More than 30,000 music lovers, myself included, headed south last week to Live Oak, Fla. for the eighth annual Wanee Music Festival. Conceived by the Allman Brothers Band nearly a decade ago, the band still holds down the festival with two nights of headlining sets, flanked by their extended "family" of bands as well as other like-minded acts.

Even before the first note was played, it was clear that this concert at Jazz at the Bistro would be a night of laughter and upbeat sounds.

Sun shines fierce on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza. The business district bustles with affluent types and prom-goers.

As night descends on Kansas City and Middle of the Map Fest, St. Louis' Dots Not Feathers and their assorted company of boyfriends and friends wait outside the Riot Room for load-in. It is 6:30 p.m. before the crew hauls its gear on and around the stage.

After a seven-hour sojourn with stops at Williamsburg's Crane's Country Store, the inimitable Ozarkland and Columbia, Mo. for alcoholic slushies from Tropical Liqueurs, the crew of Stephen Baier and Nick Blackburn of Dots Not Feather, Joel Burton of Bear Hive and myself find our hotel room in the Hilton Garden Inn.

It's 1 a.m. and Mardi Gras World is still kicking. Spring breakers and locals alike are packed tight to see some of today's top acts in EDM, hip-hop and indie rock. With shows starting at dusk and ending at three in the morning, the two-day festival known as Buku only got more crowded and more rowdy as the night progressed.

The CMJ Music Marathon emerged in New York City over thirty years ago to showcase little-known college rock bands seeking a wider audience from music fans and industry professionals.

I am still finding pieces of confetti in my hair and clothes as I type this, remnants of a wet and wild weekend at LouFest 2012 in Forest Park.

Of all the days the weather vane could have picked to end Missouri's historic drought, August 25, the first day of LouFest, was not the one I would have chosen.

Festival International de Louisiane is a springtime music festival in Downtown Lafayette, La. bringing talented artists from all over the world to a five-day free festival.