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Festivalgoers at Stagecoach 2017

Festivalgoers at Stagecoach 2017

Photo: Matt Cowan/Getty Images

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7 Ways To Enjoy Festival Season Without Drinking music-festivals-2018-7-ways-enjoy-festival-season-without-drinking

Music Festivals 2018: 7 Ways To Enjoy Festival Season Without Drinking

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From having an escape route to engaging in on-site 12-step recovery programs, learn how to plan an unforgettable festival experience without the booze
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Apr 12, 2018 - 3:12 pm

Picture this. You've landed in the California desert and are stoked to pitch that tent. You've got the lineup pulled up on your phone and you're arguing with your travel companions about whether you'll catch Beyoncé's must-see headlining set or catch a one-of-a-kind performance from Japanese rockers X Japan, who play at the same time. And you still haven't worked out if you'll see Portugal. The Man or Kamasi Washington. Mid-argument, out comes the six-pack and now there's a tougher choice to make.

Adam Clayton's MusiCares speech: Life In Recovery

While they offer life-changing experiences and the chance to get up close and personal with music of all genres, music festivals also include lots of alcohol consumption and drug use. In fact, this darker music fest culture comes with some cold, hard facts that would sober anyone up. A 2016 Canadian study found that 13 percent of reported festival deaths between 1999 and 2014 were the result of alcohol or drug abuse.

The studies may be new, but music festivals and substance abuse have been nearly inseparable since their inception. However, what's starting to change today is a focus on sobriety and recovery for those who want to attend music festivals without imbibing in the chemical party atmosphere.

"I went to Woodstock in 1969 and all I did was get loaded with everybody else. That's never really changed," shares Dr. Howard Samuels, founder/CEO of The Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles who has 33 years of sobriety under his belt. "The thing that has changed though is that there are more young people that are sober."

While festivals may be a highly charged space for maintaining sobriety, those in recovery can enjoy music festivals without drinking. So bust out your fanny packs, signature shades and water bottles, because you're headed to your favorite festival armed with these seven tips to maintain sobriety.

1. Make The Trip With Other Friends In Recovery

Rule number one: Don't go alone. Plan to attend a music festival with other community members who support sobriety.

"I would go with other sober people. And when I say sober, I mean other people that you're in recovery with," says Samuels, who also recommends waiting until at least six months of sobriety to take on a music festival. "Don't go alone or don't go with your old friends."

When surrounded by others who share the same mission, it's much easier to resist the temptation to drink. Not to mention, if a craving gets triggered, you can discuss the moment with someone who understands and supports your decision to remain sober. Alcohol isn't required to have a good time. Being surrounded by the right people, though, can make all the difference.

"My favorite part about festivals are the people I meet," says rapper Kosha Dillz, aka Rami Even-Esh, who has been sober for more than 13 years. "Go with someone you'll have a great time with."

2. Plan Lodging Wisely

During a festival, the stages may go dark at a reasonable hour, but the partying continues long into the wee hours of the morning. Instead of dealing with the pressures of other drunken attendees, plan to have a safe space to go at night or anytime a break is needed.

"Don't be cheap," advises Even-Esh. "If you have to get your own place and it means being able to sleep in a room versus all of the room partying until 7 a.m., it might be worth it to spend the money."

Also look into sober housing options at music festivals. As the recovery movement grows, so too do the sober safe spaces at events. Organizations such as Camp Traction offer sober areas at a handful of festivals each year, and check other festivals' websites because they may offer their own clean and sober camping options.

3. Devise An Escape Plan

If the atmosphere becomes too overwhelming or tempting, have an escape plan figured out ahead of time. This could mean driving separately so there's always a way out without being dependent on another group member, having a nice quiet place to come back to at any point during the day, or simply hailing an Uber or Lyft.

You may experience some FOMO (fear of missing out) in the moment when leaving friends behind, but you'll be glad you did.

"I make sure I don't take things personally and always have an exit plan if it gets weird," says Even-Esh. "It usually does, and in my experience I don't really miss anything when I leave."

