Firefly Music Festival – Why You Should Go

Firefly Music Festival – Why You Should Go

By: Ryan Hickman and Aaditya Chandrasekar

Summer may be the most exciting time of the year for music fans, as it signals the unofficial start to the music festival season.

Everyone from college students on summer break to seasoned festival veterans rediscovering their joie de vivre has something to gain from experiencing a music festival. Besides providing a day, a weekend or more of amazing music, festivals grant attendees the opportunity to spend time with friends, meet new ones, enjoy other showcases like artwork and comedy, see great new places, and enjoy being alive. And with a wide variety of music festivals around the country (and the world, for that matter) offering an eclectic mix of genres and artists, both new and old, there is literally something for everyone.

High profile music festivals like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Coachella might be the first to come to mind, but a burgeoning wave of lower profile festivals is forming. Governors Island Music Festival in Randall’s Island, NYC features Beck, Modest Mouse and Fiona Apple this year for its second annual offering. Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago, IL features Vampire Weekend, Feist and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Forecastle Festival in Louisville, KY features My Morning Jacket, Wilco and Andrew Bird. These are just a few of the lesser known music festivals that take place every summer throughout the United States. Truly, there is no shortage of festivals from which to choose.

Historically, festival goers in the Mid-Atlantic States have had their choice of festivals in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Virginia. Maryland offers Virgin Mobile Free Fest in September, the recently-added Silopanna Music Festival, and a few other local festivals; Delaware offers a few local festivals as well, but there has not been much else besides. That is, until now.

Earlier this year, Red Frog Events announced that it would be starting a new, Delaware-based music festival that would feature internationally known bands and artists. It’s called Firely Music Festival, and it will be held Friday July 20 through Sunday July 22, 2012 at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware.

This is the inaugural year for the festival, but the prestige of the lineup does not suggest it. The headliners are The Killers, The Black Keys and Jack White. The Killers, with their danceable indie/electro sound and Brandon Flowers’ distinctive vocals; The Black Keys, with their mix of alternative rock and blues; and Jack White, with his instantly recognizable guitar tones and trademark wails, are all internationally renowned superstars.

But the lineup does not drop off there. The list of supporting acts could just as easily be the list of headliners at any other festival. Death Cab for Cutie combines melancholic lyricism with airy indie pop styling, while The Flaming Lips fuse their eclectic alternative rock sound with a dazzling visual show.

Bands like CAKE, The Wallflowers and The Silversun Pickups all have a large assortment of FM rock radio favorites. Well established indie rock bands, like OK GO, Passion Pit and Cold War Kids will be joined by up-and-coming indie rock acts like Awolnation, Young the Giant, Grouplove, and many, many others.

However, there is more to Firefly Music Festival than indie/alt rock musicians. John Legend is an acclaimed soul singer and piano player who has won multiple Grammys. Bassnectar is a dubstep/electronic dance music artist who has become hugely popular in the United States for combining glitch and dubstep into a unique package. Lupe Fiasco, Chiddy Bang and Tinie Tempah are all acclaimed hip-hop acts that stray from pitfalls of the mainstream. Michael Franti and Spearhead combine elements of reggae, jazz, hip hop and rock to create their unique sound.

Overall, the Firefly Music Festival will be a great experience for fans of all types of music. To see a full list of artists and performance schedules, visit Firefly’s website, at: Firefly Music Festival.

The festival experience includes more than just the music. The Dover International Speedway grounds will also serve as a campground for the expected concertgoers. Different camping and lodging accommodations can be made, and all the details can be found by visiting their website and clicking on the “Travel” tab. This tab also includes driving directions to and from the festival.

Regarding the festival itself, Firefly has taken the necessary steps to ensure that everyone will have a great time. Medical personnel will be on site, and the Festival has a strict, no-illegal-activities policy. More information regarding allowed and disallowed items, policies, venue information, etc. can be found by clicking on the “Info” tab on their website. Under the “Attractions” tab, you can find information regarding the sights, sounds and smells of the festival. There are also links for their “Green” initiative, and there are plenty of opportunities to donate money to good causes, like St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital.

Early Bird and Advance 3-Day Passes are sold out, but General Admission 3-Day passes, VIP 3-Day Passes and Super VIP 3-Day Passes are still available on their website. Just click on the “Tickets” tab.

Overall, the first ever Firefly Music Festival is not to be missed. Get your tickets now!

Complete Information & Tickets Here: Firefly Music Festival

Also, a SURPRISE ACT will be announced on Monday June 25th. Be sure to check it out!