Notcha’ Mamma’s Music Festival

Smell that? Is it patchouli oil? Organic chai tea? The collective aroma of hundreds of sweaty rock ´n’ roll musicians and their groupies? Actually it’s all of the above, which could only mean one thing: The arrival of Florida’s favorite multi-day, progressive, camp-tacular music festival, Langerado! This year’s fest is bigger and, as a resultant, more odorific than ever before, with four days crammed full of some of the best acts Floridians have ever had the pleasure of seeing on one bill. (For an in depth look at the lineup, turn to our comprehensive coverage in the Music section.) And while the promise of R.E.M., Phil Lesh, and the Beastie Boys at the same venue might be worth the price of admission by themselves ($200 for a four-day pass; $75 for one-day), Langerado’s best draw may be its departure from the sort of problems that plague typical musicfests.

Anyone who’s been to an all-day event knows that food and drink are usually overpriced, crap quality, and pretty much limited to overcooked sausages and meats on sticks. Not at Langerado. The fest’s organizers chose to be, er… choosy when selecting what food and drink ends up at the show. As a result, Langerado is full of exotic choices (Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and more), organic goods, and health- and vegetarian-friendly options, all offered on the cheap. Plus, with water and soda set at a cap of just $3, you’ll have more money left for nifty merch instead of having to hit up the ATM every four hours just to stay hydrated.

In line with the vending philosophy, Langerado has also engaged in a full-scale greening effort: The jams will be fueled entirely by bio-diesel generators and light towers instead of carbon-based power; water will be provided in eco-friendly pouches, not inefficient petrol-based bottles; vendors will be required to use sustainable, recycled goods on which to serve; and the show will feature an Eco-Village – a central hub for environmentally active ideas. All this ensures that once Langerado packs up and leaves the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation (Snake Rd. at I-75, Hendry County) till next year, the place will be in the same condition it was in before the sweaty crowds arrived. For more info visit www.langerado.com.
Fri., March 7, 2008