Outside Lands is built off of the same blueprint as festivals like Lollapalooza, holding the music in a large metropolitan area without camping. But, just because you return to a nice hotel or apartment doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack to survive. This may not be Coachella, but you still have to be comfortable. And not only that, these are the streets of San Francisco, which are some of the busiest, and hilliest in the nation. Like any festival, you should be prepared for anything. Sure, the rain may not effect your sleeping quarters, but it sure could ruin your day.

There are plenty of necessary, logical necessities for surviving a festival like Outside Lands. Some of them you may scoff at, but some you will definitely need, and could potentially forget. Below is a list of things to consider bringing. And remember, this is San Francisco, where the weather can shift at the drop of a hat, for better or for worse.

• A great pair of shoes: Festival sociology has taught us that people like to either go barefoot, or rock a solid pair of sandals. This is understandable, as people feel free when able to put their feet in contact with the Earth. But, this is the middle of the city. Sure, the staff will clean the park, but they won’t find everything. This might be a festival that requires some quality (and pumped up) kicks. Also, make sure they are ready for walking long distances; running from one side to the other is a decent-sized journey.
• Cash: Seems obvious to repeat visitors, but beware newbies: Inside, ATMs charge fees of over four dollars! Plan ahead, and hit up your local bank prior. Plus, if you are taking MUNI or BART to get there, you can’t swipe your Visa if you’re hopping on at street level (and the conductor will think you’re a fool if you ask him to break a 20).
• Warm clothing: Yes, San Fransisco has awesome weather, but it can get chilly, especially at night. Make sure you have a change of pants, or a nice sweater to rock when the sun goes down. But, the weather could remain nice, so keep shorts handy as well. This may be a good time to bring back the zip-offs.
• Water bottle: Bring your own. It’s eco-friendly and cheaper.
• Sunscreen: Have you ever sunned on the beach (a mere 10 blocks from the festival) in SF for hours? You get burnt…big time. Festival attendees will be outside from noon to nightfall, so make sure that the SPF level is high, and that you have plenty to go around. People WILL ask for some.
• Glow-sticks: Phish is playing….right?
• Sense of adventure: The show ends every night at around 10:30, and not everyone gets into the after shows. But the Bay Area has amazing nightlife, so use what energy you have left to explore the great places of the city.
• Positive attitude and open mind: This is San Francisco, the city of love. Be ready for new culture and experiences.

If you don’t want to take my advice, perhaps you’ll listen to Trevor Marcotte, Kevin Waldvogel, and Scott Robert Waldvogel – stars of Cluster 1′s No Cover. Below, you can check out their hilarious mini-documentary on the festival, which highlights many aspects of the event, including local eateries and late-night venues where after-shows will take place. Take some notes…

Well, that about wraps up our guide, but before you go, here are a few other things to jot down. 1.) Parking in the park-grounds will be extremely limited, so plan accordingly. 2.) The Sunset District has FREE PARKING all over, so if you do plan on driving, be ready to park in the surrounding neighborhood. 3.) There is plenty of food inside the festival (Taste of the Bay), and surrounding it, so come hungry. 4.) And finally, have a good time…this is Outside Lands.

Still need tickets? Grab ‘em now before they’re gone – only a couple of days left to decide, anyhow!

Having been to Montreal several times before, and having covered Osheaga in 2010 for Consequence of Sound, it was found appropriate that I put together a survival guide to maximize the now THREE days of “rocksanity” an estimated 25,000 voyagers going to Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène will experience from Friday, July 29th to Sunday the 31st. It’s less of an itemized checklist and moreover a series of suggestions to, as the Osheaga organizers themselves put it, “have the time of your life!”

GET YOURSELF TO THE PARC J.D.

Montreal is a city made up of a number of islands – Osheaga takes place on one of the smaller ones off the “mainland,” Saint Helen’s Island (or Île Sainte-Hélène en français). It’s easy to get to, as the well-traveled Jacques Cartier Bridge cuts right through the island. From the JC, you take the exit to La Ronde (a Six Flags amusement park) / Parc Jean-Drapeau (where the festival is actually held), followed by a slight right at Chemin du Tour de l’Isle. An infinitely better way to get to and from Osheaga, however, is by subway. The Montreal Metro system is one of the best and busiest in the world; the festival gates are right at Jean-Drapeau Station on the yellow line. Plan your trip with this interactive map!

(Each ride is $3.00 Canadian, BTW.)

TO THE LEFT, TO THE LEFT

Osheaga’s layout is brilliantly simple and convenient, as everything is pretty much in a loop. The main concert area is actually comprised of two, identically-sized stages, side-by-side – The BlackBerry River Stage to the left and the Budweiser Mountain Stage on the right, near the entrance. If you look at the Osheaga schedule, you’ll notice that at no time is there ever any overlap between the two. Just so you all know, there is a steel barrier separating the stages, so if you’re near the front for say, Death Cab for Cutie on Sunday night, don’t expect to get the same spot for The Flaming Lips afterwards as they perform The Soft Bulletin. There are video screens all around though to ensure no one misses a thing. The stages also look out to a fairly steep hill that is ideal for those who prefer to sit and take a load off.

Once you exit this enclosed space and move to your left, after a short walk you’ll find yourself at the Green Stage powered by Sennheiser, free of any sound bleed from their BlackBerry or Budweiser counterparts. If you continue to go left (in a circle), you’ll pass by the smaller Tree Stage, sponsored by Galaxie (a Canadian multilingual pay TV audio service), as well as the popular Electronic Picnic zone, where DJs will be mixing and spinning nonstop all weekend before eventually hitting merchandise alley and the main stages again.

