Media Meditation #4 the approaching arrival of festival season

As spring arrives and summer isn't far behind, one may think of beaches or summer vacations or one may think of FESTIVAL SEASON!!!!


The late spring and summer seasons are times when numerous music and art festivals take place around the United States. These Festivals vary in sizes and location, and some include up to hundreds of musical artists. I visit Jambase.com to find a listing of the many that are taking place.

Some of these festivals include: Coachella Music Festival in California, Wanee music festival in Florida, summer Camp 2010 Music Festival in Illinois, Bonnaroo music and art festival in Tennessee, All good music and arts festival in West Virginia, , Mountain Jam in New york and Lollapalooza in illonois.
These are just the major popular festivals however there are many smaller ones, regardless of the size music festivals are fun experiences on many different levels!



In the past I have attended Bonnaroo 08,09 in manchester Tennessee and Mountain Jam 09 in Hunter, Ny. This summer I plan on attended these in addition to the Allgood music festival in West Virginia.
My first Music Festival was Bonnaroo of 2008 and ever since then I have been in love with the Music Festival Scene. I enjoy live music and good vibes and thats exactly what you find at festivals. They are amazing experiences, days filled with music and great company is a recipe for fun! If you have yet to attend a music festival I highly suggest it!

APPLYING THE POWER TOOLS:

These many festivals can be classified under many power tools for they are not only full of mediums but are also very stimulating experiences.

Applying the Eight Shifts

It can be an Epistemological and Technological shift for the advanced technologies featured at these festivals display convergence. Examples include apple I-phone applications or automated texted reminders that contain maps, up to the minute schedules and set-lists and more. My brother and I took advantage of this while at Bonnaroo in 2009, the picture below shows a screenshot of the main menu of the Bonnaroo application.

Another perspective could identify a cultural shit within festivals. Within the varying locations and bands comes varying cultures in addition to over the years types of music that are in style change so do the performers.

Applying the seven basic principles:
Production techniques- The many performances require much preparation of their lights and sound equipment. In addition festival performances are now recorded and made into dvds and cds. The filming and editing that is done on these shows is part to the many production techniques found at Festivals.

Ownership- Some festivals are sponsored by different companies or entertainment agencies, many of which are promoted and have strong presence at the festivals making clear of their contributions. A major example of this is Bonnaroo and their list of partners. They have many different partners however the one i remember having the most impact was Fuse, an entertainment industry sponsored the event. They had an air conditioned barn on site with computers,games, a cell phone charging station and a small stage for minor performances.

Individual Meaning- Every person has a different taste and appreciation for music. Therefore depending on the artist playing they interpret the meaning derived from the performance from their perspective. Also one may interpret the festival scene and camping scene in many different ways. For example I love both aspects, the fun and community feeling is great. It is like the campsites are gatherings of families all having fun together. But at the perspective some may dislike festivals and the camping. An example of this is my father, although he has gone to festivals and he enjoys them, he doesn't appreciate the camping experience as much as he used to. He prefers a hotel or vip experience that can provide a more comforting living experience. Overall everyone can take away their own meaning from several aspects to music festivals.

Deciphering the Persuasive Techniques and Analytical tools found at festivals:

Symbols/repetition- Many if not all festivals have a symbol or logo, although in most cases it is the name and some picture the majority of them include some form of it. They not only represent the festival but are found all around the festival including the tickets or in many cases the wrist bands that signify your ticket.

Group Dynamics- Many festival goers will agree that festivals are almost temporary families or close knit communities. While camping or enjoying the festivals many people share and help each other out. In addition you find in most cases that you will recognize people from years pasts or other festivals or shows. This is a common occurrence and is appreciated for the common love and appreciation for festivals or shows brings that sense of friendship and connection to another level.

Below is a birds eye view picture of Bonnaroo, as you can see it is very large yet organized. I think that a gathering of this many people who all share the love for music is an awesome one of a kind experience, that only music festivals can provide. I plan on attending them for as long as I can.

All in all music festivals are awesome and everyone should get to experience one!