The New Year's Pre-Party Playlist

     2012 is right around the corner, and you might find yourself going out to a party to ring in the new year, or maybe you're the one throwing the soirée. Whether you're celebrating the close of 2011 at a large party, or you're just chilling with some close friends and family, you're gonna need some festive music to get you feeling awesome. Here's some gems that sparkle brighter than the glitter at a Ke$ha concert for while you're getting yourself looking sharp. 






























For instant party success, follow these simple instructions: 
1. Turn up your bass
2. Add this track 
3. Mingle and enjoy :) 

A Very Indie Christmas

While everyone else is listening to Justin Bieber Christmas covers, you can listen to indie ones, because mainstream Christmas music is so...mainstream. So toss your ironic scarf over your shoulder because you're indoors, stir your all-organic chai latte from the non-chain coffee shop down the street, and turn your speakers up, because it's about to get festive-- indie style.

This video of Ingrid Michaelson & Sara Bareilles is ridiculous. There is so much knit-hat-thick-glasses-musical-genius happening that I just can't handle it. 

These guys crack me up. No video for this, just audio, but it's enough, haha. 

Yes, this song is in here twice. This is my absolute favorite Christmas song, and the Darlene Love version is unbeatable. 

Happy holidays to you and yours from KSG! I'm going to attempt to study for finals now. Key word being "attempt."

Cheers! 

-- L.V. 

Do Some Good: The Born This Way Foundation

Mother Monster wants all of her Little Monsters to feel accepted and loved.
No, this isn't some convoluted cult. This is Lady Gaga, and she is launching a nonprofit foundation next year focusing on youth empowerment and "issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development" according to the Grammy award winning artist as quoted in The Huffington Post.
Also affiliated with the Born This Way Foundation --named for Gaga's hit song about self-acceptance-- is the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.
Of the Foundation, Gaga says: "Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment."
My paws are up, Lady Gaga, because this is music to my ears.

To join the movement online, go to http://www.bornthiswayfoundation.org/ .

2012 Adventure Preview: Mississippi

Hey there!

I'm leaving for Thanksgiving break tomorrow. It'll be nice to be home for a little while. What I'm really excited about though is my trip to Smithville, Mississippi that I'll be going on with other students from my college over Christmas break. Smithville is a disaster area-- torn up by a tornado-- and a group of us are going there with some fantastic "Aunts" and "Uncles" from Lend A Hand. I've never built a house, or fixed a roof, but I'm beyond stoked to meet new people, learn new things, and to journey out to Knoxville, Tupelo, and other places down South on my way to help those affected by the disaster.

As an aside, the American South is iconic as being the birthplace of rock-and-roll-- with headliners like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, music during this chapter in American history is unforgettable. Even modern music artists like Harrison Hudson take notes from 60's and 70's southern rock, so I'm interested to see this part of the country that has had such a profound effect on music history as we know it.

It'll be my first "Do Some Good" act for 2012! Woo!

What do you plan to do next year? Think it over with some solid southern-inspired tracks.













Stay tuned, and I'll keep you posted on Mississippi & other adventures!
Thanks for reading!
-- L.V.

American Thunder

Hey, so remember that position I got at school writing music reviews? ...You do?! Your memory is way better than mine!
Here's the article I wrote this past week on Harrison Hudson:

Just the title of Harrison Hudson’s third full-length album—“American Thunder”—makes me wish I were driving a muscle car with the windows down, drumming my fingers on the driver’s side door. The album’s sound embodies the spirit that was so much a part of ‘50’s and ‘60’s Americana: raw emotion and pure stream of consciousness. That unbridled sense of freedom, nostalgia, and soulful rock roll over the listener in this third-time’s-the-charm album with a perfect storm of melodies, and Hudson’s vocals are smooth like a soda fountain treat.

            From humble beginnings in Atlanta, GA, Harrison Hudson got his start as a songwriter backed by a band. In 2008, Harrison Hudson had become a full band—taking his name as their title— and making a new home in Nashville, TN. I caught up with Harrison Hudson in May of 2010 when they were touring with Manchester Orchestra at the Theater of the Living Arts in Philly.

Their song, “Indie Rock and Roll Queen” was an instant favorite of mine for its hard-hitting power chords and catchy lyrics. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance around playing air-guitar, singing into your hairbrush; not caring if your roommate judges you.

