Voice." This is the Live 8 concert's official theme. The Live 8 concert rocked the whole world in the summer of July 6-8 of 2005. The Live 8 concert united the people and made their voices be heard. Millions of people gathered and attended the 3-day concert held in the G8 countries and in South Africa. The G8 countries are composed of Italy, Germany, United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Russia, and Japan.

The whole point of this musical extravaganza was to appeal to the G8 or the Great Eight countries regarding the debt issues of the poorest nations around the world. The Live 8 concert wanted the G8 countries to eliminate the poor nations' debts, to develop and improve their aid and support to the poor nations, and to implement equal rules on the trade issues in favor of the poor countries. Many artists performed in these simultaneous, but still grandiose Live 8 concerts. Famous artists like Sting, Green Day, Robbie Williams, Brian Wilson and The Who performed on stage. In other concert locations, artists like Chris Tucker, Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey, Jay-Z and Will Smith were present in the show.

The concert's voice was heard by G8; in a week the G8 has assured the nations with changes and development. The G8 will add $50 Billion in aid and support to poor nations starting 2010. They will provide HIV AIDS carriers with drugs and they will provide care for the AIDS orphans. The 18 poor countries debts will be cancelled.

Every year, in different parts of the world, MarleyFest is celebrated. Marley Fest is done to celebrate the Bob Marley and the reggae music. Reggae communities from around the world join in one place to enjoy the music and legacy Bob Marley left.

There is no exact day, month or season when Marley Fest is celebrated although it is usually done on Bob Marley's birthday which is on February 6.

Robert Nesta Marley lived in Kingston, Jamaica. He is the pioneer of reggae music around the world. He is the first musician to rise to stardom even if he had come from a third-world country. He popularized the songs "Jamming", "Waiting in Vain", "Is this Love", "Three Little Birds", and "I Shot the Sheriff" among others.

Bob Marley is best known for spreading the faith of Rastafarianism. Rastafarianism is the belief in Ras Tafari. Ras Tafari is the original name of Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia. Bob Marley believed that this king will free all black men from oppression and slavery, and thus uniting all Africans.

Reggae musicians gather on stage for this event to sing Bob Marley's songs. Men and women in dreadlocks wearing the Rasta colors, green, yellow, and red, sway and dance to this sweet, relaxing, feel high music. True Rastamen and fans of reggae wait for this event annually.

This festival is used to commemorate the life he led and the passions and visions he had for people.

Sweden may look like a snow covered land, but it is a country rich in culture and prides on music. With numerous music festivals held each year, Sweden is considered as one of the destinations of music lovers who want to hear distinct sounds. Scandinavian music is indeed rare and hardly seen in record bars. However, it is considered as one of the best because Swedish music depicts a nation built to last.

In the months of April to September, the Music at the palace is staged at the heart of Sweden in Stockholm. Concerts of international quality are being held at the Palace and attract a lot of visitors from other countries in Europe, the Americas, and even Asia. In the concert, several local artists and budding stars of Swedish music will show their wares accompanied by the grand orchestra of Sweden. Through the years, themes have been modified to satisfy the audience. This is an ongoing tradition and will continue to flourish in the years to come.

Among all non-profit organization music festivals, I found the SunFest in Palm Beach County, Florida to be just one of the most superb. About as many as 300, 000 people come to the feast each year, we are told. Countless musicians have already played in the events, among them Herbie Mann, Kenny G., George Benson, Spyro, Keiko Matsui, Jon Secada, Joan Osborne, the Goo Goo Dolls, Melissa Etheridge, Wyclef Jean, Ryan Cabrera, and even foreign bands such as Cubanismo.

Apart from the usual partying and musical events, art lovers also have a chance to take a peek at the craft and fine arts show by the waterfront. SunFest encourages all artists to participate in the exhibits and everyone is invited to watch the fireworks and pedal boat activities. Kids can romp at the Youth Park at the Trinity Park. You'll have the most fun at Captain Morgan's Floating Oasis. It's got the best DJs, the hippest grooves, and the crazy dancing all in one barge.