STAY HYDRATED AND NOURISHED

Even though this technically is a survival guide, I probably shouldn’t have to tell you to drink plenty of water while you whoop it up at Osheaga. It’s going to be a hot one, with temperatures expected to hover near the 30° C (or 86° F) mark each day. You are totally allowed to bring a clear, plastic water bottle with you, which you can refill for free to your parched throat’s content. And according to The Weather Network, there’s also a chance of thundershowers throughout the weekend, so you may want to pack one of those disposable ponchos in a small backpack along with some requisite sunscreen. For those of you who are of the opinion that beer hydrates better than water, Osheaga has got you covered, and then some. You can consume alcohol pretty much anywhere on festival grounds thanks to Montreal’s loosey goosey drinking laws (viewed as “awesome” by visiting partygoers). Not only that, they’ll even bring the beer to YOU, as Osheaga is replete with servers holding platters of plastic cups aloft. I’ve seen them go through mosh pits to get thirsty folks their golden-hued relief, without spilling a single drop!

If this is one of your first times eating Montreal, it is a GREAT excuse to indulge in some of their trademark delicacies between sets. There’s poutine, which is traditionally made up of French fries covered in rich gravy, topped off by fresh cheese curds – Just look for the unusually long line leading to the onsite ‘Resto Lafleur.’ There’s also Montreal smoked meat, a must try while in town. There will definitely be at least one vendor selling it at Osheaga, but if you can, make your way to Schwartz’s at 3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Trust me; how many other delicatessens can claim to have a musical named after them?

BE ORGANIZED AND CONNECTED

Osheaga’s lineup is especially top-notch this year, meaning there are bound to be conflicts between acts you’re psyched about seeing in Montreal. If you haven’t already, I suggest you join the other fans who have created their own custom lineup and have shared it online. Social aspect aside, it’s actually a great way to get yourself coordinated beforehand so that you’re not constantly referring to the souvenir program all weekend. Don’t be that neanderthal who carries around a tattered printed copy of each day’s schedule. Also, what’s a festival these days without its own app? You should definitely download Osheaga’s, available for both the iPhone and Android (but curiously not BlackBerry, even though the latter are a presenting partner). Finally, by following @Osheaga on Twitter and liking them on Facebook, there really is no reason to not know everything prior to and during the three days you’ll be “deserted” on Saint Helen’s Island.

THE « FÊTE » DOESN’T HAVE TO STOP AT 11 PM

Montreal has a well-earned reputation as quite the “party” city, so much so that it makes even Vegas blush! If you’re game, there are plenty of things to do downtown once the headliner wraps up every night. On Saturday night, you can keep the music going by seeing Special Disco Version, featuring some guy named James Murphy and his former LCD Soundsytem drummer Pat Mahoney, part of Osheaga in the City. It’s at the Olympia theatre on Sainte-Catherine Street East, which is less than a 10 minute drive from the parc as per Google Maps (or a short walk south from Beaudry Station). If you want to take a little break from concerts, let’s just say that walking up and down Ste-Catherine can provide ample “distractions” in the form of bars and other immoral establishments. Come to think of it, this is more of a recipe for exhaustion than a survival tip, but oh well, when in Montreal…

DO YOURSELF A FAVO(U)R…

Lastly, if you’re coming to Osheaga from a (relatively) nearby American city like Boston or New York, or are a “unilingual” from English Canada, you can enrich your time in Montreal tenfold by trying to learn a little French. Considering most of the big acts don’t (and probably won’t) speak a word of français, you can get by just fine, but in my experience, Montrealers greatly appreciate it when you make an effort. I’m not saying this is the be-all and end-all when it comes to common phrases you should know for Osheaga , but it wouldn’t hurt to attempt a few of these out on your new French-language friends.

You know, the nice folks you’re probably going to end up being shoulder-to-shoulder with for several hours a day for three straight days. Just as a reminder, gates open at noon Saturday and Sunday, at three p.m. on Friday, and the festival goes until 11 p.m. every night. Ayez un grand temps à Osheaga !

At the very least, the 2011 Hangout Music Fest boasts a pretty formidable lineup with the likes of Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic, The Flaming Lips, My Morning Jacket, The Black Keys, Cee Lo Green and The Avett Brothers leading the way. While we can’t predict the future in regards to what artists will play Hangout in the years to come, it will be extremely hard for the festival to top what’s in store this upcoming weekend.

Location:

Hangout Music Fest is located in Gulf Shores, AL, approximately an hour from both Mobile, AL or Pensacola, FL. Most importantly, Hangout is located on a beach.

While the festival boasts a lineup that approaches that of the major festival staples, Hangout is not necessarily a large festival in terms of its size. With two main stages and a handful of side stages, there isn’t much artist overlap–meaning you can see almost everyone playing at Hangout. And once again, Hangout is on a beach (in case that wasn’t clear). Where else can you see Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Cee Lo Green, and The Flaming Lips while standing 100 feet from the Gulf of Mexico?