            Harrison Hudson captures the vintage, southern-rock feel and re-inspires it in a new generation of music enthusiasts—not re-manufactures the past. “American Thunder” tells the modern tale of “boy meets manic-pixie-dream-girl” (where are my Garden State fans at?) and “boy winds up heartbroken when she leaves him for another guy.” If you’re anything like me, though, the album closes after playing “Run My Way” about six times, and then mouthing the words to “Bookstore Girl” as you walk across campus to class. It turns it into a “choose your own adventure” story.

Harrison Hudson writes the anthems for the new age horizon chasers and radio blasters. Now if only gas still cost 24 cents a gallon…       

To listen to all tracks on Harrison Hudson's new album, check out their website. 

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more music posts, updates, and reviews!
-- L.V.

The Year We Got Christmas for Halloween

Usually, when I'm blogging it's pouring down rain, but today we are having a weather event: it is snowing in October. Now, depending on where you live, this may not be a big deal (here's looking at you, Nova Scotia!) but for the east coast of the U.S., this is pretty unusual.

Fittingly enough, She & Him released their much anticipated Christmas album, "A Very She & Him Christmas" this past Monday.



I dropped everything I was doing to download it, and I listened to it all day. In fact, I am listening to it now as this wonderful snowfall is occurring. Zooey & M. Ward, you make my life beautiful.











I could honestly just listen to this, watch the Polar Express, drink hot chocolate/ good coffee, and snuggle right now. My life would be complete.

Happy Early Holidays from KSG!
Stay warm!
--L.V.

Live from Philadelphia... An Horse

     Hey there fellow music lovers & concert attendees! It has been an obscenely long time since I've posted last, for which I do apologize.
     Last weekend I had the ultimate pleasure of seeing An Horse perform at the North Star bar in Philly. The duo always put on a great show. I even got to shake hands and introduce myself to Harrison Hudson, who you might recall from KC & DC's last tour with Manchester Orchestra  .
I think the crowning moment though was when I was at An Horse's merch table. Damon was running it, and I got a chance to talk to him, and tell him that I saw them perform at Lollapalooza over the summer, and  that I thought their show that night was fantastic. I tried really hard not to fangirl. I may or may not have succeeded. However, if Kate was out there, I probably would've fangirled, haha.
Check out some of the pictures from that night:

Outside the North Star

Damon Cox setting up for An Horse's set.

Kate Cooper tuning her guitar.

KC & DC

Kate Cooper

An Horse

There was a mustache painted on the wall just above one of the drum sets. I am definitely returning to the North Star to see another show.

Bye, Philly. I'll see you again soon!

Thanks for reading!
--L.V. 

P.E.M.F.G. (Please Excuse My Fan-Girling)

Yesterday was my last day at school before fall break. I'm pretty confident that I did really well on my algebra II quiz (haters gonna hate; yes: I am STILL taking algebra. Anyone who says that stuff goes away after high school definitely lied.)
So instead of "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" when working through the order of operations, I'd like you to "Please Excuse My Fan-Girling" as you listen to Elizaveta, who I'm pretty sure is going fill your life with joy (unlike math, which usually only fills my life with despair.)

Have a listen:


IS THIS NOT THE MOST MAGICAL SONG THAT HAS EVER GRACED YOUR AUDITORY NERVE ENDINGS?! (Please excuse my fan-girling. So sorry for that outburst. You were warned. Scientific facts may or may not be correct. Over it.)


Seriously, she should musically narrate my life. I could easily see this being played in the background as I walk from the coffee shop back to campus. Magic.

Born in New York City, raised in Russia, and now building her career in the United States out of raw talent and sheer bliss for artistic expression, Elizaveta is turning heads in the music industry. She studied flower alchemy and minored in music while in university, and studied opera when she came to the States (hence those absolutely incredible, jaw-dropping operatic notes in her songs.)
Of her music, Elizaveta notes on her blog, "I seek to sing in a manner which would create within your chest a safe, magical, truthful place of power beyond the slow burn of stars."
She used the word "magical." Several lines up, I used the term "magical", all before I even knew she had a blog, or used the word "magical". I would say mission 100% accomplished.

For more music, magic, and information on Elizaveta, check out her blog here .

Thank you for excusing my fan-girling.

Carry on.
--L.N.V.

