Festival promoters hope to cash in on early sales

It’s not even December and already summer at the Gorge Amphitheatre is taking shape.

First, there was word that Arcade Fire will be hitting George, Wash., on Aug. 8 in support of “Reflektor,” the Montreal-based band’s recently released fourth LP. (Those tickets are on sale now. Interesting note: LiveNation.com, the online ticketing agent, urges those attending to wear “formal attire or costume.” Have fun with that.)

This week, promoters announced plans to sell a “very limited” number of discounted early bird passes starting at 9 a.m. Friday for the Paradiso Festival June 27-28 and both editions of Sasquatch, May 23-25 and July 4-6.

(That’s right: both editions of Sasquatch. It’s expanding this year. Each weekend will feature separate lineups. Double your fun.)

Never mind that the lineups for all three shows won’t be unveiled until early 2014. Chances are great fans of these shows know to jump on tickets when they have the change. Sasquatch 2013 sold out in a record 90 minutes.

The early bird pricing is as follows:

• Sasquatch Memorial Day weekend 3-day pass: $325 all-inclusive (includes service charges and general camping).

• Sasquatch July 4th weekend 3-day pass: $325 all-inclusive (includes service charges and general camping).

• Passes for both Sasquatch weekends: $550 all-inclusive (includes service charges and general camping).

• Paradiso 2-day pass: $100 plus fees.

How much of a bargain is this? That isn’t quite clear, as it appears regular pricing hasn’t been announced. However, a ticket to Sasquatch 2013 was $337, without camping and fees.

Get on that Sasquatch presale at sasquatchfestival.com. Those prices are good through Dec. 31 or while supplies last. If you don’t jump on the deal offered on Black Friday, be ready to buy in February, which is when the festival’s lineup win 2013 this year ranged from $100 to $500, again without camping or fees. A news release from Paradiso says these will be the least expensive passes offered this year. The presale is going at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

General on-sale for Paradiso will be in March.