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(thirdrail/flickr)Soundcheck Smackdown: Summer Festival Blues
Summer festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza are billed as critical cultural events wrapped up in the greatest party on the planet. But with soaring ticket prices, searing heat, tired line-ups, and defective port-o-potties, are they really such fun? Today: debating whether multi-day festivals are holy or hype. Also: Before his performance tonight with the New York Philharmonic in Central Park, pianist Lang Lang joins us to talk about his two (yes, two) new autobiographies.
The (Not So) Great Music Festival
Summer festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza are billed as critical cultural events wrapped up in the greatest party on the planet. But with soaring ticket prices, searing heat, tired line-ups, and defective port-o-potties, are they really such fun? Today, Annie Holub, contributor for Pop Matters, and Mark Guarino, music writer for the Chicago Tribune, debate whether multi-day festivals are holy or hype.
Our blog: John Schaefer on music festivals.
Bonnaroo online
Lollapalooza online
Annie Holub's Article: How Pricey Summer Shows Have Become
Mike Guarino's Article: Summer Festivals Equal the Perfect Vacation
Lang Lang
25-year-old pianist Lang Lang is one of the most talked-about classical musicians of our day. He joins us to share his new memoir "Journey of a Thousand Miles," which chronicles his journey from an industrial city in northern China to his difficult years in Beijing to his success today.
Lang Lang will be performing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in Central Park on Jul. 15. The show, which starts at 8 p.m., is part of the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks series.
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We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.
