The Wolfe Club of Newburyport’s fourth annual Wolfe Club Ball is Saturday from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Steeple Hall above Mission Oak (26 Green St.), transforming the historic venue into a Mardi Gras–meets–the ‘80s masquerade experience. For tickets and more information, visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-fourth-annual-wolfe-club-ball.
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The 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has officially sold out both weekends, sparking debate about what made this year the one that got the festival back on track as a sell-out event.
On Monday, Sept. 22, the Goldenvoice-produced event happening in Indio’s Empire Polo Club on April 10-12 and April 17-19, posted on social media, “She’s gone, dance on. See you in April.” The announcement confirmed that all GA and VIP passes had sold out just seven days after the complete lineup was revealed, with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G topping the poster.
Procrastinators and contemplators were left with the option to join wait lists for both weekends. General admission tickets started at $649 for Weekend One and $549 for Weekend Two, while VIP tickets were priced at $1,299 for Weekend One and $1,199 for Weekend Two. The VIP pricings are now closer to the StubHub resale rate, which is nearing $1,000 for general admission for Weekend One.
The news of a quick sellout comes after recent years of the festival struggling to sell out both weekends, when it had previously had a pre-pandemic reputation of selling out before the lineups were even announced. In 2022, it sold out on the first weekend, and the remaining tickets were sold out within a few days. In 2023, it followed the same trend, selling out the second weekend leading up to the event.
On social media sites like Reddit, which hosts the popular informational r/Coachella subreddit, fans of the festival voiced their opinions about the festival selling out.
One user posted, “It’s just surprising that the past few years they’ve been struggling to sell out. What’s the sudden change? Does Justin Bieber / Sabrina / Karol G really have that pull? AirBNBs and hotels seem to be aligned with this data as well.”
Another Reddit user replied, pondering that it could be because in September, “consumers have more money” as opposed to in November and December because of holiday spending.
Another user theorized it was because Bieber was likely leading the charge, saying, “Had a feeling this would happen once I saw Justin on the lineup and saw the reactions across social media to his name being there. Everyone severely underestimated his pull, especially since it’s his first show back in 4 years.”
Others are still holding out hope, with one user posting a theory that it hasn’t sold out despite only second-hand markets having tickets for sale. The user and author of the post predicted that the festival is “going to magically announce more passes” and announce more tickets in the future.
In the meantime, fans can join the waitlist for both weekends at coachella.com.
Phoenix is one of the hottest spots in the country for EDM. Between numerous larger-scale festivals with popular names hosted in Chandler and Avondale throughout the year and shows nearly every weekend in Scottsdale and Tempe, the mainstream EDM scene is robust…
Fall is one of the most rewarding times to travel — cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and if you time it right, landscapes ablaze with crimson and gold. Whether you’re chasing foliage, festivals, or fresh air, the question remains: where can you go to maximize the fun without draining your wallet?
WalletHub’s “” study offers a data-driven answer. With pure enjoyment in mind, they ranked all 50 states across 26 indicators — from movie ticket prices to national park access to nightlife per capita.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer fall road trip, these rankings offer a fresh lens on where to go — and why.
Overall Winners: States That Deliver Across the Board
If you want a destination that checks multiple boxes, these five states top the overall fun rankings:
California: From beaches to mountains, theme parks to wine country, California offers endless variety — and it ranks high in restaurants, performing arts, and outdoor recreation.
Florida: Known for sunshine and theme parks, Florida also scores well in marinas, golf, and nightlife.
Nevada: Las Vegas alone gives Nevada a nightlife edge, but the state also offers desert beauty and quirky roadside attractions.
Illinois: Chicago’s cultural scene boosts Illinois in performing arts, restaurants, and entertainment variety.
New York: From Broadway to the Adirondacks, New York blends urban energy with natural escapes.
Nightlife Lovers Rejoice
If your idea of fun includes dancing, live music, or late-night bites, these states shine:
Nevada: No surprise here — Vegas is a nightlife juggernaut.
Illinois: Chicago’s bar scene and music venues make it a top contender.
California: LA, San Diego, and offer diverse nightlife experiences.
Washington: Seattle’s indie music and craft cocktail culture earn it a spot.
Wisconsin: A sleeper hit — college towns and brewery culture give Wisconsin unexpected nightlife appeal.
Foodies, Take Note
Looking for culinary variety? These states rank highest in restaurants per capita:
California: From Michelin stars to taco trucks, the food scene is unmatched.
New York: Global flavors and iconic eats — from bagels to banh mi.
Florida: Seafood, Cuban cuisine, and Southern comfort all shine.
Texas: BBQ, Tex-Mex, and bold flavors make Texas a foodie favorite.
Illinois: Deep-dish pizza and farm-to-table dining elevate the Midwest.
Tee Time and Tranquility
Quiet fairways, crisp air — fall golf at its finest.
Prefer a slower pace? These states lead in golf courses and country clubs per capita:
Michigan: Scenic fairways and fall foliage make it a golfer’s dream.
Iowa: Affordable and accessible courses across the state.
Wisconsin: Home to championship courses and cozy clubhouses.
Florida: Year-round play and resort-style amenities.
Arts and Culture Buffs
If you love live performances and cultural experiences, head to:
New York: Broadway, off-Broadway, and everything in between.
California: A rich mix of theater, film, and music festivals.
Minnesota: The Twin Cities boast a surprisingly vibrant arts scene.
Illinois: Chicago’s theaters and comedy clubs are world-class.
Florida: From ballet to jazz, the arts are alive statewide.
Skiers and Snow Seekers
Planning ahead for early snow? These states have the most skiing facilities per capita:
Vermont: Quaint towns and powdery slopes make it a fall-to-winter favorite.
Montana: Big sky, big mountains, and uncrowded runs.
Alaska: Rugged and remote — for the truly adventurous.
Colorado: Legendary resorts and high-altitude beauty.
Maine: Small but mighty ski areas with New England charm.
Coastal Escapes and Marina Views
Highland Light, quiet sentinel of the Cape Cod shore.
If water is your happy place, these states offer the most marinas per capita:
Florida: Boating, fishing, and waterfront dining galore.
New York: From the Hudson to the Finger Lakes, options abound.
Connecticut: Charming coastal towns and sailing culture.
Maryland: Chesapeake Bay beauty and nautical heritage.
Massachusetts: and beyond — a sailor’s paradise.
Nature Lovers and Park Explorers
Want to immerse yourself in the great outdoors? These states offer the best access to national parks:
Alaska: Vast wilderness and jaw-dropping landscapes.
Wyoming: Home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
New Mexico: Desert beauty and ancient ruins.
South Dakota: Badlands, Black Hills, and more.
Variety Is the Spice of Fun
Vermont’s quiet beauty, one sweeping view.
If you want a little bit of everything — arts, entertainment, recreation — these states offer the most variety:
South Dakota: From Mount Rushmore to quirky roadside attractions.
Maine: Lighthouses, lobster, and leaf-peeping.
Minnesota: Lakes, museums, and music festivals.
Michigan: Great Lakes charm and cultural depth.
Vermont: Cozy towns and creative communities.
Smart Ways to Travel More and Spend Less
To help travelers enjoy budget-friendly adventures, WalletHub tapped a panel of experts for tips on maximizing fun without overspending.
Robby Lybrand, Chef Instructor, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management – University of South Carolina, says, “For those looking to enjoy travel and leisure without breaking the bank, there are several effective strategies. Planning ahead remains one of the most important ways to save money, booking hotels and experiences midweek or in the off-season can result in deep discounts.
Travelers can also explore discount platforms like Groupon, TodayTix, or city tourism cards that bundle attractions. Many communities offer a wealth of free attractions, museums with free days, city-sponsored concerts, public art walks, and state parks provide high-value, low-cost options. Families can also explore youth and amateur sports events, which offer affordable ticket prices and still bring the excitement of competition. With a little creativity, travelers can maximize “fun density”, packing memorable experiences into even a modest budget.”
Where Will Fun Take You This Fall?
Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, live music, or a quiet round of golf, WalletHub’s rankings offer a roadmap to fun. With a bit of planning — and maybe a few creative detours — you can pack joy, adventure, and affordability into your next trip.
In terms of festivals, it doesn’t get any better than Sea.Hear.Now. Remove the uncomfy camping vibe that’s borderline abusive, and all the intensity of large-scale festivals located in remote areas…and you’ll have SHN.
