Top 10 Fall Music Festivals

What better way to celebrate the end of summer, than with a few days of music and fun? I have compiled a list of festivals that you should definitely not miss. It does not matter what kind of music you are into, you will find it here.

1.) Being a Memphis girl at heart, my number one pick is the Delta Fair and Music Festival. It happens from August 29 to September 7. Rock, pop, bluegrass, jazz, and country, this family friendly venue has it all. This year Delta Fair features Carolina Liar, Bill Ellis, Brittany Russell and the Trunk Monkeys, and 2007 Forbes Magazine Memphis's most eligible bachelor, Chris Love, among many others. This festival hosts a battle of the bands, the Redneck Olympics, a beauty pageant and crafts. While you are there, be sure to hit the midway and rodeo. There are more attractions than I have room to list, so check out deltafest.com for the full lineup. Tickets for adults are $8 dollars at the gate, $5 dollars for kids 5-12, and 4 and under gain free entry. Every day is wristband day, and the cost is $20 per wristband. Rodeo tickets are $15 dollars for adults, and $12 for kids.

2.) Spending a lot of time in New Mexico, Globalquerque, New Mexico's annual celebration of world music and culture is not to be missed. Talk about a diverse lineup, this festival is at the top of the list, featuring artists like 17 Hippies (Germany), Hapa (Hawaii), Savina Yannatou (Greece), and Kanda Bongo Man (Democratic Republic of Congo). At the celebration you can enjoy the global village, folklore, crafts and a variety of free day programs. Globalquerque is a two day event, September 19 and 20. A two day adult pass is $50, and half price for kids 12 and under. Visit globalquerque.com for more info.

3.) The New York Musical Theater Festival runs from September 15 to October 5. It was founded in 1983, by actor Tim Jerome as a showcase for new work and artists. There are concerts and special events, as well as full productions. Go to nymf.org for ticket information.

4.) Concrete and Grass, the Lowertown Music Festival, held in Saint Paul, Minnesota is a three day free festival. Some of the musicians this year include Romantica, Lucy Michelle, M.ANIFEST, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. It will be held September 5-7. For a list of all performers, go to concreteandgrass.com.

5.) If going abroad and jazz are your thing, check out the JVC Jazz Festival in Paris. This year, Patricia Barber, Enrico Pieranunzi, as well as Herbie Hancock, are some of the featured performers. Hit jazz.jvc.com for a full list and ticket information.

6.) Charlotte Shout is a month long cultural celebration in Charlotte, North Carolina. For the month of September, in addition to outdoor jazz, blues, and country concerts, there will also be improv comedy shows. You may even pick up some new culinary skills at this one. A lot of attractions and events have free admission. Check with charlotteshout. com for a calender of events.

7.) The Outside Lands Festival Is held August 22 through the 24th in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. 3 day general admission tickets will set you back $225.50, but with artists like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Radiohead, it is well worth it. One day tickets are $85. see sfoutsidelands.com for more.
8.) If you are looking for entertainment for a cause, the Rutherford California Music Festival for Mental Health may be what you are looking for. Now in its 14th year, it has $61 million dollars for mental health. Past performers have been Gladys Knight, Roberta Flack and Brian Wilson. This year the Pointer Sisters take the main stage. See music-festival.org for tickets.

9.) The home of the American garage band, Seattle hosts Bumbershoot. This year the Seattle Music and Arts Festival hosts Keyshia Cole, Beck, Stone Temple Pilots, the Black Keys and many more. With 12 stages dedicated to everything comedy, literary, visual, musical and theatrical, there is no shortage of entertainment possibilities. Bumbershoot is from August 12 to September 1st. A 3-day pass is $80, while day specific tickets run $35. Check out bumbershoot.org for the full schedule.

10.) The National Harvest Festival/ Festival of American Music and Craftsmanship in Branson Missouri runs from September 13 through October 27. The coinciding festivals are set in Silver Dollar City. Geared towards saluting the Great American Cowboy, this festival is home to all things western. see bransongrandplaza.com for details.

If you are unable to travel, check your local venues for upcoming events. A lot of times we are unaware of the entertainment possibilities to be found in our own back yards.