In this edition, The Digital Buddhette answers questions from penny pinchers, feminists and worried third wheels.
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Dear Digital Buddhette,
It’s January and my best friend’s boyfriend is already mentioning going to festivals with us this summer. And their relationship is not what you'd call the most stable.
She already asked me if it was okay that he went, and I lied and said I wouldn’t mind. But upon further consideration, that sounds awful.
How do I tell her that now I’m not looking forward to it and might even go with other people when she’s been my road dog for festivals forever?
- The Third Wheel
Dear Wheel,
It sounds as though you are first and foremost concerned that the boyfriend is going to change the dynamic that you and your friend have. I would suggest you try to make the best of your situation in order to partially preserve the friendship. Don’t just break the tradition out of fear of drama.
Change isn’t always bad and a little manpower could be a welcome addition to the group. Make him carry that cooler of beer for sure. Remember, he’s the odd man out here, not you. Use that to your advantage.
If you’re worried their on-again-off-again nature will jeopardize the trip, you may want to suggest to your friend that she and the boyfriend do not buy their tickets together.
If they do stay together, take into consideration that your best friend loves her boyfriend for a reason – try to get to know him and find what those reasons are. If you go to the festival thinking positively, you will most likely have a positive experience.
- The Digital B
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Dear Digital Buddhette,
How much money should someone plan to bring in order to enjoy themselves at a typical four-day festival?
- Strapped For Cash Sally
Dear Sally,
I’ve gone to festivals and spent $10.00, and I‘ve gone to festivals and spent over $200.00. The range depends how stocked you are for supplies like alcohol, water, ice, food and if there’s any of those pesky parking fees.
The range of money one should bring is also dependent upon the amount of shopping you plan to do – whether or not you can resist walking through Shakedown without buying whatever you plan to buy.
I would highly suggest going as prepared as possible for the latter scenario. And with exorbitant ATM fees at every kiosk, you’re better off bringing cash. In the end, I would recommend about $50.00 to $60.00 dollars per day.
Going to a festival with ample money is important if you want to feel comfortable. A lot of things can come up while you’re camping for three nights, and credit cards often won’t help.
I would also recommend that you don’t carry all of the money you bring in your wallet, purse, fanny pack or leave it in the tent for that matter. Stash about half of the money you bring in a locked car along with your iPod, GPS and other valuables.
Above all, don’t forget you’re there primarily for the music. As long as you have enough money to get there, get in and be healthy, you will have a good time.
- The Digital B
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Dear Digital Buddhette,
Where are all my sistahs at? I love electronic music and anything I can bust a move to but it’s such a male dominated scene? Any female DJs/producers you suggest?
- Dubstep Spice
Dear Spice Girl,
It’s true and unfortunate that we are more likely to see a female behind the merch table, near the stage dancing or inside a hula hoop, rather than creating the music.
Here’s a list of a few women who bring the girl power to venues all around the country.
Santigold is the voice and creator of genre-defying tracks that cover hip-hop, electronic, dubstep, reggae and techno-house. Each of her songs is unique with their own unforgettable melodies.
Bethany Briscoe Lokken, collaborates smoothly with Ben Silver and husband Spencer Lokken while with Orchard Lounge. Queen B stands apart from the two men with her funk, hip-hop, and sexy downtempo and mid-tempo beats. She adds a much appreciated feminine touch to the scene.
Arleigh Kincheloe is the single female in the nine-piece band, Sister Sparrow and The Dirty Birds. Kincheloe’s striking, soulful voice and enticing personality leads her flock of eight men as they combine their individual talents to form a cohesive fun (and impressive) take on classic soul music.
Speaking of magnetic female voices, enter Rubblebucket. Lead vocalist Kalmia Traver is the irreplaceable guiding female of her seven male bandmates. With her distinctive vocals Traver hauls another contribution to the band, her tenor and baritone saxophones.
I hope these sistahs provide the melodies that will get you shaking your booty.
Until next time – peace and love,
- The Digital B
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The Digital Buddhette is staff writer Melanie McCarthy. She will answer your questions about festivals, bands, tour, drama in the scene and everything in between in her advice column.
Do you need advice? Send in questions to
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