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4. Phone A Friend, Often

For Even-Esh, having a fully charged phone is of paramount importance. Samuels agrees.

"The most important thing is that you have easy access to other recovering people in order to express the feelings of being overwhelmed, of being triggered by seeing people use — by all of it," says Samuels. "You've got to be able to communicate your feelings and your thoughts."

Keep phones charged with some of these portable charger options, and don't be afraid to reach out to your support network as much as needed.

"Once I start feeling anxious, the phone is a great tool to have," says Even-Esh. "Be able to call other people that are sober or even your friends back home. It's always good to call someone not at the festival to bring you back to reality."

5. Find A Local Or On-Site Meeting

As awareness about substance abuse issues and recovery grow, so do the resources for those looking to have a great experience and maintain their sobriety. Enter on-site festival 12-step programs and other resources.

"At most festivals these days, there are 12 steps and all you have to do is ask one of the organizers or the event staff where there's a 12-step meeting," recommends Samuels. "Recovery has gotten to be so in the mainstream these days, which is really positive, that there can be a lot of safe places for recovering people at music festivals."

For example, MusiCares' Safe Harbor Room program will be available at many major festivals throughout the U.S. this year, including Coachella and Stagecoach, which provides 12-step meetings and an information booth for those attending festivals.

#MySupportSystemIs @MusiCares.

Learn more about how #MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need: https://t.co/vXObeYqLwz pic.twitter.com/v8mq1PIBfL

— Recording Academy (@RecordingAcad) February 14, 2018

6. Take Care Of The Basics

In Alcoholics Anonymous parlance, HALT — hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness — mark four pillars of well-being that must be addressed to prevent vulnerabilities to relapse.

In a music festival setting, this means eating nutritious and regular meals and snacks and drinking water. Avoid isolation and loneliness by choosing the right people to have by your side, while using your phone support network to vent anger and frustrations that might arise, say pushy crowds or a rude fan. And finally, do get some sleep. No all-nighters here!

"Sometimes getting something to eat and taking a nap can really change your mentality," says Even-Esh.

7. Set Boundaries For Yourself

Finally, it's important to know your own limits because at the end of the day you're responsible for your health and sobriety.

By setting yourself up to take care of the basics, engaging support networks, acting on escape plans as needed, and picking the right people to travel with, you've got a great head start. From here, rocking out during a weekend of unforgettable music without drinking is definitely attainable. Just keep your goals top of mind.

"Depending on where you are, there can be an absurd amount of drugs available and always large amounts of drinking happening," Even-Esh says. "For everyone else that's OK, but for me that is a problem and I'm the only person who needs to know that."

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

Festivalgoers at FYF 2017

Festivalgoers at FYF 2017

Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images

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11 Must-Haves Essential For Any Music Festival music-festival-essentials-11-must-haves-apps-packs-more

Music Festival Essentials: 11 Must-Haves, From Apps To Packs & More

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Before you brave your favorite music festival, use our handy checklist to make sure you make the most of your experience
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Apr 11, 2018 - 5:34 pm

With Coachella's two-weekend party in the desert kicking off this weekend, music festival season is officially here. No matter what you're into, it's out there — from the Olympics of dance music at EDC to the hip hop/R&B gumbo at Essence and the hard rock heaven at Aftershock to the big general festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits that seem to have something for everyone.

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Before you hit the road, the train or the airport for the music celebration(s) of your choice this summer, we're here to tip you off on how to arrive in style, maximize your experience and stay safe and connected. Check out these 11 music festival essentials — don't leave home without 'em!

1. Water, Seriously

As always, safety comes first. You can be sure your festival experience will be a total drag if you get sidelined by dehydration. There are several ways to make sure you stay at 100 percent during a festival, but the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to carry the water you need is to pick up a Camelback pack (starting at $37). The distribution of weight allows you to carry more water more comfortably than in a bottle or container, and a quick sip is always easy to take when the sun starts beating down on you. Plus, Camelbak has started adding hydration stations at various festivals where they'll refill you for free! OK, water … check.