The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know

If I had to choose a favorite instrument among the many that please my ear, I would have to go with piano. I find it has the most soothing of sounds, with silvery, tinkling high notes, or rich, melodious low ones. Piano can be sassy, jazzy, declarative, or the deepest of melancholy. It can be bubbly, high-spirited, and enchanting. I love its versatility, and I think that's why it appeals so much to me. Its sound is only limited by the player's imagination; as though the monochromatic keys issue a dare with the press of each note: "be adventurous, be creative; paint with the invisible words that say so much."

A lovely piano that belongs to a friend of mine.

When I type, I like to listen to piano. That way, I can pretend that those soulful notes emanating from my iTunes are my creation. Reality reveals, however, that I will always love piano music from afar because regrettably, I lack the skill and dexterity required to produce even a string of sequential harmonious notes. *Sigh....*

Do Some Good: Sevenly

It appears my Shakespeare class is good for more than just discussing plays and character foils. Yesterday, a fellow classmate had received a package in the mail & was showing it off to another person in the class. The class only has twelve people in it, so it's hard not to overhear. I asked her about the package when she mentioned it had to do with a charity.
As it turns out, the package contained an awesome t-shirt, and that tee came from Sevenly, a company whose mission is to generate awareness and capital for some of the biggest global causes.

Similar to Yellow Bird Project, Sevenly prints graphics submitted by passionate individuals who strive to improve the lives of humanity. How is Sevenly different? They team up with 52 charities in one year, and have a new t-shirt campaign each week. From planting 3 trees and 4 edible crops for families in Haiti, to providing one day of medical care and food for girls rescued from the sex trade, the profits from the sale of each shirt are contributed to providing significant aid to individuals and families in desperate need.

One thing remains the same: you get a sweet shirt & contribute to making this world we share a better place.

To learn more about Sevenly, read their mission statement, or view their current campaign, check out their website:  http://sevenly.org/

Whether it's buying a shirt, or volunteering in your own back yard, you can impact the lives of those in need.

Do Some Good out there!

-- L.V.

Live from Folklore Coffee & Co...

There is the most adorable little cafe in the center of the town where I go to school. My hipster heart squees with joy each time I go there (which was four times last week, but hey, who's counting?) At any rate, it is called Folklore, and while having menu items named for storybook characters and being a unique establishment, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.

This past weekend, Folklore had live music performances from several talented and entertaining gentlemen: Talain Rayne, Mark Rose, Jon Walker (formerly of Panic! At the Disco) and Lucas Carpenter.

Rayne, whose sound is similar to that of The Fray, writes melodious, heartrending songs. His piano playing abilities are only surpassed by his wonderful voice. Have a listen:

I think my dreams would come true if he played piano by my bed as I fell asleep. *sigh.*

I was pulled out of my music-and-pumpkin-spice-latte stupor when Rayne introduced his song, "16". As Rayne told it, he used to work as a kid's summer camp counselor. He and another counselor had taken the kids out to a lake on the camp grounds. While swimming and playing with the kids, his co-worked went to reach into the water to pull on the arm of one of the kids she had been playing with. In actuality, she pulled up the body of a sixteen-year-old girl who had recently been murdered. The teen's body had rocks tied to her arms and legs.
Rayne wrote the song in the girl's memory, raising such questions as "who would she be if she had lived?" This song literally struck such a chord with me, and I knew I had to share it with you. Take nothing for granted; this life is so short, and can be taken in an instant.

Next up, we heard from Mark Rose. Another mellow music writer who should play songs by my bed. I especially like his inspirational track, "How Strong We Are." Scratch that, Mark. You should play beside me as I take a quiz in my Shakespeare class this Wednesday.


The much awaited Jon Walker performed then. His songs were distinctly his own, particularly the song he wrote about his beard.


Last, but certainly not least, in the night's line-up was the most comical, Lucas Carpenter. Carpenter had fantastic stage presence, and the audience gathered in the warm, dimly lit coffee shop did not experience a dearth of laughter while he played his set.





 Great music, great food, and great friends combined to make one of the best evenings I've had thus far in my college career. Folklore Coffee & Co, you know the way to my music (and tea/occasionally coffee loving) heart!

Inside Folklore!

Talain Rayne performing.

Talain Rayne.

Jon Walker.

Jon Walker.

Mark Rose.

A guy wearing TOMS. I love TOMS shoes, and I just thought this was a neat picture.

