Festivals make springtime rock

Bloomington is the place to be in the springtime. It's definitely our best time of year. The sun starts shining again, Little 500 is just around the corner and the end of the school year isn't far behind.\nThe whole world seems invigorated; you can feel it in the air. \nNothing captures the vibe of springtime like music. Walking to class while music plays in the distance is the best. It puts a bounce in your step, peaks your curiosity and slowly draws you in. Music is magnetic like that. Sometimes it's just a band jamming, other times it's a full-scale event. But in my experience, live music is always worth checking out. \nMusic festivals are always happening on campus in the spring. Attending one of these festivals is the best way to check out local bands, relax and enjoy the sunshine. I'm telling you, it's like therapy or something. It's an ingenious idea, the music festival, and one that has given the music industry many of its most historic moments. Woodstock, obviously, symbolized the ideals of an entire generation. The Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 helped to kick off the legendary Summer of Love. It also fueled the popularity of artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Otis Redding, the Mamas and the Papas and many others. Later, the music festival was used as a means of acquiring charity and helping the world. George Harrison started the trend with his Concerts for Bangladesh, paving the way for other artists to heal the world through their music. \nAnnually, Dunn Meadow hosts a number of local music festivals, and this year is no exception. This Saturday WIUS is sponsoring Culture Shock. The festival lasts all day and is completely free. The music kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with the Neophytes and features local talents Little Joe Gould, The Impossible Shapes and Sex Tiger. Even Homer Nods, a popular band from Indy, will be there along with many others. The show features two stages, as well as vendors, games and student groups, and lasts until 7 p.m. \nShould you go? Of course you should. But if you can't make it on Saturday, there is always next weekend. \nIn the midst of Little 500 celebrations is CALMFEST, sponsored by the Citizen's Alliance for the Legalization of Marijuana. Attending this festival is an excellent way to mellow from the craziness of Little 5 week. Blue Moon Revue, Alma Azul, Zion Crossroads and Mad Hatter are all booked for the show, along with other local favorites. The festival goes from noon to 7 p.m. and is also free. \nOne of the best things about music festivals is the way they bring people together. Many festivals also provide an opportunity for student groups, like CALM, to let their voices be heard. The groups set up information tables in an attempt to rally support and spread knowledge. Important issues such as freedom in Tibet, books for prisoners, legalization of marijuana and other pressing social concerns were represented in the past. If you're not into the cause, that's cool; you're welcome to just sit back and enjoy the music. \nI've gone to many of these festivals in the past, and it's always interesting to me to watch the reactions of people walking by. Some hear the music and come running. Others stand on the sidelines a bit, then keep moving, while others still take one look and turn their heads in disgust. If you're contemplating going to a music festival, stop thinking about it. Lose your inhibitions and just go; there is nothing to lose. Some of the greatest moments in music happen at festivals. Maybe it's the atmosphere or the talent, or even the moment. Regardless, for the true music fan, festivals are where it's at.