2. Never Skimp On The Sunscreen

Speaking of the sun, sunscreen is a must, otherwise your day two festival selfies will definitely pay the price. Make sure you're using at least 30 SPF, especially on your face. Also, don't forget the tops of your ears (if they're exposed) and the back of your neck. Remember: Even in overcast weather, the sun can get ya. So lather up out there. For tons of great options, check out Bustle's list of festival-friendly sunscreens (staring at $8).

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3. Don't Forget Your Plugs

And please don't forget the ever-important practice of hearing protection. Even a few minutes in front of a massive speaker array at a festival can do damage, so make sure you've got a nice pair of plugs ready. For the true music connoisseur, invest the time and money to get fitted, frequency balanced ear plugs, like these by ACS (generic fit starting at $14, custom fit starting at $185). The custom mold will keep them comfortable all day long, and the frequency balance will ensure you're getting the full range sonic experience of the music, not that muffled, boomy sound with foam plugs, where all the high end disappears. As a bonus, ACS are one of the manufacturers who provide free custom ear molds for music professionals backstage at festivals around the country through MusiCares.

4. Pack A Backup Battery

This next necessity has become even more important than money in some ways — battery life. Because your phone is your other brain, and it will probably be roaming much of the day (not to mention the photos, texts, posts to social) your battery can and will die. Fortunately, there are many options for calling in some backup without resorting to a charging station retreat. The Anker Powercore 10000 ($28) scores well in size and weight. The Morphie Powerstation 5x ($42) is preferred by some for its long-term durability. Jakery also makes the affordable Mini ($13) and reliable Bar ($20) models worth picking up.

For another nifty option, consider this handy Solar Charger ($23), which charges with the sun and can also store enough power to charge most phones twice on a single charge (in case it's cloudy). In addition, this one also has a built-in LED panel on the back, which can be a handy flashlight at the campsite, or when you've dropped your phone in the dark while trying to plug it in.                                                  

5. Shazam It

People, it's 2018! If you're not ready to capture a great song and find out what it is before it's gone, you're living in the past. Not only does the Shazam app (free for the basic app, $3 for premium) allow you to discover the music you're enjoying as you hear it, but it can provide lyrics, connect to YouTube videos, notify you of new releases, and integrate with your Spotify and Apple Music accounts. Shazam also provides the data that helps shape festival trends based on what fans are digging organically, a phenomenon we covered at SXSW. So get the app, and if you hear something you like, hold up your phone up and get the deets.

6. Scheduling Apps To The Rescue

Another valuable app that can be used for festivals is Wunderlist (free). Built to organize our lives, Wunderlist can help you make sure you hit every set on your wishlist by setting up a schedule with reminders. When used in conjunction with locator apps like Find My Friends (free), and Find Your Car With AR (free), your day at a festival will run smoothly, you'll cover more ground, remember to keep your meet-up times with friends, and make sure you aren't wandering the parking field for hours looking for your buddy's jalopy at the end of the night.

7. Make It App-ficial

Another totally indispensable app you should download is the festival's official proprietary app. The big festivals have done this best, including Coachella, Ultra and Lollapalooza (all free), whose apps are shining examples of how tech can enhance the festival experience. All the stage schedules, vendor maps and real-time notifications put you a step ahead of the frenzy surrounding you. Two years ago, this came in very handy when Lollapalooza had to be evacuated due to inclement weather. Their app was able to let tens of thousands of people know immediately when it was time to move, and exactly when the coast was clear and the fun could resume.

8. Style Matters

Getting dressed to impress for a music festival should be fun. You can experiment with style in ways you can't at school, at your job or even a night out. Dig deep into your inner style child and try something you've always wanted to try — here's some inspiration from Elle. And whatever you do, don't forget to accessorize. Hats and sunglasses are very in this year. Lulus online only store offers very boho and modern, perfect for the Chella gal look (dresses starting at $20). For additional current must-have fashion ideas, including this year's freshest batch of Unicorn Dust, check out US Magazine's 2018 Coachella packing list.

