Tunes & 2012: Where to Go for the Hottest Shows of the Year

     With a busy start to the new year, we can imagine how planning ways to spend that Christmas bonus might make you a little anxious. (Especially if saving money was one of your resolutions.) But what if we said that there was a great way to spend it on yourself and turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime trip? 

Well, if you like traveling and music, you've come to the right blog.

      As early as January, the 2012 music festivals have begun to gain momentum and everywhere from Miami to Indio and Vail Valley to San Bernadino is hosting one! With our quick 2012 festival guide, we're sure you'll find the perfect excuse to gather some friends and make it an unforgettable trip.

• March 2-4: Snowball Fest, Vail Valley, Colorado Due to the rapidly approaching date of this show, we suggest grabbing the $160 passes sooner rather than later. For fans of Afroman, Bag Raiders and Crushendo (formerly Slim Thugz), this year's line-up will make you thankful you worked so hard this year. And if that doesn't do it, then the 6,000 acres of snow for scenery certainly will! 

• March 3: Cyprus Hill Smokeout, San Bernadino, California Despite its declaration as a music festival and medicinal marijuana expo, don't let that stop you from this "mind opening" experience. The promotional video on their website, features clips from previous shows and a massive audience and the line-up boasts such acts as The Dirty Heads and Wiz Khalifa. With over two dozen acts, GA tickets for $86 and plenty of hemp-related shopping, we suggest packing your car now. (And don't forget to pack lots of snacks!) 

• March 9-18: SXSW, Austin, Texas After doing our homework, the (approximately) 90 stages at SXSW really got us excited. If that wasn't enough, this event doubles as a film festival! SXSW's schedule of events will keep you busy everyday which is why registration for their entrance packages (known as "badges") is especially important. Prices range from $750 to $1195 until February 10 and not that we don't think bands like The Ettes (Nashville), Fanzine (London, UK) and THE GRANNIES (San Francisco) are worth it, but planning for an event as large as this can take a lot of time, especially when it comes to finding accommodations!

• March 23-25: ULTRA Music Festival, Miami, Florida We envy those of you who have spring break during this time and don't need to run to Human Resources with a vacation request. Take the advice from an older and wiser generation: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW. The website blasts the foreboding words "SOLD OUT" but as with any event, if you can find tickets online, spare no cost. This year's lineup includes acts like Hardwell, Jack Beats and Kraftwerk but Loco Dice, Miike Snow and New Order will also be present for "the biggest dance music event in America". As if we haven't dropped enough names already, the full list of performers is available on their website as well as a gallery from last year and countdown to the 2012 show.

• April 13-15 & 20-22: Coachella, Indio, California After seeing some snapshots of "Coachella cuties" from last year's show, stars like Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio and Kate Moss put tickets to this event on our wish lists. While traditional tickets are unavailable, there seems to be some fine print that might gain you entry. Our motivation? Acts such as Pulp, Radiohead and Santogold are just a few of the things on our "most wanted" lists this year. Let us know if you get into what is known as California's flagship festival, we'll want to see pictures!

Heading to JassFest, SunFest, Sasquatch or any other "fest"'s this year? We want to hear about them! Send pictures and comments to cosmopolitique@gmail.com or tweet us @COSMOpolitique.

"Looking Forward" to 2012: First Night in Boston

If you're sitting at your cubicle (or in your bedroom at your parents' house) daunted by the idea of an unplanned New Year's weekend, we can sympathize. In fact, with so much to do in one of the best cities in the world, its easy to forget just how easy planning can be without breaking the bank. And don't feel bad because you just couldn't swing that trip to NYC with your friends. Boston has a celebration all its own that honors the firsts and lasts of everything this holiday.

On firstnight.org, the official website of Boston's annual winter celebration, the facts page boats that "First Night is the oldest and largest New Year's Eve celebration of the arts in North America". However, if you're not a fan of all things artistic, don't fret. With over a million people expected to celebrate this year, there is something in the city for everyone. 

What to do:

• Beginning at 5:30, the annual holiday procession commences at 5:30 in front of the Hynes Convention Center. If you enjoy the pomp and circumstance of a holiday parade, grab a spot along Boylston St., or where Charles St. meets Beacon St. This is a great family activity and for those who might want to call it an early night.
• While considered art, the annual display of ice sculptures is an entertaining way to spend time between city adventures. This year's collection will include five masterpieces illuminated by a variety of lights. Weighing between 30 and 45 tons, each sculpture is impressive and might motivate you to take on a hands-on project in the coming year!
• Got plans during the day but want to see the year out with a colorful explosion of delight? Don't miss the midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor! The Zambelli family, famous in the firework business for a little under a century, has been making the skyline sparkle in more than 18,000 cities alone for nationwide July 4th celebrations. We can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves this year!
• If you're looking for a party, websites like Clubzone.com have full listings of the festivities going down at venues like the Seaport Hotel and Club Mantra. (But hurry because these can sell out up until the day before!) Ticket prices may include amenities such as bottle service, hors d'oeuvres and champagne tots at midnight.
• For the comedian (and comedienne alike), acts such as Dan Kelly and John Pinette, will be performing  at venues across the city. Their events, as well as others, can be found on Boston.com's calendar page.
• Despite the expected increase in visitors to the city this weekend, there are still plenty of ways and places to steal a moment or two of romance on this holiday. Thanks to this guide we found, you can sweep your significant other off their feet at midday or midnight if you check out Boston.com's "Best Places to Kiss" gallery.
• However, while some chose Boston because we know how to "do it big", some prefer the quaintness of a simple dinner out and watching Dick Clark in the comfort of their own home. We can understand that but don't miss out the celebrating entirely! From Aura Restaurant to The Beehive, there's a festive spot for everyone! (Reservations recommended!)

Like our tips? Have some of your own? Comment below, 'like' us on Facebook or send us a tweet! @COSMOpolitique 

And have a very Happy New Year! xoxo