Once a year, some sixty miles south of Nashville, Route 24 is invaded by thousands of music fans forming an endless line of traffic that goes on for miles. For four days, they flood Manchester, Tennessee (population 8,294) turning it into the biggest flash-city in the United States–all in the name of rock n’ roll.
The annual Bonnaroo Music Festival, which was once dubbed the ‘present day Woodstock’, has come to represent today’s eclectic iPod generation. How often does one have the opportunity to see Willie Nelson, Metallica, Kanye West and BB King all in one weekend? The word “Bonnaroo” is Cajun slang meaning “have a really good time,” which is the ultimate goal Bonnaroo’s planners strive to accomplish.
While over 150 acts performed at this year’s festival, it was possible to find fun and innovative things to do without even hearing a single note of music. Bonnaroo 2008 is a great example of a new breed of festival–an experience where attendees are offered an array of activities aside from just music. You could dance it up in the silent disco, get your hair done at the salon, take a few swings at the batting cage, sing your favorite rock anthem backed by a live band at the karaoke lounge, get your game on at the video game tent, even record and edit your own mobile video that could end up in Spike Lee’s new documentary film. The list goes on and on…
That’s not to say that music wasn’t the main attraction. Main stage headliners Metallica and Pearl Jam blew away concert goers, while special late night sets by DJ Tiesto and My Morning Jacket kept us all up until the wee hours of the morning with epic performances.
But while Bonnaroo, and many festivals like it, are usually an escape from the outside world, politics and high gas prices were topic that were consistently addressed throughout the weekend by both festival- goers and artists alike.
On Friday night, Chris Rock performed for the largest audience ever for a comedian. During his hour plus set, he covered controversial issues in typical Chris Rock fashion. “Let me tell you something,” he jokes, “If I invade IHOP, pancakes become cheaper in my house.”
During Pearl Jam’s Saturday night set, lead singer Eddie Vedder spoke adamantly about the ever-increasing need for change. “It is welded in our Constitution that people have not only the right, but responsibility to make change,” Vedder told the cheering crowd of over 70,000.
Young attendees expressed their political beliefs as well (mostly liberal). Some fans decked out their cars
and RVs with phrases like “Obamaroo” and “It’s time for change.” Others expressed their opinions by wearing politically-charged T-shirts expressing their distaste for the current state of our Government.
Many festival-goers made time for health and fitness. While some brought their yoga mats to stretch in the warm Tennessee sun, others caught one of the many workout classes being offered throughout the weekend. It was quite surprising for me to see so many people promoting good health at a music festival, considering the healthiest food being offered was pizza!
When all was said and done, Bonnaroo ‘08 was home to many spectacular performances and countless unique experiences. Until next year…