9. Let's Talk Shoes

Maybe the most important decision you make while standing in front of your closet before a festival is which shoes to wear. With so many considerations — comfort, color, style, temperature — the choice isn't always easy. Here are a couple crucial keys to keep in mind. First off, your feet will most likely get stepped on, so close toes are recommended. Also, weather plays a huge roll. Will it get chilly? Will it get wet? It might be tempting to go carefree with flip-flops or sandals, but it's really best to stay basic here, with something like these platform sneakers from Steve Madden ($79) or a basic pair of low top Chucks from Converse (starting at $40). Pro tip: It's probably best to leave your newest pair of kicks at home, because they will definitely get wrecked.

10. Merch Me

Let's be honest, merch tents at festivals can be overwhelming. It's not like stopping by the T-shirt table after the encore on your way out the door of a local show — you have dozens of bands and festival branded merch to consider, and typically a huge number of people all pushing in line to buy that last medium-sized limited edition Phoenix tee at the same time. But remember, for a lot of artists — especially those still building their fanbase — merch sales and connecting with fans at festival merch booths can make a huge difference. No one's nailed this better over the past two decades than Warped Tour with their endless rows of tents where fans can pick up merch and, in many cases, meet the artists, who are usually sweaty from being fresh off the stage. Consider supporting the up-and-coming acts you love — or just discovered — at festivals. Also, if you brought the wrong clothes, forgot your sunnys or desperately need a hoodie, merch tents can be a lifesaver.

11. Open Mind For Discovery

Last, but certainly not least, it's easy to overlook the biggest upside of festivals: artist discovery. The tickets probably cost you an arm and a leg, you probably sat in traffic, parked a mile away, and waited in a long line at the gate to get in, but once you make it through the gate there are bands and artists all around you who have devoted their lives to their art. Listen to every band you can, even if just for one song. Sure, you want to make it to the main stage early to get a prime spot for your favorite artist, but remember: that artist wasn't always your jam! You had to discover them somehow.

Think of all your favorite before-they-were-cool stories of being the first of your friends to dig this band or that rapper after seeing them in a tiny club, or opening for a touring headliner no one listens to anymore, or on a festival side stage playing to nine people at 11:45 a.m. before they made it big.  Slow down and give these passionate musicians a chance to blow your mind, and you might be surprised.

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

GRAMMYs

Photo Illustration: Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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Tinder Introduces "Festival Mode" tinder-teams-edc-gov-ball-more-music-fests-festival-mode

Tinder Teams Up With EDC, Gov Ball & More Music Fests For "Festival Mode"

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Tinder users looking for potential dates at music festivals can switch on "Festival Mode," which links users up in advance
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
May 2, 2019 - 10:50 am

Tinder users looking for singles at music festivals will now be able to link up with people in advance, the dating app has announced.

As of May, "Festival Mode" will allow app users to select "badges" belonging to the festival of their choice and see other users attending. Users will then be able to match with each other before the festival begins. Partner festivals include EDC Las Vegas, The Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, Hard Summer, Lovebox in the U.K. and more. 

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https://twitter.com/Tinder/status/1123985752646352896

Tinder is going on tour this festival season. Find your crowd by getting in #FestivalMode. Click the link below to claim your badge to let others know which festival you're attending and find someone who wont mind that you haven't showered in a few days. https://t.co/YWR2Q3HaQT pic.twitter.com/7OUeAcbCIf

— Tinder (@Tinder) May 2, 2019

To unlock the mode, users will have to look for the festival mode card and swipe right. Access to the festival badges will begin roughly three weeks before each fest.

For more information on how to unlock festival mode, visit Tinder's website. 

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Governors Ball 2017

Governors Ball 2017

Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images

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9 New York Music Festivals In Summer 2018 9-new-york-music-festivals-hit-summer-2018

9 New York Music Festivals To Hit In Summer 2018

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When the city that never sleeps starts warming up, so does the festival scene — here are nine ways to do NYC right this summer
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Apr 25, 2018 - 12:42 pm

It's simple, really: From Woodstock in 1969 to Coachella in 2018, music festivals remain the best way to see as many of your favorite artists and discover new ones — all in the same weekend. There is a reason music fans travel all over the world each summer to catch a vibe at their festival of choice.

