This year, I scored tickets to the pre-Fest reception night on Thursday AND VIP lounge tickets for one of the weekday nights. They both involve an endless supply of free food and drinks and some good music. If you can schmooze your way into one or the other or both, I highly recommend it. I got a taste of both last year and it was probably the best time I had all week at the Fest. There is a whole different side to Musifkest that you are missing if you haven't gotten the chance to be a VIP.

Impossible? You can always do the DIY VIP by going over to a friend's house, drinking their booze and eating their food and then hitting the Fest. Just an idea (I also did a little of that last year). If you don't have any friends in that area, you'd better make some quick.

Sorry if you're the friend that gets suckered into hosting, but that's what comes with living in Bethlehem (near Musikfest) - call it an obligation. Better leave town next year.

Good luck!