Hello, there! Well, we survived Bonnaroo…although as you can tell, I was not able to update you on our experiences while I was there. Connection was very limited, and electricity even more so. So allow me a few moments to fill you in now.
Bonnaroo is an experience you can’t truly appreciate or understand unless you have been there. It is filled with music, art, activities, comedy, and more. People representing every stereotype are present, yet within the confines of the farm, those stereotypes don’t exist. People assume the best about people instead of the worst. My daughter dropped her iPhone 5…. Twice….. And it was returned to her both times. I had a random individual hand me the sweetest card with butterflies and well wishes. Yes, on the farm people are still imperfect. But our imperfections are accepted, even embraced.
Of course, there would be no Bonnaroo without the universal language of music. Just like every type of person is represented at the ‘Roo, so is every genre of music. Rock and roll, alternative rock, indie rock, hip hop, rap, bluegrass, country, folk, and even Weird Al (he deserves his own category, don’t you think?). This year, the knighthood was even represented. Sir Paul McCartney performed Friday night and hit it out of the park. No words can express just how epic his performance was. The crowd was filled with people young and old, all singing along. Jack Johnson did an amazing job of stepping in for Mumford and Sons at the last minute and put together a fantastic show. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis had everyone dancing while Matt and Kim had so much infectious energy it was ridiculous. I personally watched all these shows, plus: Of Monsters and Men, Passion Pit, The XX, ZZ Top, Portugal. The Man, Bjork, The Lumineers, R. Kelly, Billy Idol, Weird Al, Delta Rae, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, The National, The Mowgli’s, and Tom Petty. Wow. And you wonder why I say there are no words.
Don’t get me wrong – going to Bonnaroo is a commitment. No electricity, weak phone signals, limited hot water in showers for which you have to pay, dust and mud, and those Port-a-potties…. Scary. However, if you are brave enough to venture out of your comfort zone, you will definitely be rewarded. Happy Bonaroo, everyone.
Words from the Long Run 