Alright, so I admittedly haven't written on here in forever. But, honestly, there wasn't that much to write about. I've traveled back and forth to Pennsylvania a few times, but not to do anything interesting. I haven't even been up to the White Mountains lately. So, since it is now summer, I thought it was time to get you caught up on the summer plans.
First up: Hiking. Should be a given at this point, but I actually haven’t had a lot of time to do it lately. I need to get up into the mountains more this summer. So far, the two trips we have done have been with friends. Definitely the best way to go hiking. After all, I don’t have to pretend to be able to catch up with my husband if there are other people there, and dinner is always more interesting. But at the very least, I plan on being up in the mountains as many times as I can, even if I have to go alone.
Next up, travel plans. Next weekend I will be heading out to Martha’s Vineyard for a few days. I haven’t been there before, but I have wanted to go ever since we moved up to Massachusetts. There’s something about a beachy island that is intriguing to me, as someone who loves the mountains. I can’t wait to get on the ferry and head over. More about it when I get back.
Other travel plans for the summer include a trip up to Montreal for a concert, and back to Pennsylvania for both family occasions and of course, MUSIKFEST!!!!! I would love to say there are more plans, but at the moment, just about every weekend from now until September has been spoken for. I will have to see if I can fit more trips in somewhere. . .
That brings me to the summer concert season. As an avid music fan, this is possibly my favorite part about summer. Of course, Musikfest is always a highlight of the summer. What could be better than 10 days of food, beer, multiple free music stages, and a different headlining concert every night? My favorite stage is a tossup between Americaplatz in front of the Bethlehem PA public library, and Volksplatz in the park down below Main St. At Americaplatz, the theme is all things America, and as far as the music is concerned, think rock and blues. There is nothing better than sitting in front of the stage, or even better, lying on a bench in the park next to the stage, listening to some screaming guitars and deep vocals. I can’t think of a better way to spend a warm, humid August night in Pennsylvania. Some highlights of this year’s line-up include the AMAZING Ana Popovic on Aug. 10 and The Blues Brotherhood on Aug. 6.
Check out Ana Popovic’s video for “My Man”
Now, over to Volksplatz. This is the place to go for a musical and culinary cruise around the world. I love to sit under the tent here and just experience whatever music happens to be playing, and take a foodie tour around the platz. Last year’s music included an amazing band out of Africa and the ever popular, Scythian (Check them out this year on Aug. 8). The best way to experience Volksplatz is to wander in at any time of day, grab something to eat at one of the food stands, preferably something you’ve never had/heard of before, and enjoy whatever music is being performed at the time. Wandering around Musikfest is the best way to experience the wealth of music that surrounds you. Love it!
Here’s Scythian playing “Dance All Night”
Other highlights of the summer concert season for me: A Perfect Circle in July down in Boston. I’ve seen them before, but it was years ago, and there’s no such thing as hearing them too often. Unfortunately, drummer Josh Freese won’t be joining them on this tour. That’s a shame, but I’m sure the show will still be amazing.
And here’s a live performance of A Perfect Circle playing “The Outsider”
July also contains the festival I’ve been looking forward to for months, Heavy MTL in Montreal, Canada. I am a huge metal fan and a proud member of the metal community. I cannot wait to go to this two day festival to enjoy some amazing music with all my fellow metal fans. Some highlights of this year’s lineup? DevilDriver, Opeth, In Flames, Trivium, Straight Line Stitch, Disturbed, Godsmack, Kiss, and Anthrax. If you are in Canada, or can get there, check out the show in Montreal, or its sister show in Toronto (July 23-24).
“You know, amongst adults, I think metal is the last frontier of the fanatic so to speak.” – Kerry King of Slayer. Check out scenes from Heavy MTL 2010.
And, because there is no such thing as too much Opeth, I will also be heading to the Opeth and Katatonia show when it heads to Massachusetts. I am really looking forward to this one too. I have only recently come across these Swedish titans of metal (sad, I know) but it was love at first listen. Since they don’t often come to the US, I will be taking full advantage of their tours this summer.
One of each:
I also have to add how my concert season started this summer. Friday was a good kick-off to the season with some Massachusetts locals, Wolfbane and Thurkills Vision. It was a great show and a good kick-off to a massive music filled summer. I will try to get to a few more of their shows this summer to keep the music rocking along. Check out their show on July 16 at the Middle East’s Downstairs in Cambridge Massachusetts. I wonder how many other concerts I can fit into my summer . . .
Check out “Dust to Dust” from Wolfbane
So, there’s a good overview of what I will be up to over the next few months. I will keep you up to date with all the fun activities, travels and concerts. I hope to see you out there!
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