BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
A varied lineup swinging from Florence + The Machine to the Deftones to Huey Lewis and the News anchors the fourth annual Shaky Knees music festival.
The weekend of May 13-15 will see more than 75 bands perform on five stages at Centennial Olympic Park, the easily accessible new home for the eclectic rock event.
Also joining the marquee are My Morning Jacket (whose song "Steam Engine" provides the lyrical touchpoint for the festival's name), Jane's Addiction, At the Drive-In, The 1975, The Decemberists, Walk the Moon, The Head and the Heart, Cold War Kids, The Kills, The Black Angels, Ghost, The Sword and Baroness and more (see the full lineup here) .
“It’s eclectic, but still rock ‘n’ roll at the end of the day,” said Shaky Knees creator Tim Sweetwood. “I’m still always very happy with what I book. I’m not going to book artists that I’m not into. If I’m afraid to put an artist on my iPod, they won’t be at the festival!”
Jane’s Addiction will treat fans to a performance of its 1990 classic “Ritual de lo Habitual” album, while Huey Lewis and the News will serve up its seven-million-selling 1983 landmark “Sports” album in its entirety. Both performances are exclusive to Shaky Knees.
“When we bring in something different like that with an act that’s been around for a long time, that’s a unique aspect to the festival,” Sweetwood said.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Also, since this is My Morning Jacket’s first Shaky performance, Sweetwood has plans for “something special” to coincide with their appearance.
This year's move from Central Park to Centennial Olympic Park wasn't born out of any issues with the festival being held there last year, but, rather, because of the ongoing potential sale of the neighboring Atlanta Civic Center land.
“I loved Central Park last year, but half of the property we were on (might be) sold, and Central Park itself can’t hold five stages,” Sweetwood said.
At the iconic downtown park, three stages will be erected in Centennial Olympic Park and two more on the green space at International Plaza (International Boulevard will be shut down during the event).
The new location provides plenty of mobility for locals and tourists.
“For the people who want to take mass transit, it will take you right there. There are hotels galore and parking lots galore. Downtown can handle a Falcons game and a Hawks game at the same time and we aren’t close to that capacity.”
Last year, Shaky Knees attracted about 22,000 music fans per day; this year, Sweetwood is hoping for an increase to 30,000.
Advance general admission three-day tickets are $215 and advance VIP three-day tickets are $614. Both will go on sale at 10 a.m. Jan. 13. As soon as advance tickets sell out, prices will be bumped to $236 and $692, respectively. Single day tickets for $102 will be available in upcoming weeks. Children 10 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult.
For ticket, parking and travel information, visit www.shakykneesfestival.com.
Last week, the lineup for Shaky Beats , the electronic dance music companion festival to Shaky Knees, was revealed. Major Lazer, Chromeo and Zhu are some of the acts who will be in Centennial Olympic Park the weekend after Shaky Knees, May 20-22.
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