An oasis nestled in Asbury Park, New Jersey — you won’t get a better experience than a concert on the sand. With local food, an easy-going crowd, and plenty of shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone at this festival.
This year, Sea.Hear.Now 2024 is garnering more excitement than ever thanks to their star-studded lineup. With headliners Noah Kahan and New Jersey’s own, Bruce-The-Boss-Springsteen. Springsteen — the Sunday headline act — will have an extra-long, 3-hour set.
We attended the festival last year, and I was most surprised by how terrific the food was. I even heard people raving about the seafood at SHN. Admittedly, I’ve only eaten one Korean corn dog in my life…but this seemed to be a pretty good intro.
If you’re going to buy VIP tickets for any festival, this is the one where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. A guaranteed good view for Noah Kahan and The Boss, exclusive merch and food stands where you’ll have less of a line…and of course, my favorite: private bathrooms!
Sea.Hear.Now is only a few days away…But if you’re last-minute-spontaneous, tickets are still available on resale sites. If you want to know more about one of my favorite festivals, here’s the inside scoop for Sea.Hear.Now 2024!
Sea.Hear.Now 2024 Lineup
Sea Hear Now
The crowd at Sea.Hear.Now isn’t your typical festival crowd. The locals bring a certain informal atmosphere, and since there’s such a wide variety of performers, the crowd is just as diverse.
On Saturday, Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes, Grace Potter, and Joe P are names to watch out for. Sunday features megastars like Norah Jones, Joy Oladokun, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.
Since the festival is only 2 days long, it’s more manageable than a 3 or 4-day taxing experience. While I always have the time of my life at festivals, I’m often ready to go home earlier than anticipated.
Transportation at Sea.Hear.Now
I definitely would not take an Asbury Uber or Lyft during this festival. Last year, I wasted hours in Ubers just sitting in traffic (I think it’s because I wasn’t staying in Asbury Park). But even if you are: don’t use a rideshare service.
There’s a train that runs into Asbury Park itself, which I’d highly recommend. Go with the option where you won’t stuck in traffic, wishing you were home. Believe me.
Plus, rideshare prices will surge due to demand. Our Lyft driver last year charged us close to $100 extra because she took a different route and we ended up in more traffic. A train ticket is never market-based.
The Food
Surf Taco
Sea.Hear.Now features some of the best food from the Jersey Shore area. I’m addicted to Surf Taco — especially the eponymous fish taco which is a Jersey shore delicacy. Looking for food that’s absolutely delish and not just a mass-produced, high-caloric, flavorless mess? Surf Taco is for you.
Other favorites include Dank Dogs, Local 130 Seafood, and Lobster Rolls & More. Normally, I’d warn against the seafood options at a festival…but we’re literally at Sea.Hear.Now. It’s necessary.
Now, I’m not going to say that these food options will be the best meals in your life…or the cheapest. However, when it comes to festival life, pick your battles. Remember, the food is never the star of the weekend.
The Drinks
At every festival, there’ll be those random alcoholic beverage stands featuring familiar brands like Twisted Tea, Hendricks Gin, Aperol Spritz, and Tito’s.
These booths are my favorite stops because they offer photo ops left and right, exclusive brand merch that’s super cute. Last year, the Aperol Spritz sun hats were all the rage, and don’t forget the cute cocktails.
This year, keep an eye out for Bud Light, Mamitas, White Claw, Hendrick’s Gin, Twisted Tea, and more! I loved the Hendrick’s cocktails last year — and I’m not even a gin gal.
The Stages
Sea Hear Now
It’s not easy to get lost at Sea.Hear.Now, which is good news. The festival setup is truly manageable, you can stroll around and easily find each stage without getting overwhelmed or exhausted.
The 3 stages — the Surf Stage, Sand Stage, and Park Stage — are pretty self-explanatory. The Surf and Sand Stages are located across from one another right on the beach, while the stands are on the other side of the boardwalk.
Then, the Park Stage is between stands and the Sand Stage. Sprinkled throughout the festival are some of Asbury Park’s most famous bars and restaurants. Across from the Surf Stage — where Bruce Springsteen will be performing — stands The Stone Pony — the iconic music venue where Springsteen launched his career.
So, if you’re weary of the festival and simply want to rest somewhere and absorb all the fantastic sensations…there are plenty of places where you enjoy the glories that Asbury Park has to offer!
If you’re still looking for Sea.Hear.Now tickets, it’s not too late! Grab them here.
Editor’s note: An untold number of unheralded artists live in Colorado, those creators who can’t (or don’t want to) get into galleries and rely on word of mouth, luck or social media to make a living. You’ve likely seen them on Instagram, at festivals or at small-town art fairs. This occasional series, Through the Lens, will introduce you to some of these artists.
The last time you saw a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, there’s a good chance that live-music artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell was there, painting a 3-by-4-foot abstract acrylic artwork of the very band you came to see.
A fixture at the venue, Campbell has created more than 630 live paintings since his debut there in 2000, when he painted the band Widespread Panic. Immersed in the rhythm of the music, the artist moves with the beat, using his paintbrush like an instrument to capture the vibrant spirit and energy of the performance onto his canvas.
Inspired from a young age by New York graffiti artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as the Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí, he found his calling in emulating American speed painter Denny Dent, known for creating large-scale, 8-foot canvases of musicians in just 10 minutes, often at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Discovering live music painting, he says, transformed his life and solidified his path as an artist.
“It seems easier to tell you which artists I haven’t painted versus the ones that I have,” he said recently. “I’ve painted over 1,000 live shows and 4,000 canvases in my career. It is a lifetime of going to shows all over the world. It isn’t just Red Rocks. If it’s live music, I will paint it.”
Q: Where does your name come from?
A: I was a speed roller skater in the 1970s and ’80s. I had a friend who called me Scramble because of the way I scrambled around the rink. Early on, I was heavily influenced by artists Andy Warhol, Bob Ross, LeRoy Neiman and Dalí. When I decided to make art my career, I felt like all of the influences from these artists were like an alphabet soup of names, a scramble of influences on me. I decided that Scramble would be a fitting name for me. (I also felt that it sounded a lot more creative than Keith and it rhymed with Campbell.)
Q: Could you give us a brief history of how you became an artist?
A: When I was in the seventh grade, I wanted to quit school because I knew I wanted to be an artist. My mother luckily convinced me it was wise to stay in school.
In the late ’80s, New York City was deep in the rave culture and the graffiti scene with rising artists like Haring, Warhol and Basquiat. They showed their work through nightclubs and public art. They were doing paintings on walls, in the subways and on the streets directly bringing art to the people. I was entranced by their work.
In 1991, I answered an ad looking for a visual artist to paint live during a music festival. The man who placed the ad was Perry Farrell, of Jane’s Addiction. The music festival was Lollapalooza.
When I got the job, it felt like the beginning of my career. I had had so many rejections over the years of trying to get into galleries and art shows. It was when I made the crossover from the art world into the music world that I really discovered my path as an artist.
Live-music painter Keith “Scramble” Campbell looks through some of his archives in his studio at his home in Wheat Ridge on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Throughout the ’90s, I did music festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Lollapalooza, the HOARD festival, Bonnaroo, Woodstock ’94, the Lilith Fair and even the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. I have painted Widespread Panic 170 times.
Q: What kind of artist are you?
A: At heart, I am really a musician with a paintbrush. My instruments are my canvases, paintbrushes and paints.
Acrylic paints are the medium of choice for live-music artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell. Here, he paints during a Tedeschi Trucks Band show at Red Rocks in Morrison on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
I like to think of myself as a conduit of music, transcribing their energy and their music into a dance on canvas.
As a live artist, my paintings reflect the concert. I let the music and the environment dictate how I paint. If it’s windy and the music is hardcore, my paintings will reflect that. I’ll paint fast and furiously, the work looking abstract and impressionistic. I dance and move with the music as I paint. If there is a slower song in between, that is the time I take to fill in the details. The musicians, the weather, the people all play a role in the painting I create. I am trying to tell a story of that night. If it rains or is windy, I add that in my paintings. If there is a rainbow I will put that in there. I am capturing the entire night into one canvas.
Q: What kind of music do you like to paint to, and do you specifically stay within a specific genre?
