Nate, Author at TicketNetwork Blog

Desert Trip Music Festival: Only The Finest

October 5, 2016 by Nate

Desert Trip Music Festival is a dream come true for every fan that loves classic music from the 1960s and 70s. The lineup includes a combined six bands and musicians in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and adds up to one of the most prolific festivals of all time.

With only six acts taking the stage, there is no schedule to make or next big artists to find. Desert Trip Music Festival will only be about the great music you are going to hear.

So we need to change that. With all this talent, a head-to-head matchup to find the best of the best is the only thing to do. With three nights of two performers taking the stage each night, the matchups have made themselves. Let’s get started.

The Rolling Stones vs. Bob Dylan – Friday Night, Oct. 7th/14th

It’s hard to see how one man can compete with an entire band, but if anyone can, it’s Bob Dylan. The man has been an icon in the music industry for almost six decades, and has showed no signs of slowing down. With one of the most recognizable voices of all-time, Bob Dylan has some of the most dedicated fans in the history of music. Almost every folk artist today can trace their roots back to Dylan and cite him as a positive influence in their own career. With songs like, “The Times They Are a-Changin,” “Like A Rolling Stone” and “Shelter From the Storm,” Bob Dylan’s work will long live on after he hangs up his acoustic guitar.

The Rolling Stones have Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two of rock and roll’s most prolific partiers. They never let that get in the way of making good music, and have been in the business since 1962. Part of the British Invasion, The Rolling Stones are integral part of music history as well. “Paint It, Black,” and “Start Me Up,” are two of the Stones’ best songs, but they also have a catalog of hits to compete with Dylan. The stage presence of the aforementioned duo has also kept The Rolling Stones relevant. With this being the first Desert Trip Music Festival, a memorable set from The Rolling Stones could be the highlight.

Dylan is arguably one of the most influential artists of all time but this is a live festival performance. He doesn’t quite stack up against the lively bunch from England. Definitely a close call, but the Rolling Stones are the winners by the slimmest of margins in this one.

Paul McCartney vs. Neil Young – Saturday Night, Oct. 8th/15th

Whose idea was this? Round 2 gets even tougher. Paul McCartney’s résumé includes being in one of the best bands of all-time. The Beatles made him famous, but his talent has allowed to have a nice solo career as well. Paul McCartney has also spent a lot of time as the front man for the band, Wings since leaving The Beatles. McCartney still does all of his writing though, and will perform some of his most classic tracks with or without the band. “Band On The Run,” and “Live and Let Die,” are two of his best songs that his loyal fans can never wait to hear. The fact that McCartney has a catalog of The Beatles’ hits in his arsenal can’t hurt either.

Neil Young can’t be written off in this one, though. The Canadian folk rock musician is a very versatile artist that changed his style more than once. With hits like “Heart of Gold,” and “Rockin’ In The Free World,” Young will steal the show. Those two hits spanned almost twenty years, and besides the voice it sounds like two completely different musicians. The second coming of Bob Dylan and the “Godfather of Grunge,” is well-deserved praise for Young.

Young’s versatility against one of the best singer/songwriters in McCartney is what this one comes down to. My initial choice is Neil Young. However, McCartney can pull out a classic by The Beatle’s on cue, and that could make his performances special at Desert Trip Music Festival.

Roger Waters vs. The Who – Sunday Night, Oct. 9th/16th

Roger Waters, another solid solo artist tries to take down The Who, one of the most influential rock bands ever. Roger Waters was the bassist and front man for Pink Floyd, so his credentials are impressive as well. In 1984, he started off his solo career releasing The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking. The album received mixed reviews but went on to be Gold Certified in the U.S. He has released three studio albums since and uses a combination of his solo hits and classic Pink Floyd music. Waters’ vocal range is one of the most impressive in music today. His total range is B1-C7, and musically speaking that is almost unheard of.

The Who is a juggernaut of epic proportions. Roger Waters can’t take them down without the help of Pink Floyd so this one will be a victory lap. Their catalog of hits is endless. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Baba O’Riley” were transcendent hits that included the use of synthesizers. They might not be the first band to delve in to the synth-rock genre, but they are certainly the best. The Who have won countless awards, recorded songs that will live on for decades after they are gone and are members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Who are the last band to perform on the weekend, and there can definitely be a case made that Desert Trip Music Festival is saving the best for last.

Desert Trip Music Festival will be a memorable experience for all in attendance. Find your Desert Trip Music Festival tickets right here at TicketNetwork.

