For a third time my time at the farm has come to an end. This year was especially nice for many reasons but I think most Bonnaroovians will agree that the temperate weather was definitely an important factor. It was actually bearable this year! It was also the one year that I didn't come home sporting splotches of heat rash and dirty nails.
In addition to the weather, the crowds seemed more tame this year. Lines moved quickly and there was absolutely NO TRAFFIC! Whatever the staff did this year, keep doing it because it's working!
This year's lineup also boasted some of the most impressive and diverse lineups in years. It was such a pleasure to watch these magnificent musicians in person. Every act I caught was memorable in its own way but it was these 5 that topped the festival for me:
Kurt Vile was one of the last acts on at the festival, and one of my most anticipated. I've been playing Smoke Ring for My Halo on heavy rotation for months so to hear it live was thrilling. What surprised , and delighted me was how much Vile deviated from this release and pounded out some heavier and headier electric jams. But every now and then, that acoustic guitar was brought out to him and those familiar plucky hymns came out and completely smoldered during the final hours of the festival.
HIGHLIGHTS: BABY'S ARMS | PEEPING TOMBOY | JESUS FEVER
4. THE BEACH BOYS
Oh my goodness these guys blew me away! I came in the main stage area on Sunday a bit cynical after hearing about their shaky Grammy's performance. I was so very wrong! Their voices have not changed one bit! And after laying hit after hit onto the crowd, it was hard not to throw your hands up into the air and do those iconic 60's dance moves. I may have been covered in dust, but for one hour and thirty minutes, I was at the beach.
HIGHLIGHTS: WOULDN'T IT BE NICE | GOD ONLY KNOWS | FUN, FUN, FUN
3. RADIOHEAD
I've said it before and I'll write it here too: I've never quite understood the enigma of Radiohead. I've always understood that their music has a distinct presence and respect them for it. However, seeing them live was such an incredible experience. Their music truly cocoons you in sound and their light show....their light show. I don't have adequate words to describe it, much like Radiohead, it must be seen to be believed. Still skeptical? Watch the set here.
HIGHLIGHTS: WEIRD FISHES | PARANOID ANDROID | BODYSNATCHERS | NUDE
2. FEIST
What an absolute delight to see Leslie Feist play in person! She has had so many things going in her favor this year and even scored the sunset slot on the Which Stage. Feist was bubbly and so much fun to watch. She also incorporated tons of audience participation and genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself. But perhaps the greatest part of her performance, and a true testament to her as an artist, were the two FANTASTIC reinterpretations of her hits Mushaboom and Limit to Your Love. Completely unexpected and wholeheartedly enjoyed.
HIGHLIGHTS: THE BAD IN EACH OTHER | MY MOON MY MAN | LIMIT TO YOUR LOVE | SEA LION
1. SANTIGOLD
If there's anyone who goes hard in the music world, Santigold knows how to bring her A-game. She's the total package: crazy costumes, ridiculous dance moves, and one of the years best albums to back it up. Santigold's Saturday set was everything I wanted. She indulged the crowd with old favorites like L.E.S. Artists, Shove It, and (a personal favorite of mine) Anne, but still cranked out mega hits like GO! , Disparate Youth, and Freak Like Me. But for me, and all those with me, the hands down winning track of the day was Creator. The moment Creator's dub step-like base rumbled in, Santigold invited anyone willing to dance to get up on stage with her. And so I did. I don't think any of my experiences at Bonnaroo top getting on the main stage with one of my favorite artists during one of my favorite tracks. I mean, need I say more? Whatever the case, Santigold knows how to throw it down. I can only hope I brought it just as hard.
HIGHLIGHTS: LOOK AT THESE HOES | CREATOR | ANNE | GO! | SHOVE IT | DISPARATE YOUTH
Non musical highlights include (but are not limited to):
1. Ghetto Raita at the Indian Cuisine Tent (FYI it's Ranch Dressing)
2. The Love's Vegan Food Truck.
3. Seeing cocaine in That Tent. ( I guess the 80's are back?)
4. Meeting Unicorn Jesus.
5. Hula hooping my guts out to Radiohead & Mimosa.
6. Ridiculous amounts of instructions at the Major Lazer.
7. Teletubbies!
8. Meeting Kurt Vile's brother.
9. Full length fur coat at Flying Lotus
10. Blowing bubbles at the Beach Boys show! Who could ask for anything more perfect?
So that's all for now, Bonnaroo! Until next year!!
*ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BONNAROO MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL*
*ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BONNAROO MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL*
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