BONNAROO 2011

[e_wind]

shows at 3am aren't for the masses? The line up isnt for the masses more than say Hangout, Mtn Jam, Wakarusa, High Sierra, etc etc etc? Bonnaroo is THE MOST commercial and accessable festival in the united states, except for maybe Lolla. On our half of the country, how many first time festie attenders are you gonna see go to Roo as opposed to any of the other many festivals available. I don't think its even an arguable point that Bonnaroo isn't a festival for the masses more so than any other festival. A ridiculous amount of people from frats all over the mid west and south will be walking around bonnaroo this year because Mumford, Black KEys, Wayne, Wiz, Eminem, etc and none of them will give a shit about Buff Springfield or Dr. John. Thats not me being a dick, thats being realistic. Ive had good times at Roo, so I'm not talking down on it, but it also ain't the end all of festivals.

I have to say that Hangout will probably be similar as far as crowd goes.




And those are just my personal feelings for the day

[ALady]

All fests are for the masses...just different masses.  I sometimes think we (music junkies) forget what mainstream music actually is.  I bet your average radio listener could name about three bands on any given festival lineup.

I have been to just about every American major (and lots of minors) and I still think the Roo crowd was the nicest and most respectful of the performers/performances out of any of them.  *shrug*

[e_wind]

The crowd is nice, sure. Although, I don't think I've ever seen an altercation at a festival. I also notice that camping festivals in general do have a better sense of "community" or something than urban festivals. At camping fests it's always been easy to meet people camping next door and things. I was arguing the "mainstreamness" of Roo over other festivals. Not saying that all fests don't have some mainstream acts. I look forward to my first Wakarusa experience. (unless Roo drops something awesome next week or with the schedule)


One thing I will say about Roo and awesome experiences is this. Last year I went with only 2 people that I knew instead of the other group of about 10 people we couldve gone with. We ended up camping with people we met from Bowling Green and they've turned into some really great friends that I met through bonnaroo.







And, are the other SuperJam artists with Doc John and Dan just going to be surprises?

[ALady]

Well, you throw in "first time festie attenders" and "people from frats" "none of [whom] will give a shit" and it tends to blur any point about the relative quality/mainstream popularity of the lineup.   ;)

Most folks don't care about music festivals at all, and certainly don't travel great distances for them.  If they have a vague interest in a few acts on the bill, they'll probably just go to whatever festival is in their backyard. 

[rats]

i must've missed it. what this about mmj playing 8 on the mainstage friday? is this a very reliable source? i know it hasn't been confirmed, but why does everyone seem to think it's a given. i thought for sure they'd do a late night. i already have my ticket, and it's not gonna put a damper on my mood, the lineup is awesome, but i will be disappointed.

[itrainmonkeys]

i must've missed it. what this about mmj playing 8 on the mainstage friday? is this a very reliable source? i know it hasn't been confirmed, but why does everyone seem to think it's a given. i thought for sure they'd do a late night. i already have my ticket, and it's not gonna put a damper on my mood, the lineup is awesome, but i will be disappointed.

Someone on Inforoo.com who lives in Louisville told us about how Carl and other band members played a little bit in a small venue with the band everest or something. The guy said that he got to talk to Jim James and Jim told him they'd be on the main stage 8-10 before Arcade Fire.

It's not the most reliable of sources.....an internet message board.......but i'm inclined to believe him. Insider (who told us about all of the headliners at Roo and hasn't been wrong) told us a while ago that Arcade Fire and My Morning Jacket would be playing "one after the other" but at the time she didn't know who was first.


As for the whole "Bonnaroo is mainstream" argument I really don't see the problem. Are there a few mainstream acts on the lineup? Sure. But it's not like we have Miley Cyrus, Black Eyed Peas, and a bunch of other untalented people. The artists that may be considered "mainstream" can still put on an entertaining show (which is what Roo looks for when booking acts) so I don't see the problem. I really don't care if there are some idiots at the festival.....every single festival I've been to I've encountered a majority of awesome people and a minority of idiots. Doesn't matter what festival I go to.....people are people.

Is Bonnaroo more accessible to a casual person? Sure.....but that's the point of having a huge 80,000 person festival...you NEED it to be accessible. If Bonnaroo only wanted to sell 30,000 tickets then they may not feel the need to book Kings of Leon or Eminem.

I guess i'm just tired of seeing people bash Bonnaroo by calling it "mainstream" as if it's some terrible thing.  It seems so pompous and condescending to make judgements on a large amount of people and call them "not real music fans" and things like that because of who they may like or for their reasons for going to a music festival. You guys realize that almost all of the artists on the lineup wouldn't be considered "mainstream" anyway, right? Just because there are like 10 artists on the card that you don't like doesn't mean you can't find TONS of amazing artists who are creating epic music.

[e_wind]

As for the whole "Bonnaroo is mainstream" argument I really don't see the problem. Are there a few mainstream acts on the lineup? Sure. But it's not like we have Miley Cyrus, Black Eyed Peas, and a bunch of other untalented people.

