Which Nearby Music Festival Hits the Right Notes for 2018

As we slog through this North Alabama winter, there’s no better time to be thinking ahead to Summer and music festivals.

 

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These nearby events unveiled their lineups, making it that time of the year to make plans.

Which festival will you pay a visit to, and which of the big acts do you plan to see?

Which Nearby Festival Hits the Right Notes for 2018

Bonnaroo – June 7 to 10 in Manchester, TN

For many music fans, the annual pilgrimage to Manchester, Tennessee remains the top requirement of the Summer.

Although they’ve undergone a few generational evolvements in recent years, Bonnaroo is still the granddaddy of them all when it comes to music festivals in the Southeast. With their renewed attention to the camping experience, it’s also become the Burning Man of the East Coast.

The Roo lineup this year provides for a return to their roots, offering a massively diverse lineup of artists and a deep undercard.

Below are a few of the highlights not to miss –

The Killers – The Alt Rock hitmakers are making the festival rounds this Summer with a well-received new album in tow. Given that everyone on Earth knows the words to Mr. Brightside, this act from Nevada is be sure to bring the house down.

Bon Iver – This increasingly complex, reclusive, and brilliant folk act was a big surprise to many when the Bonnaroo lineup was unveiled. Not only because they are tough to book, but because they will have two unique sets at the festival. With a diverse catalog to pull from, this could prove to be a one of a kind experience that is truly special.

Alt-J – These U.K. rockers have found a genius way to mix folk, rock, electronic, funk, and much more that can barely even be categorized. Their indescribable sound and stage light show is a perfect fit for Bonnaroo, the festival which gave a big boost to their profile when they first hit the stage in 2013.

Other acts on the giant bill to check out include Old Crow Medicine Show, Muse, Sylvan Esso, The Glitch Mob, Manchester Orchestra, Trombone Shorty, and Pond.

Hangout Fest – May 18th to May 20th in Gulf Shores, AL

Hangout has turned into the Coachella of the Gulf Coast in recent years, focusing more on Top 40 and youth culture as opposed to the hippie vibes of other local festivals.

The picturesque backdrop of Alabama’s hometown beach combined with the style and substance of Spring Break has made for a festival that draws the college crowd.

Some of the highlights this year include names that anyone over thirty has probably missed, but that the younger crowd will be pumped for.

Kendrick Lamar – The King of Hip Hop will descend upon the beach as one of the top headliners for Hangout this year, bringing along his wildly critically received albums. After being robbed of Album of the Year at the Grammy’s, he’s likely to bring along the fire.

The Chainsmokers – The EDM hitmakers will return to Hangout this year as headliners to play cuts from their foolproof formula for hit Top 40 tracks. This two-piece has expanded a bit beyond Macbooks and turntables, boasting a few actual instruments in their recent tour.

Odesza – Combine Electronic with Indie, and you’ve got the low-key best EDM artist touring today with Odesza. Their chill vibes should provide for the perfect soundtrack to the Gulf of Mexico waves.

Other acts not to miss at Hangout include Portugal The Man, Foster the People, Cold War Kids, Grouplove, Bleachers, and Manchester Orchestra.

Sloss Fest – July 14 and 15 in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham’s own Sloss Music & Arts Festival scored a big headliner this year in Arcade Fire. Having previously headlined top-tier destination events like Lollapalooza, Coachella, and Bonnaroo, their booking is a big coup for the much smaller festival. Their brand of massive sound compliments any festival well, and their big singalong hit “Wake Up” will certainly prove to be the highlight of the Summer for many attendees.

Since Sloss is a smaller and more regionally focused festival that tailors its lineup for the local demographic, let’s take a look what the local Alabama crowd will enjoy.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – North Alabama music fans will no doubt be familiar with our own local boy done good, as he has continued to frequent the area even after his massive success.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones – Birmingham’s own St. Paul returns to Sloss, bringing their Soul Rock revival back to the city that birthed it. Here’s hoping they bring along another few Bowie covers with them.

Other sleeper acts not to miss include Rainbow Kitten Surprise, GRiZ, Louis the Child, and The War on Drugs.

So tell us, which festival are you hitting up this Summer?

Perhaps all three?

Let us know what acts you’re most looking forward to in the comments!