October Look Ahead: The Main Events

October 1, 2016 by Nate

Desert Trip Music Festival (October 7^th-9^th, 14^th-16^th)

Fans of music from the 60s and 70s all need Desert Trip Music Festival tickets! This festival includes two weekends with some of the most legendary musicians of all-time. Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Neil Young all headline the festival which goes down in Indio, CA. The Who, The Rolling Stones and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd round out the Hall Of Fame lineup. Desert Trip Music Festival is new to the scene, but the promoters of Coachella are running the show so it is in good hands. History will also be made at Desert Trip Music Festival this year. When Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney perform it will be the first time they’ve ever been on the same bill in their illustrious careers.

NHL Season Begins (October 13^th)

The puck is about to drop on another exciting NHL season. It all gets started October 13^th with nine games including an intense playoff rematch headlining it all when the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Washington Capitals. Capitals’ forward Alex Ovechkin is looking for revenge while Sidney Crosby will be looking to defend home ice. The Penguins will also be back to raise the Stanley Cup banner with their fans at Consol Energy Center. The NYC rivalry between the Rangers and Islanders will also be renewed on opening night at Madison Square Garden. View the entire NHL schedule on TicketNetwork and find tickets for your favorite team.

Prince: The Official Prince Tribute—A Celebration of Life & Music (October 13^th)

Prince, arguably one of the most influential artists of all-time, died suddenly in 2016. His impact lives on, and many of the artists he inspired are performing live at his tribute concert in mid-October. The music legend was born in Minnesota, so Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN will be the fitting host of this special event. The artists that will lend their voices to the tribute include Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder. If Prince fans are looking to celebrate the musician’s life then this event will be for you. Prince Tribute concert tickets are available now at TicketNetwork.

Tidal X: 1015 (October 15^th)

This will not be your typical charity event. Tidal X: 1015, a charity concert hosted by Beyoncé and Jay Z, will be one of the biggest of the year. Household names will headline this special event. The list includes: Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Common and Lauryn Hill. TIDAL also has plenty of rising talent signed to their label that will also be performing at the event. All proceeds from the event will go towards benefiting the Robin Hood Foundation, a charity that raises money to keep educational programs in New York City thriving. Tidal X: 1015 is going down Saturday, Sept. 15th at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, NY. Find tickets at TicketNetwork to support your favorite artists as well as a great cause at Tidal X: 1015!

The Rolling Stones perform in Las Vegas (October 19^th and 22^nd)

There is nothing better than seeing a great rock band perform at a great venue. That’s exactly the case when The Rolling Stones will perform at the brand new T-Mobile Arena for two nights coming up in October. The Rolling Stones were part of the “British Invasion,” and their original music has made them popular for decades. With hits like “Satisfaction,” “Gimme Shelter” and “Paint It, Black,” and a raucous Las Vegas crowd, these Rolling Stone tickets will be going fast! You know Keith Richards and Mick Jagger will be ready to go, will you? Find your tickets today at TicketNetwork to go see the Rolling Stones live.

Bridge School Benefit Concert (October 22^nd & 23^rd)

The Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert is an all-acoustic, charity event in which all profits go to the Bridge School. The school is based out of San Francisco, and their main cause is to help students with severe speech and physical impairments. This good cause also features amazing music. This year will mark the 30 year anniversary of the concert, and host Neil Young is making sure it is a memorable one. The legendary lineup includes names such as Metallica, Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson and Norah Jones. Neil Young will also perform, and the concert goes down at the beautiful Shoreline Amphitheatre. Find your Bridge School Benefit Concert tickets at a great price on TicketNetwork.com.

NBA Opening Night (October 25^th)

The night all basketball fans have been waiting for is here as the NBA season tips off! The Cleveland Cavaliers are finally defending champs in the NBA and it seems LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have gotten even hungrier in the offseason.

They will play the first game of the NBA season against the new look New York Knicks who signed former MVP Derrick Rose in the offseason. Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony are still the main attractions in NYC so only time if the new pieces can fit together.

The Golden State Warriors are ready to forget about last season as they take on the San Antonio Spurs on opening night. Steph Curry and his squad squandered a chance to be back-to-back champs, but the addition of MVP Kevin Durant figures to have them back in the NBA Finals. The third game of the night features two promising teams in the Western Conference as the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Utah Jazz.

Stevie Nicks: 24 Karat Gold Tour (Begins October 25^th)

The Fleetwood Mac legend has also carved out an amazing solo career for herself. Stevie Nicks is touring across North America starting October 25^th at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ. Nicks was born in Phoenix, so this will be a special way to start her tour, and she should have something big planned for the hometown crowd. Her classic hits, “Edge of Seventeen,” and “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” will definitely be the highlights of her set list. View the complete 24 Karat Gold Tour schedule and find your Stevie Nicks tickets right here at TicketNetwork.

