Atlanta is arguably the biggest musical hub in the country, some even may say the world at the moment. No matter what anyone’s side of the argument is — it’s undeniable that the city is gaining more and more traction with the vast amount of talent that it produces, the performers that it brings in, and the music festivals that are put on here. Summer is coming. Therefore, festival season upon us.
Amongst the various eclectic music festivals put on here, Shaky Knees is undoubtedly one of the cities heavyweights. Shaky Knees set sail in 2013 after Tim Sweetwood, a former promoter for the east Atlanta venue The EARL, wanted to take his skillset another step further. Shaky Knees is a three-day long music event that has four separate stages that are within walking distances of each other. Shaky Knees focuses on a diverse musical aesthetic, but the past few years they have been bringing in the big names from the indie scene.
The festival provides photo booths if you’re feeling cute, and cell-phone charging stations if you need to call out of work because you’re “sick.” There are countless food and beverage options that cater to the best local talents. Or if you would like to go elsewhere in between sets, they won’t be offended. You have the option of leaving and entering up to three times in a day. But make sure you get your pass swiped by security as you’re leaving!
If that doesn’t hook you, wait until you see this year’s line-up.
Atlanta’s yearly Shaky Knees Festival 2019 will be taking off on Friday, May 3rd through Sunday, May 5th at Central Park in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. The festival will again have four separate stages to accommodate all the talent throughout the day and evening. The stages are as follows: Peachtree, Piedmont, Ponce De Leon, and Criminal Records.
The festival will also be featuring late-night shows that begin one day prior to the celebration, on Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4. A few of these shows start as late as 11:45pm, and cater to those who are interested in a particular band instead of the entire festival. However, The Shaky Knees Festival does also sell day passes if you prefer only being outdoors in the Atlanta heat for just a day rather than an entire weekend. It’s always nice to have options.
Very much like last year’s line-up, the festival will be sticking to an indie genre based agenda this year with rock n’ roll bands to end the evenings. Friday night’s headliner is Beck, the Saturday night’s headliner is Cage The Elephant, and lastly, on Sunday, the headliner will be Tame Impala.
The remainder of the bill has phenomenal talents like Liz Phair, Tears For Fears, Sharon Van Etten, Incubus, Dashboard Confessional, Gary Clark Jr., Jim James, Interpol, Fidlar, Pedro The Lion, Soccer Mommy, Japanese Breakfast, The Dandy Warhol’s, The Struts Foals, Phosphorescent, Maggie Rogers, Tyler Childers, Lucy Dacus, and Atlanta’s own — The Black Lips, and Deerhunter among plenty of other phenomenal bands performing.
If you can’t make it out to Shaky Knees, be sure to look into Shaky Beats (www.shakybeatsfestival.com), a two-day electronic dance festival that takes place on May 10th and May 11th at Central Park in Atlanta. There’s something for everyone going on this festival season. Be safe, Atlanta!
For more information about the Shaky Knees Festival, please check out their website at www.shakykneesfestival.com.