Whether you fancy punk, metal, Americana or a little of everything, there's a festival for you! antiMusic travel editor Kevin Wierzbicki gives us the lowdown on Tesco Fest, Slaughter By The Water 3, The Ride Festival, Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival and FYF FestTesco Fest
August 18, Detroit, Michigan
Upset that there's not really an annual punk festival of note, the Meatmen's Tesco Vee has taken it upon himself to create one and name it after himself. Set to appear at the inaugural Tesco Fest at Detroit club The Magic Stick are Negative Approach, Antiseen, Gang Green, Iron Cross, Hellmouth, Against the Grain, Bill Bondsmen, Golden Torso and of course the Meatmen. www.majesticdetroit.com
Slaughter By The Water 3
August 25, Alameda, California
Chuck Billy of Testament hosts this metal blowout that happens right on the deck of the (supposedly haunted) aircraft carrier the USS Hornet. Bringing the thunder will be Philm, Severed Filth, Absu, Witchaven, Impaled, Autopsy, Fog of War and Abysmal Dawn. Tickets purchased for all main stage shows also entitle the holder to a free tour of the ship, including a haunted tour. The ship itself is essentially a museum and there is a separate $12 museum entry fee for all show goers. www.slaughterbythewater.com
The Ride Festival
August 25-26, Telluride, Colorado
Kick back in the scenic mountain setting of Telluride for two days of rootsy music. Scheduled to perform are Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Lucinda Williams, Los Lobos, JJ Grey & Mofro, the Lumineers, the North Mississippi Allstars, David Lindley, James McMurtry, Matthew Curry & the Fury and more. www.ridefestival.com
Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival
August 31-September 2, Snowmass Village, Colorado
Lots of big names gather in Snowmass to say goodbye to summer; expect to have lots of company as you enjoy Kid Rock, Mumford & Sons, Sugarland, Michael Franti & Spearhead, the Steve Miller Band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave. and Vintage Trouble. www.jazzaspensnowmass.org
FYF Fest
September 1-2, Los Angeles, California
This Labor Day weekend event features way too many acts to list them all here but here's a little sampler: Refused, Beirut, M83, James Blake, Quicksand, Yeasayer, Sleigh Bells, Dinosaur Jr, Against Me!, Turbonegro, Purity Ring, Hot Snakes, Black Mountain, Redd Kross, FIDLAR, Cursive, Wild Flags, Gold Panda and many, many others. herewww.fyffest.com" target="_blank">www.fyffest.com