But if you live in New York City, you have more events, parties, and concerts to choose from than you can possibly hit in one lifetime, much less one summer.

Since we've already looked this year's list of must-attend music festivals across the country, and provided our checklist of festival essentials, now it's time to zero in on the Big Apple to see what's got the city lit this summer. Here are nine New York music festivals, including some surprises, not to be missed in summer '18.

SummerStage

Dates: May-October
Location: Central Park, plus 17 other neighborhood parks throughout the Five Boroughs
Lineup Includes: Talib Kweli, Rhiannon Giddens, Mac Demarco, Tokimonsta, Liam Gallagher, Mariza, Kool And The Gang, Jason Mraz
The Scene: Although this summer-long festival is based in Central Park, SummerStage comprises mostly free shows, festivals and benefit concerts to parks all over the city, providing countless affordable alternatives to today's often-high-priced festival scene. Hosted by City Parks Foundation, SummerStage's sprawling 2018 lineup touches many genres and formats, meaning there's probably something to see no matter what you're into. For instance, NYC jazzheads can go to the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival at Tompkins Square Park Aug. 23–26 at a price that can't be beaten: free.
Connect: @SummerStage

David Lynch's "Festival Of Disruption"

Date: May 19–20
Location: Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn
Lineup Includes: Angel Olsen, Animal Collective, Au Revoir Simone, Jim James, Flying Lotus DJ set; talks with David Lynch, art exhibits, meditations and more
The Scene: And now for something completely different. Acclaimed director David Lynch will bring his festival of disruptive music, art and discussions to Brooklyn for the first time ever in 2018. With a solid lineup of indie artists and rare DJ sets, you can come for the music and stay for the experience, as Lynch curates this offbeat, two-day fest to include screenings of some of his finest work — including Blue Velvet, complete with a discussion with lead actress Isabella Rossellini. Be prepared to be uncomfortable, as Lynch's signature aesthetic can be as challenging as it is brilliant. As Lynch once said, "I don’t know why people expect art to make sense when they accept the fact that life doesn’t make sense."
Connect: @FestDisruption

https://twitter.com/FestDisruption/status/987830859721007104

.@DAVID_LYNCH's #FestivalofDisruption debuts in #NYC May 19-20 at @brooklynsteel.

Limited tickets remain - don’t get shut out! Get your tickets here: https://t.co/vXACACAkaC

Net proceeds support the David @LynchFoundation ’s work providing #TM to at-risk populations. pic.twitter.com/6vHuhg7Qi2

— Festival of Disruption (@FestDisruption) April 21, 2018

Governors Ball

Date: June 1–3
Location: Randall's Island Park, New York City
Lineup Includes: Headliners Jack White, Travis Scott, Eminem, Khalid, Post Malone, N.E.R.D.
The Scene: Taking over Randall's Island Park each summer, Governor's Ball has become one of New York's big-ticket festivals, even offering cabanas, luxury suites and a whole host of top-shelf VIP amenities. Since the lineup dropped in early January, anticipation in the city has been building for this year's robust, hip-hop heavy lineup. In contrast to NYC's gritty urban landscape, Governors Ball takes festivalgoers out for three days in the park with plenty of games and food, not to mention chances to meet the artists and raging afterparties.
Connect: @GovBallNYC

Latin Alternative Music Conference

Date: July 10–14
Location: The Stewart Hotel, Manhattan
Lineup Includes: TBA
The Scene: Much more than just a festival, LAMC brings together the Latin Alternative music community for showcases, panel discussions, parties, and more – or as the New York Times put it, "LAMC is to Latin alternative the way the Sundance Film Festival is to indie movies.” This year will be the conference's 19th year, the LAMC has grown into the premiere platform for the evolution of Latin music in the U.S. by celebrating artists pushing the boundaries of traditional pop, rock, jazz, metal, and other genres. Each year the conference hands out the Discovery Award to up-and-coming Latin talent, and GRAMMY-winning artists such as Pitbull and Calle 13 have participated in the past, making the event a great place to check out talent at all levels.
Connect: @TheLAMC

This is the LAMC from LAMC on Vimeo.

