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Post by tampabaydrey on Sept 22, 2012 9:35:21 GMT -5
Alright guys, first major post here wooo lol.
Please read and make suggestions, so I can have other POV's
This coming summer is something that I want to be somewhat of a "wild planned misadventure" if you will. I've always been very jealous of people I know who have gotten to follow certain band and go "on tour for months at a time". Well it's my time now. However, since most of the bands I love don't tour have very long tours or hardly tour at all, I plan on catching a variety of bands and a variety of festivals. Otherwise I feel like there would be a lot of down time in between shows and fests. I will be using the us.megabus.com/ a bicycle and rideshare as means of transportation. As my moped is not a likely candidate on the HWY I would love to come chill with any InfooRoo'ers who may be goin to the same shows or festivals, so just PM me if your going to a show on my list. Always looking to meet new folks! Which is also a large part of this trip. Meeting all kinds of new people and experiencing new things. Thats my favorite part about Roo- so im going large scale. My materials list are a very slim pack. I plan on taking some form of basic shelter...(tarp and string? or just a sleepingbag), a backpack, debit card, water canteen, few clothes, soap, shampoo, and thats about as far as ive gotten so far. Make suggestions that I may not have thought of please. I've been to Roo twice, so I'd really like to check out smaller festivals that have maybe 2 or 3 recognizable headliners. Im also making it a point to make it to ALL GOOD, so hopefully I see some of you there ;D
Please make suggestions to my journey. Any: Travel methods, bands to check out around festival hot spots, hippy communities (i.e Hippy Hill TN), dirt cheap lodging, festivals that are less than $200 and on the east coast, and anything else I could possibly learn from you!
Very much appreciated for the help ive received as a "guest" and looking forward to the responses and help from all of you kind souls as a new member. Take care
Post by Whoreshack on Sept 25, 2012 19:39:14 GMT -5
Sounds like a fun trip. Allgood's a great choice. Hit Forecastle in Louisville if it still falls the week before it. What kinds of bands are you into? Have you tried Gathering of the Juggalos? Lots of quality people there.
Well my first suggestion would be to look at the Which Stage and then hit the subfolder Festivals. This is a great thread with literally hundreds of festivals around the country. Most of them have the dates in the OP or you can find them within the thread. Even though some of these are one-time only fests you can bet that most will recur around the same time next year. Newport, Forecastle, Firefly are just a few East-coastish festivals that have their own threads. Then read through each festival's thread and you'll find the lineup and get a sense of the festival vibe by reading what folks posted about it leading up to, during, and right after. I think you could organize a pretty good tour as long as you have some flexibility since some of these haven't announced their dates for next year (Newport, for example, already has announced dates).
Allgood's a great choice. Hit Forecastle in Louisville if it still falls the week before it. What kinds of bands are you into? Have you tried Gathering of the Juggalos?
I live in Tampa, but im going to stay the summer in Knoxville,TN as it's a more central location than Tampa for traveling to concerts and such. But I've been wanting to go to All Good for quite some time, thats really the type vibe im lookin for.
Bands/Artists I will be trying to see on my tour are: Furthur (sub-tour if possible), Papadosio, Phish, SCI, Gramatik, EOTO, Warren Hayes, 7 Walkers, Allman Brothers Band, and if possible The Disco Biscuits.
I cant even respond politely to the possibillity of going to a Gathering lmao.
Post by mattlikesrock on Sept 26, 2012 8:21:52 GMT -5
-Hangout Festival on the beach in Gulf Shores -See a show at Bottletree and the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham -Drive out to Red Rocks and The Gorge and see a bunch of cool stuff, like the Grand Canyon, etc. on the way -Some festivals you might like: Camp Bisco, Bristol Rhythm and Roots (www.bristolrhythm.com), Bear Creek -You can go here to see a listing of almost every festival: www.jambase.com/festivals/
-Hangout Festival on the beach in Gulf Shores -See a show at Bottletree and the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham -Drive out to Red Rocks and The Gorge and see a bunch of cool stuff, like the Grand Canyon, etc. on the way -Some festivals you might like: Camp Bisco, Bristol Rhythm and Roots (www.bristolrhythm.com), Bear Creek -You can go here to see a listing of almost every festival: www.jambase.com/festivals/
This is a cool idea. I'm rooting for you.
Thanks man, I appreciate it. I would love to make it to CO since I have a Uncle that I could stay with in Boulder, and catch a bus or something to Red Rocks. Ive always wanted to see a show there! However I wouldn't be able to stop at the Grand Canyon and stuff, unless I took a Tourist Bus or something along those lines. Thats a very good idea though, I'll need to look into historical places and tourist stuff in the areas that i'll be touring, that way I get the most out of my trip.
Jambase has been my go to search engine for shows for about 2yrs now, they are great and they are how I found out about Gulf Shores (do they provide camping??).
Also what might be some materials that are beyond essential for this trip? Suggestions anyone? I dont have the money for hotels, so if I was in a city for a 3 night run at say Hampton Coliseum, I would need an idea for shelter...best I can come up with is set up camp with a tarp and string somewhere semi-secluded (wooded area somewhere close to the coliseum).
