Remember when you and your friends got drenched in the rain at Music Midtown during Corinne Bailey Rae's sweet and soulful set? Or what about the time Andre 3000 unexpectedly strode on stage for a rare and unforgettable Outkast reunion with his partner, Big Boi, during the ONE MusicFest?
Whether you're a hip-hop enthusiast, jazz lover or rock fanatic, Atlanta offered a plethora of memorable festivals that kept the city jamming all year long. Here are just a few of our favorites:
The 39th Atlanta Jazz Festival drew 125,000 visitors to Piedmont Park over the course of three days and featured 30 acts on three stages, including Brazilian pianist and singer Eliane Elias, phenomenal California vocalist Gregory Porter and a host of others.
Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess
Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess
The cast of artists included Twenty One Pilots, Deadmau5, DNCE, Leon Bridges, Logic, DJ Mustard and Alabama Shakes spread among four stages. Despite the temporary weather evacuation on day two, crowds still packed Piedmont Park in droves.
Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess
Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess
Hip-hop and R&B fans heard some of the most popular and legendary artists at the seventh annual event. Atlanta collective Dungeon Family brought artists such as Big Boi and Andre 3000 of Outkast, CeeLo Green and Killer Mike to the Lakewood Amphitheatre stage, along with Erykah Badu and Ice Cube. Andra Day, Gary Clark Jr. and Jazmine Sullivan also performed.
Credit: Robb D. Cohen / RobbsPhotos.com
Credit: Robb D. Cohen / RobbsPhotos.com
Shaky Knees Festival brought more live music to downtown's Centennial Olympic Park and International Plaza, and the lineup for this year’s festivals was a rock or alternative music lover’s dream. From headliners Florence + The Machine and My Morning Jacket, to The 1975 and The Decemberists, attendees got to indulge in typical festival fun to the tunes of their favorite bands.
Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess
Credit: Akili-Casundria Ramsess
With a lineup hopscotching from Bastille to The Roots to Kid Rock to Ludacris, the SweetWater 420 Fest has easily become one of the most eclectic Atlanta offerings. Spawned from the local brewing company of the same name, the event returned to Centennial Olympic Park and even offered practical tutorials on topics such as home brewing, and beer and cheese pairings.
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