Panorama

Date: July 27 – 29
Location: Randall's Island Park
Lineup Includes: The Weeknd, The Killers, Janet Jackson, The War On Drugs, Odesza
The Scene: Serving as Goldenvoice's "Coachella of the east," newcomer Panorama Music Festival launched in 2016, initially creating some competition with Governors Ball. Now that the festivals are spaced apart by almost two months, they complement each other, offering New Yorkers another chance to enjoy Randall's Island Park and hear some of the biggest acts in music.
Connect: @PanoramaNYC

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

Date: July 9–14
Location: Multiple locations throughout Brooklyn
Lineup Includes: Black Star, Talib Kweli, Yasiin Bey
The Scene: Billed as NYC's largest hip-hop cultural event, Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival showcases the positivity of hip-hop culture with a variety of educational and entertainment events, including panel lectures, exhibitions, movie screenings and even a family-friendly block party. In its 12-year history, everyone from Nas to Jay-Z have made appearances at this conference and festival produced by Brooklyn Bodega, making this week-long celebration a must for anyone in the hip-hop industry and fans alike.
Connect: @BodegaAgency

https://twitter.com/BKHipHopFest/status/988781015077478400

GRAMMYs

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Electric Zoo

Date: Aug. 30 – Sept. 2
Location: Randall's Island Park, New York City
Lineup Includes: Martin Garrix, Kaskade, Marshmello
The Scene: Dance music's premiere New York gathering, Electric Zoo's website has a countdown clock to what it calls "the biggest, wildest party New York has ever seen!" A bold claim, for sure, but not unreasonable as the festival is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. With 50-plus artists still to be announced and added to an already top-shelf lineup, Electric Zoo has all summer to gear up for the season's closer at Randall's Island Park.
Connect: @ElectricZooNY

https://twitter.com/ElectricZooNY/status/979376344969592832

You are cordially invited to the biggest birthday celebration New York has ever seen…. Here are our Phase One artists! 🎉🎁 #EZooTen

Get your tickets NOW ➡️➡️ https://t.co/FNA26Q5SYn pic.twitter.com/kYDjUABYV8

— Electric Zoo (@ElectricZooNY) March 29, 2018

There's No Leaving New York

Date: Sept. 29–30
Location: Forest Hills Stadium, Queens
Lineup Includes: Hosted and curated by The National, featuring Future Islands, Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit, Cat Power, U.S. Girls, Cigarettes After Sex
The Scene: GRAMMY-winning indie band The National will host their first-ever New York festival this year, offering two days of great bands with the hosts playing both shows. "Our show last October at Forest Hills Stadium was one of our favorite shows in the history of the band," The National guitarist Aaron Dessner shared in a statement. "The incredible legacy of the place and the fact that it still feels intimate even given its size, we started talking immediately about finding a way to come back for multiple nights with friends. We couldn't be happier to announce these shows in September with some of our favorite artists."
Connect: @TheNational

https://twitter.com/YouSGirls/status/988486584650682368

U.S. Girls will perform at @TheNational's ‘There’s No Leaving New York’ at @ForestHillsStdm on 30th September, alongside @FutureIslands, @CatPower and @Bully. One day tickets are now on-sale: https://t.co/Ij1G4ZaDVT pic.twitter.com/U2Z3CWtdJC

