Summer music festivals sweep nation

Forget about your online shopping bag at Forever 21 and the new snow gear you were planning to buy for this joke of a winter and start saving for a summer of musical madness. 

From jam to electronic and everything in between, festivals across the U.S. will be meeting your every need. Instead of being jealous of infamous European music festivals, take a few minutes to realize what opportunities we have in our own country.

Whether you're trying to road trip to California or stay on the east coast, there are festivals all over this summer.

In Indio, California during the weekends of Apr. 13-15 and Apr. 20-22, Coachella will host their 14th annual music festival.

The festival is organized by Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of AEG live, and takes place at the Empire Polo Club in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley. 

Each weekend offers a varied music selection, including genres such as rock, indie, hip-hop and electronic. 

Along with music, the weekend is filled with enticing installation art and sculptures for concertgoers to enjoy while walking from stage to stage.

Aside from hosting some of the most extravagant performers, the festival is also known for trying to reduce their carbon footprint every year. They highly promote carpooling and offer rewards for the attendees who participate. 

This summer, Coachella's headliners include Radiohead, The Black Keys, Swedish House Mafia, Explosions in the Sky, Dr. Dre and Andrew Bird. Let's not forget that Burlington's own Morgan Page will also be playing the event.

Now, for all of you electronic dance music fanatics, don't you worry. There are specific festivals calling your kandi beads and glow sticks. 

Ultra Music Festival, the world's biggest and most famous dance music event, takes place in Miami, Fla. during the weekend of Mar. 23-25. The name of the event speaks for itself. Despite the fact that the festival is non-camping, attendees will find themselves this summer in the presence of EDM gods such as Armin Van Burren, Justice, Kaskade, Tiesto and Porter Robinson.

If Florida is not for you, EDM fans, then make your way to Las Vegas, Nev. for the weekend of your lives. Electric Daisy Carnival is taking over during the weekend of June 8-10. 

This electronic madness of a festival will include full-sized carnival rides, art installations and hundreds of performers. EDC sets the bar high in hosting the world's most talented EDM DJs with the most breathtaking production.

Let's face it: EDM is definitely not for everyone. Luckily, jam festivals are incredible in the states as well.

Gathering of the Vibes, an annual camping festival in Bridgeport, Conn. will be taking place the weekend of July 19-22. This year's festival will be the 16th anniversary. Attendees who have been going since the first year will remember having seen world-class talents such as Crosby, Stills and Nash, all the living members of The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers Band, James Brown, as well as many more. The festival offers many volunteering opportunities and is right here on the east coast.

"Thinking of Vibes is what gets me through finals," sophomore and loyal Vibes attendee Deanna Hunt said. 

"It's really an amazing experience to share with your friends year after year."

Other jam festivals include Summer Camp in Illinois and All Good in Ohio.

Both festivals include the best of jam, bluegrass, reggae, funk and more. Some of the past headlining artists include Furthur, Primus, John Butler Trio, Dark Star Orchestra, Moe and Umphrey's McGee.

As for me, this summer I choose Electric Forest in Rothbury, Mich. Electric Forest is a camping festival taking place from June 28 to July 1. The festival includes many genres, as well as intense light displays and art.  

"Our goal is to seamlessly integrate music with art, and we're proud to host a conscious and involved festival community," producer Jeremy Stein of Madison House said. "The site's Sherwood Forest will be bigger and better than ever."