Live Music Gears Up for a Comeback in 2021

For much of 2020, music has been confined to air pods and speakers. The spread of COVID-19 had made the idea of live music almost a relic of the past –– or is it? The spring of 2021 is gearing up to hopefully enliven music fans across the U.S. From Coachella to the Governor’s Ball, from Guns n’ Roses to Ariana Grande and Tame Impala, the spring of 2021 looks to satisfy any fan’s appetite. 

Coachella will have the same lineup as 2020, due to its sudden cancelation because of the pandemic. Source: "Coachella" by Jason Persse is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Starting off this list is none other than Coachella, set in Indio, California. From Friday, April 9, to Sunday, April 18, the Indio desert will become an oasis of excited fans and electrifying performers, including Lana Del Rey, Travis Scott, Calvin Harris, Rage Against the Machine, Frank Ocean and more. This will be the same lineup as 2020, which was canceled due to the pandemic. 

For the rock fans, the Austin City Limits Music Festival takes place in Zilker Park, Texas, alongside the beautiful Colorado River. Its eight stages range in size from intimate venues to large stadiums. This festival, which featured the legends of Guns N’ Roses, will take place next year in October from the first to the third and the eighth to the tenth. Be sure to be on the lookout for this one. The lineup for 2021 will be announced closer to the event date.

The music festival most likely on everyone’s mind, due to its proximity to Marist College, is the 2021 Governor’s Ball. This concert is set to take place on Randall’s Island New York, in June (specific days still to be announced). This picturesque venue, using the beautiful New York City skyline as a background, has been graced by the presence of performers such as Stevie Nicks (recently enjoying renewed chart success for Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” following viral Tik-Tok trends), Miley Cyrus, Tame Impala, Travis Scott, Khalid, Billie Eilish and more. This multi-genre festival is one of the country’s most looked-forward-to events, so be absolutely sure to be on the lookout for tickets and for 2021’s lineup (which will be announced closer to the festival).  

Of course, there’s a big question on everyone’s mind: how can we attend concerts if the COVID-19 pandemic is still going on? Indoor live concerts will see reduced capacity and spread-out seating, as well as potential mask-wearing mandates. The difficulties of live music in this time period have created some interesting solutions for outdoor live concerts. This upcoming summer, Yankee Stadium in New York City will turn its parking lot into a drive-in. Tickets are on a first-come-first-serve basis and grant access to movies, concerts from local musicians, and car side food service. Music fans should be on the lookout for more drive-in concerts. Many of our favorite artists are converting their 2021 live concert tours to drive in tours, as well.