A: I don’t stick to any one genre. I have painted over 1,000 different bands and 4,000 canvases that include jam bands like Widespread Panic and Leftover Salmon to up-and-coming Christian rock bands. Next month, I’ll be painting King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, an Australian rock band. I’ve had the opportunity to paint jazz legends Fats Domino, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. I’ve painted Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Prince and other legends like Diana Ross, Melissa Etheridge, Carlos Santana, Blues Traveler, Lady Gaga with Tony Bennett, Johnny Winter and Tom Petty.
It seems easier to tell you which artists I haven’t painted versus the ones that I have.
Live music artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell, right, gets inundated with requests for selfies with fans while he paints during a recent Tedeschi Trucks Band show at Red Rocks in Morrison on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Q: How did you end up becoming what seems like the artist-in-residence at Red Rocks?
A: After a show in Florida, Todd Nance, the drummer for Widespread Panic, traded a summer tour pass for a painting I had done of the band. I ended up at my first Red Rocks show where the band played in June 2000. It was love at first sight when I did that show.
Since then, I have done over 630 paintings at Red Rocks. I buy my own tickets and pay for every single concert that I go to. Red Rocks does not pay me to be there but they do allow me the space in which to paint.
Live music artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell starts painting Margo Price, the warm-up act to Tedeschi Trucks Band at Red Rocks in Morrison on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Q: Do you remember the first piece of art you ever got paid for?
A: It was 1987 at one of my first group shows at a shopping mall where I sold a drawing of Joey Ramone. It was a studio piece before I was a live-music artist. I guess I have always been a music artist. even from the start.
Live music artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell paints musician Margo Price, the warm-up act to Tedeschi Trucks Band, as she performs at Red Rocks in Morrison on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Q: Where can we see your art?
A: On my website (scramblecampbell.com), but I invite people to come see me live at Row 23 at Red Rocks. I also have small paintings, postcards, magnets and other items for sale at the Red Rocks Trading Post.
Q: Do you have a favorite art piece?
A: I did a painting of Lou Reed in 1998 in Bethel, N.Y., on the original Woodstock grounds for the 29th anniversary of the original Woodstock. I got to talk to him and meet him afterwards and he signed the back of my painting. There are also paintings I’ve done of legendary musicians, like B.B. King and Fats Domino, who have since died. All of these paintings I love and will never sell.
Q: What memorable responses have you had to your work?
A: I showed David Crosby a painting I had just done of him and he said, “Not bad for speed painting.” Another time when I showed my painting to James Brown, he said, “Son, I’d like to thank you for coming out and painting my portrait.” He signed the entire back of the painting and said “I feel good. James Brown.”
Live music artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell paints during the Tedeschi Trucks Band performance at Red Rocks in Morrison on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)Live music artist Keith “Scramble” Campbell paints during the Tedeschi Trucks Band show at Red Rocks in Morrison on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A: In my mid-20s, I wrote a letter to well-known graffiti artist Keith Haring asking for advice. He was a big influence for me back then. He actually wrote me back and said: “I’m not good at giving advice. All I can say is do what you want to do and find a way to do it as much as you want to. There is no ’answer’ that is the same for everyone. You have to find your own direction.” I’ve followed that advice ever since.
Q: What advice would you offer to beginning artists?
A: Try to make your own way and make your own art. Don’t do art for somebody else, do it for yourself.
Q: Describe your dream project.
A: Next season is my 25th at Red Rocks. I’d really like to do a book that talks more about my experiences at the hundreds of concerts and of the thousands of artists I have painted. I feel like I already have the book illustrated with my paintings. It just hasn’t been written down yet. There are so many stories that go along with the artists that I have painted. I want to be able to tell those stories. It’s 25 years of jazz fest, 25 years of Red Rocks, 35 years of live painting. I’d like to tell those stories.
If there’s one thing I consistently endorse, it’s the power of a music festival. You get the best bang for your buck by having the opportunity to see dozens of artists all for the price of one weekend pass…and you get the chance to find your next favorite artist.
At their core, music festivals are relatively the same — overpriced drinks, under-seasoned food options, more overpriced drinks, and, without a doubt, an overflowing port-a-potty or two. You’ll walk at least 10,000 steps per day, your feet will be screaming for help at the end of the night, and your willpower will for sure be tested.
From Sea.Hear.Now in New Jersey to Coachella in California, festivals are a little hellish. But they’re incredible. All of these Survivor-esque factors make music festivals fun because you’re all struggling together…but the music makes it worth it.
And this past weekend, thousands flocked to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York to see the iconic East Coast festival: Gov Ball. If you’re from the Tri-State area, it’s a guarantee that you or someone you know has attended the Governor’s Ball at least once.
Yet, many warned me that Gov Ball was not what it used to be. However, I wasn’t going to resist such a star-studded lineup. Not only were headliners powerhouses like Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA…but the supporting acts were just as tempting: Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, and Chappell Roan were some of the names to watch.
So I put on my comfiest sneakers, and I went to Gov Ball 2024. And the big secret of it all is that I had a blast.
Brandon Flowers — lead singer of The Killers — declared them “the purveyors of some of the finest rock and roll music” and I can’t say I disagree. Whenever I see The Killers, I’m entranced.
Whether it’s their gospel church-inspired set, with background vocalists, cries of “can I get an AMEN?”, and a minutes-long chant of “I got soul, but I’m not a soldier”…The Killers set is always spiritual.
They play a plethora of their hits from albums like Hot Fuss — where you get instant classics like “Somebody Told Me”, “Mr. Brightside”, and “All These Things That I’ve Done.” You get newer songs like “Caution” and you come away convinced that rock and roll will never die.
By far the finest vocalist at the festival was Renee Rapp, who is on her Snow Hard Feelings tour. Rapp has had a blockbuster few years, with her show Sex Lives of College Girls, and playing Regina George in the Mean Girls reboot. Songs like “In The Kitchen” and “Pretty Girls” went viral on TikTok.
With a similar stage presence to Billie Eilish, Renee Rapp donned baggy clothes and sunglasses. She crawled around stage, stared longingly into the camera as she sang, and bent forwards and backward up and down the catwalk.
But what really comes through is her voice. She can belt a ballad with the best of them — powerhouses like Jennifer Hudson, Demi Lovato, and Adele. She touches your soul with heartbreaking lyrics, and cracks you up with quips like “I wish this song weren’t written about a man, either.”
If you get the chance to see her live, go.
Chappell Roan
They need to study the rapid rise of Chappell Roan in the history books. She’s instantaneously synonymous with LGBTQ music icons like Lady Gaga. Her album, Rise and Fall of a Midwest Person, was originally a favorite of TikTok users…but quickly zipped up the charts.
Her Coachella performance played to a packed tent at full capacity…so there was high anticipation for her Gov Ball mainstage performance. She starts the show by entering in an apple, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, smoking a huge joint — which is the epitome of Chappell Roan.
Roan and her all-female band were captivating from start to finish. With Chappell’s dramatic flare and her band’s ability to absolutely rock out, the whole crowd was entranced by Chappell…including myself.
Sabrina Carpenter
Another rapidly rising star is Sabrina Carpenter. She opened for Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour and also had a major Coachella performance. She’s seen chart-topping success with both “Espresso” and now “Please, Please, Please,” and let’s not forget her newly hard-launched relationship with Saltburn’s Barry Keoghan.
Ever since her love triangle with Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett, Carpenter’s love life has been a major topic of conversation…and inspired much of the emails I can’t send album. Gearing up for her latest era, with millions more monthly streamers, Carpenter has all the star power of the next big pop princess.
She mashed up songs like The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” and her own “Feather”, she belted “because i liked a boy”, and of course sang “Please, Please, Please” for the first time. Big dance breaks, amazing vocal runs, and her quick wit make Sabrina a must-see.
Post Malone
Post Malone’s set provided one of the lighter moments of the festival when he brought up two individual audience members to perform his ballad, “Stay”, together. If you’re familiar with the song, you know it’s a beautifully haunting slow song.
So, of course, he brings a guitarist — who does fine — and a girl to sing with him. Normally, you’d expect the person who offers to join a famous headliner onstage to be able to sing..so when this girl failed to hit the first note, the crowd knew we were in for a treat.
