Bonna + Roo ❤ 2012

Exactly one week ago I was enjoying the last day of Bonnaroo's four day music festival in Manchester, Tennessee. It was a crazy weekend full of music, fun, dancing, friends, and unforgettable memories.

Thursday
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.: A decent start to the Bonnaroo festival, though I must say they had some interesting covers including Whitney Houston's "I will always love you," HA!

Moon Taxi: Didn't know who they were prior to Bonnaroo but this Tennessee indie-rock band was pretty kick ass. They got the crowd going with a cover of Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the name of."
Alabama Shakes: I have been obsessed with them for months and could not wait to see them at Roo, especially since I missed their concert in Philly. Unfortunately I was exhausted from the drive down to Tennessee earlier that day and only managed to stay awake for about half of their set, but the half I did see was great. Definitely need to see them again when they come to town.

Friday
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings: Who doesn't like to start their day with a little soul music. Sharon Jones knows how to get down and get a bunch of sweaty hippies groovin'.
Two Door Cinema: I only caught a few songs but I was instantly intrigued. Definitely downloading and mix-taping their music asap!
Hey Rosetta: They didn't play my favorite song, Bandages, but it was still great to finally see them live.

Ludacris: I have been dying to see Luda live since I was 12...dreams do come true my friends! The "This Tent" was packed for his set and people went crazy--I've never seen crowd surfing at a hip hop concert but it was everywhere during his set.
Dawes: DAWESOME! It was great to see such a large turn out for Dawes' set, especially since it conflicted with other great acts like St. Vincent.

Foster The People: FTP have certainly grown in popularity and showmanship since I saw them in Philly last fall. They pulled out all the stops for their first appearance at Bonnaroo: white suits, crazy light shows, big blow up figure, etc. and it definitely paid off.
Major Lazer: I first say Major Lazer the weekend prior at the Roots Picnic in Philly and was instantly hooked; you can't help but rage to their electronic reggae music. Though they could probably do without the hype man.
The Word & Dumpstaphunk: Though two completely separate sets these two bands kind of blur into one great late-night set of none stop dancing. The late night bands are what sets Bonnaroo apart from the rest--I usually just roam from one set to next in a constant state of dancing.

Saturday
Dawes: Yes, I saw Dawes twice and though their second set was more low key they ended it with a bang, playing "When my time comes" with total audience participation--you could see how happy/excited Taylor Goldsmith (lead singer) and band mates were at the sight of a crowd screaming their lyrics and rocking out. AND they did a signing after the set!!

Battles: A little experimental rock session--new music download
Childish Gambino: It's a little weird to watch Donald Glover go all "gangsta" when you are used to his Troy character on Community but he put on a great show and I'm excited to see him again in Philly next weekend!
The Roots: Always a good time, too bad they didn't play this.
Dispatch: Ahhh Dispatch! Played everything I wanted to hear and more...euphoria

Skrillex: The loudest set I've ever seen at the Which Stage (notorious for having sound issues), I'm pretty sure Skrillex brought extra speakers for the ultimate raging experience. Electronic dance-fest, yes please!

Sunday
Delta Spirit: Matt Vasquez you can start my day off any day of the week! Delta Spirit rocked my world as usual, opening the Which Stage Sunday morning with an awesome performance mainly from their new album.

Gary Clark Jr.: The reincarnation of Jimi Hendrix, enough said.
The Beach Boys: I was skeptical after watching their performance at the Grammy's but it actually was much better than I expected.
The Antlers: Great set, could have listened to them the rest of the afternoon.

Ben Folds Five: A little disappointing, definitely prefer Ben Folds solo.
Bon Iver: Bon Iver should only play live. Forget studio albums, just record everything live without auto-tune and I will be your biggest fan ever.
The Civil Wars: Possibly my favorite set of the weekend (it nearly brought me to tears). Joy Williams and John Paul White are probably the best duo of all time; their voices are magical. I've Got This Friend

The Shins: A great way to end an epic weekend of music.

Even though I had to skip some bands due to conflicts/overlapping of set times Bonnaroo was awesome and totally worth the 14 hour drive to Tennessee. It was a rude awakening going back to work on Tuesday; you quickly become accustomed to no showers, port-a-potties, lack of sleep, and a slight state of delusion all while watching your favorite, or soon to be favorite, bands rock out right in front of you. Bonnaroo itself is like a drug, an addicting drug that makes you want to come back year after year...don't mind if I do!