Like say... Eminem, Wiz Kalifa, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, or Kings Of Leon? (and 3 of those are this year!!)  We seem to be arguing different points here. Bonnaroo is the most accessible and has the most user friendly line up for a camping music festival in the united states and possibly the world. HOWEVER (what everyone seems to be missing me saying) Bonnaroo does have its good qualities and I've had good times. This year I don't know if Im going because the crowd and line up, imo, have been going down hill in the past 3 or so years. Missing out on a late night MMJ set was what had me ready to buy a ticket, but now I'm not so sure.

[itrainmonkeys]

As for the whole "Bonnaroo is mainstream" argument I really don't see the problem. Are there a few mainstream acts on the lineup? Sure. But it's not like we have Miley Cyrus, Black Eyed Peas, and a bunch of other untalented people.

Like say... Eminem, Wiz Kalifa, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, or Kings Of Leon? (and 3 of those are this year!!)  We seem to be arguing different points here. Bonnaroo is the most accessible and has the most user friendly line up for a camping music festival in the united states and possibly the world. HOWEVER (what everyone seems to be missing me saying) Bonnaroo does have its good qualities and I've had good times. This year I don't know if Im going because the crowd and line up, imo, have been going down hill in the past 3 or so years. Missing out on a late night MMJ set was what had me ready to buy a ticket, but now I'm not so sure.

Well I disagree about the crowd and the lineup. You list 3 acts that you think may suck but there will be over 147 other amazing acts. So I don't really see the problem. Different strokes for different folks though. You're experiences must have been different from mine. 

[e_wind]

Man I don't know else to say what I'm trying to say. Different strokes indeed. I'm honestly hoping for some really great artist additions because half my friends are going to waka and half are going to roo and I don't know what to choose

[itrainmonkeys]

Additions supposed to come out sometime later this week. Keep an eye out :)

[Erik26]

I know they need to add some reggae but beyond that I'm not sure what is really needed. I guess it depends on what you really like. Some people want more electronic, some want more indie, some want more headliners. Personally I love the lineup as is because of everything it already offers so additions are gravy to me. We also decided as soon as it was rumoured that MMJ and AF would be playing that there was no way we were missing Bonnaroo this year. I can think of a few acts for low, mid, and high-ish teirs I'd love to have added but I can't honestly say I have any idea of what they intend on adding. I do look forward to trying to make up a mock schedule when the additions come out.

[Erik26]

Rental tents at Bonnaroo??? Just ended up with a years worth of backpay so I'm thinking of letting them rape me for $750 in exchange for a tent that is bigger, with cots/pillows/blankets/table/chairs, more secure, and very close to Centeroo. Anybody done this before? Kepp in myind we are flying in from Calgary, Alberta so buying a bunch of crap at Walmart to leave behind seems pointless if not necessary.

[e_wind]

Rental tents at Bonnaroo??? Just ended up with a years worth of backpay so I'm thinking of letting them rape me for $750 in exchange for a tent that is bigger, with cots/pillows/blankets/table/chairs, more secure, and very close to Centeroo. Anybody done this before? Kepp in myind we are flying in from Calgary, Alberta so buying a bunch of crap at Walmart to leave behind seems pointless if not necessary.

doesn't sound like a bad idea since you're flying. last year i was camped right next door to these and they are indeed really close to centeroo. It might also help with the heat in a tiny tent at night. its a lot of money, but if you have the $$ go for it

[Erik26]

The pictures show people opening both sides so the air just flows like an ez-up. I think we're going to go for it. First Bonnaroo, might as well be a little more comfortable and guarantee ourselves being close to Centeroo. And now we won't spend $$ at walmart just to leave our camp gear behind.

Thanks!

[Erik26]

Bonnaroo additions!!! Super pumped over Futurebirds right now...Actually I'm sideways with excitement. Oh and Henson Alternative Stuffed and Unstrung + MMJ = MMJ finally doing something with these crazy muppets. I'm calling it now!

[EasyRyder]

Bonnaroo additions!!! Super pumped over Futurebirds right now...Actually I'm sideways with excitement. Oh and Henson Alternative Stuffed and Unstrung + MMJ = MMJ finally doing something with these crazy muppets. I'm calling it now!

I think you're right...If the muppets are there, how could they not incorporate them A) into their main show or B) into a separate show?

This news + additions + upcoming show fever has pushed me over the edge. Looks like I'll be joining you kind folks for Bonnaroo take ten (once I get paid on Monday)!!! Today just went from  :-\ to  :D, and will surely end in 

[ms. yvon]

 ;D

[ALady]

And MMJ/Jim just happened to tweet this today....coincidence?

Dizzy Gillespie on The Muppet Show

[ms. yvon]

Dr. Teeth's band is sounding tight!

[Erik26]

I think this week we will also find out that Carl has a solo show at Bonnaroo. He would be a great afternoon cafe act or solar stage act.