Lucas Carpenter.

Lucas Carpenter.

I'll keep you updated on any future live music events at my favorite coffee shop!

--L.V.

Do Some Good: Yellow Bird Project

I don't know about you, but I love helping people. I love that feel-good sensation you get by just being a compassionate human being.

Casey and Matt of Yellow Bird Project feel that way too. YBP is a Montreal-based nonprofit that creates one-of-a-kind t-shirt designs that support a variety of charities chosen by an incredible mix of indie rock musicians, including Andrew Bird, Of Montreal, Beach House, Wolfmother, and many more. The bands design the shirt graphic, Yellow Bird Project prints it, you buy it 'cause you love the band (and support their cause!) and BOOM! you feel like a great person, rep' your favorite band, and help others in need, all in one. Look at you go, you super hero, you. 


For more information on Yellow Bird Project, the charities, the bands, and of course, the glorious catalog of merch, check out their website by clicking the link below.




Thanks for reading, and Do Some Good out there!

-- L.V.

Dream Chasing

At my campus job, one of the activities my co-workers and I engaged in is something called a "pat bag." We each took a brown paper bag and wrote our name on it, and then taped it upside-right to the wall. Throughout the week, we wrote each other little notes (signed or anonymous) saying things we noticed that the person did well at our job, kind of like a written "pat on the back". At the end of the week, we took the bags home and got to read all of the lovely things people said.

One of my friends closed her note to me with a phrase I won't soon forget:
"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night." 
That was in June.

In August, one of the editors of my college's campus newspaper contacted me, offering me a position to write about music for the Opinion section of the paper. She had seen this blog, and liked my style; both my writing and my flare for music. I spastically flailed my arms around after I read the email and wanted to stop people in the streets to tell them how excited I was. It's like booking your first gig at a tiny coffee house: even though only a few people are going to be there when you play, and even fewer will care, you're out of the garage, and you get a small taste of the reality of what it is you love to do.

My column is called "Put Your Records On" (the title was created by my editor, and I think it is wonderful!) It's only around 300 words for the weekly publication, but it's a blast because I get to talk about something I love. Tomorrow, my article will be in the first printing of the campus newspaper for the semester.

Some might say that this small-time success is pointless. I say cheer up, buttercup. One small step for another is one giant leap for L.V. (look at this kid, mixing her metaphors like that. She's gone mad!)

 Maybe you're wondering, "well, that's cool and all, but what does any of this have to do with me?"
Here's a few tips for pursuing (and hopefully, capturing!) that often elusive creature, success:

1. Find something you love, and throw yourself into it. You don't even have to be good at it to begin, you just have to love it. Enjoying what you do increases your chances of wanting to learn everything about your chosen activity and how to do it well.

2. Do you, dude. Whatever it is you choose to do, do it for you. Don't write, play, or create for other people. Make yourself happy with your work first, and the rest will follow.

3. Stay true. Once you've established your activity, don't lose yourself to it, or let other people change you because of it. Keep it simple: just do what you love, stop when you don't love it, and don't let negative influences tell you otherwise.

That's about all I've got for tonight. My Shakespeare homework is calling me...

Anyways, whatever you do, wherever you are, whatever it is you love, I hope you get the chance to share it with your world, whether that's through your personal website, your school, or even with a bunch of your closest friends.

"Keep on chasing down your passion like the last bus of the night." Remember that. 

May You Always Have a Roof for the Rain...

 I swear to you it doesn't rain here every day. I've been going a mile a minute since I've been back at school, and when it rains, it means I stay inside mostly, but not always. I'm in a Shakespearean drama course, so I've read two plays in a week and a day (they are As You Like It and Twelfth Night for those who are interested, haha). Not gonna lie, I'm a fan of the bard, but I will keep my ramblings about him to a minimum since that is not why you're here (if it is, so sorry, although I would love to discuss it with you.)










Okay, so this next video is a little out there, but stick with me on this one, 'cause the music itself is good. I'm a big Donnie Darko fan, and this song has echoes of Tears for Fears to me. Or even Echo & the Bunnymen, also from the movie. If  you haven't seen Donnie Darko, I recommend you watch it. I mean, it's raining, what else are you going to do? Homework?


Last but certainly not least, the catch of the day: Tired Pony. 
  