However, Post Malone sang along and remained professional. Of course, he’s a great performer himself, but this alone lands him a gold star.
Although you’re encouraged not to drive to Gov Ball, I live 40 minutes away and am a public transportation hater. After a few arduous bouts with the subway and buses, I needed to drive there on Sunday or my body would revolt.
Luckily, there was parking available at Citi Field and right next to where the subway drops commuters off. If you’re brave enough to take a ride-share service, I’d recommend leaving at an off-time where you won’t hit traffic from festival-goers or New York City partiers.
If you can afford it, I’d say VIP made my experience 1000x better. It gets you a guaranteed front-row view of the stage and you won’t feel claustrophobic or have to shove fellow audience members out of your way. There are plenty of areas to sit and relax while watching the show, which is something GA doesn’t provide.
However, the food options were quite limited in the VIP areas. So I tried my luck in the GA food vendor areas and ended up waiting for 20 minutes in endless lines. But what did truly saved the weekend was the private bathroom and bar options to avoid those long lines.
Overall, Gov Ball was so much better than anticipated…and I look forward to next year.
New York is home to an abundance of A-listers and socialites, the Met Gala, a rich sports history, and a strong hand in the music industry. In terms of music hotspots, the Big Apple reigns as the East Coast capital for major record labels, festivals, and stunning venues.
The summer brings live performances to an already thriving music scene…my personal favorite is The Governor’s Ball. Also known as Gov Ball, it takes place in Corona Park in Flushing, Queens and is a must-attend for music lovers everywhere.
From Sea.Hear.Now to Coachella, I love a good festival. I constantly rave about the benefits of spending your money on a festival over a concert. In Girl Math terms, it’s the most fiscally responsible choice: you get to see 100 concerts for the price of one.
Each year at Gov Ball, the biggest artists in the world spanning multiple genres gather for memorable performances. From June 7-9, 2024, tens of thousands of fans will flock to Corona Park to hear the likes of Post Malone, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Peso Pluma, and more.
What makes Gov Ball unique is their commitment to the fan experience. It’s not just a haphazardly thrown festival with lackluster stage production, lack of water and bathrooms, and barely edible food. No, Gov Ball has been a renowned local gem for over a decade.
For years, my friends have told tall tales of their past lives at Gov Ball…it’s something everyone who’s anyone in the Tri-State Area has attended at least once in their lives. It’s our East Coast Coachella.
This year, I’m super excited to be attending Gov Ball and giving you all the inside information you need. It’s one of the hottest festivals this summer, you won’t want to miss out.
We’re officially one month away, so here’s what you need to know so far.
Gov Ball lineup Gov Ball 2024
Ultimately, what gets everyone excited about a festival is the lineup. GovBall rarely misses with their performers, and this year has a great mix of different genres and names in the industry.
GovBall 2024’s headliners feature: Post Malone and Rauw Alexander, The Killers and 21 Savage, and SZA and Peso Pluma. Other performances include Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, Dominic Fike, Labrinth, Sexxy Redd, and more.
With such a diverse lineup, there’s a chance to see artists you know and love…and perhaps be introduced to your next favorite singer. Live performances show you an artist’s true colors – especially in a lineup like GovBall.
Gov Ball Food and Drinks
Gov Ball food and bev list 2024 Gov Ball
What may be equally as important as the music is the food. I’ve been to countless festivals where I’d almost rather starve than eat their cuisine. Yes, the $18 pulled pork sandwich may look good on the outside, but on the inside it’s somehow flavorless.
Luckily, GovBall highlights local favorites and a variety of cuisines that people actually rave about. Their food vendors include top-rated NYC essential establishments such as Magnolia Bakery, Van Leeuwan, Mao’s Bao, and Gotham Burger.
This is the one time in my life I’m looking forward to trying the food at a festival…and that’s because GovBall takes the time to highlight New York City’s diverse culture. They’re well aware that not everyone gets a chance to see the city that never sleeps…so they bring it to you.
Plus, with featured beverages like Aperol Spritz, Dunkin Donuts, Espolon Tequila, Jack Daniel’s, and more, you’re guaranteed a good time.
Getting Tickets To Gov Ball
Here’s where Gov Ball impresses me the most: the options for attending the festival are endless. Sure, there’s your classic 3-day pass or you can choose to attend an individual day if there’s a specific artist you want to see. But what stands out are the other opportunities to upgrade your experience.
The GA+ option allows access to private, air-conditioned bathrooms in the GA+ Lounge. You’ll also have a private bar, which genuinely saves a ton of time. There’s nothing worse than waiting in a line when your favorite artist is about to perform.
If you want an elite experience, the VIP pass is for you. With luxury lounges throughout the festival, a sectioned area for a more private concert experience at the front of the stage, access to the express lane at merch stands, and all the amenities of GA+.
Although pricey, VIP tickets eliminate all the festival hiccups attendees can face. Bathroom and merch lines can be taxing everywhere, and in the summer heat you don’t want to spend a lot of time waiting around.
But that’s not all! If you’re dying to see an artist and want the insider experience…there’s a one-day Ultimate pass, which offers up backstage access to Artist Village, $100 credit to use towards merch, golf cart transportation between stages, and access to a shared all-inclusive Guest Cabana.
Popdust’s Gov Ball Must-Sees
Let’s be frank, we’re all at the festival for one thing and that’s the music. I’m super excited to catch a few of my tried and true artists like The Killers, Post Malone, and Renee Rapp…however, this will be my first time seeing a bunch of my favorite artists live.
Here’s who you absolutely need to see when you go to GovBall 2024:
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has not stopped performing. From her own emails i can’t send tour to opening for Taylor Swift on The Era’s Tour to Coachella to GovBall. It won’t be long before she’s on the main stage for these festivals, so catch her while you can.
Chappell Roan
Chappell RoanRyan Clemens
Another force in the music industry is bubblegum pop princess, Chappell Roan. Roan went viral for her iconic Coachella performance – you won’t want to miss her fervent fanbase and electric live shows.
Goth Babe
Goth BabeInsomniac
Goth Babe’s music is made for the summer. If you want a relaxing, transcendental experience then see Goth Babe.
Post Malone
Post MaloneMeg Young
A superstar artists in the industry (and he’s making a run at the country scene), Post Malone is a mega-talented performer. I caught him a few years back at Firefly Music Festival and can’t wait to see him again.
Renee Rapp
Renee Rapp
Renee Rapp seamlessly floats between actor and singer without missing a beat. After seeing her live a few months ago, I instantly became a fan of her music. She’s an enigma who keeps growing.
Joey Graziadei and Kelsey AndersonCourtesy of Drip IV/Instagram
Stagecoach Festival is once again the place for the who’s who of Bachelor Nation to reconnect — even if they’re exes.
Joey Graziadeiand his fiancée, Kelsey Anderson, stepped out at the Indio, California, music festival on Saturday, April 27, in matching straw cowboy hats. Kelsey, 25, wore hers with a white blouse and denim cutoffs and a pair of cross earrings. Joey, 28, opted for a Hawaiian-style shirt with a jean jacket and a blue bandana.
In between performances, Joey and Kelsey got a hydration treatment from Drip Labs at a rented villa. They were there getting IVs alongside Maria Georgas, who made it to Joey’s final four on The Bachelor season 28.
Drip Labs shared footage of the exes and Kelsey getting their IVs, which Maria, 29, reposted onto her Instagram Story.
Elle King and more stars are bringing the country flair to Stagecoach Festival 2024. King, 34, kicked off the Indio, California, festival with a rousing performance on Friday, April 26, where she set the stage ablaze with her ensemble. King wore a cropped lilac blazer that had flames embroidered on the sides and letters on […]
“Hydrate me,” Maria captioned a follow-up snap.
Joey also captured footage from the moment, showing off his IV on his Story. “This feels counter-intuitive, but gotta pump the body with the good stuff,” he wrote, sharing a pic of the needle protruding from his arm as he held a cocktail.
Joey Graziadei and Kelsey AndersonCourtesy of Kelsey Anderson/Instagram
Later, Joey and Kelsey watched the festival performances from the diamond VIP area, with an eyewitness telling Us that Kelsey “was sitting on [Joey’s] lap” as they chatted with Hannah Godwin and her husband, Dylan Barbour. Joey also mingled with former Bachelor Peter Weber, but he refused to leave Kelsey behind when they were about to move sections. “[Joey] said, ‘Wait, let me get my girl,’ before heading out,” the insider adds.