Necessities:

A day at the beach is easy to plan. However, this isn’t your average beach day. Don’t expect to roll in with a cooler; not gonna happen. The same goes for chairs, large umbrellas, alcohol, and other illegal substances. Here’s what you can (and should) bring…

• Cash: You know you’ll need cash, so do yourself a favor and bring it ahead of time, instead of missing out on bands while waiting in line for the ATM.
• Water: You’re allowed to bring in one empty Nalgene or canteen water bottle for fill-up. We strongly advise you to take advantage of this.
• Sunglasses: You’d be surprised how many times you forget to grab ‘em on your way out. A must.
• Sunscreen: Like we said, Hangout is on a beach. Apply sunscreen early and often. Be cautious of the sun.
• Blanket/Towel: Save yourself and your friends a spot on the beach, tan while taking in some tunes, or just claim your territory for the day.
• Umbrella: For the sun and the rain. Okay, you’ll probably be wet from the ocean, but…
• Schedule: Never leave home without it.

Good Eats:

The Hangout: “Where 59 ends and the fun begins”
Located at: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores Al, 36542
Yes, the fest is called The Hangout Fest, but it’s actually also a restaurant, too! Located right near the fest grounds, the restaurant has become a staple for family food for the last two years. Be sure to try their signature “Shaka Shaka Shrimp Po Boy” or the mahi fish tacos. The restaurant will be open until 2 a.m. each night of the festival. Be warned, The Hangout will surely be packed this weekend.
Yelp It!

The Original Oyster House
Located at: 701 Hwy 59, Original Oyster House Boardwalk
This staple to the Gulf Shores is all about broiled, spicy seafood. You’ll find hints of New Orleans and gulf cooking style, with gumbo made fresh daily. Their ‘claims to fame’ include their “Mahi Down the Bayou”, which is blackened mahi topped with fried crawfish, their chocolate peanut butter pie, and their southern cheese grits. The oyster house even boasts a full salad bar, a rarity in the deep south. The restaurant is open until 11:00 p.m. at night on Friday and Saturday, and until 10:00 on Sunday.
Yelp It!

City Grill
Located at: 2200 East 2nd Street F, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Get a little fancy (but not too fancy) at City Grill, known for making great meals priced at $13-$15. Try the ahi tuna steak or the scallop cakes. When you’ve finished, order the scallop cakes again. City Grill is also known for having a handful of unique beers that are worth trying. However, you’ll have to plan early, as the restaurant is only open until 9:00 p.m..
Yelp It!

Pointers:

• If you have a three-day pass, good news: It will allow your re-entry, which means you can go to the pool, beach, or enjoy the rest of Gulf Shores, AL.
• Buy an unlimited bus pass. It’s only $20, and it’s more than worth it if you are not staying extremely close to the festival grounds. It runs until 4 a.m. as well. You can pick that up here.
• If you’re still looking for lodging, check out Hangout’s official lodging partners: Meyer Real Estate, Kaiser Realty or Brett Robinson Properties.
• For all the parents out there, children under age 10 can get in for free if accompanied by an adult.
• Drink water, stay cool, and take care of yourself. It’s easy to forgot about taking care of yourself at a music festival, but it’s particularly important when the weather could be in the 90’s. As of now, it’ll be in the mid-80s with a few clouds – but you never know.
• Stay tuned to CoS updates (@coslive) or Hangout’s website.

Site Map:

They’ll have guides of this on-site, but it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead. Actually, you should.

]]> Cash: You know you’ll need cash, so do yourself a favor and bring it ahead of time, instead of missing out on bands while waiting in line for the ATM. Water: You’re allowed to bring in one empty Nalgene or canteen water bottle for fill-up. We strongly advise you to take advantage of this. Sunglasses: You'd be surprised how many times you forget to grab 'em on your way out. A must. Sunscreen: Like we said, Hangout is on a beach. Apply sunscreen early and often. Be cautious of the sun. Blanket/Towel: Save yourself and your friends a spot on the beach, tan while taking in some tunes, or just claim your territory for the day. Umbrella: For the sun and the rain. Okay, you'll probably be wet from the ocean, but... Schedule: Never leave home without it. Good Eats: The Hangout: "Where 59 ends and the fun begins" Located at: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores Al, 36542 Yes, the fest is called The Hangout Fest, but it's actually also a restaurant, too! Located right near the fest grounds, the restaurant has become a staple for family food for the last two years. Be sure to try their signature "Shaka Shaka Shrimp Po Boy" or the mahi fish tacos. The restaurant will be open until 2 a.m. each night of the festival. Be warned, The Hangout will surely be packed this weekend. Yelp It! The Original Oyster House Located at: 701 Hwy 59, Original Oyster House Boardwalk This staple to the Gulf Shores is all about broiled, spicy seafood. You'll find hints of New Orleans and gulf cooking style, with gumbo made fresh daily. Their 'claims to fame' include their "Mahi Down the Bayou", which is blackened mahi topped with fried crawfish, their chocolate peanut butter pie, and their southern cheese grits. The oyster house even boasts a full salad bar, a rarity in the deep south. The restaurant is open until 11:00 p.m. at night on Friday and Saturday, and until 10:00 on Sunday. Yelp It! City Grill Located at: 2200 East 2nd Street F, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Get a little fancy (but not too fancy) at City Grill, known for making great meals priced at $13-$15. Try the ahi tuna steak or the scallop cakes. When you've finished, order the scallop cakes again. City Grill is also known for having a handful of unique beers that are worth trying. However, you'll have to plan early, as the restaurant is only open until 9:00 p.m.. Yelp It! Pointers: If you have a three-day pass, good news: It will allow your re-entry, which means you can go to the pool, beach, or enjoy the rest of Gulf Shores, AL. Buy an unlimited bus pass. It’s only $20, and it’s more than worth it if you are not staying extremely close to the festival grounds. It runs until 4 a.m. as well. You can pick that up here. If you're still looking for lodging, check out Hangout's official lodging partners: Meyer Real Estate, Kaiser Realty or Brett Robinson Properties. For all the parents out there, children under age 10 can get in for free if accompanied by an adult. Drink water, stay cool, and take care of yourself. It’s easy to forgot about taking care of yourself at a music festival, but it’s particularly important when the weather could be in the 90’s. As of now, it'll be in the mid-80s with a few clouds - but you never know. Stay tuned to CoS updates (@coslive) or Hangout’s website. Site Map: They'll have guides of this on-site, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead. Actually, you should. ]]> http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/05/cos-festival-survival-guide-hangin-out-at-hangout/feed/ 7 http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/07/cos-festival-survival-guide-morality-in-mayhem/ http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/07/cos-festival-survival-guide-morality-in-mayhem/#comments http://c438342.r42.cf2.rackcdn.com//wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Rockstar+Energy+Drink+Mayhem+Festival+2010+header.jpg Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:15:48 +0000 David Buchanan http://consequenceofsound.net/?p=24387 Festival season: the yearly ritual of hipsters and fan pilgrimages alike, the stuff road trips and one-off performances were meant for, the stuff of legends (Woodstock being the prime example). We at CoS bring you up to speed on everything festival-oriented, and this time “nothin’ says lovin’” like a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em headbanger with his ink-checkered, rock chick by his side (most likely flashing her breasts).