Portland, Oregon will be staging a jamming session at the Oregon Convention Center. The event will be held on January 7 and 8 of next year. The 2-day event is expected to draw between 5000 to 6000 people to watch national and local talents to perform.

Workshops will also be available for the participants. Workshops aim to develop the vocal and instrumental skills of those who would like to participate.

The Windows Conference Floor and the Ballroom have been kindly offered by the Red Lion Hotel as additional jamming areas for the participants.

Performers include Yonder Mountain String Band, John Reischman and The Jaybirds, Mary Flower, Earl Scruggs, and Rhonda Vincent and The Rage. More bands will be asked to come on the said event.

Held in Kolkata, West Bengal, the Dover Lane Music Conference is one of the world's largest Indian Classical music events. Held there for over fifty decades, the Dover Lane Music Conference started out as a humble gathering of fellow music lovers in South Kolkata. Today, it is one of the most important cultural events in the country.

Held variably between December and January, the Dover Lane Music Conference is a platform by which the old and new generations can come together and perform the classical music of their culture. Music enthusiasts from all over the country come to hear these performers play their guitars, pianos and other instruments to the tune of the classic music of Bengal.

The Woodford Folk Festival, to be held from the 27th of December to the 1st of January this coming year, is an explosion of culture, music and most of all, fun! Located in Woodford, Australia, the Woodford Folk Festival is mostly a music festival, featuring some of the best folk, tribal, blues and world music artists gathered in one place for a week of celebration and appreciation.

But don't think that the Woodford Folk Festival is all about music. In addition to the bands and artists performing their crafts, there are also hundreds more poetry reading, handicrafts, alto comedy and art workshops featured here.

In fact, there are so many things happening here you just might need a Dymo LabelWriter to keep track of them all! For a week of fun, festivity and frolic, be sure not to miss the Woodford Folk Festival on Dec.27, 2005 to Jan.1, 2006!

Let's face it. Music festivals are now a dime a dozen nowadays. Just turn the corner and there seems to be some reason or another to celebrate with music.

And why not? Music is a natural, sometimes healthy way to express feelings, emotions and sentiments about many things. Just listen to nature. The buzzing of insects and the singing of birds are all forms of music. And as we humans speak different languages music is a way to communicate. Tones and beats, rhythms and notes can communicate as good as or even better than words ever could.

This is what makes a music festival so special. They are a way to air views, express hopes and share dreams with our fellow humans, and have a good time doing it.

Breaking into the music business is never an easy thing to do. Aspiring stars have to hound scouts, polish their performances and sometimes, just sometimes, have to enter a music festival just to get noticed.

One such festival is the Connexion International Music Festival that will be held on November 10-13, 2005 at the Radisson Riverwalk Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida. In this rare occasion the music industry opens its ears and eyes to hear the best in local and international talent, from singers to bands to club DJ's, and maybe give these poor souls a chance at the big leagues.

Performers of every stripe are welcome here, from Heavy Metal bands to soulful Blues singers. So, if you're an aspiring musician, or just want to hear a potential star, head on out to the Connexion International Music Festival in Jacksonville, Florida.

Every year, in Seattle, Washington, more than 200 jazz artists gather to celebrate the musical art form that is Jazz in the Earshot Jazz Festival. Situated over three weeks, starting from October 17 up to November 7, in various places around the city, the Earshot Jazz Festival has delighted its visitors and its audience with an audio experience they'll never forget, and many of them keep coming back for more every year since the festival was started in 1984.

With the aim of preserving and educating the public about Jazz music, the Earshot Jazz Festival is surely one of the best ways any art form has been preserved for posterity!

As everyone knows, camping can be a lot of fun. But what if you could mix camping with some damn fine music? The result is the Arbuckle Mountain Fall Bluegrass Jam! Held in the Arbuckle Mountain Bluegrass Park in Oklahoma, this is a bluegrass festival that anyone can play in!

Sorry, electric fans, only acoustic instruments are allowed here, and as it is a family campground, no alcohol or drugs either. The performances are more of jams than actual concerts, and it gives the whole thing a more relaxed, informal feel. In fact, it feels like more of a camp-out than a music festival, but make no mistake, there's good music to be heard here.