Joey and Kelsey met and got engaged on The Bachelor, which aired its season finale in March.
“I think what I’m most excited about is the ability to be around each other so much,” Joey exclusively told Us Weekly later that month. “We finally will be able to just do small things together.”
He added at the time, “We’ll figure out how to navigate [social media criticism] day by day. It’s something that we’re trying not to focus on too much because we got so many other things that we’re excited about that we do want to focus on.”
Before Joey chose Kelsey for his final rose, he had other strong connections with the likes of Daisy Kent, Rachel Nance and Maria. The tennis instructor ultimately eliminated Maria after hometowns and Rachel following fantasy suites before Daisy left on her own during the finale.
“I think, looking back, watching it has been my closure and everything played out exactly how it should have played out,” Maria told Us at the Women’s Tell All taping. “I think our relationship ran its course and, yeah, it got to a point where I was pulling stunts, trying to leave and we were just all over the place.”
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As The Bachelor aired, Maria became a fan-favorite with many calling for her to be the next Bachelorette.
“I mean, it is crazy to think that I was even considered and people want to see me in that position. I’ve never once thought about it, like, to even think I would get the chance,” she told Us. “That would be a crazy experience. I mean, I would be stupid to say no. But yeah, I mean, even being told that I should — I don’t know. I don’t know! It is a lot. But I’m very appreciative of people wanting to see me and see more of me. It’s been very nice to hear.”
It is not known if Maria was ever offered the gig, which was bestowed on Jenn Tran. Her season is currently filming.
The early signs were there. Several Australian music festivals scheduled for the Down Under summer months were cancelled. Then word started to come out of Britain about more festivals that wouldn’t happen because of various financial and logistical issues.
But the biggest wake-up call came when Coachella 2024 failed to sell out instantly like in years before. It took months to sell all the tickets for the first weekend; even as late as this past Thursday, tickets were still available for the second weekend, something that would have never happened in the past.
And it’s not just Coachella. There seems to be an overwhelming lack of enthusiasm for almost every major festival this summer. Lollapalooza has gone all hip-hop and pop. Except for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bonnaroo’s lineup doesn’t feel very exciting. Osheaga has Green Day, Noah Kahan, and SZA, but lacks the superstar punch of previous years. Same thing with Festival d’Été de Québec.
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There have even been moans about Glastonbury, a festival that sells out in hours, months before anyone knows who will be performing. “These are the best headliners you can get?” seems to be the dominant complaint. Oh, it’ll still be the mud-and-booze-and-drugs riot it always is, but I doubt that Glastonbury 2024 will make anyone’s top 10.
So what’s the problem? Why are so many major music events suffering from a “meh” problem? Several reasons.
It’s the end of funflation
Going to a festival costs a lot. Between the price of a day or weekend pass, you need to get to the site (often a real hassle), find accommodation (if you’re not the camping sort or if that’s not available), and then reserve cash for food, drink, and merch.
TikTok is full of messages about food and drink prices (US$64 for two burritos and a juice and US$28 for a double vodka). That might have been doable in the era of funflation, that post-COVID time when many of us decided to make up for the lockdown years by spending whatever was necessary to travel and have fun. We may have reached our limits on that — at least as far as music festivals go.
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Gen Z isn’t playing along
Boomers, Gen X and Millennials were all avid festival-goers. Gen Z? Maybe not so much. “Generation Sensible,” as they’ve been called, isn’t into the party lifestyle as much as their predecessors — at least they don’t see this as a priority. Even those who do go to a festival, a study says that just five per cent of Gen Z is excited about drinking alcohol or doing drugs.
This tracks with other things I’ve observed about this generation. They’re all about living healthy and engaging in social issues.
And although members of this cohort like hanging with their friends, they like to stay within their small circle, a comfortable network of like-minded friends. And this circle doesn’t have to be IRL; they can be virtual friends, people with whom they only interact online. It’s possible mixing in with large groups of strangers makes them feel uncomfortable.
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Meanwhile, Boomers, Gen X, and even many older Millennials are done with standing in a field for a weekend.
There’s an interest rate problem
Festivals thrived throughout the 2010s when interest rates were low, making it easy for promoters to borrow the start-up capital to stage a festival. Those days are gone. Unless you have really deep pockets (or have access to Saudi Arabian money), you’re either being driven out of business or won’t even bother trying to start a festival.
We have a big music problem
I’ll say it for the one-thousandth time: The music industry has done an absolutely lousy job of creating new superstars for the 21st century when compared with decades past. The ones that do exist — Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, et al — don’t need the hassle and restriction of appearing at festivals. They can make oodles more money and have more control by launching their own headlining tours. For example, Bey was paid US$4 million for her 2018 Coachella gig in 2018. She can gross several times that for each show she plays when she tours alone.
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Heritage acts from the 1990s and earlier — think Madonna, Green Day, blink-182, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, Tool, Pearl Jam — know this, too. They would rather go out on the road by themselves than be burdened with scaling down a show for a festival appearance. At the same time, the super-heritage acts like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and The Eagles are getting into their 80s. Think they want to spend a weekend at a festival? There are other older acts to choose from, but they’re (a) not going to get Boomers out of their houses; (b) not appealing to young festival fans; and (c) dying off.
So who’s left? Artists who in the past would be considered large cult acts. Lana Del Rey a Coachella headliner? I mean, she’s good, but this is Coachella slot once filled by the likes of Eminem, Guns N’ Roses, Lady Gaga, AC/DC, Radiohead, and Muse. Tyler, The Creator, one of the top names at Lollapalooza? Fred Again.. in the big font on the Bonarroo poster? Festival promoters need to figure out how to get these A-level performers on their side again.
Complicating matter is that Gen Z, which grew up with instant access to tens of millions of songs on Spotify, are hugely fickle when it comes to music. Are they into rock? Maybe today, but then tomorrow, it’ll be all about hip-hop. Or pop. Or EDM.
Big festivals are booked using the “green bananas” principle. The goal is to sign young, emerging acts that will hopefully be exploding just as the festival weekend rolls around. They may be in a small font on the poster when tickets go on sale but could move up a few points by the time the gates open. What results are festival lineups that are largely made up of second-, third-, and fourth-tier acts. Promoters need better crystal balls if they’re going to book acts that will appeal to a large number of Gen Zers.
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Music continues to get narrower and narrower when it comes to appeal. Today’s biggest acts are nowhere near as big as acts used to be back in the day (Taylor Swift and Beyoncé excepted). In the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, record labels prepped and promoted a few acts for the masses. Today, technology has lowered the entry barrier so low that anyone can release and distribute their music globally. The problem is that over 100,000 new songs get uploaded to the streaming music services every day.
There’s no centre to music anymore, no consensus, no act that everyone knows and can sing at least a few song lyrics. Ask any random dozen people to name songs by SZA.
So are festivals going extinct? Not the big ones. They’re well-funded and have enough history to keep the momentum going for a while. There are also many smaller specialized events that draw modest by diehard crowds.
Personally, I’d consider going to Cruel World in Pasadena, Calif., on May 11 to get my fix of classic alternative bands like Duran Duran, Blondie, Simple Minds, and Soft Cell. Sonic Temple in Columbus sounds perfect for metal and hard rock fans (Disturbed, Pantera, Slipknot, Judas Priest, Sum 41, Royal Blood, and a couple dozen more.) Las Vegas has Sick New World (System of a Down, Alice in Chains, Primus, Killing Joke, Lamb of God, and many more). Napa Valley’s Bottlerock has booked Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks, and Queens of the Stone Age, among others. And if you’re an old emo kid at heart, When We Were Young will be back in Las Vegas this fall with My Chemical Romance, Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, Simple Plan, and an army of others.
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Or you might like to take a music-themed cruise (Monsters of Rock, The 80s Cruise, Emo’s Not Dead, Rock the Bells, Headbangers Boat, Soul Train, The Outlaw Country Cruise, The Ultimate Disco Cruise, and the 700,000 Tons of Metal Cruise.
Festivals will be with us for a while. It’s just that they aren’t what they used to be, you know? Now get off my lawn.
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Alan Cross is a broadcaster with Q107 and 102.1 the Edge and a commentator for Global News.