Tired Pony hails from Northern Ireland, and their rustic, indie-folk style is anything but sleepy. Their first album, The Place We Ran From was released in 2010, and they have since collaborated with the lovely Zooey Deschanel  and the always charming M. Ward of  She and Him, shifting their American indie-music presence from a walk to a canter. TP's track, "Get on the Road" features Deschanel.
Tired Pony's hit single from The Place We Ran From, "Dead American Writers," was aired on September 30th, 2010, when the band performed on The Late Show With David Letterman.
Like what you hear? Keep up with Tired Pony at their website, http://www.tiredpony.com/. Here's hoping they come galloping to your neck of the woods sometime soon! 

Well, this has certainly been more educational than I planned. In short, watch Donnie Darko, download some Tired Pony, and remember kids, stay in school. I just helped you plan your day, and possibly even your future. You're welcome.

May you always have 
Walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
and All your heart may desire. --Irish Prayer
I'm not even Irish, but I can say an "amen" to that.

Peace, love, & good music always,
-- L.V.

Singing in the Rain

It's raining here at school, and I can't really complain. I'm content to watch the torrent of water pour down as I stay nice and dry in my third floor room. My desk is by the window so I can look out while I'm writing. Within view is the entrance to a nature trail, and I can't wait to explore it once the weather clears.

Here are some mellow tunes for your listening enjoyment. Also, if you haven't read it already, I highly recommend Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. It is laugh-out-loud-and-accidentally-snort-and-people-stare-at-you-oddly funny. I guarantee it'll brighten your day.



Somebody made this video and posted it on youtube. The baby reaching up at the stove at :26 cracks me up. I have no idea why. Probably because babies should be nowhere near stoves. Ignore me and my ramblings, haha.

Rock & Roll, Back to School

Summer flew by, and now I get to go back to my second home: College. It'll be nice to see everyone I've missed over the break, and to blog from my desk as opposed to the kitchen counter where I've stationed myself for the past few months.

Here's a mix to jam while you pack, or in my case, attempt to fit my entire closet into a box.

Festival Tips & Tricks

While I might not be an expert, I certainly learned a few things from experience while enjoying the shows at Lollapalooza. If you're heading out to a music festival soon (I wish I could go to Austin City Limits in September!), or if you're planning ahead for next year, check out these tips to help you get the best of the fest. 

Tickets & Passes
This year, out of our group of four, two of us had passes, and two of us had tickets. Passes typically last the span of the festival's operating days, and allow one to exit & reenter the park. Tickets are usually only for one day, and often do not allow for reentry. If the shows you want to see are far between, sitting around in the blistering heat of the park when you could be ducking into an air-conditioned shop or mall outside the venue for an hour or two may help you decide whether you want tickets or a pass.

Another tip: buy tickets early. Availability may also determine whether you get a pass or single-day tickets. Most major music festivals have early-bird specials that can save you money on passes. Try to start looking into your ticket purchases at least four months prior to the festival.

Long Day's Night: Booking the Hotel
Now that you've got your tickets, it's time to book the hotel. When we booked our hotel for Lolla, we wanted to save on cash, since we knew we'd only be there to sleep. While the hotel covered our basic necessities, it didn't cover much else. Here's a few things to consider when trying to decide where to stay:

• Location-- How far is the hotel from the venue? How far are you willing to commute? We drove about 40 minutes into the city each day for the show, but if we could've stayed closer and taken public transport, we probably would have. 
• Amenities--Do you want to have a refrigerator or a microwave in your room? We didn't have either, since it would cost extra to have them. Most hotels have a microwave that is accessible for hotel guests, but it might be good to get the fridge for the room, even if it does cost a bit extra. That way, you can keep all of the water you need during the day cold at night. In our case, the ice machine in the hotel was broken, and that made it hard to fill the coolers we brought!
• Read the online customer reviews of the hotel-- for a more candid idea of  how things really work in the hotel in terms of service, food, quality, etc. For example, the most prominent customer review of our hotel in Chicago read: SMELLY HOTEL-Y. This became the joke of our trip, but the hotel actually didn't have a horrific odor like we expected. However, the other reviews that suggested that the service could have been better were accurate. It would explain why they ran out of plastic-ware during the breakfast buffet that ran out of food when only ten people were there.

