The original Boonstock festival took place in 2005 featuring a slew of up-and-coming artists. Kobza describes the first annual Boonstock as being “low-key”. Well, we’re quite certain Kobza won’t be using the adjective “low-key” to describe the festival ever again. The festival has transformed into a colossal four-day music and camping experience featuring acts such as A Perfect Circle, Three Days Grace, Seether, along with other Canadian and local bands. The festival’s “Live Loud” branding says it all. Boonstock. Live Loud. Boom.

“There’s rock, alternative, soft rock, we’ve got DJs in the beer gardens, a fire dancer—it’s a full-on festival.” said Kobza. It’s official, the ‘Shed’ will be a part of that full-on festival in the summer of 2012. We’ll be livin’ loud in Canada, as one of the nation’s most popular and anticipated outdoor music events has signed on with the ‘Shed’ and our festival focused ticketing, technology, and services.

Live Loud at Boonstock!

What will these festival professionals be doing? They’ll be relaxing, socializing, networking, and learning during the first annual Camp Elevate® in Tempe, AZ. That’s right, Elevate® will host one incredible weekend in February for its clients. During February 25-27, clients will not only experience the delightful Arizona weather and the heart of Mill Avenue and the Arizona State University campus, but will also have the opportunity to participate in four educational breakout sessions, group round-table discussions, awards and story sharing, a hosted cocktail hour, hosted lunches and dinners, and group entertainment. Elevate® will also offer clients a concierge to assist in all travel arrangements, an airport greeter, and free shuttle services to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.

Although the entire Elevate® team will be piloting clients throughout the Camp Elevate® experience, the ultimate goal of the weekend is to learn from one another, while networking, socializing, and relaxing. In other words, we can’t wait to hear what our clients have to say, but we’re just as anxious to share what we have in store for 2011! All of this much-awaited conversation will take place in a completely chill, yet structured environment. That’s the beauty of it!

Despite the idea that Elevate® may be relatively small in comparison to other ticketing companies, it is working in HUGE ways to serve our clients. Camp Elevate® is one of those ways.

Oh and by the way, although the name “camp” may be in this events name, no tent is required. I promise.

May the festival gods be with you! See you in February!

www.elevate.com/campelevate.html

1. The Voodoo Experience — Worship the Music
It’s all about the experience. Period. The Voodoo Experience is the ultimate fan music festival experience featuring the Voodoo Marketplace, Voodoo 24/7, Voodoo Art, Vooboo, the LOA VIP Lounge, and a wide array of musical talent. You’ll literally be worshipping the music all weekend long. The celebration will happen October 28-30, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Yes, Halloween in New Orleans. Uh oh.
www.thevoodooexperience.com

2. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — Earth, Wind, & Flyers
Imagine 9 days, 750,000 people, and the equivalent of 54 football fields filled with hot air balloons. That’s exactly what you’ll witness at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. But don’t worry, you won’t be a spectator at this event. Event attendees are invited to roam throughout the festival grounds in the midst of the hot air balloons floating in the colorful New Mexico sky. Tempting, huh? The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will take place October 1-9, 2011 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
www.balloonfiesta.com

3. Country Thunder USA
Long before pick-up trucks, guitars, or beer… there was THUNDER. Country Thunder has two locations; Twin Lakes, Wisconsin (July 21-24, 2011) and Florence, Arizona (April 7-10, 2011). Artists set to rock the Country Thunder stage include Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, Sawyer Brown, Jason Aldean, and Toby Keith with more artists to be announced. Arizona offers festival-goers six campgrounds to choose from while Wisconsin offers five. So… see you at Country Thunder!
www.countrythunder.com

4. Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival
The funkiest fall festival of all. Live music in Live Oak, Florida. Correction: live music in Live Oak, Florida at one of the Southeast’s most beautiful outdoor venues along the banks of the Suwannee River. You already want to be there, don’t you? You’ll experience an incredible weekend of live music, stunning art, camping, great people, and good vibes. The Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival will take place November 11-13, 2011.
www.bearcreekmusicfestival.com

5. Oregon Jamboree
Experience the 19th Annual Oregon Jamboree in Sweet Home, Oregon. 13 concerts, 1 memorable weekend. Artists on the bill include Collin Raye, Darius Rucker, Ronnie Dunn (yes, the legend himself), and Lady Antebellum. In addition to the country music superstars set to play, Oregon Jamboree boasts RV and tent camping, irresistible food, and of course, beer and wine gardens. Not to mention, it seems like you just can’t go wrong in a place named Sweet Home. Oregon Jamboree will happen July 29-31, 2011.
www.oregonjamboree.com