Voodoo Music & Arts Experience (October 28^th-30^th)

Just in time for Halloween, Voodoo Music & Arts Experience has such a good line up it’s scary. The three-day festival is going down in the festive city of New Orleans, and they’ll be ready to party all weekend long. The star-studded lineup includes The Weeknd, G-Eazy, Cage the Elephant and The Chainsmokers. There are a bunch of other talented artists filling out the rest of the festival lineup as well. The “Forked Up Food Court” will be another main attraction for festival-goers with numerous options for every fan. Voodoo Music & Arts Experience also possesses an impressive art market that includes paintings, antiques and jewelry.

The city of New Orleans is also offering nearby haunted houses and bars with live music that play all night long. This will keep people in the Halloween spirit even when they leave the festival grounds. Voodoo Music & Arts Experience tickets are available now at TicketNetwork!

Austin City Limits Music Festival: Names You Need to Know

September 29, 2016 by Nate

If you plan on attending a music festival in the fall, then look no further than Austin City Limits. Austin City Limits Music Festival goes down in Austin, TX at Zilker Park, and includes two weekends of amazing shows.

The biggest draw for the Austin City Limits Music Festival is definitely the talent that will take the stage. Headliners include Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, Mumford and Sons, Major Lazer and The Chainsmokers.

The complete ACL Festival experience features local vendors with great food as well as an art market featuring local talent. Whether you’re craving Texas BBQ, pizza, ice cream or even coffee to keep you going, ACL Eats has you covered. All the food will be fresh and local so you can eat good and feel good for the entire weekend. The Art Market at ACL includes local fashion boutiques, handcrafted jewelry and art work from aspiring artists. If you need a break from the music, Austin City Limits makes sure there is always something to do on the festival grounds.

All the information above is just the basics when it comes to Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Here at TicketNetwork we’re all about the next big thing. There are plenty of deserving artists, but four of them jump out when it comes to the “Next Up,” category. Far from the Main Stage, these artists will steal the show if you give them the chance. Here is who made the cut, along with when and where they are performing so you can adjust your schedule accordingly.

Kamaiyah – Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage, Oct. 1st, 1:45 – 2:30

If this name sounds familiar it’s probably because you’ve heard it before. The Oakland native, Kamaiyah, was on one of the hottest rap tracks of the year. She laid down vocals for the chorus of “Why You Always Hatin?” a song by the dynamic duo of West Coast rapper YG and Drake. The female rapper reminds fans of Missy Elliott, but does so in such a way that her delivery does not come across as fake or forced. In an era where artists get accused of biting each other’s style, Kamaiyah’s originality is refreshing. Her debut Mixtape, A Good Night in the Ghetto, earned rave reviews due to her bouncy 90s style beats and unique cadence. Unsigned, Kamaiyah has not yet received the credit she deserves, but a solid set at ACL could be the answer.

AlunaGeorge – HomeAway Stage, Oct. 1st, 5:30 – 6:30

As far as names go, AlunaGeorge is one of the least creative at Austin City Limits Music Festival. Aluna Francis and George Reid more than make up for it with their incredible talent, as their music is some of the easiest to listen to. AlunaGeorge hails from London, England, but this electronic pop tag team is ready to take over Austin, TX. Francis provides the vocals and songwriting while Reid excels in the production and instrumentation of the band’s music. The synth pop sound that the band has created has become contagious. The duo released their second studio album on September 16th and it received favorable reviews from critics and their fans in the UK. AlunaGeorge is an experimental band that combines soulful vocals with dub step beats to create a contagious sound.

Wild Belle – Cirrus Logic Stage, Oct. 2nd, 1:00 – 2:00

The next duo on the list that deserves your ears at the ACL Music Festival is Wild Belle. Siblings Natalie and Elliot Bergman hail from just outside Chicago and have been creating music under the name Wild Belle since 2011. Their music is being noticed by some major players in the music industry and Wild Belle is poised for a breakout at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. One of the band’s most popular singles, “Keep You,” was played in the movie, “Pitch Perfect.” Wild Belle has also written a song with Diplo that appeared on Major Lazer’s album, Peace Is the Mission. Working with two of the biggest names in the electronic dance music scene was huge for Wild Belle’s credibility. See what they’re all about at Austin City Limits Music Festival.