Getting There
If you're driving to the Festival like I did, definitely invest in a GPS if you don't already have one. Most GPS' offer features beyond driving maps, and allow you to navigate around toll-routes to help save you money and can also show you the quickest routes or most gas-efficient. We also used our GPS for walking around the city (some GPS allow you to set them for walking and biking routes as well.)

If you (or someone else) decide to drive, save all gas receipts. It's easier to add all of the receipts up at the end and divide the total equally by the number of passengers when trying to figure out who owes what.
One the same note, keep a record of who owes what money in a notebook, or on a computer spreadsheet, or whatever works best for you. It keeps everyone honest, and is more accurate and efficient than trying to remember that so-and-so owes you $3.50 for the starburst you got them at the last toll plaza.

If the trip is longer than 18 hours in the car, just fly (if it's an option for you, you lucky dog!). Your legs and back will thank you. Just be sure to book your public transport in advance if you can to ensure everything gets done.

Packing 
Much of this will be common sense, however, it seems that common sense is rather uncommon these days. Here's a few things you should definitely consider packing: 
For the outdoor venue:

• bring a back pack with comfortable straps. You'll need it for carrying your things while inside the venue. Most venues will have a size restriction on the bag, so check that out beforehand on the venue's website. However, most standard (school) sized backpacks are acceptable. 
• Gallons of Aloe. Gallons. & Sunscreen. Loads of that too.
• Athletic/workout clothes. You dress for success at work. You're going to see successful musicians, so all you have to do is dress for comfort, 'cause at 1:30 in the afternoon in 100 degree weather, that's all that's gonna matter.
• extra socks. Nobody likes wet socks. Nobody. 
• Rain boots. If it rains the morning of/ during the show, the area in front of the stage will be a mud pit. But you'll be the perfectly prepared person wearing the rain boots, and you can stand there and smile smugly at the silly people in their ruined shoes. 
• Garbage bags to line your backpack. In case you don't have a poncho, lining your backpack will help protect your stuff ( or you) from inclement weather. 
• Toilet paper & hand sanitizer- just trust me on this one. 

For the indoor venue: 
Much of this can work for regular concerts/shows as well.

• thick shoes. By thick, I mean if some big biker guy accidentally steps on your foot while you're being tossed around in a mosh pit, it's not gonna break it. Don't wear sandals, flip flops, or anything else that leaves your little piggies vulnerable. Sneakers are usually your best bet.
• Dress comfortably. If you know you're going to be moshing, don't wear your best ensemble. Likewise, if you know you will not be moshing, wear something comfortable for being crammed in standing room only with 500 people. Unless you can go to the bar, in which case, wear whatever you want.  
• Condense your stuff. Ladies, I know we're all about the ginormous purses, but unless you're trying to get your stuff snatched, slim it down to just a wallet, or a wristlet. 

Know Thy Venue
You've got the tickets, booked the hotel, and packed your stuff. The only thing you have to do after counting down the months, weeks, and finally days are to get out there! While you're killing time in the mode-of transportation-of-your-choosing, study up on the venue's maps, policies, and activities. Besides shows, most venues have contests and giveaways planned by their sponsors, and the details are usually included on the venue's website. Know what sort of things will get you in trouble at the venue (obviously don't bring your pet alligator and Desert Eagle, leave those at home, please.) For example, most venues do not allow cameras with detachable lenses. I'm really into photography, so much of what I do involves cameras that have detachable lenses. Check with the venue to see if media/press passes are available. Be prepared to show I.D.

Purchasing Merch
Your favorite band rocked their set, and you want to show them some love by buying their ridiculously cool (and ridiculously overpriced) t-shirt. Here's a few tips for getting the show souvenir that lets people know you were there. 
For anyone buying merch: after the show, about a million people rush the merch table, so if you can buy your merch before the show. Also, know what you want and have your method of payment ready. People are going to get testy if they have to wait while you stammer "uhh, maybe, I think...where's my wallet?" 
Ladies:
I am so sorry to say this, but when it comes to concert shirts, we get ripped the buck off. You're in line thinking, "well, I usually wear a medium, so I'll just get that," and the shirt you get looks something like this: 

*to scale.

