It’s the time of year when the major festivals begin to release their lineups. So far we’ve seen announcements from the likes of Coachella, Hangout, Shaky Knees, Governors Ball and this week – Bonnaroo. While we wait for the Jazz Fest lineup next week, let’s take a look at what Bonnaroo has on offer. For the past few years, the major criticisms of Bonnaroo have clustered around the relatively generic nature of their bookings since being acquired by Live Nation. Part of the thrill of attending these festivals year over year is getting to be part of a particular vibe that the organizers foster through their curation of the talent. It seemed for a bit as though Bonnaroo was drifting away from that core audience – but this year is a major return to form. First off – in a nod to Bonnaroo’s roots as a jam festival – we get three(!) sets from Phish (including two sets on Sunday alone) and a full band set from Jim James. This will have the immediate effect of bringing back some of the longtime attendees who have stayed away in recent years. But to be clear, this lineup is far from nostalgic – Phish share headlining duties with Childish Gambino (this will be a great chance to make up for the cancelled Voodoo Fest show), Post Malone, Odessa and The Lumineers among others. Future funk impresario GRiZ has been tapped to host the Superjam. These are fantastic signs of the festival holding true to its offbeat and eclectic style while embracing what is changing in music.
As usual, Bonnaroo really shines in the undercard. The festival remains a premier destination for seeing many of the emergent voices in indie rock in one place. This year All Them Witches, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Caroline Rose are all playing on Thursday. Friday features Courtney Barnett, Rival Sons, Cherry Glazerr and Parquet Courts. Saturday is truly stacked with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Bishop Briggs, Space Jesus and Rubblebucket. Sunday has Iglooghost and Bombino in addition to our Soul Rebels.
This is truly one of the great festival lineups I have seen in years. It’s modern but doesn’t break with Bonnaroo's overall style and feel. It looks to be an amazing summer on The Farm. While we wait, check out Nile Rodgers’ excellent set from last year.
To Do This Week
Tonight, George Ezra is at One Eyed Jacks. Tomorrow, Lincoln Durham is at Gasa and DJ Soul Sister is at One Eyed Jacks. Saturday, Space Jesus is at Republic with Of The Trees and Erica Falls is at Tips. Sunday, King Tuff is at One Eyed Jacks with Stonefield. Tuesday, Cole Williams is at Gasa. And Wednesday, Kill The Clock drops into Gasa with Nomad.
To Listen This Week
- Great new track from Girlpool via Youtube
- Ex Hex announce new record and release the first single via Youtube
- New track from Lana Del Rey in anticipation of her new record later this year via Youtube