The third-annual Mayhem Festival anticipates a major turnout in its junior year, stacking a main stage with nu-metal (KoRn), horror (Rob Zombie), and New Wave American (Lamb Of God), among others. After brushes with modern rock, thrash, and hardcore the past two go-rounds, it seems we must now deal out a Survival Guide. The unfortunate truth is that while more established festivals like Coachella or Lolla are permanently fixed locales in the scenery of California and Illinois respectively, Mayhem (and at one point, Ozzfest) tours the nation, and therefore, we must fit you with a universally applicable rock and metal concert guide…for your protection, for your pleasure, like any good Trojan-packing dominatrix (er, survival manual).

Appropriate Attire for Metal Shows

What’s this? You’re wearing the shirt of the band you’re going to see? Don’t be that guy.” ~ Jeremy Piven

Everywhere you look at a rock show there are countless vendors selling merchandise geared to its relative audience: funny quote shirts, chain wallets, and of course, band shirts. For avoiding the douche reference, DO NOT wear the shirt that corresponds with the band you’re seeing, whether you brought it in from an ages-old prior performance or you bought it in-house at the current gig. To support your favorite act, I encourage you to purchase a band shirt or some other piece of logo-stamped memorabilia — but DO NOT sneak into a nasty public lavatory in front of countless broken bladders to rock your new swag like some raging fanboy; it is tantamount to premature ejaculation. No one likes an overeager freshman!

- Wear comfortable shoes/boots with cushioned socks for the constant trudging around in search of refreshments and hot metal girls (stay away from the Rocky Horror prosti-tots, people); DO NOT overdo the black clothing…festival season is usually a summer thing, and unless you’re a VIP, the water ain’t free, man.

- If you wear a band shirt, make it a related act not on said tour, and for you moshers, I recommend something very worn that shows your battle scars (girls think sexy, no?); most venues nowadays prohibit the wearing of heavy metal chains, spikes, and jagged jewelry for safety reasons, so if you want to keep your pentacle-charmed steel knuckles or studded Slipknot belts, leave ‘em at home.

- Popular choices for garb at metal shows also include costumed appearances, so as long as you follow the previously stated suggestions, I highly encourage this creative outlet (you never know what rock mag might spot you for a front page feature — bragging rights, fuckers!). If you are rocking shades or glasses, get contacts or find someone to hold them for you when removing; DO NOT stick them in your pocket for moshes because you WILL most likely destroy them.

Moshing & Mayhem

The announcement from your devoted frontman on stage summons a “wall of death”. What do you do? By now, this has become a staple at some outdoor metal concerts (venue permitted or not). A crowd is parted like a satanic Red Sea, two factions doomed to do battle on the dirty ground, and suddenly the band begins a song with some type of introductory countdown. The pressure builds, sweaty fucks with tanks and buzz cuts stand side-by-side with teens on potent testosterone…3, 2, 1, blast off! Both crowds lunge headlong into one another like a scene from 300 – you shout “SPARTA!” and in one fell swoop the entire audience is a single mass of fists, scars, and shattered hash pipes (Spartan battle cry optional).

Welcome to a mosh pit!  Here are some tips for you noobs. (NOTE: Many venues discourage moshing due to its inherently violent image — follow some etiquette rules down below, and we might be able to salvage our right to rage)

- In initiating a mosh, DO NOT sit around waiting for the correct song – if it’s fast enough to head bang, it is generally hard enough to warrant a fight scene. (NOTE: Do not sit around for a proper moment to crowd surf either. Unless you’re obviously too “husky” to be surfing, be forward but tactful…and use caution when surfing over concrete flooring or stage barriers.)

- Pick your target mosh partner wisely: If you see someone who is itching to start a little action, is he the type of guy who wants to rage or simply a drunk brute with a bad attitude? Do you want your ass kicked, or do you just want to release some adrenaline? Remember that if you wind up in the infirmary, you’ll miss the final number (or even an extremity). DO NOT bring weapons, merch, or unopened water bottles into the mosh (security detail, be aware, but don’t be douches either — tact and safety).

