Beastie Boys, R.E.M. Lead Langerado Lineup

Now it its sixth year, South Florida's Langerado Music Festival has announced the initial lineup for the March 6-9, 2008 event. Marquee artists include the Beastie Boys, R.E.M., Ben Folds, Ani DiFranco, 311, Phil Lesh and Friends, Matisyahu, the Roots, Built to Spill, Thievery Corp., Gov't Mule and Les Claypool. Previously held in the Fort Lauderdale area, this year Langerado moves to Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, which is located right off Florida's infamous "Alligator Alley." Big Cypress is most famous for being the site of the world's largest millennium concert on December 31, 1999, hosted by Phish.

"Moving to Big Cypress allows us to be able to do so much more with the festival, beyond the music," promoter Mark Brown tells Spinner. "The opportunity really exists for the fans to experience something special at this incredible location."

Brown's company, Cloud 9 Adventures, produces annual music events which, characteristically, spotlight a destination location as much as the music. The annual Jam Cruise (which sails from Florida to various Caribbean locations) sells out instantly, and this December, Cloud 9 launches Caribbean Holidaze in Jamaica featuring four days with Umphrey's McGee and the Disco Biscuits (both bands will also perform at Langerado).

Over the past five years, Langerado has expanded from a one-day music festival, centering around jambands, to an eclectic Spring Break destination anchored by the best live touring acts from virtually every genre. "The attendees have really allowed us to expand into a much more eclectic format than ever before," says promoter Ethan Schwartz, who founded the event in 2003 with Brown. Other bands include the Walkmen, Balkan Beat Box, the National, Ozomatli, Ghostland Observatory, Dr. Dog, the Avett Brothers, Arrested Development, Blind Melon, Of Montreal, Minus the Bear, !!!, the Wailers,and the Benevento/Russo Duo. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon.