I went to 09 and 2010 and the weather was beautiful (except for a little dust), but from what i hear 08 and 2011 was everything but. I really enjoyed it and will probably be going back this year, though im going to wait for hangout and all good to drop before i make my final decision.
I went in '04 and '06. '04 had bad storms early on and eventually we experienced tornadoes and had to evacuate the festival grounds. I was caught in that mess and strongly believe that the manner in which it was handled was dangerous.... Hopefully they have a better plan in place if it happens again - and I try not to hold a grudge because they always have an amazing lineup. I returned in '06 and had a good time, seeing a ton of great sets - anyone remember the Split Squads where moe. and Umphrey's mixed up their lineups to create two new bands??!?!?? - and having great weather.
There are multiple reasons you'll never see me back at Summercamp - and these might not be dealbreakers to everyone but they are to me (esp. when I have other festival options without these concerns):
1. You don't park by your campsite - you leave your vehicle in a large lot and have to carry everything in. This can be a VERY long haul to your site so bring a wagon or something with wheels, or travel light. I tend to overpack (better to bring it and not need it, than need it and not have it) and want easy access to my car as a place to lock up my valuables, and to catch a blast of air conditioning in the heat...
2. As you carry all your gear in, you walk through a checkpoint where your stuff is searched by folks looking to keep out all outside alcohol. I'm not talking about bringing it into the stages area - this is stuff you intend to drink at your campsite! At Wakarusa they just want to keep out glass bottles and kegs, but at Summercamp they want you to buy all your beer from their store inside the festival at inflated prices. I'm very particular about the beer I drink and don't want to rely on them to provide the ultra-bitter stuff my palate finds appealing.
3. Late night shows in the Barn cost extra and since "seating" is very limited you'll have a hard time getting in. Those tickets aren't cheap and your best bet at getting one is to buy a VIP ticket which includes some sort of late night show bundle... I don't like the fact that some of the most interesting sets are inaccessible without paying extra.
4. Last I checked there was no real forum for discussion of Summercamp. What existed was heavily censored by the powers that be to exclude anything remotely negative about the festival - even constructive criticism. I love that this forum fosters a community and helps build excitement for the event. You also get great information that will help you get the most out of the fest. Not so for SCamp - and I had the same complaint about 10,000 Lakes Festival when it was still around.
Again - YMMV, and you might just happen to have the time of your life there. Those are just *my* reasons for choosing to spend my festival dollars and vacation days to attend events other than SummerCamp.
Push out the jive. Bring in the love.
Nice post Scottt
"If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good." DR Seuss
Sorry to say first and last summer camp experience, last year. People were great fun, but they couldn't handle the weather they had....VIP experience was nothing special, but the music was great....I guess I'm getting too old for the mud pit....back to waka.
My parents live about an hour away from Summercamp and i've gone 4 times. I've never had a bad time there. Went VIP twice and enjoyed it as well. for only $150 or whatever it was to upgrade, its hard to complain lol. I'm going back this year. And then I'm going to my first Waka right afterward. I will be glad to compare/contrast the two when its all said and done. As far as alcohol, as long as ur not too obvious it can be brought in. And once its in, you dont have to go through any more security at the main stages or anywhere else on site except the late night sets in the Red Barn. Do i like paying extra for late nights? No, but they weren't very expensive either. I guess if ur on a limited budget it would be a big issue. The storms do suck, but i cant imagine a place where a big downpour wouldn't make a mess of everything. I passin ed out through the whole thing last year lol. In VIP you can park real close to your campsite so you could make trips to ur car rather easily if u needed to. In the end, everyone has their own experiences and likes/dislikes. I've seen Summercamp blossom into a solid mid-level festival and I hope it continues to grow. The more festivals the better IMO.
I don't suffer from insanity. In fact, I rather enjoy it.
I agree with Scott completely. I went to Summercamp '10 for my first camping fest and I had a great time. I was planning on going back last year, but decided to go to Wakarusa instead (one of the better decisions of my life). After going to Wakarusa I realized the flaws of SC. The only other thing I'd add to what Scott said is that I found the people and vibe at Wakarusa to be VASTLY better than Summercamp (too many Chicago kids who don't really appreciate music and just want to party). Even though SC is the closest fest to me since I live in Indiana, I'd only consider going back if the lineup really blew me away or if I decided to go to both SC and Waka
Glad I'm going to Summercamp and Waka, cuz Camp just scored Lotus and Yonder and a few other very nice additions. Boom
I don't suffer from insanity. In fact, I rather enjoy it.
Dont forget ALO ^^^ wish i could do both but summercamp just sealed the deal. I'm only two hours from waka but im going to miss my first one. Though the vibe at waka has changed over the last three years, and is nothing like it used to be, its still more friendly than SC. That being said that's the only point Waka gets over SC this year.
Waka will be fun, and alot smaller than last year. I just hope they can make it through this year, and come back strong next year!!
^ALO is at Waka too!
"There is no dark side of the moon really. Matter of fact it's all dark."
I guess I don't agree with the vibe changing so much over the last three years. I think things have just gotten stronger since the move to the mountain, and I sure am glad to not be dealing with "prairie in June" weather anymore. Why will Waka be smaller this year and is smaller worse? To me Waka has a well rounded line up (although I sure would love me some Panic, or Ween or...I could go on) but all in all I am as thrilled as ever and so far haven't seen another festival that compares for the vibe, lineup, or ticket price.Originally Posted by pigsoiee
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