Get your groove on: Music festivals 2011

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published stating that Delhi 2 Dublin is performing at the Shambhala Music Festival.

This information is incorrect –Delhi 2 Dublin will NOT be performing at the Shambhala Music Festival this year.

It’s sad to see that the snow is melting but the longer, sunnier days are definitely welcome. It’s time to make summer plans. Be sure to include one or a few of this summer’s excellent B.C. music festivals.

Grab your tent, sunglasses and favourite festival friends and enjoy what B.C. has to offer.

There may be no Coachella, Sasquatch or Lollapalooza in B.C. but enjoying some of the more intimate festivals here allows better viewing and more dancing space!

Check out the quaint town of Nakusp, situated right on the lake, for the Nakusp Music Fest July 15 to 17. This festival sports a little rock and roll, folk and blues and is featuring some massive talent this year such as The Doobie Brothers and Spanish gypsy band Tambura Rasa. Actor-musician Kevin Costner will also be headlining with his band Modern West. Be prepared for a little rowdiness and a lot of fun at this fantastic rock fest. Tickets start at $195 for a three-day pass, or $155 for a weekend pass.

If you prefer something a little more relaxed and family friendly consider Starbelly Jam, also held July 15 to 17 at Crawford Bay. This Kootenay festival keeps well under the radar but has some incredible talent playing, including Blackalicious and David Starfire. The festival also features fun performing arts such as crystal juggling, costumed stilt walkers and poi spinning. There’s lots of kid’s entertainment and children under seven years old get in for free. Children aged seven to 10 are only $5. Regular adult tickets start at $95 for the whole weekend.

One festival that’s aiming high this year is the Live at Squamish festival, Aug. 20 and 21. Once a fairly simple gathering, Squamish has grown and is welcoming talent from the likes of Metric, Weezer and John Butler Trio this year. This festival definitely appeals to the younger indie crowd, and VIP tickets are being offered this year for those impatient and important feeling people at $199 for the whole weekend. Regular tickets for the festival start at $119. Onsite camping is already sold out so you might need to find alternate accommodations if you’re determined to join this one.

For those who really like to let their hair down and leave the shoes at home Shambhala Music Festival could be the experience you’re looking for this summer. Shambhala is notorious in B.C. for being a bit crazy, and rightly so. The 10,000 plus attendees are situated amongst a massive string of outdoor nightclubs. Be ready to sleep little and have sore dancing legs by the end of the weekend. Shambhala is as much a test of endurance as it is of your ability to sport an open mind. Tickets are pricey for this festival, starting at $260 and camping with your vehicle and early entry cost extra. Headliners for this electronic music festival include Skrillex, Flux Pavilion, Excision and Five Alarm Funk.

If you want to stay off the beaten path and get away from the city, join up with your best buds and plan a real weekend away at whichever festival suits your musical palate.