If you haven’t had the chance to experience a multiple-day, live music festival yet this season, fear not! Plenty of opportunities in the Southeast remain to fulfill all of your musical cravings, from electronic dance and jam bands to indie rock and hip-hop artists. While many other festivals dot the rest of the country, here are a few that hit closer to home.
A3C Hip-Hop Festival
Now in its eighth year, the A3C Hip-Hop Festival offers three days of shows and battles from more than 300 artists and DJs, as well as a number of panels and film screenings related to hip-hop culture. Some of this year’s headlining performers include Raekown, Big Boi of OutKast, Tech N9ne, Twista, Killer Mike and Dungeon Family.
Performances will be held in several venues around town, including the Masquerade, the Plaza Theatre and Terminal West. More than 15,000 people attended last year’s event, and 2012 is looking to be just as popular. Check out A3C’s website for hotel recommendations and discounted rates.
Southern Ground Music & Food Festival
Held at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island and perfect for those with limited travel time, this festival features two nights of music from the Zac Brown Band, with special sit-in performances by John Mayer. The Avett Brothers headline Saturday’s festivities, while Michael Franti & Spearhead perform Sunday. Other acts include Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, the Wailers, the Charlie Daniels Band and Los Lonely Boys.
Attendees who purchase Front Porch Stage Box tickets will also get the chance to try gourmet meals prepared by award-winning chefs, including Southern Ground Executive Chef Rusty Hamlin, who travels with the Zac Brown Band. VIP upgrades and travel packages, including hotel and shuttle accommodations, will be available through the festival’s website.
Moogfest
Hosted in the heart of downtown Asheville, Moogfest celebrates the work of Robert Moog, a pioneer of electronic music and the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, and the event directly benefits the Bob Moog Foundation. Musical acts, ranging from electronic to hip-hop to post-rock, will play a variety of venues, including the Orange Peel, Asheville Music Hall and ExploreAsheville.com Arena.
Primus will headline Friday night’s festivities as a part of the eccentric band’s 3-D tour, the first of its kind, while electronic dance music band Orbital will take the main stage Saturday. Other acts include Nas, Miike Snow, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Explosions in the Sky and Santigold. Be sure to keep hotel expenses in mind, or visit Moogfest’s website for unaffiliated camping options around town — and don’t forget to dress up for Halloween.
Bear Creek Music & Art Festival
Bear Creek provides the ultimate end to the fall festival season, offering four days of camping and music from more than 60 artists. Improvisational prog rockers Umphrey’s McGee lead this year’s lineup, playing sets on Friday and Saturday. Jamtronica quartet Lotus will bring out the dance party Friday, while jazz funk band Lettuce is sure to provide some groovy jams Saturday.
Other acts include festival regulars Soulive, the Heavy Pets and Perpetual Groove. Held at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Fla., camp sites are on a first-come, first-served basis, and campers can park cars on site. RV upgrades and cabin rentals are available through the park. Zach Deputy will host a charitable disc golf tournament Saturday, and attendees who bring five cans of nonperishable food items will receive a commemorative poster.