6. Runaway Country Space Coast Music Fest — Catch the Wave!
Warm Florida sunshine, sandy beaches, tiki saloons, blues bars, two stages, camping, and a dance floor so BIG it can be seen from space. Perfection? I think so. Catch the wave and join us in Melbourne, Florida for the Runaway Country Space Coast Music Fest. Artists set to perform include Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Steel Magnolia, Eric Church, Jake Owen, Lonestar, and many more! The festival will happen April 15 -16, 2011.
www.runawaycountry.com

7. Rock Jam
There is definitely not a shortage of country on our list thus far. Lets be honest though, we all need a lil’ rock n roll in our lives sometimes! Rock Jam will happen August 27-28, 2011 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Stay tuned for artist updates and other important information from the Rock Jam crew!
rockjamgjco.countryjam.com

8. Suwannee River Jam
More live music in Live Oak, Florida. Yeehaw! You just cannot go wrong at this place, hence the reason it has made our list twice thus far. Join us in Live Oak for the 20th Anniversary of the Suwannee River Jam. Artists such as the Zac Brown Band, Colt Ford, John Michael Montgomery, Travis Tritt, Jason Michael Carroll and many more will be in attendance. Maybe you’ll be able to put your toes in the Suwannee River with the Zac Brown Band…or at least play a competitive game of beer pong with them. We hear they tend to do that from time to time. The jam is set to take place April 22-24, 2011.
www.suwanneeriverjam.com

9. Nebraskaland Days
Nebraskaland Days and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo will happen June 11-25, 2011 in North Platte, Nebraska! Oh yes, this is quite the affair. Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Jerrod Niemann, Hinder, and My Darkest Days will be in attendance. Don’t worry, you couldn’t get bored at this place if you tried. There is much to see, do, eat, and drink! Whether it’s the Flapjack Feed or the Governor’s Art Show, Nebraskaland Days has got you covered!
www.nebraskalanddays.com

10. Country Stampede
So… there’s this little (and by little, we mean HUGE) festival in Manhattan, Kansas that absolutely had to be included in the 12 Festivals of Christmas. If you’re in the general vicinity of Manhattan or even Kansas, for that matter, you will want to be at Country Stampede! And you’ll be in good company. Artists set to play include Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Sawyer Brown, and many, many, many, more! Country Stampede will happen June 23-26, 2011!
www.countrystampede.com

11. Merritt Mountain Music Festival — The sun shines again in Merritt!
MountainFest will return for the summer of 2011! After much demand for the return of great country music and super fun under the hot Merritt sun, MoutainFest is back! Scheduled for July 7-10, 2011, the 18th annual MountainFest will feature artist Craig Morgan! Stay tuned for additional artist information and other details!
www.mountainfest.com

12. Rapids Jam Music Festival
The name “Rapids Jam” seems only appropriate for a festival that happens in the town of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina! Country music legend, Willie Nelson, is prepared to jam as he is bringing his Country Throwdown Tour to Roanoke Rapids! Other artists on the bill include Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, and Sugarland! Rapids Jam will happen June 16-18, 2011! Are you ready to jam?!
www.rapidsjam.com

As you make your 2011 festival plans, these are 12 festivals that should definitely be taken into consideration. See you on the road! Happy Holidays!

1. Sour Patch Kids
Even the most avid festival-goer can get a little sour during the midst of the festival. The solution? Sour Patch Kids are sure to turn them sweet when they’re feeling a little sour. They make a good snack too.

2. Sunscreen
To put it bluntly, no one is a fan of blisters and peeling skin. Sunburn = uncomfortable. Uncomfortable = crabby. Let’s just say… a little sunscreen can go a long ways.

3. Protein Bars
Three days in the sun and heat with minimal sleep can wear even the most seasoned festival veteran down. Protein bars are a quick snack to grab to eat on the go. They give you energy too. Score!

4. Nalgene Bottle
Hydration. Hydration. Hydration. Enough said.

5. Sharpie
Festival-goers must be prepared for a run-in with “the band” at all times. If a run-in occurs and they are not armed with a Sharpie, they may experience sheer and utter disappointment.

6. Rain Poncho & Rain Boots
Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. It can rain. Rain ponchos are a cheap way to save your favorite festival-goer from being wet and cold. Oh and if it rains, there will be mud. And lots of it. No one wants to be sliding around in their flippy-floppies. Rain boots to the rescue!

7. Hand Sanitizer
Festivals are not sanitary places. Porta-potties may not even be equipped with toilet paper, much less hand sanitizer. Again, enough said.

8. First-Aid Kit
Just in case…

9. Camera
Memories will happen and your dearest festival-goer will want to capture them. We guarantee it. These photos may provide a bit of entertainment for you as well. If you’re feeling extra generous this holiday season, this option may be for you.

