Hometown:
New York City. I got my haircut at the same place as Woody Allen, and it's cheap!
How many years I’ve been Bonnaroo:
My first Roo was '04, then 06, 07, 08 and 09. Already stoked for '10.
Favorite Bonnaroo sets/Most memorable performances:
Late night Morning Jacket in '04 is a lifetime highlight. On top of their incredible live show, the covers they busted out (The Who, Rolling Stones and Misfits all in a row!). Their show in '07, in the pouring rain - I don't think anyone in that crowd left for a minute of that epic set. I would never miss them at Roo again.
In '06 I saw Dr. John late-night. It was downright funky and seeing him performing as Night Tripper was amazing. At one point I started freaking out, yelling at my friend that Mr. T and a Dragon were fighting, using Brass bands as their weapons. We went back the next morning and saw a Mr. T and a Dragon float! I wasn't delirious, I was right!
I never thought Bob Dylan could take over a crowd like he did in the 70's, but his set in '04 was truly breath-taking. It was incredible to see him reinvent and reinvigorate some of his old classics, as well as bang out his new, great stuff.
Andrew Bird in '06 blew me away. It's performances like these, that you check out on a whim, that make Bonnaroo so special for me. I have found countless new acts at Bonnaroo, seen them again in New York and Los angeles and talked to them about the experience - it's always just as great for them as it was for us.
And the sheer energy of Phish in '09 was incredible! I ran to the back of the crowd just to take it all in. I'd seen them numerous times before, at their own festivals and shows, but the crowd was one massive organism, bouncing along to the music. And I saw Bruce Springsteen dancing along on the side of the stage!
I always make sure to go to the Silent Disco. Where else can you see some of the world's top DJ's spinning for just you and a few other people, while you look like crazy fools to everyone else?
My favorite non-musical moment was becoming friends with one of the Centeroo food vendors through our mutual appreciation of Ananda Shankar. Three months later that food vendor opened his first restaurant, a block from my house! I walked in to check the new place out and we both started clapping and yelling. I've been eating free tacos ever since!
About me:
I am a 24 year old graphics designer. I live and work in Los Angeles, CA. Despite that and being from NYC, I am a hardcore Boston Red Sox fan. I love nothing more than live music and will do nearly anything be around it. I like to give away nuts and other little food items right before people enter Centeroo. I've had some hilarious moments through my generosity with nuts.
Bonnaroo isn't really much of an option for me anymore, it's a must. I have never been let down by a performance - I love the eclectic nature of music, styles, people and art. Glam rockers followed by jam rockers followed by hipsters, the bands reflect the crowd's mix and the best part? Everyone gets along so well!
What I bring:
Don't be ashamed to bring Baby-Wipes. They are your friend. The jokes and looks you may get from friends and convenience store workers are well worth the sheer joy of... well, trust me, it's just the better way to go to the bathroom at a festival.
Make friends with your neighbors. They'll look out for you and everyone's generosity is in full bloom during those four days. I've made friends I'm still in touch with - there's few things better than turning your parking area into a real neighborhood.
I always live by the rule of 2's. Even when it feels a bit excessive, it's important to have a back-up. I fell asleep in my chair on the big field during the last night of '07. I woke up after the show was over without my glasses on! I could barely see. I found them the next morning, crushed and trampled (but fixable later). But it was all good, cause I'd stored a 2nd set in the car, only to be used if something happened to the others. Same thing for sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, EVERYTHING!
But as with the rule of 2's, there's the rule of in-case. Boots, umbrella, tarp, jacket, and gas are all musts. While we all wish for a sunny and warm Roo, you're sadly susceptible to the elements, including those you induce yourself. Be sure you're prepared for sunshine and rainbows as well as cold and rain. Though, the best feeling is getting home and unpacking a clean pair of boots and an unused poncho.
Lastly, a bit of organizing never hurt anyone. Me? I'm a mess, a slob. My desk is like a hand grenade went off nearby. But when it comes to packing for the Roo, I'd rather spend a few minutes getting my trunk in order (thinking ahead of when I'll need to use different things) than constantly unpacking and repacking my car while I wish I were off seeing some music. Don't put that brand new, un-constructible tent in the very back of the trunk behind the Almond Butter and Baby Wipes.
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