Bonnaroo: June 13-16, Manchester, Tenn.
It was Roo’s lineup announcement that ultimately spurred me to write this article. I’d heard both sides of the argument already by the end of the day: “Paul McCartney! Billy Idol! ZZ Top!” I have to admit, the blast-from-the-past factor is high, even if Mumford and Tom Petty are somewhat tired headliners. And R. Kelly would probably be worth the 12-hour car ride alone. But did anyone else find it weird that DANIEL TOSH was screaming in all caps on the second line? And again, maybe it’s just me, but Björk isn’t a top-liner, just like how Wilco (ever the critic’s darling) shouldn’t be the first band on the second line. I feel like my mantra for the weekend would be “Come for the middle tier, stay for the top tier.”

Firefly: June 21-23, Dover, Del.
I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for Firefly. I went to last year’s inaugural show, and while RHCP, Tom Petty and Vampire Weekend don’t hold a candle to last year’s trinity of the Killers, the Black Keys and Jack White, I’m still excited for a few other unique names. Foster the People has yet to appear on another lineup, as does MGMT. Add in Kendrick Lamar and six more artists to come (last year’s late addition was the Silversun Pickups, Bassnectar and Fitz and the Tantrums, for context), and this festival nestled in the backwoods of Delaware should follow up last year’s breakout success, or at least come close.

Overall, I think we should wait for Lolla and Outside Lands for a total preview of 2013 at large. And with rumors of Jay-Z and the Cure for the former, maybe there’s still hope. But for now, my calendar circles are a little too few and far between.