10. Bug Repellent
Because bug bites are itchy and annoying. Don’t let those obnoxious little creatures hinder your weekend. Using bug repellent will keep them out of your hair.

Our hope is that this list will make your shopping journey a bit easier. Trust us, your festival-goer will appreciate all of these essentials!

It seems like the majority of my blog posts thus far have stressed the importance of joining the conversation. Social mediums are the perfect place to ensure there are none of those awkward silences after the festival takes place. Do your part to initiate and engage the festival-goer in conversation. Make your presence known on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Promptly upload photos to Facebook after the festival. Festival-goers will be anxious to see photos of every aspect of the festival, not just the main stage. Give them a sneak peek of backstage happenings, etc. Encourage them to tag themselves in photos and share theirs as well. Upload video footage of the festival experience as a whole to your YouTube channel. Yes, you should have a YouTube channel by now. Share the videos through social media outlets. This will have the festival-goer remembering everything from the delicious Fudgiewudgie they indulged in to their favorite act on the main stage.

A conversation is a two-way street. After you’ve done your part to initiate the chatter, encourage others to join the conversation. Give festival-goers something to talk about. Ask them who their favorite artist was that graced the stage, who they hope to see next year, what food vendor they found irresistible, and even what you can improve on as a festival. All of these ideas will spark conversation amongst those who matter most along with giving you valuable feedback. It is a simple way to keep the experience fresh in the mind of the festival-goer.

So… about that YouTube channel…

1. Halloween in New Orleans. Enough said. Is there a better place to celebrate? Didn’t think so.

2. Worship the music. The wide array of musical talent set to hit the stage in New Orleans will literally have you worshipping the music all weekend long. Artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Muse, Weezer, Drake, MGMT, and Deadmau5 are on the bill.

3. Voodoo 24/7. After the gates close at the Voodoo each night and the night turns into day, the musical journey of the Voodoo Experience continues as artists take the stages of local venues along Frenchman Street, the French Quarter, Uptown, the Warehouse District, and everywhere in between. Be prepared to experience New Orleans culture at its finest with a hint of Voodoo. The Voodoo Experience is sure to last beyond sunrise.

4. “Lagniappe.” It means a little something extra for free and is Voodoo’s way of saying “thank you!” All Voodoo ticket buyers are qualified to win a Sony HD Bloggie (to capture and share all of your Voodoo memories) and a prize package from Dickies Gear. Drawings are every Tuesday and Friday. Oh and if you sign up for the Thrillist, a daily email that lets you in on the latest bar, restaurant, and event trends and secrets, you’re automatically entered to win a pair of LOA Lounge Tickets to Voodoo 2010. Our suggestion? Sign up for the Thrillist ASAP. Plus, we heard Thrillist’s latest discovery is something along the lines of a booze-infused popsicle.

5. Voodoo Marketplace. Save your pennies. Fill your piggy bank. Arts and crafts vendors from around the globe will have their masterpieces on display for purchase in the marketplace.

6. Voodoo Art. The Voodoo Experience will present a series of interactive, site-specific installations throughout City Park. These interactive exhibits are sure to add to the multi-sensory experience of the Voodoo festival-goer.

7. Vooboo. Bringing the kids with you to the Voodoo? Vooboo is a family friendly area for children 10 and under. The area will feature music, crafts, and a whole lotta ketchup.

8. LOA Lounge VIP. Feeling like rolling VIP style at the Voodoo? The LOA Lounge features access to the LOA Front Row, reserved parking area, VIP entrance to City Park, raised viewing area, permanent restrooms (perhaps the most important feature), food and drink specials, full bar services, exclusive live performances, and reserved viewing area in the front of the Voodoo main stage. Oh and LOA Lounge VIP tickets are tax free. Score!

9. Voodoo Gear. For starters, this stuff is sweet. Whether you’re looking for a backpack or a fleece blanket, the Voodoo has got you covered. At a reasonable price, too. Check it out.

10. Voodoo Tickets. Voodoo ranging from reasonable to VIP.
•Singe-day general admission pass in advance: $60.00 plus tax & fee.
•3-day weekend general admission pass: $150.00 plus tax & fee.
•LOA Lounge VIP Experience pass: $500.00 plus fee.

To get your daily does of Voodoo, visit www.thevoodooexperience.com.

Over the course of five days, close to 100 bands will rock the stages of the Bear Creek Fest. Artists set to play include moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Maceo, Parker Band, Ivan Neville’s, Dumpstaphunk, Lettuce, among a plethora of other bands. If you want a bit of a preview of the musical journey you may experience at this place, check out the “video” portion of the festival’s website. You may want to prepare yourself in advance.

