Music is in the air… and the outdoor scene has awoken (yes, awoken). As usual, my schedule is a bit beyond my reach ;). Do share your favorite that I’ve left off, and enjoy the choons.

I’m off to the local regional burn, 3 sided whole, this weekend, and possibly ‘Junebug’ the next. Looking forward to assisting my undernourished gatherings receptors. I have high expectations, craving my usual northwest lineup of prosperity, phoenix fest, countless one-off outdoors, and the new portland regional soak (ahh.. for the ocean!).

Autechre (bbc interview) are touring the states for the first time since 2001 when I caught them in Minneapolis’ Ascot Room. Photek is out and about, ( Seattle, do not miss ).

On to the big boys… Topping the wishlist (so far) this summer is the sold out Glade Festival, july 15-17, outside Newbury, England. Headliners include hawtin, vibert (cool site), herbert, afx, squarepusher, but screw the big names … it just goes on. Glade wins primarily due to my never having attended a proper english outdoor fest - yet. Of course, the complete international circuit is back and better than ever. Sonar, june 16-18, spain, would likely be a better choice for all around experience. Someday I’ll make it to Denmark’s Roskilde, June 30 - July 3. Berlin’s loveparade is cancelled for 2005(!), but promises to return from the grave newly structured in 2006… though I’d say it has run its course. New on my list, but around since 1979, Austria’s Ars Electronica, Sept 1-6, probably belongs to a different set, but nonetheless wins for overall geek pleasure. The canadians are still kickin with Mutek’s experimental line-up. Stateside, Coachella came and went, Bonnaroo is still booking those silly jam bands, and the man burns in only 107 days, this year including borg2’s art curation experiment. Finally, and not till January, the Aussies’ big day out still looks like a damn fine tour.

Whew… Thanks all involved in making these events go down! … and remember if the music ain’t playin when you open your eyes in the morning, it ain’t a real outdoor. ;) See you by the bassbins.