My first exposure to Bonnaroo didn’t exactly draw me to the event. The organizers in the early years were still trying to get their act together, and it was a major ordeal just getting to the property. My older son attended a couple of times in the early years. The fact that he came back grungy and smelly and sunburned didn’t help.
The music, on the other hand, carried a strong appeal. I attended my share of concerts “back in the day.” Three of the more memorable ones to me were The Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper (twice!). A ZZ Top concert also stands out because one of the lead acts that night was a promising new band with the odd name Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I decided to attend Bonnaroo the first time in 2004 when my younger son, then 17, wanted to go. He actually consented to go with me, perhaps because it was the only way he was going to get there at that age. As we stocked up on camping gear, our inexperience revealed itself in several ways. For example, we learned that the label “two-person tent” means that two grown people can technically fit into it. Let’s just say the tent provided a cozy bonding experience.
In spite of the tight sleeping quarters, we had a great time. I enjoyed the overall experience so much that 2004 began a streak of four straight Bonnaroos for me. I haven’t been able to get back the past few years due to a variety of conflicts. On Bonnaroo weekend this year, for example, I am speaking at a conference, preaching and performing the weddings of two couples that are very special to me. Please go for me this year before grown-up duties claim you, too!
Before I complete my music recommendations, let me offer a few other general tips if you are attending Bonnaroo this year and haven’t been before. (Remember, I haven’t been back recently, so some of the policies mentioned below may have changed.)
1. Bonnaroo is a great venue for people watching! Allow yourself plenty of time to take in the spectacle. If the Silent Disco is in operation this year, it is fun to watch a mob of people dancing “together” when each is listening via headphones to music that no one else can hear.
2. Take a decent camera to capture the sights. They won’t allow you to take a “professional” camera (one with a sizable, detachable zoom lens) into the music venue. Experiment or ask someone for tips on taking pictures at night because that was the biggest challenge for me.
3. Take as much food as possible because the food you purchase there is pretty good, but expensive. You can only take snack foods and bottled water into the music venue, but you can take an ice chest (bags of ice are available for purchase on site if you need a refill) to hold sandwich meat, hot dogs, etc., that you can prepare at your tent. No glass containers!
4. Take reasonable safety precautions like locking up valuables in your car rather than leaving them in your tent when you’re away from your campsite. Overall, I always felt like I was in a safe and friendly atmosphere.
My Top 10 “Under the Radar” Bonnaroo Recommendations:
Most of you know many of the performers better than I do. My suggestions below generally refer to ones that you might not know or consider worth checking out.
1. The Beach Boys – This one probably doesn’t need a plug, but you’ve got a chance to hear a living piece of Rock and Roll history!
2. Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A. – I heard Rodrigo y Gabriela (an amazing and distinctive guitar duo) at Bonnaroo and also at the Ryman. Their latest release is a collaboration with the Cuban musicians appearing with them this year.
3. Alice Cooper – I was following Alice Cooper back in the ’70s when the name referred to the group. Don’t be appalled; the Alice Cooper persona has always been a clever, tongue-in-cheek gimmick. He’s old now but still fun.
4. The Word (John Medeski, Robert Randolph and the North Mississippi Allstars) – These are all great musicians, but Robert Randolph’s steel guitar is out of this world.
5. Flogging Molly – Celtic punk… what a combination!
6. Punch Brothers – Led by former Nickel Creek lead man Chris Thile, these are all virtuoso musicians who should put on a great live show.
7. Sam Bush Band – Sam Bush might be considered Chris Thile’s predecessor in the progressive bluegrass mandolin world.
8. Trampled by Turtles – Bluegrass meets mosh pit.
9. Mariachi El Bronx – Punk band with a Mariachi alter ego. Great stuff!
10. Sara Watkins – Another Nickel Creek alum, Sara Watkins is a fine singer and song writer, as well as a great fiddler.
Terry Briley is dean of Lipscomb’s College of Bible and Ministry and professor of biblical studies.