Music festivals have become a major business over the last decade, with hundreds of festivals in the U.S. and Canada each year. While big festivals tend to attract more celebrity attendees and big ticket prices, the number of smaller events has exploded as well, with hundreds of smaller festivals thriving along side the big boys. If you’re in the mood for a musical adventure, you can likely find a music festival within a day’s drive.
Most festivals feature rites of competition. Many of these competitions take the form of games. A game is a competition characterized by special rules and an uncertain outcome. Competition and awards are key aspects of festival logic. The canonic rules of games help to create a hierarchical structure among personae. Moreover, the results of the game determine the level of competition and rewards given to the winner. If you have a knack for making jewelry, you can try your hand at a festival-themed jewelry design.
Aside from fun, festivals also promote education. A university study conducted by the University of Minnesota Tourism Center in 2011 assessed how the sponsors of the Lady Slipper Celebration had achieved their educational goals. It found that the festival had an educational impact on students, as opposed to traditional classroom teaching. In fact, more than 80% of festival sponsors reported having at least some educational content during the celebration. The university concluded that “educational value” of festivals is increasing. However, the key to creating educational programs for children is ensuring that they are enjoyable and fun for everyone.
Another example is a music festival. A music festival involves a series of performances at a particular location, often based on a common theme. It may be national or contemporary, or it may be a concert celebrating an acclaimed composer. A festival can also consist of a competition between composers and performers. Often, the performers and audience are a part of the same event. This way, students can practice their English language skills while having a great time.
Music festivals are big moneymakers. Today, people would prefer to spend money on experiences than on material goods. Rather than purchasing costly goods, a music festival could create a viral video clip of a song or performance. Brands have begun gravitating toward music festivals to make money off of the crowds. The festival has become a key part of the “experiential economy.”
Music festivals have evolved and become more streamlined in the past decade. Large music promoters have taken over many of the country’s biggest festivals, and this has greatly simplified the process. Festivals are difficult to put together – from paying artists well enough to secure performances to selling enough tickets. Additionally, they must worry about the risk of bad weather and additional insurance. Fortunately, some of these festival operations are now managed by large corporations. A good festival management software system will keep everyone on the same page – no matter what is going on!
Some festivals have a more secular agenda. For example, the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival has been in Houston for 30 years. This festival offers college-age young musicians a chance to pursue careers in music. Its intensive summer training program provides a platform for local musicians to showcase their skills and talent, and includes classical, chamber, and vocal performances. Several guest artists also make appearances at the festival. If you’re in the area, you can also attend a concert or two of these festivals.