"What is this?! A baby shirt?!" you cry in outrage. & That's when the guy working the merch table looks like he wants to bite your head off.
Tips: American Apparel is not your friend. Unless you are naturally very thin, and may or may not disappear when you turn sideways. If you can buy the same printed shirt in men's sizes, do it, because it will fit better, and you will be happier with your purchase (and yourself) because you won't have to squeeze into a baby shirt. Unisex shirts also tend to run more true to size, and fit better.
If you absolutely refuse to buy a men's t-shirt due to print/style/what have you, buy your women's sized t-shirt one to two sizes larger than you usually wear.
Tip: If you know you will need to see multiple sizes of the same shirt, ask for all of the sizes you need when the merch person takes your order. It will save you both time, and keep the crowds from eating you alive. 
If all else fails, buy a poster. Take it home, get it framed. T-shirts fade. Posters are forever.

Food, Glorious Food
Once you're settled in the venue and know the lay of the land, you might be feeling a little hungry, especially if you traveled through the night and arrived at the venue an hour before it opens, like my friends and I did. My cousin was with us, and she is vegetarian. One thing about huge festivals: the bigger the festival, the more variety in the food choices. Lollapalooza had something for everyone in our group, and we were more than satisfied with the choices. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to look into it before the festival. 

M. V. P. (Most Valuable Piece...of Information)
Don't let little things ruin the entire day/ trip for you. Enjoy the shows, and the people you're seeing them with. Make memories, see that band you're not sure about, try new food. Talk to other people at the shows. Be open minded.  Most importantly though, have a blast! You traveled far and paid lots of hard-earned cash from that part-time job at the local mall, so you deserve to have the best music-venture possible!

Peace, Love, Good Music, & Enjoy your Next Adventure!
-- L.V.

Sunday Swag Day (Day 3 in the Park, 8/7/11)

We awoke to rain falling on the pavement outside our hotel window, but that wasn't going to stop us from enjoying our last day at Lolla. By the time we got on the road, the rain had dried up, the sun was out, and hotter than ever (as my new sunburn can attest to).

Our mission on Sunday, besides seeing as many shows as possible, was to collect "stuff we all get," better known as "swag." Huge festivals like Lollapalooza have vendors and sponsors who set up tables to promote their product and give away freebies, and as college students (and one high school student), we were more than happy to take advantage of the offer. We got free Lollapalooza bandanas & canvas tote bags from Toyota, as well as sweat bands, yo-yo's, and binoculars among other things. Best piece of swag? After leaving Lollapalooza for the day, my brother got a call from one of the Toyota sponsor tents saying he had won their scavenger hunt today, and would be receiving an iPad 2. He will not stop talking about it, but I have to admit, it is pretty cool that someone can actually win the contests!

Besides collecting swag, I checked out some new artists:
Artist Spotlight: Fences
Hailing from Seattle, Fences brought their unique alternative sound to Lollapalooza. 

Fences

Have a listen:


 Next, we checked out Noah & the Whale at the Bud Light stage. The crowd was so big, it spilled over into the standing area for the Playstation stage!

I managed to snap a shot of Noah & the Whale with my telephoto lens.

When we made our way into the crowd for Cage the Elephant, we noticed the sky was turning a furious shade of gray.

Storm rolling in over Grant Park

Even though storms were imminent, Cage the Elephant put on a great show with tons of energy.

Crowd for Cage the Elephant

Someone got a great 18th birthday present, because frontman Matthew Shultz jumped into the crowd shortly after I took this picture. 

While transitioning across the park to see the Arctic Monkeys, the storm hit, and it hit hard. The giant LED screen by the stage flashed "weather delay." People ran wildly through the rain, and some crazier folk even started mud wrestling. The people watching under the raised VIP tents then began cheering on the mud wrestlers, and the whole thing took on a gladiator-esque feel.

The rain wasn't enough to dampen the spirits of the crowd, though. As the rain slowed to a stop and the Arctic Monkeys greeted the soggy crowd, their cheers grew to a roar.

Even severe weather couldn't keep Arctic Monkeys fans from supporting their band. 

Soaking wet and freezing (they don't call it the "windy city" for nothing!) we determined we couldn't possibly stay through Explosions in the Sky and Foo Fighters, as much as we wanted to. The rain had kicked in again, this time like someone had dumped a giant bucket on Chicago, and we knew it was time to head back to the hotel for the night. We concluded this final, successful day at Lollapalooza, and it's safe to say we came, we saw, and we conquered the best music festival of the summer.

Guess I'd better start saving for Lolla 2012 :)

Downtown Chicago