Interested? Then head on out to the Arbuckle Mountain Fall Bluegrass Jam on October 16-22nd 2005 for a night under the stars you won't soon forget!

Enjoy homegrown, folk music? Then head on out to sunny Savannah, Georgia and park yourself at Daffin Park on October 14-16 this 2005 and sit back and relax to the music of the 16th Annual Savannah Folk Music Festival.

This celebration of folk music aims to increase awareness about traditional forms of art and just make people have a right good time with activities like an Old-Time Country Dance and various music concerts held at all times of the day for the duration of the festival.

Folk music never sounded this good! Be sure to be at the Daffin Park this October 14-16 in Savannah, Georgia for the 16th Annual Savannah Folk Music Festival, ya hear?

This music festival celebrated in Mobile, Alabama is now fast becoming one of the must-see and must-participate events in the past years. Celebrated on October 7, 8 and 9 of this year, with an anticipated attendance of more than 200,000, the Bayfest Music Festival features more than 100 musical artists out to show the festival-goers what they're made of.

A myriad of musical styles ranging from country, rock, and jazz up to gospel and funk will be featured here. If you're into music, there is definitely something here for you to enjoy. Head on out to Mobile, Alabama and participate in the 11th Annual Bayfest Music Festival. It's only just started!

LEAF stands for the Lake Eden Arts Festival, a twice-yearly gathering in Lake Eden in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Celebrating the arts, the LEAF as the festival is known, hosts more than a hundred tents featuring crafts and art from all over.

Celtic music, Yoga and Brazilian beats all exist in harmony here, and there's definitely something for everyone if they look around. Workshops on many topics, from massage to handicrafts are at hand for anyone adventurous enough to give their creative sides try.

If you enjoy learning about the arts, there's no better place than the LEAF on October 14-16.

Country music lovers ought to head out to Hearne, Texas (with weather permitting) to get a taste of the 2005 Crossroads Music Festival.

Held annually, this festival celebrating some of the rising stars of Country music also provides support for many local charities and institutions. Proceeds from past festivals were donated to the Hearne Volunteer Fire Department, the Smith-Welch Memorial Library and many other charitable groups. An afternoon barbecue precedes the music festival.

If you love Country music, and want to make a difference, then head on out to Hearne on September 24 and participate in the Crossroads Music Festival!

What do you get when you combine the best of what music has to offer with the unparalleled beauty of Mother Nature? You could get a big horrible mess, or you could get the Grand Canyon Music Festival.

This 22 year-old festival got its start when founders Robert Bonfiglio and Clare Hoffman were hiking in the canyon and were asked by the head ranger to hold a concert for a retiring park ranger. They agreed, and after being encouraged by the local community and businesses to continue holding concerts, they established the Grand Canyon Music Festival, which will be held on September 7-24 of 2005.

So if you love both music and nature, find out how they both compliment the other by coming to the Grand Canyon Music Festival on September 7 to 24.

This festival is unique in the respect that its annual location is not publicly announced, unlike other music festivals.

The Michigan Womyn's Music Festival (MWMF) was held this past August 9-14. Most of its attendees are lesbians or lesbian-separatists, and all of the attendees are women, or womyn, as they prefer to be called. No men are allowed here.

Started in 1976, the MWMF was begun by Lisa Vogel as an alternative music festival for womyn, as she had repeatedly seen womyn harassed and degraded in other male-run festivals.

The music festival aims to promote awareness of homosexuality, sexual harassment and womyn's rights in general.

It's a shame the festival is held in such a semi-secret fashion each year. A lot of people, not just men, are missing out on a great event.

The 12th Iowa Women's Music Festival 2005 will be held on September 10, 2005 and will be held in the Upper City park of Iowa City. The music starts from noon and stops at 5:30 p.m.

The festival aims to promote women's rights and awareness. And that aim is but one of the many causes that this festival crusades for. Environmental awareness, personal freedoms, arts and community building are all endorsed by this gathering of some of the best up-and-coming female music artists. Artists like Bad Karma, Bree Clime-White, Lojo Russo and Martine Locke are but some of these talents that will be showcased in this unique event.

Show that women have indeed come a long way and support this festival!