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For some, festival season style essentials like crop tops and vintage denim are kept at the ready all year long. But for spring and summer 2024 in particular, it’s no surprise that ’90s fashion is heavily influencing shopping habits. Fans of the fashion era have a newfound affinity for baggy cargo pants, oversize jeans, naked dresses, and — of course — corsets. Y2K-inspired looks are also trickling into the festival realm, so if classic bohemian staples like cowboy boots, fringe, and crochet aren’t for you, you have slightly more contemporary options.
We scoured many of our favorite labels known for festivalwear to see what’s selling ahead of the concerts to come and can confirm that wardrobes are skewing more and more toward personal taste, whether it’s decorative makeup products and face gems or the best sneakers for getting around. That being said, there are plenty of universally versatile essentials such as face SPF, affordable, hands-free bags, collapsible water bottles, and even handheld fans that you simply can’t go without when you’re hitting up a music festival in the sweltering heat.
Ahead, check out some of our go-to products for festival season, some of which have been recently rated and reviewed by our editors, then shop the best Levi’s jeans and sunglasses if you need to round out your wardrobe even more.
Look, concerts are great. I would love to see my entire Spotify Wrapped lineup live. And I’ve spent thousands of dollars on Harry Styles alone — judge me if you want, I don’t plan on stopping. But my wallet isn’t as enthusiastic.
That’s where the beloved music festival comes in. It’s the best opportunity to see a bunch of artists in the span of a few days. You either love them or you’re not built for them…and I fall somewhere in between.
A music festival is the equivalent of an appetizer sampler; you get to see some artists you normally wouldn’t spend money on, and you also get some of your classic favorite artists all on the same lineup. For example, I went to Firefly Music Festival to see Billie Eilish…and left loving The Killers.
Now that the weather is getting warmer and we are increasingly more open to the idea of leaving our homes, festival season is quickly approaching. Coachella, one of the world’s most famous (and potentially overrated) festivals, occurs every year in April and kicks off a slew of fun music festivals to attend.
The only issue is: how do you choose the best music festival for you? With over 50 festivals listed already this Spring and Summer 2024, it can be hard to choose. I like to check out the lineups and see which festivals have the most new artists for me to discover. Then, I take a look at where they’re happening and make my decision from there.
I’ve rounded up a few festivals happening in the US in 2024 that are both newsworthy and will get you to see the most relevant artists in the industry. Enjoy the food, the shopping, the arts, and the acts!
Who? Dominic Fike, Duke Dumont, Hippo Campus, Gorgon City, SG Lewis, Dayglow, DRAMA, and more.
What? A music festival thrown by non-profit, The M3F Fund, where 100% of proceeds go to charities like Habitat for Humanity, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Arizona Helping Hands, and more. It’s a great way to give back while having fun with your friends and family, and their lineup is always good.
Who? Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat, Lil Uzi Vert, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Jon Batiste, Bleachers, No Doubt, J Balvin, and more.
What? The festival where spotting an influencer or two will be the highlight of your trip. You probably won’t make out with Timothee Chalamet, but you definitely will eat some overpriced food. However, you have to go to Coachella once in your life. This year marks the reunion of No Doubt — and perfect timing, since TikTok has revived their music for Gen Z.
Who? Noah Kahan, Weezer, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, Young the Giant, Girl in Red, and more.
What? A great mix of indie and rock acts spread throughout the weekend. I would travel far and wide to see Noah Kahan ahead of his summer arena tour, and this is a great excuse to do so.
Who? Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, Odesza, The Chainsmokers, Cage The Elephant, Renee Rapp, Dominic Fike, Dom Dolla, and more.
What? One of the most diverse music festivals in terms of genre…Hangout Music Festival has everything- from popular EDM acts to country to pop. It’s also one of the few tour dates Lana Del Rey has right now, so go see her while you can.
Who? Post Malone, The Killers, 21 Savage, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Peso Pluma, Sexxy Red, Renee Rapp, Labrinth, Goth Babe, and more.
What? Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Gov Ball is an iconic festival to start the summer. This year’s lineup is worth your time with festival favorites like The Killers and Post Malone, and exciting additions like Goth Babe and Sabrina Carpenter.
Who? FISHER, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fred Again…, Maggie Rogers, Cage The Elephant, Cigarettes After Sex, Diplo, Two Friends, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lizzy McAlpine, and more.
What? Bonnaroo hosts some of the hottest musical acts in the industry year after year. This year’s lineup includes Megan Thee Stallion, Renee Rapp, T-Pain, Sean Paul, and more. I couldn’t think of anything better.
1841390291NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Amy Robach, Sabine Holmes and T. J. Holmes visit the Coca-Cola gift suite during iHeartRadio z100’s Jingle Ball 2023 Presented By Capital One at Madison Square Garden on December 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Robach, 50, and Holmes, 46, stepped out at the holiday-themed music festival at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Friday, December 8, where they twinned in black slacks but swapped out jacket types. While Robach glittered in a gold blazer, Holmes opted for an edgy motorcycle jacket.
As the pair posed for photos on the red carpet, they couldn’t resist getting in some candid, playful shots. In one pic, Robach and Holmes couldn’t stop laughing as they looked into one another’s eyes.
The couple brought Holmes’ youngest daughter, 11-year-old Sabine, to the concert. Sabine, who Holmes shares with ex-wife Marilee Fiebig, rocked a pink hoodie with an image of Elvis Presley on the front.
A newsworthy relationship. GMA3 cohosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes’ reported romance made headlines in November 2022 when the TV personalities — both married to other people — were photographed getting cozy on various outings throughout the month. The pictures, first published by the Daily Mail, showed the pair holding hands in a car, laughing […]
Holmes, who also shares two older children with ex-wife Amy Ferson, revealed via his Instagram Story several hours earlier that he helped Sabine get “red carpet ready.” He captioned a pic of himself combing her locks, “#HairbyHolmes.”
T. J. Holmes and Sabine Holmes attend iHeartRadio z100’s Jingle Ball 2023 Presented By Capital One at Madison Square Garden on December 8, 2023 in New York City.Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Once the trio found their seats inside MSG, Holmes danced around to the musicians’
Sets per Instagram Story footage. In one video, he and Sabine belted out the words to OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars.” A follow-up clip proved that Sabine was very excited about Olivia Rodrigo’s set and that she masterfully knew every word to “Vampire” and “Good 4 U.”
“Girl Daddin’ like a mother,” Holmes captioned his Instagram clip.
Robach and Holmes began cohosting GMA3: What You Need to Know in 2020, where they developed a friendly bond. Two years later, they were photographed outside the office despite their marriages to Andrew Shue and Fiebig, 46, respectively. (Robach and Holmes have since stressed that they were both going through divorces at the time when the photos made headlines.)
A daddy-daughter bond! T.J. Holmes has an adorably sweet relationship with his youngest child, daughter Sabine. The former Good Morning America coanchor welcomed his baby girl with Marilee Fiebig in January 2013, just over two years after he and the attorney exchanged vows in October 2020. Despite the drama in his personal life — Us […]
Amid the scandal, ABC pulled Robach and Holmes from GMA3. Us Weekly broke the news in January that they were officially “out” at the network. Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan have since taken over on the Good Morning America afternoon broadcast.
T. J. Holmes, Sabine Holmes and Amy Robach visit the Montefiore Einstein gift suite during iHeartRadio z100’s Jingle Ball 2023 Presented By Capital One at Madison Square Garden on December 8, 2023 in New York City.Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for iHeartRadio
Robach and Holmes did not let the workplace scandal faze them as they continued building their relationship. Meanwhile, Sabine and Robach’s two daughters — Ava and Analise, whom she shares with ex-husband Tim McIntosh — first found out about their parents’ relationship after the photos were published online.
“My daughter, I mean, she’s 10, I was still trying to get her adjusted to her new reality of her parents not being together. And I’d been working on that for the past three, four months,” Holmes said on the couple’s debut podcast episode earlier this week. “So I didn’t want to spring on her that early, ‘Oh yeah, by the way, you know that Amy Robach, who you’ve known since you were 1?’ … Well, I’m dating her now.’”
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Robach, for her part, noted that she is still apologizing to her daughters for how the scandal played out. “We thought we were protecting our children and our families, and we thought we had time,” she said on the “Amy & T.J.” podcast. “And we thought we had a right to privacy. And maybe that was foolish and silly.”