— U.S. Girls (@YouSGirls) April 23, 2018

Roots Picnic

Date: TBA
Location: TBA
Lineup Includes: Still waiting on NYC details, but Philly's Roots Picnic features Dave Chappelle, Lil Uzi Vert, Dirty Projectors, Brandy, 2 Chainz, 6LACK, and more.
The Scene: It's no secret that for the past 11 years Roots Picnic has been a Philadelphia institution. Two years ago, Questlove & Co. announced they'd be bringing the party up the tracks for a New York edition. While details on this year's Big Apple picnic are still forthcoming, anticipation is high on the heels of two successful years in New York. Last year's NYC edition featured Pharrell Williams, Lil Wayne, Solange, 21 Savage, and Kimbra.
Connect: @rootspicnic

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5 Ways To Share Music With Your Child 5-ways-bring-music-your-childs-life

5 Ways To Bring Music Into Your Child's Life

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The wide world of music can seem hard to translate to children, but parents want their kids to know their way around the universal language — here's how any family can start today
Philip Merrill
GRAMMYs
Mar 1, 2018 - 11:13 am

There is no shortage of research that indicates music can have an indelible impact on a child's life. Take for example the fact that children who are immersed in music often develop stronger language skills, have more emotional empathy toward others and turn into creative thinkers. These benefits just scratch the surface.

What Happened At 2018 GRAMMY In The Schools Live!

Music Together, an early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age eight, observes March as Sing With Your Child Month, the perfect time to bring a little extra music, and its benefits, to a child's everyday life.

"It is not important that [parents] sing perfectly; it is important that they model the enjoyment of making music," said Music Together founder/director Kenneth K. Guilmartin. "Singing together doesn't cost a dime, it requires no special skills and it can have a tremendous impact on development."

There are simple ways you can bring more music into a child's life at any age, anywhere. Whether that's making a symphony out of a regular walk, turning car rides into a concert, or getting a head start on music theory, here are five of many ways to jump in and get started. If your child sees you listening to music, smiling, and feeling it, that simple moment can change their future.

1. Listen Together While You Go For A Walk
Classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven went for walks and felt the sounds of the wind, birds and the world around him, which he then turned into amazing classical music. This is an example you can mimic with your child. A simple exercise like listening to the outdoor sounds around you on a walk outdoors can help children recognize that music is all around us. You can take this a step further and add to the symphony happening around you by turning walking into clapping, stomping or vocalizing.

2. Move Your Feet To The Rhythm
For children, feeling music in the body helps them develop a strong connection with the art form. Dancing is a great way to feel music inside. Although the sound waves make us vibrate no matter what, low vibrations like bass strings or stomping enable us to feel that long low wave pass through us. Experiment with different types of music and move along with your child to what you hear. Feeling a rhythm while moving around is a good influence for wellbeing, feeling in control, and to start singing with phrasing and emphasis.

3. Turn Car Rides Into Concerts
Whatever your team in the car can agree to listen to, make the most of drives as group musical experiences. Go for a wide variety of genres, showing children a wide-ranging appetite for all genres from classical to hip-hop, pop, rock, and jazz. Musicians spend their lifetimes returning to single songs from the American songbook, harvesting new insights into life while finding fresh things that can be done with old classics. Sing along, clap and shimmy in your seats. Johann Sebastian Bach's family sang in on-the-fly four-part harmony at parties, making quite an impression on the young composer. Not only will the music make the drive go faster, you'll all be indulging in the benefits of music.

4. Get A Head Start On Music Theory
Scales, octaves, fifths and other intervals, measures, ways of counting, not to mention polyphony, accidentals and dynamics, will all sound like Greek to most people, but these are the building blocks of music. Though it's not necessary to learn music theory to participate in music, giving your children a head start on music theory can bring out some of the cognitive benefits of music and provide a solid foundation for advanced music study if children choose it later in life. Find a colorful music theory app and turn learning the language of music into a game you and your child can learn together.

5. Spend A Lifetime Enjoying Music
Sharing music with children can create memories they will cherish for a lifetime. Keep sharing your own love of music with children to instill a sense of appreciation and curiosity that will lead to a lifetime of music participation, whether it's children sharing their love of music with the next generation or pursuing a professional music career. It all starts with parents. The beat goes on. Stick with it and it will stick with you.

What Are College Students' Top Music Influencers?

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