- If someone you tap to get a scene going is not interested, leave him/her alone! If you are not interested in getting caught up, buy a ticket with comfy seating for the wuss that you are, or try and stay on the outer rim of your standing area and be instinctively cautious – because softies with a snitch habit or people with health conditions and no common sense tend to ruin it for the rest of us. Moshing in some venues is either contained in an actual “pit” close to the stage or spread out amongst the lawn’s cheap seats and/or standing General Audience room – if you are not one of the lucky few who want those experiences, feel free to try seating or VIP booth tickets (if available).

Personal Effects, Automobiles, Carpools, etc.

For starters, in some places it is illegal to leave your vehicle unlocked while it is unattended – the fact that this sort of law exists should precipitate a riot, because this is the end result of stupid people! DO NOT leave your car unlocked and vacant in a parking lot where hoards of young adults and all manner of thieving morons will seldom pass it by nonchalantly, and do not leave any valuables unsecured inside said vehicle or on your person if possible (this applies to everything from metal concerts to shopping malls to suburbia).

I highly encourage carpooling, and not because of the whole environmental impact and yadda yadda that Gore and co. have spouted for over a decade, but instead: Drunks may pony up more dough for gas money and hotels (assuming you drove across state lines like I do every year), the party is exponentially harder and more entertaining, and if by chance your carpooling requires making offers over Craigslist’s Rideshare postings, you could gather a harem along for company (wink wink, nudge nudge).

Different venues will allow or prohibit varying items from entering the premises, and since we cannot oblige every venue’s item listing, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you visit the website of your corresponding Mayhem Festival 2010 venue for said listings.  Some of the most common inclusions are:

Weapons, illegal drugs and paraphernalia, alcohol, unopened drink containers, food, coolers, heavy amounts of metal jewelry and chains, full-coverage masks, professional photography and/or audio and visual recording devices and equipment (See the venue’s information sites for notes on what the press is allowed to utilize). (NOTE: If you are carrying bags and satchels, remember that venue security will usually reserve the right to check said bags and satchels for all of the above — don’t be stupid; smoke at the hotel.)

Final Food for Thought!

- Make sure you have some cash on you for food, drinks, and merchandise (and a bag to hold it all) because while Mayhem does hand out a bunch of “proof that you were there,” most merchants take cash only; take photos, and lots of them, because it’s cheaper than 5 different $40 XXL shirts.

- Make friends with the press…you never know what we might be able to swing for you if you’re polite.

- Let yourself go and enjoy the show!  Let the bands know you appreciate their efforts so that they come back again to perform.

- Eat and drink heartily but do not overindulge on sodas and beers.  Getting drunk and partying is one thing, but exhaustion and dehydration are not laughing matters — binging is not cool on festival grounds, and certainly not healthy or affordable, so hit those water fountains, people.

- Make sure you get a show itinerary if available (most times they are), so you’ll know all about autograph signings and show times for bands on the tour.  Where I have been, the signings have occurred near the Jagermeister Stages at Ozzfest and Mayhem both years, or under the Rockstar Energy tent between band performances.

- For Mayhem, the entire event can last up to 11 p.m. or well past it depending on venue and crowd; DO NOT underestimate the traffic getting out (those comfortable shoes sound nice right about now, eh?). If you are in Virginia Beach as I have been, I suggest hitting up a 7-Eleven afterward for more “party favors” and a large Slurpee…fuck yeah.

- DO NOT antagonize or bully others if they are different, wearing merch for a band you don’t like, swearing more than you, have more or less chicks/dudes than you, or otherwise. Friendly banter and joking around or jerking your buddy’s chain because he wore a non-affiliated outfit or wound up with little spending cash is fine – just don’t go harassing the general public, you retarded neanderthal. We’re all family, and we all want to have a good raging time, so show your love, man, and rock the fuck out!

Wakarusa’s a rare breed in the festival world. The crowds aren’t overwhelming, there’s not a layer of dust in the air, and for that matter, a layer of pretension and unnecessarily high expectation that’s often found at so many other festivals. Some people want to call it a jam festival, and when you look at the headliners, to a degree it’s true, but what does that word “jam” even mean anymore with so many bands from every genre getting in touch with their inner Jerry? With a diverse line up, such as what Waka offers every year, there really is something for almost everyone (sorry, metal-heads). On top of that, it’s the only festival to offer a separate, all night electronic mini fest once the day is done, so even if you can’t stand bands like Umphrey’s or Panic, you’re still well taken care of.

It’s a different world than the big-name fests, and one that’s by far more relaxed from opening day to the final set. So to keep the good times rolling, here are a few tips to help you have the best experience.

Location

Located in a natural bowl on the top of Mulberry Mountain, just outside of Ozark, AR, the site is unbelievable. Cool nights and hot days make for varying temperatures that will have you sweating by 9 am, but reaching for a sweater by nightfall. The site is surrounded by rivers and forests with plenty of trails to go exploring, and if you can pull yourself away from the music for a couple of hours, there’s a swimming hole and waterfall for your cooling off needs just 20 minutes down the trail by the main concert area.

This year the festival will feature six stages scattered throughout the property, with the main stage being front and center. Three of the six stages are tents, with the Revival Tent acting as a secondary main stage for the second-tier headliners and the bigger late-night jams. The other two tents, the Outpost and Satellite, are for the Interstellar Meltdown (DJs and electronic acts) and other smaller bands. Those are set to run this year for almost 24 hours a day. The last two are much smaller, with one, the Backwoods Stage, located in the woods behind the VIP camping, and the other, a café stage of sorts, being more central for the singer-songwriter acts. As you can tell, there’s a lot to see in such a compact area.