NF – Cirrus Logic Stage, Oct. 2nd, 3:00 – 4:00

Stick around for an hour after Wild Belle and you’ll see one of best Christian rappers around. NF or Nate Feuerstein is on the rise. The hip-hop artist from Michigan has already torn up the charts with his second studio album, Therapy Session, which was released in April of 2016. It reached number one on the US Rap Charts, giving him his second top-ten album on that list in back-to-back years. NF has been through a lot in 25 years of life. His parents divorced when he was young, and his mother died in 2009.

The perspective he has gives his music a raw emotion that many of his fans can relate to. His Christian beliefs allow his music to be heard by fans of all ages, and his rapping skills have attracted many fans of the genre that respect the talent. That combination should make for a packed crowd and an entertaining set for NF at Austin City Limits Music Festival.

With its fair share of headliners and talent on the rise, Austin City Limits Music Festival is must-see this year. Find your tickets right here at TicketNetwork!

Team USA Looks For Ryder Cup Redemption

September 28, 2016 by Nate

2008. That is the last time the USA team has been victorious in the historic Ryder Cup competition. The Ryder Cup features the best players in the world from America and Europe as they square off in an intense three-day golf tournament filled with pride and passion.

The pressure will be on the U.S. in this one because they have the home field advantage in 2016. The beautiful Hazeltine Golf Club in Chaska, MN will host the Ryder Cup this time around. World Golf Hall of Famer Robert Trent Jones designed the course, and will be a stern test for all of the players.

Here is a breakdown of how the Ryder Cup works for those new to the tournament. The tournament lasts three day and employs the match-play formats of foursomes, four ball and singles matches.

Foursomes: An alternate shot format where teams of two square off against each other and try to get the lowest score on each hole.

Four ball: Teams of two square off against each other, but everyone plays their own ball. The player with the lowest score wins that hole for his team.

Singles: Played exclusively on Sunday, all twelve players from each team play a one-on-one match. A point is awarded for every match that is won by a team of two or individual.

There is a total of 28 points available throughout the tournament. To win the cup, a team needs to earn 14 1/2 points. If the tournament ends in a 14-14 tie, the defending champ retains the cup.

The Europeans have dominated the Ryder Cup of late, winning the last three tournaments. The United States had two of those tournaments wrapped up, but fell apart on Sunday and lost in heartbreaking fashion. In 2014, the Europeans won in convincing fashion 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 with help from players like Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. The United States has a three headed monster of their own that consists of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth. These three need to bring their A game if the United States wants to win, but only a complete team can win the Ryder Cup.

The three players that come to mind who can provide the necessary passion, fire power and consistency are Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka and Zach Johnson.

Patrick Reed – Passion (2nd Ryder Cup Appearance)

This is the player that can provide an instant spark of energy for the U.S. team. This fiery competitor is the type of player that can thrive in the Ryder Cup atmosphere. Patrick Reed usually curtails his enthusiasm on the PGA tour, but will let it loose during this competition. With the fans behind him at this Ryder Cup, Reed will be ready to put on a show. Reed has every shot in the bag, and will never shy away from a clutch putt. He is a five-tine winner on the PGA tour, and gained valuable experience in the 2014 Ryder Cup. Expect big things, and shots like this from Reed because he’ll definitely be ready to go in 2016.

Brooks Koepka – Fire Power (Ryder Cup Debut)

This young gun on the PGA Tour is definitely a rising star. His game has been trending upwards for years, and now that he has the confidence to back up his game, Brooks Koepka is ready for his Ryder Cup debut. Koepka is one of the best drivers of the ball on tour, so if he is paired up with a finesse player to help him around the green that duo could do some damage in the alternate shot format. The Ryder Cup is all about using a player’s strengths to your team’s advantage. Koepka’s confidence and long ball will make for a great Ryder Cup player. He is also making his debut, and sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Zach Johnson – Consistency (5th Ryder Cup Appearance)

Captain Consistency is Zach Johnson’s nickname, or at least it should be. Johnson is a two-time major winner and this will be the fifth time he represents his country in the Ryder Cup. Johnson, a future Hall Of Famer, got where he is today because he never tries to be a different golfer. He knows his game, has a game plan and always executes on the course. Other players outdrive him on a consistent basis, but his iron game is sharp and his putting is precise. Johnson and Koepka could actually be one of the best teams for the US in 2016 as their games compliment each other’s well. Johnson just missed being on the last winning US team in ’08 so he still has that hunger and drive to win his first Ryder Cup for his country and break Europe’s streak.