The couple’s exes have also reportedly been involved. News broke on Tuesday, December, 5, that Shue, 56, and Fiebig started dating after bonding over the drama.
Asbury Park, New Jersey is not just a popular shore destination, but a Mecca of music history. Home of iconic venues like The Stone Pony- where Bruce Springsteen got his start in performing- thousands of people flock just for The Pony alone…but every September, the seaside city gathers to celebrate rock and roll for Sea.Hear.Now.
Sea.Hear.Now is the perfect ending to your summer for multiple reasons. It gives you an excuse to enjoy the sun and the sand one more weekend post Labor Day, even better that you throw all of your favorite artists together. I’ve always said that festivals are the best bang for your buck as a music fan- you spend a few hundred dollars to see at least 10 artists over multiple days with general admission seating, as opposed to that $2,000 Taylor Swift ticket.
I’ve been to a few festivals spanning from Firefly in Dover, Delaware to the infamous Coachella in Indio, California. I’ve seen bands I may not have purchased single show tickets to, and I’ve become fans of artists just by happening upon their performances at these events. Festivals are great ways to try out new music without throwing all your money away- and there’s no better way to get a feel of an artist than seeing them live.
This was my first year at Sea.Hear.Now, and it didn’t disappoint. For fans of older music and new music alike, there’s truly something for everyone here. Located on the actual beach (so bring sand-appropriate shoes), Sea.Hear.Now features clothing pop-up shops, local food and drink vendors, and much, much more. Here are the highlights:
The Best Performances of Sea.Hear.Now 2023
The Killers at Sea.Hear.Now 2023
Chris Phelps
I’d be crazy if I didn’t start with what we all came for: the music. I hadn’t seen most of these acts live before, but I have admittedly seen (and worshipped) The Killers at Firefly a few years ago. But my reviews are as follows:
Sheryl Crow- if I can look half as good as her, I will consider myself successful. My first headline thought was: Breaking News: Sheryl Crow Has Still Got It. She has a powerful voice, knows how to rock the guitar, and “Soak Up The Sun” will always be famous.
Greta Van Fleet- one word: wow. Everyone compares them to Led Zeppelin, and I was so shocked by the vocal range and witty banter they provided. I became an instant fan.
Royal Blood- not only did I get the chance to interview the lovely British duo this weekend, but also see these two rockstars. Kicking off their tour, Royal Blood did not disappoint.
The Killers- I can’t say enough about this band and how amazing they are live. They opened with my favorite song of all time, “Mr. Brightside,” and I astral projected to the moon. Ask anyone there, The Killers are a must-see whenever they’re in town, bringing up a fan every time to play drums with them. Always electric, never a let down.
Greta Van Fleet at Sea.Hear.Now 2023
Pooneh Ghana
Stephen Sanchez- Sanchez creates story lines with his music, and to hear it seaside felt ethereal. Hits like “Until I Found You” sound better at the beach.
The Beach Boys- First of all, they brought out John Stamos as their drummer (instant win). But Mike Love and Bruce Johnston brought the house down, with Love’s son also helping them out. I loved every second of it.
Mt. Joy- Philly’s finest, Mt. Joy sounds just as good live as they do on your phone. Something about Mt. Joy at Sea.Hear.Now just makes sense.
Weezer- Weezer was another highlight of the festival- playing all of their hits and sounding identical to their soundtracks. “Beverly Hills” and “My Name is Jonas” were some of my faves.
The Foo Fighters- The Foo Fighter fans were plentiful, belting out every word. They didn’t miss a beat, and were the perfect ending to a rock-filled weekend.
The Food at Sea.Hear.Now
At any given festival, the food looks better than it tastes. It’s just a fact, no matter what they try and tell you. However, I did have my first Korean-style corn dog, which was essentially a giant mozzarella stick with a hot dog in the center and sauce on top…and it was delicious despite the fact that it would have sent a Pilgrim into cardiac arrest.
The drinks were moderately priced compared to other festivals I’ve been to, there were plenty of free water stations (as opposed to Coachella), and I need to give a special shoutout to the Hendricks Boat Bar. They had the best triage of Hendricks drinks (I don’t even like gin and these were delicious) curated by Erik Andersson, who also gave us a great tour.
The Experience at Sea.Hear.Now
Cam Richards
Fiona Mullen
Sea.Hear.Now has a lot to offer: picture opportunities, specific drink tents like Tito’s, Twisted Tea, etc., and even shopping opportunities. And for once, I want to emphasize the perks that VIP tickets could get you: your own viewing area close to the stage so it’s never a bad view, access to festival merchandise (not bands, however), your own bathroom area and food/bars, TV’s and a lounge. It’s truly worth the upgrade.
There’s even a surfing competition, which honestly worried me a bit since there was a hurricane but I’m not the professional. But what I loved about this festival is it stayed true to Asbury Park’s roots, featuring everything the small city had to offer.
No matter what, it’s a more relaxed vibe compared to the intense marathon that Coachella is. You have a wider age range of people, all dressed however they want (from festival chic to football jerseys on Sunday). But that’s the beauty of Sea.Hear.Now: come as you are, all will be welcomed.
Pack your water bottles, because a second Fyre Festival seems to be in the works. On Aug. 20, Billy McFarland, the organizer behind the original failed event, revealed that tickets for a second installment of the festival were on sale for $499 apiece in an Instagram video. He also said the event was scheduled for December 2024.
Just two days later, McFarland claimed that the festival had sold out entirely. However, event’s website claims more tickets are “coming soon,” though they’ll cost between $799 and $7,999 each.
Not many details or specifics about the second Fyre Festival are available, and the website merely says that the festival will take place somewhere in “The Caribbean.” Meanwhile, in 2022, the Bahamas Tourism Industry said it would “not endorse or approve any event” on the islands “associated with” McFarland, per NBC.
Speculation about a second Fyre Festival began to swirl when McFarland shared a series of cryptic tweets on April 9 teasing a follow-up. “Fyre Festival II is finally happening,” the disgraced entrepreneur said. “Tell me why you should be invited.”
Of course, if the first Fyre Festival is anything to go by, the experience probably will not be worth anything close to the price. Taking place in the Bahamas in 2017, the first Fyre Festival promised a luxury experience of a lifetime. The event, cofounded by rapper Ja Rule, was also meant to promote McFarland’s music-booking app of the same name. Models and influencers, including Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, famously appeared in its social media marketing campaign. It’s since been well documented that Fyre Festival fell apart, leaving many attendees stranded with little food and shelter. The festival inspired two documentaries: “Fyre” on Netflix, and “Fyre Fraud” on Hulu.
McFarland later received a six-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud, and was released in March 2022. Despite his jail time, it seems he’s still determined to get Fyre right. “Going to crush the island version first, but @elonmusk Fyre 3 definitely needs to be in space,” he also tweeted on April 9.
Ja Rule previously teased the possibility of hosting another Fyre Festival, although it’s unclear if he’ll be working with McFarland again this time around. “I’m not ashamed of Fyre at all. Because man, the idea, it was brilliant,” he told TMZ in 2019. “It is the most iconic festival that never was. I have plans to create the iconic festival, but you didn’t hear that from me.”
The infamous failed Fyre Festival is giving it another go, and people are already lining up to see what’s in store this time around, according tothe festival’s organizer, convicted fraudster Billy McFarland.
Tickets for Fyre Festival 2 went live on Sunday, nearly six years after the notoriously unorganized and unlawful 2017 music festival landed founder Billy McFarland in jail for several fraud charges.
“It has been the absolute wildest journey to get here, and it really all started during a seven-month stint in solitary confinement,” he said in a video shared to Instagram on Sunday. “I wrote out this 50-page plan of how it would take this overall interest and demand in Fyre and how it would take my ability to bring people from around the world together to make the impossible happen.”
On Tuesday, McFarland claimed in an Instagram post that the first drop of Fyre Festival 2 tickets sold out, promising that this time will be different with the “best logistical and infrastructure partners.” Additionally, he said all ticket sale revenue will be held in escrow until a final concert date is announced.
Fyre Festival 2 is scheduled to take place in December 2024 in theCaribbean (although an official location has yet to be revealed), with ticket prices ranging from $799 to $7,999, according to the festival’s website.