The site’s arrangement is smaller than the average fest, so getting around from stage to stage is not as much of an issue and takes no more than a few minutes. There’s plenty of delicious food offered up, with New Belgium bringing the tasty brew from Colorado. A breakfast trailer is set up for the campers, as well, to help fight that morning hangover. The on-site well water is actually cool and not smelly, and if you need a shower, they can do that, too, at the shower trailers — though do allow for time in the lines. There’s also a gift shop for your convenience needs, like sunscreen and pop-tarts. Interestingly enough, it’s also a permanent country store so you can get your toothpaste, batteries, and maybe even some crafty antiques, if that’s your thing.

Necessities

Like any other camping festival, once you’re packed in, you’re in, so come prepared. They do allow you to leave the festival, but that may not be possible with your car surrounded by tents. To have the best experience, here are the basics…

• Water: It’s always a good idea to bring a few gallons with you. That being said, the great thing about Wakarusa is the water lines are never really an issue, and did I mention it’s cold and pretty tasty? Do bring your own, but don’t worry if you have to refill.
• Tent/Tarps: You will need a tent with good stakes and a rain fly in case the bad weather rolls in. A rule of thumb when purchasing is this; if it’s from Wal-Mart, it will fail you in bad weather. Invest in a quality tent from a real outdoor store so you’ll have something that will last you all of your festival-going days. If you want your own private shade, bring a tarp. It still hits the high 80s/low 90s during the day, so they’re always good for a nice break (unless you find the hammocks set up in the trees; then by all means, enjoy those).
• Sleeping Bag, or Lots of Blankets: It gets into the high 40s/low 50s at night, so be prepared.
• Sweatshirt/Hoodie/Hippie Poncho: Refer to above.
• Rain Jacket
• Camera
• Toilet Paper: Believe it or not, but the porta-potties run out, and nothing’s worse than trying to find TP at 2am.
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Flashlight

Other good ideas, but not essential…

• Food: Snacks, fruit, anything to munch on throughout the day to keep your energy up.
• Large Cooler
• Camp Grill
• Camp Chairs
• Small First-Aid Kit
• Frisbees: Especially if you enjoy Frisbee golf.
• Closed-Toe Shoes: See “Sleeping Bag” above, and also if you decide to make the trek to the waterfall, the trail can be steep and muddy in spots.

Getting to the Mountain

Because of its remote location, there’s really only one way in, and that’s via 23. The easiest way is to take I-40, then head north on 23. If you’re coming from around or through Fayetteville (or other points north), there is a network of county roads that will lead you there, but they aren’t well marked. The best bet is to head south on 540, east on 40, then north on 23; otherwise you will have to drive past the venue to get in.

There is also a change-up on how they will handle getting you your wrist bands and camping stickers. This year you will need to stop by the box office to pick up all of your necessary passes to get into the fest. The box office will now be located at the intersection of Highways 23 and 215 — approximately three miles south of the main venue.  As the organizers advise,

“We highly encourage all patrons to approach the festival from the south (Interstate 40 – North on Highway 23), doing so will place you right at the doorstep of the box office.  For those of you who take the northern route (southbound on Highway 23), please be advised that you’ll be required to drive past the main venue to obtain your wristbands prior to entering the festival”

The drive in is a scenic, steep, and curvy mountain road that takes you up to the site. It’s also where they line you up Wednesday night before opening the floodgates at midnight. Things move fast though, so there’s no need to worry about twelve-hour lines or anything crazy like that.

A little tip for those looking to pick up last-minute provisions: The closest town is Ozark, which is just a couple miles south on 23, but there’s not much there in the way of a grocery or convenience store. Luckily, if you’re just looking for beer and snacks, there’s a store on the left on your way up 23. Otherwise, it’s a good idea stock up in the nearest city, depending on where you’re coming from.

How to Waka

Like I said earlier, the site is laid out so you’re central to all the fun stuff. The stages, Frisbee golf, trails, etc. all surround the general and main stage campsites. As it goes with all festivals, make a list of the bands you absolutely have to see, and plan accordingly. If you get the chance though, I highly recommend exploring the area. It’s a nice break, and nothing’s better than jumping off a waterfall on a hot day, and since the festival never stops, take a nap if you can. Stay hydrated, stay fed, and don’t forget the sunscreen. Moderation is always the key to life at any festival, so please, don’t be the burnout who ruins the weekend for your friends. When it comes to the music, there’s a huge diversity of acts, so bounce around the stages because you never know who you might discover. So, in a nutshell, just dance, play, and be.

But describing it is not the same as being there and seeing it with your own eyes – and once you venture to the main stage at the Gorge overlooking the Columbia River, you will understand.

Since 2002, Memorial Day weekend in George, WA has become Christmas for music lovers in the Northwest and BC. It’s a place for new discoveries. A place of unexpected adventures. And a time for moments you will never forget. Best of all, it’s a time to see the best of the year all in one place. So pack it up and prepare for a three-day trek through Sasquatch.

If you have never gone before, consider it this year. It will be unforgettable, and I guarantee you can’t go just once.

Location, Location, Location

The Gorge is in George, WA, about three hours from Seattle.  There’s nothing surrounding you but good music and spectacular views of the Columbia River. What more do you need?

