Independent Music festivals

Although the roots of the camping-and-music craze date back to the Summer of Love and Woodstock, the popularity of music festivals in America has grown exponentially in recent years. Each region has developed its own signature event, complete with a locally inspired aura and lineups that cater to a specific segment of the listening public.

The summer is fast-approaching, meaning it’s time to start planning your summer 2015 music festival itinerary. These five festivals offer exciting features to please even the most jaded live music fans: beautiful settings, diverse lineups, and unique dining options.

Ultra Music Festival — Miami — March 27-29, 2015
Ultra Miami has positioned itself as America’s premier electronic dance music showcase. The 2015 edition builds on the success of last year’s event, bringing three days of big beats, explosive drops and big melodies to two stages at Miami’s Bayfront Park.

While some of Ultra’s biggest-name performers are its headlining DJs, it’s the festival’s Live stage that separates it from similar events. Some of the world’s most popular EDM and IDM artists will perform with the help of live bands, taking their stage shows beyond what you’d expect from a DJ set. Thanks to Miami’s thriving nightlife scene, the Ultra party doesn’t stop at the festival entrances. Parties by Space and Link Miami Rebels bring Ultra-approved underground artists to South Florida’s best clubs.

Ultra Music Festival 2015 Lineup Highlights:
Porter Robinson (live)
Steve Aoki
Avicii
Royksopp (live)
Bassnectar (live)

Ultra Music Festival 2015 price: $449.95
www.ultramusicfestival.com

Coachella — Indio, Calif. — April 10-12, April 17-19
You can’t discuss the new wave of American music festivals without mentioning Coachella. This California event is the standard-bearer among summer live music events, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to the Southern California desert in search of sets from some of the world’s most popular musicians.

Coachella traditionally skews toward the indie set, attracting performers both up-and-coming and established. This year’s list covers genres as diverse as hip-hop (Run the Jewels, Drake), EDM (John Talabot, John Hopkins) and indie (Perfume Genius, Sylvan Esso), providing two weekends’ worth of sonic splendor just a short drive away from LA.

Coachella 2015 Lineup Highlights:
Drake
St. Vincent
Alt-J
Azealia Banks
fka Twigs

Coachella 2015 price: $375
www.coachella.com

Sasquatch! Festival — Quincy, Wash. — May 22-25
Sasquatch carries on the rich tradition of the Pacific Northwest, a corner of the United States that has never been starved for sonic innovation. Local legends, rap royalty, and up-and-coming indie favorites share the stage at the festival, located several hours east of Seattle.