McFarland was released from prison in May 2022. In April 2023, he announced that a Fyre Festival II was happening on X (then Twitter) with a contest on TikTok. It was supposed to take place on Aug. 26 in the Hamptons. Rumors spread that he rented a “pirate ship” for the event.
But that event isn’t exactly happening as planned, either.
Entrepreneur has viewed messages from McFarland sent last week to “FYRE VIPs” that the August Hamptons event is not taking place “due to [the] imminent announcement/plans for a much larger FYRE II.” However, there will still be a “private event” in the Hamptons on Saturday, the message says. And those who were scheduled to attend will get comped tickets for the big event in December.
The original Fyre Festival was held on the island of Great Exuma in April 2017. It was promoted by models Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and the musician Ja Rule.
But what was supposed to be a luxury concert costing thousands of dollars with meals from celebrity chefs, fancy housing accommodations, and performances byTyga, Blink-182, and Migos ended up being a nightmare — with poorly built tents, cheese sandwiches for food, and immediate (and viral) videos showing conditions that led many of the promised performers to back out.
Prosecutors found that McFarland defrauded Fyre Festival investors and ticket vendors of about $26 million. He also continued a “sham ticket scam” while out on bail, according to CNN. He was sentenced to six years in prison in 2018 after pleading guilty to several charges of fraud but was released after serving four years of his sentence.
Following the Fyre Festival scandal, two documentaries were made about the ordeal, including Netflix’s 2019 “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” and Hulu’s 2019 “Fyre Fraud.”
Is Sabrina Carpenter in her “Lover” era? On Aug. 4, the pop star wore an all-pink outfit with major Taylor Swift vibes during her Lollapalooza performance in Chicago. Carpenter’s ensemble included a heart-shaped pink crop top paired with a micro-miniskirt, also in pink. Her outfit was perfect, especially since she’s set to open for Swift as The Eras Tour heads to Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil.
The “Nonsense” singer’s hot-pink top included rhinestone encrusted straps and sparkly embellishments throughout. She paired her heart-shaped crop top with a matching micro-miniskirt, which featured a small bit of material gathered at the side for extra flair. She completed the look with knee-high white platform boots (the same boots she wore at her Glasgow show in June).
Thanks to the “Barbie” movie and Swift’s Eras Tour, pink has become one of the defining colors of the moment. Given the color’s current popularity, Carpenter’s outfit was both on-trend and the perfect choice for a summertime performance where keeping cool was just as important as looking cool. It was also clear that her upcoming stint as an opener for Swift wasn’t far from Carpenter’s mind.
In an interview with Rolling Stone at the festival, Carpenter revealed her top three Swift eras, while also expressing her excitement over her upcoming gig. During her interview, she name-checked “1989,” “Midnights,” and “Folklore,” before discussing what Swift means to her.
“Watching her is a masterclass in itself,” Carpenter said. “She’s been texting me… I feel a lot more comfortable that I’m going into a situation with someone who I admire so much and I’m just going to study.”
Take a closer look at Carpenter’s all-pink Lollapalooza outfit from all angles ahead.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Music discovery and entrepreneurship are witnessing a paradigm shift — courtesy of the digital era. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok have revolutionized traditional mechanisms, providing an open stage for emerging artists to connect directly with global audiences and redefining the business landscape.
These digital platforms are not limited to connecting artists with audiences. They’ve fostered a new ecosystem comprising music influencers, reaction channels, cover artists and dance challenge creators, all contributing significantly to music discovery. However, the digital revolution also presents challenges, with artists trying to stand out in a crowded digital space and listeners navigating the overwhelming volume of music.
The digital wave of YouTube and TikTok
YouTube, since its inception in 2005, has emerged as a game-changer. With over two billion logged-in users monthly, it provides a democratic space for artists worldwide, paving the way for music stars like Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran.
TikTok, though a more recent player, has already made its mark as a music discovery platform. Its unique algorithm prioritizes content discovery, allowing artists like Lil Nas X to gain overnight popularity with hits like “Old Town Road.” For music enthusiasts, these platforms provide an endless catalog of diverse music genres, styles and artists.
Another significant product of the digital revolution is podcasts. They offer a unique platform for music discussion and discovery. They provide an intimate, conversational format for exploring music, the artist’s journey, genre impact and the industry’s evolving landscape. With shows like “Song Exploder,” where musicians break down their songs, podcasts offer a deep dive into music, presenting a richer experience and potentially revealing unheard artists and tracks to listeners.
Entrepreneurship within the music industry has expanded beyond traditional roles, courtesy of the digital age. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok have democratized music discovery, enabling artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach audiences directly. Consequently, roles such as independent playlist curators, music bloggers, influencer marketers and data analysts have emerged.
Data and analytics have become crucial, offering valuable insights into audience behavior and preferences and informing decisions on marketing strategies and tour locations. For instance, Chance the Rapper utilized these digital platforms effectively to distribute his music, connect with fans and win a Grammy, all while remaining independent.
Future trends and predictions
Emerging technologies and cultural shifts continue to shape the landscape of music discovery and entrepreneurship. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already made its mark in song recommendations, and its role could expand to music creation. Companies like OpenAI’s MuseNet, which generates original songs in various styles and genres, suggest that AI could democratize music creation further.
Virtual Reality (VR) is another trend with the potential to revolutionize the industry. It could transform live music experiences, allowing artists to perform in virtual spaces and fans to attend concerts from anywhere worldwide, opening new revenue streams and making music more accessible to a global audience.
The role of community in music discovery is expected to grow. Trusted curators and influencers could become more important in this scenario, with platforms fostering a sense of community and offering personalized recommendations.
On the entrepreneurship front, the ethical use of data will become increasingly critical. As data-driven decision-making becomes standard, organizations must navigate privacy concerns and ensure they collect and use data ethically.
In conclusion, digital platforms have fundamentally reshaped music discovery and entrepreneurship, introducing new roles and making data-driven strategies vital. Anticipated future trends, such as AI and VR’s influence, an increased emphasis on community and a focus on ethical data use, further emphasize the importance of adapting to these dynamic shifts. The music industry’s future lies in embracing these changes, fostering a sense of community and leveraging technology responsibly to continue discovering tomorrow’s stars.
Elon Musk was all smiles and letting loose after announcing he has found someone to replace him as CEO of Twitter, a company he purchased for an estimated $44 billionin October 2022.
Musk was seen moving and grooving in the crowd at electronic trio Rüfüs Du Sol’s set at the Sundream Baja music festival in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
In a clip that’s gone viral on both TikTok and Twitter, Musk can be seen with his hands in the air “feeling himself” in the middle of the rave as the music plays loudly throughout the crowd.
It’s not the first time Musk’s dance moves have garnered the public’s attention. Last year, Musk went viral for his fist-pumping moves at the grand opening of Tesla’s gigafactory in Berlin, Germany.
Musk said that Yaccarino “will focus primarily on business operations” while he transitions to a role focusing on technology, product design, and software.
Musk isn’t the only billionaire who’s been spotted letting loose recently. Last month at Coachella, Jeff Bezos was spotted dancing to Bad Bunny with girlfriend Lauren Sanchez and some of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
Musk’s net worth as of Monday afternoon was an estimated $167 billion.
The organizers of Elements Music & Arts Festival have revealed the first phase of what they’re calling their “biggest lineup ever.”
Scheduled for August 10-14 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, the sixth edition of the music and camping festival is returning with a lineup twice the size of its prior events. Over 100 artists will perform across 10 stages, including Skrillex, Chris Lake, John Summit, Subtronics, Ganja White Night, TOKiMONSTA and Tchami.
Other notable artists from the worlds of funk and electronic music include LP Giobbi, LSDREAM, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Tinlicker and Mersiv. Porter Robinson, whose stunning “Nurture Live” performances have dropped the collective jaw of the EDM community, has been confirmed for a DJ set at Elements 2023.
The massive lineup is the latest move by Elements to restore the confidence of its target market after their controversial 2021 festival, which fell into disarray after a storm ravaged its Lakewood grounds. Three plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit in the wake of the event before its organizers revealed a “roadmap,” which detailed their plans to address many of the infrastructure-related challenges.
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Find out more about Elements Music & Arts Festival 2023 here.
Surf Taco
Sea Hear Now 
Gov Ball food and bev list 2024 Gov Ball
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