Three stages and a dance/comedy tent anxiously await your jaw-dropping moments. There’s always plenty of views of the main stage, but if you have to be up front, get there early because they close it off when the area fills up. The dance/comedy tent can also get packed and hard to see in the back, but it usually clears out between acts and provides a shaded place to eat. The Yetti and Wookie stages aren’t usually as busy and are always worth checking out – so start scheduling.

Necessities

• Cash – There are ATMs, but the lines are long when you need that nice cold $9 beer
• Sunscreen – Self explanatory
• Water – So you can make it from noon to midnight
• Snacks – You are allowed to bring food in if you don’t feel like buying pizza or burgers
• A hoodie or two – It gets cold at night, and it’s been known to rain (and hail)
• Blanket – Reserve a spot in the grass for you and your friends to meet back up at the end of the day
• A car full of people – The campsites are overloaded. Pack light and fill your car full of people instead for cheaper camping and more ideal conditions. Not to mention you will leave a smaller carbon footprint and maybe get something free from festival sponsor eSurance…
• Your Ray-Bans – Don’t want to be squinting at the main stage
• Toilet paper – It’s inevitable that the porta-potties will run out
• Pre-printed schedule – You can customize your own on sasquatchfestival.com and plan when you need to run from one stage to another.

Pointers

• Buy a 3-day pass! There are plenty of opportunities to sell the days you don’t want around the campsite (not that CoS endorses this activity…).
• Arrive at an off-hour. You can usually get in around noon on Friday. Arriving Friday night is the worst and can be more than an hour wait…there’s only one road in.
• Once you’re in the festival, you’re in! Bring everything with you. You aren’t allowed to go back to your campsite between shows.
• Buy your camping pass before you go – they sell out. If you want more accessibility to showers and restrooms, you should buy premiere camping.
• Alcohol. The festival has alcohol enforcers and all 21+ are required to wear wrist bands. If you even take a sip from the person next to you and you don’t have a wristband, you could be kicked out… so all you underage engagers – beware.
• Don’t expect a shower.They get busy… but who cares? You’re at a festival.
• Prepare!  Be sure to keep checking the Web site and message boards for updates and free samples of music. And of course, CoS will keep you updated, as well.

And, of course, there’s always this…

So, you’re thinking about making a trek out to the desert, eh? Need time away from the monotonous nine-to-five shifts and rush-hour traffic that plague America? Or, maybe a bit of soul searching is needed… Whatever the case may be, Coachella is the perfect getaway — as long as you know how to handle all of the madness that goes along with it. If you’ve never been to Coachella before, you’re in for a massive treat. It may all seem a bit overwhelming upon arrival, but this survival guide will help you keep your cool in a place where shade is as nonexistent as “a diamond in the rough.”

Before we get into anything else, I want to lay down an outline of things to bring. This will allow you to keep in mind items that are needed while I discuss other important points about the festival. Now, Coachella is a three-day music festival, so you will be leaving behind a normal everyday lifestyle. Packing and packing right is probably the most important aspect. Whether you’re camping, staying in a hotel, or only going for one day, bringing supplies is essential.

Items For Survival

These, while somewhat obvious, are still pretty mandatory:

• Water – Bring more than enough. It gets incredibly hot, so staying hydrated is probably the most important idea. If you do happen to run out of water, Coachella has you covered, though. Recycle ten empty water bottles, and in exchange they’ll give you a brand new one.
• Money - Because even in the desert, the world still runs on it.
• Extra food – Just in case you’re hungry at any point in the day and don’t want to spend money. Walking around with an empty stomach is just as bad as being dehydrated. You’ll start to think that the whole festival is a mirage.
• Backpacks - Do you really want to carry things when you’re witnessing a one-time reunion? No.
• Sunscreen - One sunburn and you’re not going to have pleasant memories.
• Tent – If you’re camping. This would include staking and tying the tent down, of course.
• Locks – You can’t forget to lock up your tent and all of your valuables. Remember, there will be thousands of people camping around you…
• Sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows - It gets quite cold at night in the desert.
• Extra clothes - Enough for three days, unless you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind staying in the same clothes all weekend.
• Sunglasses - Hip and safe. Nothing wrong with that.
  
• Toilet paper - For, you know…
  
• Toiletries – Shampoo and deodorant and such… including hand sanitizer!

Also, just get creative… double check your (or this) list three times, and don’t leave for the day before you know you’re ready with everything. Hey, we’re not overprotective or anything, just trying to stay smart.

This Land Is My Land…

Once packed, the next essential step is figuring out where to stay. On-site camping is offered, and rules have changed for the better. A plot of land 10’x30’ is available for only $50. No more individual camping passes are needed; buy the space and try to fit as many people in as possible. You can now also park your car on-site, so no more lugging supplies from the car to the campground. Mobile bathroom and shower trailers are included. Also, if you have a bit of money to spend ($5,000 for two people), luxury safari tents are offered. These include a bed, bathrooms, showers, and golf-cart shuttles to and from the festival! Other (cheaper) options are hotels, motels, and houses and condos made available by the owners for rent this one weekend only. Just be sure to plan where you’re going to stay ahead of time because finding a motel in the middle of the night is a pain in the ass, trust me on this one.

Getting to the actual festival is a cinch. The only freeway that runs through Indio is Interstate 10, so no matter where you’re coming from, the same route will essentially be shared. If you’re coming from Los Angeles way, take the 10 East all the way to Jefferson Street and exit. Signs directing visitors will be all over the place, and parking personnel will help guide you if you can’t find the lots. If you’re coming from Arizona way, take the 10 West and get off at the same place. Easy enough?

