Not your parents' music festivals

Like a fine Cabernet, live music needs to breathe. Sound flourishes in open space, creating an organic nature that cannot be matched indoors. In 1999, the logistical nightmares of Woodstock's revival proved that a music festival will fail when corporate needs outweigh the event's true purpose: to bring people together through music - with music being the most important factor. Three years later, Bonnaroo brought together an impressive list of jam-bands and proved that a festival can benefit both the fans, who can see a diverse lineup of acts with one ticket, and the bands, which are given access to a much broader platform to get their music out. With an impressive crop of new and eclectic festivals to choose from, music fans have never had this many tempting options. Here is a breakdown of eight of this summer's best festivals.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival - June 12-15 - Manchester, Tenn.

On the Bill: Pearl Jam, Metallica, Jack Johnson, My Morning Jacket, Allman Brothers Band, Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, Kanye West, B.B. King, Levon Helm, The Raconteurs, Phil Lesh and Friends, Iron & Wine, Sigur Ros, Willie Nelson, Ben Folds

The Draw: In its eighth year, the once-jam-band festival has daringly strayed even further from its roots, bringing in some fresh faces and old favorites. Five-plus stages allow for plenty of flexibility. The scared hippie may even skip Metallica to rest up for the late night musical marathon, which is generally led by the finest jam bands.

Do Not Miss: My Morning Jacket's special late-night set or Pearl Jam's headlining bid - there is always the chance for Eddie Vedder to sit on during MMJ's version of The Who's, " A Quick One While He's Way." Also, the air-conditioned comedy tent is a great escape from the scorching heat and features an impressive lineup led by Chris Rock.

Sasquatch! Music Festival May 24-26 - The Gorge, Wash.

On the Bill: R.E.M., The Cure, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, M.I.A., Flight of the Conchords, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Built to Spill, The Hives, The Mars Volta, The Kooks

The Draw: Located on a cliff above the Columbia River, The Gorge is known for its natural beauty and is always a favorite stop for larger artists. Since it is in the middle of nowhere, it is best to snag a reasonably priced weekend pass and enjoy the scenery, which only adds to the sound.

Do Not Miss: Though The Flaming Lips have made it a habit to hit the festival circuit hard, Sasquatch! is the only Lips appearance billed as "The Flaming Lips U.F.O. Show." If there is one Flaming Lips show to see this year, this would be the one.

Coachella Music and Arts Festival - April 25-27 - Indio, Calif.

On the Bill: Roger Waters, Portishead, Jack Johnson, The Verve, The Raconteurs, My Morning Jacket, Justice, Serj Tankian, Death Cab for Cutie, M.I.A., Slightly Stoopid, Animal Collective, Hot Chip, Fatboy Slim

The Draw: Coachella works hard to outdo last year's lineup, which included a reunited Rage Against the Machine. This year's bill relies on the collective strength of both indie- and electronica-heavy acts - a move that has proven successful in the past.

Do Not Miss: Pink Floyd's Roger Water's tireless recreation of The Dark Side of the Moon has stunned audiences worldwide for the past two years.

Mile High Music Festival - July 19-20 - Commerce City, Colo.

On the Bill: Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, John Mayer, The Black Crowes, Steve Winwood, The Roots, Citizen Cope, Spoon, Flogging Molly, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Colbie Caillat

The Draw: In its first year, Mile High positions itself as a strictly mainstream music festival with only a few jam-band exceptions. Only 9 miles from downtown Denver, Mile High proves that the state of Colorado is trying hard to compete for the title of Music Capital of the West.

Do Not Miss: With no album to support, Tom Petty is sure to break out all of the hits, so be prepared to sing. Also, the Black Crowes' new lineup will turn some heads with its vintage rock and roll cosmic assault.

Summer Camp Festival - May 23-25 - Chillicothe, Ill.

On the Bill: The Roots, G. Love, STS9, O.A.R., George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Girl Talk, Blind Melon, Umphrey's McGee

The Draw: Summer Camp is traditionally much smaller than other major festivals and is a more affordable option for those looking for a jam-heavy lineup.

Do Not Miss: It will be hard to miss Moe because they are playing on all three nights, but their richly textured jams have never been tighter. Also look for a Wayne Coyne sit-in during any of Moe's sets.

Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival - June 5-8 - Lawrence, Kan.

On the Bill: The Flaming Lips, Zappa Plays Zappa, STS9, Emmylou Harris, Cake, Ozomatli, Buckethead, Galactic, Keller Williams, Mickey Hart Band, Leftover Salmon

The Draw: Wakarusa has cemented itself as the Midwest's prelude to Bonnaroo. While Bonnaroo has attempted to reinvent its image in recent years, Wakarusa boasts a solid lineup of jam- friendly acts and offers highly affordable four-day passes.

Do Not Miss: STS9 may appear at multiple festivals, but there is something in the water at Wakarusa that always propels the electronic-jam pioneers to higher ground.

Rothbury Music Festival - July 3-6 - Rothbury, Mich.

On The Bill: Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Snoop Dogg, 311, Widespread Panic, Primus, Modest Mouse, STS9, Rodrigo y Gabriella, The Black Keys, Keller Williams, Citizen Cope, The Disco Biscuits, Drive-By Truckers

The Draw: In its first year, Rothbury is absolutely stacked with a healthy mix of both mainstream acts and jam bands. For those who dislike the scorching Bonnaroo heat, a Fourth of July trip to Rothbury may be the answer.