Post by mattlikesrock on Sept 26, 2012 16:02:26 GMT -5
I used to network and find free places to crash. Friends, family, friends of friends. Facebook allows you to search through your friends by "Current City". If you are a member of any kind of church/frat/social organization you can call sister groups in other cities about crashing with them for free. I did that with churches all across the US in college.
Couchsurfing allows you to stay on people's couches or in their spare bedrooms for free: www.couchsurfing.org/
Air BNB is similar, except you have to pay. It can be pretty cheap though. And you can almost always talk people down from their asking price. www.airbnb.com/
If you are under a certain age, 25 I think, you can stay in youth hostels in some major cities for as low as $7 a night. You get a bunk in a room with several beds, so it's not that private, but it's cheap, and you still get a hot shower, and sometimes a meal. I have done that in Europe.
Im sure you have already thought of this, but a smartphone and a way to charge it readily are going to be pretty important I would think.
How much have you travelled around the country? I had the luxury of having a job where I got to travel a lot when I was younger, pretty much all over the east coast, central states and midwest (There are only 6 states I have not been to, and Alaska is one of them).
There are some really nice parts of the country that you can travel to with if TN is the center of your "hub"
Some areas of interest are: New England Chesapeake North Carolina (Mountains, hills, Outer Banks (If possible)) Definitely my favorite state. New Orleans (and the bayous of LA) St Louis is a great city. If you can get as far west as Kansas City, do it. Skip Indiana if you can help it. It is a horrible place. Unless you can see a show at Deer Creek (I think its called Verizon center now or something?) The rolling hills in Ohio/Kentucky/WV. An awesome part of the country. I think All Good is up there in the hills in Ohio.
Some venues that I highly recommend: Great Woods Fox Theater in Atlanta Deer Creek north of Indy St Augustine Amphitheater Orpheum in Boston
Seeing as I have only been to 3 different festivals, I can only speak on those and I would definitely endorse all 3
Roo Hangout Wanee
Im totally Jealous!!! You're going to have a blast!
If you can find a place to stay in New Oreans during Jazzfest that is a great place to be for a couple of weeks (April 26th-May5th). You could probably stay at this place if it comes down to it: www.facebook.com/pages/The-NOLA-Art-House/146787733409 I had a friend who used to live there and have seen people couch surf there all the time and/or sleep in the netting of the "tree house." It is pretty warm in Nola during this time of year though, so if you can couch surf somewhere with someone with AC that would be the way to go.
www.nojazzfest.com/ The actual festival always has great headliners and undercards, but the fest is normally over by 7pmish and that's when the real fun starts. Night shows and late night shows at every venue for 14 days straight. So get familiar with the layout of nola and keep up with the jazzfest thread here on inforoo or check this site for late nite shows: www.jazzfestgrids.com/
12 days after Jazzfest is Hangout fest in Gulf Shores, AL. You can camp at the gulf shores state park there and this is by far one of the most fun festivals of the year. The megabus goes from New Orleans to Mobile, but you'd need to find a ride from Mobile to Gulf Shores. I think Mobile Bay Transportation Co. does a shuttle from Mobile to Gulf Shores, but I'm not sure.
So...these are good ones to hit up IMO: April 19 - 20 : Wanee ( Live Oak, FL) catch a ride to Jacksonville and megabus it to New Orleans April 26 - May 5 : Jazzfest Fest (New Orleans, LA) megabus it to Mobile and catch a ride to Gulf Shores May 17 - 19 : Hangout Fest (Gulf Shores, AL) ??? Look for shows in surrounding citites ??? June 13 - 16 : Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) ??? Look for shows in surrounding citites ??? July 12 - 14 : Forecastle Fest (Louisville, Ky) megabus from Louisville to Indianapolis and then to Columbus then find ride to All Good (much easier than making it to Vibes) July 18 - 21 : All Good Fest (Thornville, Ohio) or Gathering of the Vibes (Bridgeport, Ct)
So...these are good ones to hit up IMO: April 19 - 20 : Wanee ( Live Oak, FL) catch a ride to Jacksonville and megabus it to New Orleans April 26 - May 5 : Jazzfest Fest (New Orleans, LA) megabus it to Mobile and catch a ride to Gulf Shores May 17 - 19 : Hangout Fest (Gulf Shores, AL) ??? Look for shows in surrounding citites ??? June 13 - 16 : Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN) ??? Look for shows in surrounding citites ??? July 12 - 14 : Forecastle Fest (Louisville, Ky) megabus from Louisville to Indianapolis and then to Columbus then find ride to All Good (much easier than making it to Vibes) July 18 - 21 : All Good Fest (Thornville, Ohio) or Gathering of the Vibes (Bridgeport, Ct)
Thanks for lettin me know about Jazzfest, sounds super awesome, however I wont be able to attend as Im having to wait until school is out. I believe im out the 3rd or 2nd week of May. "The Tour" will last from May 25th-August 7th. I will be attending Wanee though, as its only about 2hrs away from Tampa and typically enjoy the look of their line up.
