10 FESTIVALS TO CATCH IN 2021

1) Wonderstruck | Kirtland, OH (July 24-25)

Not exactly a new festival…The promoters, Northeast Ohio based The Elevation Group have found a new location for the successful festival formerly know as LaureLive. Making the move from Laurel School to Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, OH, a name change was necessary.

This two day festival comes in hot on day one with 90’s alt-rock kings, Third Eye Blind (“Semi-Charmed Life; “Jumper”) and indie-darlings turned Top 40 stars, Walk the Moon (“Shut Up and Dance”) handling headlining duties. Don’t sleep on The Elevation Group management client, COBI! Also, don’t be fooled by the talented Jack Harris being the lowest billed for day one. Make sure to get there early and check out his set. You won’t walk away disappointed.

As for day two, Portugal. The Man and AJR take the top of the bill! LaureLive standout Trombone Shorty and regional talent The Floorwalkers and Ohio’s next big act, The Vindys add great value to the price of admission.

The move to the new venue may run into natural speedbumps or hiccups, but every confidence should be had that The Elevation Group can make the venue change with relative ease.

See #3 on our list for Wonderstruck’s sister festival, Wonderbus, hosted in Columbus (August 28-29).

Meanwhile….our editorial staff will be busy working on a theme song for the festival that parodies AC/DC’s “Thunder Struck.”

2) Lollapalooza | Chicago, IL (July 29- August 1)

Vaccinations or negative Covid test required! Vaccinations or negative Covid test required! Vaccinations or negative Covid test required!

“In accordance with current local public health guidance, full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results will be required to attend Lollapalooza 2021. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 24 hours of attending Lollapalooza each day.  Details on the festival entry process will be available in early July.

-Lollapalooza Website

Good. The first festival of the Summer in a large metropolitan area should set an example of the utmost safety precautions. Bravo, Lolla.

In the 15-year run in its current location in Chicago, this is by far the most bizarre and eclectic Lollapalooza lineup to date. Although, this should come as little surprise as Lolla has been a constantly evolving and trailblazing festival.

The Foo Fighters, who recently reopened Rock-n-Roll with a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in front of a fully vaccinated crowd, top the bill. Odd festival choices Miley Cyrus and Journey are also among the top billed. (Journey will also be playing an after-show in an intimate club!)

Other high-billed acts include a heavy dose of hip-hop with Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, and Dababy, all included in this year’s lineup.

CleveRock favorites Jimmy Eat World, Modest Mouse, Jack Harlow, Young the Giant, and Angels & Airwaves add value to the ticket!

Located in the heart of Chicago, the festival is unquiet in that it is easily accessible to all the great amenities this fantastic city has to offer. No camping and spending three days without access to a shower at this shindig!

If you are older than 30 or have some cash burning in your pocket, check out the many luxurious upgrades to add to your Lollapalooza experience!

3) Wonderbus | Columbus, OH (August 28-29)

Wonderstruck’s sister festival, Wonderbus (which, this writer just realized ends in ‘bus’ because of…Columbus. DUH!) will take place on The Lawn @ CAS August 28-29.

Also produced by The Elevation Group, this two-day festival features polar opposite Day One/Day Two headliners, with KESHA closing the night on Saturday and Wilco taking the top-billed spot on Sunday. With more music fans having eclectic tastes than one might believe, this is actually a wonderful and trailblazing idea for a two-day event.

Saturday standouts include Wonderstruck overlappers AJR along with Ritt Momney and Dreamers.

Sunday is highlighted by CleveRock favorites Black Pumas and Smallpools alongside Wonderstruck + Wonderbus sure-to-be favorites COBI and Jack Harris.