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MUSIC MIDTOWN This 12-year-old shindig, held in the heart of Midtown, had changed its dates (June 10-12) and revved up its lineup. Scheduled this year are the White Stripes, Interpol, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, the Pixies, Ciara, Bloc Party, Alan Jackson, the Killers, Lou Reed, Keith Urban and Keane, among others. Three-day passes are $75 at Ticketmaster. www.musicmidtown.com.
KENTUCKY
W.C. HANDY BLUES AND BARBECUE FESTIVAL Celebrating the great bluesman W.C. Handy, this festival offers bibs, barbecue and blues. The town of Henderson will host this colossal blues cookout from June 11-19, with a menu that will feature bands like Delta Moon, the Holmes Brothers, Little Milton and Nora Jean Bruso. Admission is free. www.handyblues.org.
LOUISIANA
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL This event, April 22-May 1, has earned a reputation over the last 36 years for offering an astonishing array of quality music and an unequaled opportunity to party. This year's performers include Dorothy Norwood, Nelly, B.B. King, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Better Than Ezra and Anthony Hamilton. $25 (advance), $30 (at gate). Special evening engagements cost extra. www.nojazzfest.com.
VOODOO MUSIC EXPERIENCE The seventh annual event, held in New Orleans' City Park from Oct. 22-23, brings something new to the city's jazz-dominated music festival scene. Last year's festival featured Green Day, Talib Kweli, De La Soul and Pleasure Club. www.voodoomusicfest.com.
MISSISSIPPI
JUBILEE JAM The annual two-day event is served warm in the sunny month of June. Held in Jackson, the Jam hosts a slew of musical talent, from honky-tonkers to soulful bellowers. Two-day passes go for $30, while nightly ticket prices range from $15 to $25. www.jubileejam.com.
NORTH CAROLINA
FLAT ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL Mainly an acoustic showcase, the festival celebrates sincere singer/songwriters and bluegrass pickers. Scenic Flat Rock serves as the backdrop for this event, which takes place in four venues. Past performers of this musical affair include the Del McCoury Band, Filthy Rich, Cast Iron Filter and many others. Tickets are $15-$70 (for a weekend pass). www.flatrockmusicfestival.com.
LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL Relatively new, this event is held for three days on four stages at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain. It takes place twice a year - May 13-15 and Oct. 14-16 - and the lineup is wildly multicultural as it presents music from more than five different cultures and genres. This year's performers include Donald Harrison Jr., Samputu & Ingeli Troupe of Rwanda, and Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys. Tickets range from $18 day passes to $132 for weekend camping. www.theleaf.com.
MERLEFEST The Wilkes County Community College hosts the four-day Americana music festival from April 28-May 1. The 18th annual event celebrates the music of the late Merle Watson and his father Doc Watson. This knee-slapping and foot-tappin' affair offers a showcase for bluegrass acts. Featured performers include Donna the Buffalo, the John Jorgenson Quintet, King Wilkie and the Avett Brothers. Tickets range from $35 (single day) to $200 (four-day pass with assigned seating). Camping is available. www.merlefest.org.
SOUTH CAROLINA
SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA This festival for the artsy at heart takes place in the classic city of Charleston. The 17-day event (May 27-June 12) is filled with opera, dance and theater productions. Expect symphonies, jazz and chamber music shared by artists from around the world. Event prices range from $10-$125. Ticket packages available. www.spoletousa.org.
TENNESSEE
BONNAROO MUSIC FESTIVAL This Woodstock flashback, now 4-years-old, is a self-proclaimed "entertainment experience featuring DJs, rock and jam bands for three intense days (June 10-12) in Manchester, Tenn. Performing this year are Kings of Leon, RJD2, DJ Krush, the Allman Bothers and the Dave Matthews Band. The high quality musical selection yields high-end prices. The only tickets left are $172.50 - the cheaper tickets are already sold out for this year. All tickets are three-day passes and include camping. www.bonnaroo.com.
BEALE STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL Overlooking the Mississippi River, this Memphis staple is held for three days (April 29-May 1) on three stages. Thirty-three-acres house this super party/concert, so it is no wonder music lovers from around the world flock to it. This year's performers include Jack Johnson, the Wallflowers, Seether, Mavis Staples, Sarah McLachlan, Billy Idol and the Roots. Three-day passes are $45 before April 29, and $58.50 afterward. $19.50 single-day passes (advance), $22.50 (at gate). www.memphisinmay.org.
CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL/FANFAIR For country music lovers only! This extravaganza takes over Music City U.S.A. from June 9-12. Presented by the country music association, this event allows fans to see their favorite acts perform and then get up close and personal during extended autograph sessions. Tickets range from $86-$145 for this 70-hour, nonstop concert. www.cmafest.com.
