INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS
Berlin
Love Parade, July 15
After two canceled parades, organizers promise they have secured enough sponsors not to disappoint the millions of club kids who eagerly doff much of their clothing and dance to world-class DJs such as Tiesto and Paul van Dyk. As the name implies, the Love Parade (bottom) begins with floats before the party collapses into one big trance-fueled, electronic music rally at the Victory Column. The party is free, and, as a result, every oddball in Europe is usually there. Don’t forget the camera; loveparade.net.
Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro
Exit Music Festival, July 6-9
One of Europe’s premier music festivals takes place in the massive Petrovaradin Fortress on the Danube River, which holds 18 performance areas. This year’s Exit features mainstage sets from Morrissey, Pet Shop Boys, Franz Ferdinand, the Cardigans and Kelis. World-class DJs spin in the dance arena, while Suzanne Vega and Junkie XL perform on the Fusion stage. Camping for the festival is available for $19. Tickets that allow access to all four days of the festival are $86; eng.exitfest.org.
Niigata, Japan
Fuji Rock Festival, July 28-30
Obtaining tickets for the Fuji Rock Festival may be difficult, but the payoff is three days and four stages with acts such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Strokes, Scissor Sisters, the Hives, Snow Patrol, Martha Wainwright and Jet. Ticket reservations must be made by e-mail, followed by wire transfer of $347. The shows take place at the Naeba Ski Resort 90 minutes from Toyko. Camping is available; fujirockfestival.com or Ganban overseas ticket page: ganban.net/frf06-oversea.html.
IN THE U.S.
Milwaukee
SummerFest, June 29-July 9
OK, maybe this will be a day-trip, and why not? The lineup for the event is jam-packed, starting with Pearl Jam and Tom Petty on June 29 and 30. Other performers slated for the 11-day event include Wilco, Mary J. Blige, Guster, Nickelback, Nine Inch Nails and the reunited Psychedelic Furs. The venue is situated on 75 acres next to Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee, and features a 23,000-seat amphitheater and 10 ground stages; summerfest.com or ticketmaster.com.
Houston
Essence Music Festival, July 1-3
The Essence Music Festival has relocated to Houston’s Reliant Park for 2006 because of ongoing repairs at the New Orleans Superdome. This year’s performers include Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Diddy and Friends, Cedric the Entertainer, Maze and others. About 50 hotels are offering special rates during the festival; visithoustontexas.com and for tickets, ticketmaster.com.
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