Im currently using the iPhone 3gs (waaaay behind I know..lol) and have actually considered trying to get a prepaid version of it, just incase so if I lose my phone, atleast ill have my main one. Or maybe just some kind of smartphone thats prepaid..they definitely exist. What do you guys think? Worthy investment?
How much have you travelled around the country? I had the luxury of having a job where I got to travel a lot when I was younger, pretty much all over the east coast, central states and midwest (There are only 6 states I have not been to, and Alaska is one of them).
I honestly may as well have been everywhere. I have family in SC, NC, FL, CO, DE, and MT. Typically we drive and take a good ol road trip to go visit family, so ive been through almost all of the possible states.
~Festivals Currently on Tour List~ Warm Ups- AURA and Wanee Summer- Bonnaroo (by volunteer only!), All Good, Camp Reggea, AfterRoo (HippyHill TN), and looking into other smaller fests but I think that would be things to seasrch for around March.
Has anyone ever followed a band on the road before?? i.e Phish, Dead, Panic etc Because im curious about road stories and things to expect along the way in terms of road blocks and how easy it is to encounter a "miracle" in terms of a ride to the next town, or even free tix. Im not all that fond of people showing up without tickets, but im just curious.
When you first posted this thread, I started to make a list ala Longinus, but discouraged when I a good number of the fests I listed were over your price range and/or not on a main bus line.
But I'll bite a little.
If you do come up to New England, Camp Bisco (NY), Gathering of the Vibes (CT), Newport Folk (RI) and Newport Jazz (RI) are all (projected to be) taking place in 4 consecutive weekends. You'd have to dig a little more for rides- switching bus lines, finding help from Inforooers, etc
Also: Try searching this site: festheads.com/?fa=festival.search. I never have, but it constantly comes up when I Google a fest, so it must be pretty comprehensive. And Tom's suggestion was a good one- search the Which Stage> Festival threads.
Welcome back Bonz, but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal.
Post by surfbumdj on Sept 27, 2012 15:16:26 GMT -5
Oh, almost forgot - this year when I was at hangout, there were tons of wristbands to be had for 25$. May be worth a stop since it isnt all that far from where youre at...? There were basically guys walking around with handfuls of them and I asked how much, multiple people were telling me 25$, and they were totally real.
What Im getting at is, if you are in the vicinity of a decent fest, you may as well try and scalp a band. I got 2 roo bands this year for like 250 total (I forget the exact amount but it was way cheap) this year.
I am a strong proponent of showing up to shows without a ticket and getting in cheap. I have only bought one pair of tickets to a show this year before I got there, and it was Wilco, and it was 4th row...
I pretty much just stand where the crowd is going to head in and hold up the number of tickets that I need. I have found that when I only need a single, I can get it way cheaper than I can a pair together (each). I got a sublime/rome cypress hill ticket a few weeks ago with a 60$ face value for 10$ outside after the opener had already played. Tons of people have a friend that couldnt come, and don't want to deal with scalpers. Its win-win IMO
It is a bit of an art, getting cheap tickets but not difficult to learn at all. (Ive been doing it since I was 12 years old outside Fenway Park in Boston to get into Red Sox games - its not that big of a deal)
The main thing is to decide on a price before you go that you are comfortable paying to get into that show. Don't let the excitement of the show raise that price. I have walked away from several shows because the scalpers wouldn't come down. I give them a price and tell them when they are ready to dump a single for my price, I will take it. They keep trying to negotiate and I keep telling them "Im cool with not going in - this is my price so when you're ready to let one go for that instead of eating the ticket, let me know" Then I basically stand there and try to get a straggler ticket before they do. They will be trying to buy too, and hopefully they get one for your price. When it comes time to cash out, they will come to you if they have something left.
Of course, your price for a ticket has to be relative. My Morning Jacket on NYE in Boston is a much different situation than Joe Cocker at the local Amphitheater.
Some wins: The Fray 2 for 30$ (face 55 each) Beach Boys 2 for 100$ (face 88 each) Sublime $10 Incubus 2 for 40$ (face was like 50 I think) Hendrix Experience 2 for 20 (face was like 35 each)
Most of those were this summer. Buying tickets at the venue from others selling is really not that big of a deal, and to be honest, it can really stretch your $ next summer and get you to a lot more shows. Whats the worst that can happen? You miss a show or 2? You have to pay full price or maybe a little more for a show that you really want to go to? YOu end up with less than great seats to everything? Its all a trade off.
Post by tampabaydrey on Sept 29, 2012 12:03:27 GMT -5
Thats a pretty good point man. I suppose I would only do this for a show that was along my route, because I'd hate to be stuck outside a show and off course ha.
I would love to come chill with any InfooRoo'ers who may be goin to the same shows or festivals, so just PM me if your going to a show on my list. Always looking to meet new folks! Which is also a large part of this trip. Meeting all kinds of new people and experiencing new things. Thats my favorite part about Roo- so im going large scale. 
but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal.