With the heat of summer upon us, there is no better way to relax and savor the moment than with a great outdoor concert, so start the season off on a high note. To help you choose from the myriad of options out there, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com have compiled this list of sensational summer music events.

1. RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

A lavish paradise of plants and wildlife serve as the backdrop to this transcendent musical experience. Deep in the rainforest, thousands of spectators flock to Malaysia to hear a fusion of musical styles from across the globe. Few other festivals offer an opportunity to dance in the rainforest while listening to groups from places like Vanuatu, Latvia, India and Senegal.

2. SUMMERFEST, MILWAUKEE, WIS.

Once listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records" as the World's Largest Music Festival, Summerfest continues to deliver a diverse mix of America's most popular artists. From Katy Perry, to Def Leppard, to Hall & Oates, there's sure to be something for everyone. Up-and-coming musicians take note: this fest accepts electronic press kits for its Emerging Artists Series.

3. CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL, CHICAGO, ILL.

The City of Chicago boasts that this festival is the largest free blues festival in the entire world! The festival was first created to commemorate the life of legendary performer Muddy Waters, and has since evolved into an iconic event that breathes life into the memories of the world's most famous blues musicians. This year Guy King and His Little Band kick things off, while Lonnie Brooks closes things out with a tribute to Alligator Records.

4. SAUNA OPEN AIR METAL FESTIVAL, TAMPERE, FINLAND

While most people don't associate heavy metal music with Northern Europe, Finland has been a mecca for metalheads since 2004. Although the Sauna Open Air Festival is not for the standard music junkie, attendees will be excited to find that this summer's lineup includes the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest.

5. OJAI MUSIC FESTIVAL, OJAI, CALIF.

Support a legacy and soak in some culture by attending this classical music festival. Unlike most other celebrations of music, this festival is tailored around a particular music director, allowing for a distinct musical experience. This year's premier talent features soprano phenom Dawn Upshaw.

6. COPENHAGEN JAZZ FESTIVAL, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Showcasing some of the genre's most prestigious performers (names like Diana Krall and Sonny Rollins often appear on the bill), this festival offers more than 1,000 different concerts every year. The greatest allure to this event, however, may just be free access to concerts in quaint, intimate venues.

7. REGGAE SUMFEST, MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

Heat things up with Jamaica's most popular reggae festival. Diehard reggae fans from America will feel right at home as more than 65 percent of its foreign visitors are from the United States. No matter where you are from, this seven-day event is sure to be a memorable one, Mon!

8. BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK, BROADSTAIRS, KENT, U.K.

Don't be fooled by the term "Folk Week" because the sampling here is not your normal coffee-shop fare. Instead, Broadstairs lights things up with torch processionals, fireworks, and pub-crawls. Kids can get in on the action, too by dropping by a dance session, or joining the Sounds Fresh Music Project.

9. BONNAROO, MANCHESTER, TENN.

If you're trying to go green, consider this sprawling 700-acre camping festival that rivals the likes of Coachella. Touted as a leader in environmental activism, this festival not only raises the bar in conservation, but also sets the standard in entertainment. Bonnaroo features an eclectic mix of more than 100 contemporary artists, comedy shows, art exhibits, and even yoga classes.

10. MUSIC FOR PEOPLE AND THINGAMAJIGS FESTIVAL, OAKLAND, CALIF.

If you tend to be the type of person who "marches to a different drummer," check out this music festival featuring the sounds of self-created instruments, and other nontraditional tuning systems. Patrons can personalize this experience by building their own musical gizmo and tapping into their newfound musical talents.

 

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