Ryder Cup tickets are a must have this year! The best players in the world are battling it out for international supremacy. The event is being played on home soil for the Americans and their fans can give them that extra edge to take down the talented European squad. Not to mention the setting is one of the most pristine golf courses in the country in Hazeltine, and the state of Minnesota will be a great host. Don’t miss out on all the intense action and find your Ryder Cup tickets right here at TicketNetwork.

Which Artist Will Make the Most of Magnificent Coloring Day?

September 22, 2016 by Nate

Being billed as the first ever music festival taking place at U.S. Cellular Field on the South side of Chicago, Magnificent Coloring Day on September 24th will be special day for the music fans in attendance and the entire Chicago community.

Chance The Rapper has started a movement that focuses on making music for much more than just the money. Part rapper part social activist, Chance has realized that his music has an impact that can allow him to make a positive change. His main focus is on the struggling Chicago community that he grew up in. Evidence of his social awareness includes releasing a mix tape for free for all of his fans on Apple Music, and it has recently been announced that there will be voter registration booths available at his music festival for people to realize they can make a difference as well.

Along with promoting social change, Chance The Rapper is all about quality music. The lineup for his first ever music festival will be hard to top if he ever decides to host another one. The names that have responded to Chance’s movement that will help make Magnificent Color Day a memorable one include: Lil Wayne, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Skrillex, 2 Chainz and Tyler The Creator. There is a “+ Special Guests” section on the festival lineup as well. Expect some Chicago natives and other close friends of Chance The Rapper to support the cause.

Although all of these artists are more than capable of putting on a great show for the fans, the theme of the festival will definitely be positivity and social change. With that in mind, a few artists come to mind on the set list that will thrive in this environment.

Lil Wayne

I’m expecting big things from Weezy when he takes the stage at Magnificent Coloring Day. All signs point to him being ready to put on quite a show for his fans. Lil Wayne is no stranger to being socially conscious as he spoke out numerous times about the handling of the city of New Orleans after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. He donated money, hosted charity concerts and even reached out to the island nation of Haiti after it was ravaged by natural disaster as well.

Lil Wayne has a soft spot for giving back to the less fortunate so he will want to make sure all the fans go home happy. There has also been recent news surrounding his retirement due to his ongoing legal battle with his former record label, Cash Money Records. Lil Wayne squashed the rumors early on, and should be fired up to put on a good show to silence all the doubters. All of this while helping out his new pal Chance The Rapper, as the two have proven to be a pretty good combo when it comes to making music.

Alicia Keys

The R&B, jazz and soul flavor that Alicia Keys brings to every song she performs is exactly what Chance The Rapper is looking for at this music festival. Chance The Rapper has made an effort to incorporate aspects of jazz, soul and gospel into his rap music so the duo could put on a memorable performance at Magnificent Coloring Day. Keys also possesses one of the best voices on the planet, suitable for a festival of this nature where the goal is to promote happiness and end the violence that is plaguing the streets of Chicago. Her new hit single, “In Common,” will get the party started, but a classic like “If I Ain’t Got You,” will most likely be the highlight of her set due to the emotion the song elicits.

Lil Uzi Vert

He’s not on everyone’s radar to steal the show at Magnificent Coloring Day, but don’t tell Lil Uzi Vert that. He has made all the right moves in 2016, and although he has much less experience than the rest of the extremely talented artists at the festival, Lil Uzi Vert’s youth and energy might just be what connects him the most to all of the fans in attendance.

A native of Philadelphia, another rough environment to grow up in, Lil Uzi Vert can relate to what most of the people in the crowd go through on a daily basis. Gang violence is something he knows all too well, and his music combined with the message he delivers will lead to a great set. He has features with the some of the biggest names in the rap game including Future, Wiz Khalifa, Travis Scott and Carnage, and 2016 is just the beginning for Lil Uzi Vert.

Chance The Rapper is more than just what his name suggests at this point in his career. He has proven to be a talented rapper/singer, a positive influence, loving father, and a man seeking to make the world better place than when he found it. When unbelievable work ethic is matched up with passion and determination you get Chance The Rapper. If he puts as much effort in to Magnificent Coloring Day as he has with the rest of his career, the music industry will be talking about this day for years to come. Find Magnificent Coloring Day tickets right here at TicketNetwork.

Desert Trip Music Festival: Only The Finest

The Rolling Stones vs. Bob Dylan – Friday Night, Oct. 7th/14th

Paul McCartney vs. Neil Young – Saturday Night, Oct. 8th/15th

Roger Waters vs. The Who – Sunday Night, Oct. 9th/16th

October Look Ahead: The Main Events