Local artists will feature their work on display. Perhaps our personal favorite is artist, Kevin Odenedo, who paints bands as they perform. His collection of work captures over 250 live performances. Another one to check out is Vorcan Vorcan. The pair not only paint live music, but also create scenes live in the homes of their collectors. This is only a smidgen of the talent you’ll actually see.

You can sleep when you’re dead. That phrase couldn’t be more appropriate than at a music festival. No worries, the Bear Creek Fest has got you covered in case that drowsiness happens to set in. The Spirit of the Suwannee Campground has over 600 campsites nestled in a “hammock” of oak and cypress trees. Ahhh, the perfect place to relax. If you feel like exploring, the campground offers canoe trips, hiking trails, and the chance to cruise throughout the campground in a golf cart.

So… See you in Live Oak?

www.bearcreekmusicfestival.com

The real message I want to convey to you has nothing to do with politics, President Obama, or the messages he drilled into the minds of the young people in the crowd last night. It has everything to do with the power of live streaming. And what it can do for you.

So, what does this mean for you? Well, lets think about it in terms of your festival.

Remember the feelings I described in the first paragraph? I said it was the next best thing to being there. I couldn’t be in Madison, but I could still feel the energy of the crowd and passion in the voice of President Obama. It made me want to be there. Switch gears to your festival. Imagine someone across the country or a couple hundred miles away being able to watch your festival. LIVE. Imagine the excitement they’ll feel when they’re favorite artist hits the stage or when they catch a glimpse of something going on backstage. At that point, the individual will already be thinking about purchasing their tickets to the festival the next year. They’ll want to be a part of what they’re witnessing. I promise.

How do you get the word out about this live stream? Stalking my friend Tehera on Twitter led me to the link about the live stream from Madison. Another fine example of the power of social media. Use social mediums such as Twitter and Facebook to mention the live stream to your friends and followers. Some may ignore it because they already have their tickets. Others, however, will tune in. This is their free ticket to the show. But after witnessing all that goes on, they’ll probably be willing to spend a little money on an actual ticket next year.

Finally, make sure the content of the live stream doesn’t just focus on the main stage. In between acts, show shots of the fans (they can be a major source of entertainment), campgrounds, vendors, and the festival grounds as a whole etc. This will give the potential festival-goer a glimpse of their future festival experience.

And after being able to experience all your festival entails, they will most likely be a future ticket buyer and may be the fan “streamed” in your next festival broadcast.

It wasn’t until this summer did I realize the effectiveness of a street team.

Gather 30 of your most excited and motivated fans. Most likely if they’re excited, they’re also motivated. Members of a street team are fans. They are willing to promote your festival. They want to, in fact. That’s the beauty of it.

Distribute pieces of marketing, which can include posters, brochures, and chachkies. In a world where breaking through the clutter is not an option, but a requirement, it is critical to make sure you’re a bit untraditional. How? You may ask. In all honesty, who has time or the attention span to read a brochure? Add an incentive. Instead of distributing a boring brochure, include a little flair. Include a promotional code on the brochure. Not only will this encourage ticket sales, it will also make it easy to track the effectiveness of your advertising dollars. Taking it a step further, each brochure could have a different value linked to the promotional code. Maybe even one brochure would have a free pair of tickets. The buzz this sort of strategy creates is truly invaluable to the festival.

Over the course of a couple months and with a bit of help from sponsors, the street team will distribute these festival promotional pieces to all colleges, parking lots, liquor stores, convenience stations, and bars within a surrounding 100 mile radius.

Perhaps the best part of a street team is the cost factor. You can pay members of the team in tickets. And they couldn’t be happier about it. Set a dollar value for each stop they make distributing your materials, or hanging posters. Say eight dollars. It is then up to the street “teamer”. They can make as many or as few stops as they would like based on what type of ticket they wish to earn. They could be rolling V.I.P. status to your festival. The best part about it? It only benefits your show.

With that being said, make sure the team is organized. Designate a highly organized individual to be the leader of the team. Based on the population of each county within the surrounding 100 mile area, specify a number of stops that need to be made. Obviously, when a county has a larger population, more stops should be made. Make sure those stops are relevant though. Typically, stick to the convenience stations, college campuses, liquor stores, and bars. Create a tracking sheet for each member of the street team to fill out. Each destination should be logged along with a signature from the manager of the establishment. The tracking sheet should then be reviewed before any tickets are rewarded to the street teamer.

Finally, be creative. Make it fun. Create a street team naming contest. Host a barbeque at the festival for the members of the street team. Give them a free t-shirt. Thank them for what they contributed. They are a huge part of the team.

Let us know how it goes. We’re anxious to hear.