By Brian F. Johnson
bonnaroo.com.
June 16-18
Manchester, Tenn.
This is the mother load. Bonnaroo, now in its fifth year, has become one of the country’s biggest festivals and each year turns the 700-acre farm in Tennessee into one of the biggest cities in the state. The four-day, multi-stage camping festival brings together some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any contemporary music you can think of.
In addition to dozens of epic performances, the festival’s 100-acre entertainment village buzzes around the clock with attractions and activities including a classic arcade, on-site cinema, silent disco, comedy club, theater performers, a beer festival, and a music technology village. For its peaceful vibe, near-flawless logistics, and unrivaled entertainment options, Rolling Stone magazine named this revolutionary entertainment experience one of the 50 moments that changed the history of rock and roll. Be careful of the heat and the summer thunderstorms. Come prepared for that and the big crowds if you want to enjoy it.
ARTISTS:
Radiohead
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Phil Lesh & Friends
Beck
Elvis Costello & the Imposters featuring Allen Toussaint
Oysterhead
Bonnie Raitt
Death Cab for Cutie
moe.
Bright Eyes
The Neville Brothers
Les Claypool
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
Buddy Guy
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Ben Folds
Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Dr. John
Matisyahu
G. Love & Special Sauce
Cypress Hill
Blackalicious
The Streets
Lyrics Born
My Morning Jacket
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Common
Sonic Youth
Matt Costa
Steel Pulse
Mike Gordon and Ramble Dove
Cat Power
Medeski Martin & Wood
Nickel Creek
Gomez
Atmosphere
Steve Earle
Blues Traveler
Amadou & Mariam
The Refugee All Stars
Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
Umphrey’s McGee
Disco Biscuits
Dresden Dolls
Son Volt
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Jerry Douglas
Soulive
Rusted Root
Devendra Banhart Band
Donavon Frankenreiter
Mike Doughty
Sasha
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
The Magic Numbers
Bill Frisell
Seu Jorge
Bettye LaVette
Dungen
Shooter Jennings
Rebirth Brass Band
Robinella
Andrew Bird
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
Steel Train
Jackie Greene
Devotchka
The Wood Brothers
dios (malos)
Toubab Krewe
The Motet
Marah
I-Nine
Balkan Beat Box
The Cat Empire
Tortured Soul
Deadboy & the Elephantmen
TRAVEL TIME:
(As calculated by mapquest.com from Denver, Co., to Manchester, Tenn.).
Total Est. Time: 18 hours, 16 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 1,220 miles
Along the way: If you’re going to Tennessee, you have to go to Memphis. You just HAVE to. Memphis is about four hours away from Manchester, Tenn., and is home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. The city bills itself as the “Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” In addition to enough Elvis to fill a lifetime, Memphis is also home to the Gibson Guitar factory, the historic Beale Street, The Delta Blues Museum, The Rock N Soul Museum and the Jack Daniel’s Distillery!
PRICES: $$$$
CAMPING: Yes
