Published: June 20, 2007 05:51 pm      

Bonnaroo music festival is worth the effort

Well, my friends — this week I was unable to make it to the movies. (I’ll wait until all the gasping and ha-rumphfing has settled … good.) Instead, I traveled down to Manchester, Tenn., to an annual musical festival known as “Bonnaroo” (Cajun slang for “a really good time.”). Some of you may know about it, some of you may not. So, I thought I’d write about my experiences there and perhaps sway a few of you to go to next year’s.

First of all, it’s a four-day event every June 14-17, which means you will be camping. (I’ve already lost some of you, haven’t I?) With over 100 bands to see, the main attraction is obviously the music. This year’s headliners were “The Police,” “Tool,” “The White Stripes” and “Wilco.”

But music is not where it ends. Bonnaroo also sports a carnival-like atmosphere with a Ferris wheel, arcade, food vendors, a comedy tent (this year’s had David Cross and Lewis Black), a movie tent (we caught some of “Borat”) and all kinds of side shows (like artisans, craftsmen and street performers.)

OK, on to my review of the shows.

I went mainly to see “The White Stripes” and, man, they didn’t let me down. Jack and Meg brought so much energy to the stage that it was actually palpable. “The Police,” believe it or not, were pretty lame. I love a lot of their songs, but the show was way mellow (I heard one dude say “If this song slows down anymore, it’ll stop.”). So we went over to “The Flaming Lips” stage. Now, that is how you put on a show. Sting could learn a thing or two from Wayne. Wow.

The band that I loved to watch the most was definitely “Gogol Bordello.” I know, many people haven’t heard of them, but if you get the chance, it’s like a total gypsy party or something. Also putting in a great show was “Regina Spektor” and “The Decemberists.”

Generally, Bonnaroo is known for its “Hippy Music” (meaning jam bands like “Bob Weir” or “The String Cheese Incident,” who were both there), but this year the schedule was pretty diverse. For instance, there was hip-hop (“The Roots” — who did too many covers for my taste), reggae (“Ziggy Marley” — who absolutely ruled), heavy metal (“Clutch” — who was decent), bluegrass (“Old Crow Medicine Show” — who was awesome), pop (“The Hot Chip” — such a fun show) and indie (“Spoon” — sweetsweetsweet). So, there really was something for everyone.

The DL: I will give it to you straight. Bonnaroo is a real blast … but it’s also a bit of a trial. You have to buck up and be a trooper. I mean, it’s really hot and you are out there all day around thousands and thousands of people. (I would put attendance upwards of 80,000). But if you can deal with all the bad parts, the good parts rule. For me, it’s worth every second.

But I was glad to get home … and shower.

To the Parents: I saw some little ones there. Not a lot, mind you — but some. Mainly though, it’s for an older crowd. I saw folks of all ages, but the biggest draw was from the 20- and 30-somethings.

Rating: If musical festivals were your mom, “Bonnaroo” would be pretty cool.

E-mail Patrick Vincent at fromthemoviemaven@hotmail.com.