We all know that music is great year round and in all venues, but nothing beats the ultimate in concert-going: the outdoor music festival. Here’s the low-down on everything you need to know to reach the highest peak of musical nirvana, all while basking in the summer sun.


Lollapalooza- Concert officials are still keeping mum about the full lineup (expect the entire list in mid-April) but so far, it seems like a banner year for nostalgia in Chicago’s Grant Park- expect performances by alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction (who played at the event’s inauguration in 1991) and The Beastie Boys (who headlined Lollapalooza in 1994.) If the ‘80s are more your thing, Depeche Mode has also been confirmed as a main act for the concert, which runs Aug. 7-9. Family band Kings of Leon, who formed in 2000, but hit it big in 2008 with their explosive single “Sex on Fire” will join the festivities as well. For more information, and to check back in for the whole list of acts next month, drop by lollapalooza.com.

What happened to Virgin Mobile Festival? It boasted an impressive lineup last year (think…Kanye West, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Gogol Bordello, Bob Dylan, Cat Power, etc.) but despite our frequent e-mails and phone calls, there’s been no word of when or if the 2009 festivities will commence. Check back on any upcoming news at www.virginmobilefestival.com. Personal anecdote: During last year’s concert, headliner Iggy Pop, undoubtedly intoxicated, straddled an amp and proceeded to fall off it, slurring into the microphone. Trust us when we say that this is the stuff of memories.