Summer music festivals you don't want to miss

Even though there are a few more weeks left to this year it's not too early to begin to daydream about your summer. As the warm weather fast approaches so do those summer music festivals we all love. Whether you like down to earth folk music or the fast paced electronic styling of Bassnectar there is something out there for you. Music is for everyone and summer is the time to check out a favorite band or maybe one that you don't know so well. Below are a few options you may want to look into in the upcoming months.

Sasquatch!:  5/27-5/30

Usually Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer but it also kicks off Sasquatch! music Festival at the Gorge Ampitheater in George, WA. Beginning in 2002, Sasquatch! caters to both electronic and alternative music lovers. Though a relatively young festival, it has grown to be one of North America's largest. This year's lineup includes The Foo Fighters, Wilco, Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, Ratatat and... Canada's Trailer Park Boys?

Bonnaroo: 6/9-6/12

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a four day event held outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Bonnaroo began in 2002 and has quickly grown to be one of the country's premier festivals. Traditionally the focus has been jam bands; however, with the influence of MTV there have been more appearances by alternative, pop and rap artists. This year's lineup includes big but eclectic names such as, Arcade Fire, Buffalo Springfield, Eminem, Lil Wayne and The Strokes.

Electric Forest 6/30-7/3 

Just before Independence Day Electric Forest's inaugural year will commence. Some say it's a replacement for Rothbury music festival which is no longer held. Electric Forest also takes place in Rothbury, MI and with an amplified lineup it's not one to miss. The lineup includes artists such as The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, REO Speedwagon, EOTO and The New Deal.

Pitchfork: 7/15-7-17

 Shortly after the 4th of July, hipsters gather together in Chicago, IL to groove. This indie festival features both well known and less known alternative artists. This year's artists include Toro y Moi, Animal Collective, Cult Copy, Darkstar and TV on the Radio.

Gathering of the Vibes: 7/21- 7/24

Located at the Seaside Park in Bridgewater, CN, Vibes will once again provide a host of musical artists and still have more to announce. With Master of Ceremonies, Wavy Gravy leading the way this year will feature performances by artists from Elvis Costello and Jane's Addiction to Further, Levon Helm Band and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Other Music Festivals to get more information on: 

Lowell Folk Festival

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival

Detroit Electronic Music Festival

Camp Bisco

Summerfest

Electric Zoo

Mountain Jam

All Good

Still not sure what you're looking for? There are hundreds of festivals each year; though this can be daunting there is some help. Websites such as festivals.com, musicfestivaljunkies.com and festivalfinder.com can help you. There are many options for music aficionados whether the shows are close by or across the country. These comprehensive sites will help you narrow your search down by genre, the dates you have free or where you want to see live music.