Where Da Party At?

The true fun begins inside the festival itself. Coachella hosts five different stages: the Coachella Stage, the Outdoor Stage, the Gobi Tent, the Mojave Tent, and the Sahara Tent, all varying in level of popularity. The first four stages each house an array of different artists while the Sahara Tent, aptly referred to as the rave tent, is reserved for the more electronic acts. Now, scheduling conflicts are a bit hard to deal with. My best advice is to plan your whole day around the artists/performances you can’t miss out on. Once those are decided upon, you are free to plan time to eat, relax, and enjoy other musicians you’ve never experienced before. Other cool things to look for and check out are the sponsor booths (AT&T and Sony) and artist signings. Also, watch for wandering musicians and/or celebrities. Keep a close eye out, and you may just meet someone from your favorite band.

Coachella is laid out like one big horseshoe.  As you enter through the front gates, the merchandise booth is off to the right, Coachella main stage is directly in front of you, and the main beer garden is to the left of it all.  The Outdoor stage is positioned diagonally in the right-hand corner, and the last three tents line the backside of the polo field.  Directly in the middle is The Do Lab, and all of the art exhibits are randomly placed around the festival.  Upon entrance, a general sweep of the entire festival is important.  This allows for the setting up of meeting places if friends get lost and for knowing where the first-aid tent is, just in case someone passes out, get injured, or becomes too “paranoid”…

Now on to safety. There are a few things to be cautious of. Feeling a bit overheated? Shade is scarce, but watch for The Do Lab. The lab is smack dab in the middle of the field and includes large sculpted palm trees (create the best shade) and misters. This is the perfect place to go if heat exhaustion starts to get to you. Also, be alert when walking around. You may encounter a few “weirdos” (such as the naked wizard from last year, who remembers that?), unjust law enforcement, and the occasional drug dealer. These warnings are in no way supposed to take away from the fun, only to enhance. Staying safe at this big of a festival is a very important task. Don’t let the paranoia get the best of you, though! Enjoy yourself. That is why you shelled out hundreds of dollars to make it out to the desert in the first place, isn’t it?

Oh, and kids, if you’re so hell-bent on ingesting certain “party favors,” bring your own… I wouldn’t really trust all those crazies out there in the boiling sun to provide quality. One last thing, always remember (especially with 100+ degrees of heat) moderation is probably the most important practice, besides having fun of course.

This year things are even wilder. There will be more writers on site, we’ll have bigger interviews, and our coverage is going to extend out to even the after shows! Yes, we’ll be roaming up and down Grant Park by day and evening, but rest assured, we’ll be surfing the web ’til the break of dawn. Just be happy we’re a rag-tag team of insomniacs.

That being said, if you can’t make it to the Midwest this year, or you’re still broke from past juggernauts like Coachella, Bonnaroo, or even last weekend’s APW, then stick around CoS. We’ll have everything available for your reading, viewing, and listening pleasure — including a sweet round-up at the end. We’re pretty excited and we hope you are, too.

For those that are heading out here, in the Big 773 (nobody calls it that, by the way), we’ve got you in our best interests, as well. Much like Bonnaroo or APW, we’ve put together another CoS Survival Guide — big thanks to Anthony Balderrama — that should assist you with what to bring, what to expect, and well, how to get there, including some CTA tips. What’s more, we’ve laid out the festival map below, the schedule for your viewing pleasure, and an imeem playlist to get that hype machine running at full steam.

So, that’s it! We’re about to dive head first into a weekend full of dirty Chicagoans, possible rainstorms, unnaturally hot weather (a first for Chicago this summer!), Perry Farrell-endorsed dance parties, portly and near naked 50-somethings, Cubs fans who shove and push White Sox fans, Brandon Flowers-esque decadence, bearded “mainstream” hipsters, overpriced mall pizza, clueless failed attempts at swimming in Buckingham Fountain, glorious Sweet Leaf Tea, a possible overcrowded Dan Deacon performance, an irritable and indecisive Editor-in-Chief deciding between Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode and a cyanide capsule, White Sox fans who scoff at Cubs fans, a sweaty and fluffy afro (thanks Claudio), and one happy, lanky, four-eyed pianist named Ben.

Ah, see you there, folks!

CoS Festival Survival Guide:

Lock’d ‘n’ Lolla’d

Listen:

Friday, August 7th:

Saturday, August 8th:

Sunday, August 9th:

2009 Map:

And here we come to the second entry in a long line of CoS Festival Survival Guides. What started with Bonnaroo continues with APW, and so on and so on (look for Lollapalooza’s next week!). That being said, be sure to scope out the guide and check off all the stuff you need to head east.

Oh, by the way, you’re welcome…

CoS Festival Survival Guide: An APB for APW!

But there’s a reason why you hit up Consequence of Sound every morning, day and night, right? Right. We have you covered. We’re always looking out for your best interests. Why wouldn’t we? What type of people do you think we are? Inconsiderate barbarians? Nihilists? Youth degenerate head honchos? Republicans? Of course not.

We’ve worked with our staff in compiling what will be the first of many official CoS Festival Survival Guides. Naturally, we started with the one festival that would need it the most: Bonnaroo. So, before you hit the road (or air, or water) for Manchester, TN, be sure to take a “gander” at the guide and check off all the stuff you need to lug south, or north, or west, or…east. If you’re coming from space, I apologize for leaving you out. We come in peace. Here’s a dove.

Anyhow, without further ado…

CoS Festival Survival Guide: What ‘roo Need To Know!