This time of year, the St. Louis air is thick with anticipation of the ballplayers returning. For those who are understandably pessimistic about the local nine this year can turn their attention to another rite of spring: Lineup announcement season.

I’m not holding my breath for a rock festival to locate here, so I’ll have to plan another trip to Chicago (damn.)

The three-day passes for Lollapalooza (August 1-3) are on sale today for a discounted $175 for over 100 bands. People who buy early are essentially trusting that the lineup (announced April 7) will be kick ass, which it pretty much was last year. Go to www.lollapalooza.com, click on ‘Tickets’ and click on the Front Gate Tickets logo. Last year, regular price was $195, so this year will probably top $200 starting April 7. It’s been heavily rumored that Radiohead will headline this year.

The Pitchfork Festival has been getting rave reviews each year and is a better bargain at $65 for a three-day pass. Their main acts are announced, including Public Enemy performing their album, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back,” Animal Collective, !!!, Vampire Weekend, Spiritualized and M. Ward.

http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com