Lotus World Music & Arts Fstvl

I think the Lotus festval is really perfect. I think the ticket price is an extreme bargain for all of the great stuff you get to participate in and all the amazing music from around the world. Not to mention dancing. I think this festival is indicative of what a special place Bloomington is and how diverse and wonderful it's residents are that they have created and grown such an incredible venture in so short a time. Everyone should go, even if just to a free concert. It's so great! more

Seriously, I skipped my father's 80th birthday party this year to go to the Lotus! It's a little pricey (hence four stars instead of five), but it's stunningly worth the ticket price if you like to sample a very, very wide variety of music. There's nothing like it on the planet, apparently -- most music festivals are outdoor events, but the Lotus combines some outdoor tents/venues with mostly a wide variety of indoor venues ranging from auditoriums to clubs to churches -- and they're all carefully and perfectly suited to the artists who perform there. And for locals, the opportunity to volunteer and get a free ticket is the most fun hard work I've ever done. I think I'm blathering, but ask ANYONE who's been to the Lotus, and they'll tell you how great it is. more