Story by Kayla MacAllister, Staff writer
Warm weather has graced the city of Murray once again and spring commencement is a short two weeks away, which means Summer Break is coming and with it, music festivals.
Traditional classes are on hold for the coming months, and concerts are planned all over the country. Surprisingly though, Murray is a shorter distance away from these festivals than most beach vacation destinations. The following are all notable music festivals closer than an eight hour car ride from Murray, in chronological order.
BEALE STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL – THREE HOUR DRIVE
The Beale Street Music Festival will be held May 1-3 in Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis, Tenn. Tickets are still available for $94, according to the Music Festival Junkie (MFJ) website, but as of Tuesday Ticketmaster had tickets available for $43. A few of the festival’s headliners are The Avett Brothers, Ed Sheeran, the Pixies, Lenny Kravitz, Hozier and Cage the Elephant. It is a multistage, three-day event that is best known for its “eclectic mix of contemporary rock, blues, soul and modern talent and its musically inspired setting,” said the festival’s official website.
SHAKY KNEES MUSIC FESTIVAL – SIX HOUR DRIVE
Shaky Knees Music Festival 2015 will be May 8-10 in Atlanta. One day tickets are $99 and three day tickets are $499. The Strokes, Manchester Orchestra, Old Crow Medicine Show and The Devil Makes Three are a few of the prominent acts to perform. The festival includes separate late night shows.
SHAKY BOOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL – SIX HOUR DRIVE
Shaky Boots Music Festival 2015 will be the debut of the country music festival May 16-17 in Atlanta. The coordinators of Shaky Knees are behind Shaky Boots as well. For $169, attendees can see big name artists like Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Kip Moore and The Band Perry perform at the KSU Sports and Entertainment Park.
COUNTERPOINT MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL – FIVE AND A HALF HOUR DRIVE
CounterPoint is located in Rome, Ga., and the 2015 installment will take place May 22-24. The festival prides itself on having more than three stages and also its visual experience. It hosts an Art Village that is filled with rare arts and crafts and large, interactive installations. As for the music part, Widespread Panic, Zedd and The Roots will headline. Tickets are $175.
BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL – THREE HOUR DRIVE
Bonnaroo, ‘Roo, one of Rolling Stone’s “50 Moments That Changed Rock & Roll” – it goes by many names but is known by virtually all. Located on 700 acres in Manchester, Tenn., Bonnaroo 2015 will be June 11-14. Tickets run for $300-$325. The festival is much more than the multitude of musical acts it advertises; comedy and cinema tents, yoga, a 5K run, craft breweries and nightly parades are all options if attendees want to change it up. Billy Joel, Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine, Bassnectar and Childish Gambino are all notable 2015 performers.
CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL – TWO HOUR DRIVE
Held June 11-14, CMA Fest is as close as Nashville, Tenn., to Murray State’s campus and provides free entertainment throughout downtown in addition to its four days of not free concerts. The four-day passes are sold out, including its nightly concerts, but never fear.
“With seven free stages, you’re certain to see a variety of artists from legends to the latest up-and-comers,” said CMA Fest’s official website. “Vendors line The Buckle on historic Broadway (Street), waiting to hand out product and food samples, play games and give away freebies.”
VANS WARPED TOUR – TWO HOUR DRIVE
Presented by Journeys, Warped Tour is a time-honored tradition that started for many in their teens, one that many college students can enjoy as well. Warped is coming to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville on July 1. Tickets are $38. Asking Alexandria, blessthefall, The Wonder Years and Pierce the Veil are a few of the headliners.
LOLLAPALOOZA – SIX AND A HALF HOUR DRIVE
Lollapalooza will be July 31-Aug. 2 in Chicago. The only tickets not sold out are Platinum and VIP Passes, which are more than $3,000. For further information, see the festival’s website.
*All travel time estimates provided by Google Maps.