Survival List

Since this is my first trip to Bonnaroo, I’ve been doing some research on how to survive the four days in the hot Tennessee summer sun.  I’m a city boy, and my experience with camping has gone about as far as the New Jersey State Parks.  Naturally, I was a bit apprehensive about being dropped off in the middle of a Manchester farm to live in a tent with no air conditioning and no bathroom.

While Bonnaroo may be primarily about the music and atmosphere, it is impossible to enjoy it all without being properly equipped to live there. Think about how frustrating it would to drive thousands of miles away from home to realize you don’t have enough pairs of underwear or socks. Or when a summer thunderstorm hits, how deflating would it be to realize you left your poncho home?

The following is a still-developing list of the most-crucial survival elements for Bonnaroo 2009, compiled from a number of blogs, Web sites and first-hand accounts.

The Essentials:

– Water: Lots of it; the sun can suck the energy right out of you if you’re dehydrated.
– Food: While your space may be limited, it’s better than spending $5 on a slice of pizza.
– Money/Tickets/Directions: Duh.
– Extra clothes: This includes more underwear, socks, t-shirts and shorts than you think you need.
– Shelter: A tent (or two) with enough space to fit you and your friends.
– Sleeping bag/Blankets/Pillows: Anything to make you comfortable sleeping on the floor.
– Sun screen: The last thing you want to worry about is an uncomfortable sun burn.
– Sun glasses: How else would you be able to see your favorite acts through the glaring sun?
– Jacket/Poncho: For when late-night jam sessions get chilly, or when the rain comes.
– Camera: You’re going to want to capture these memories to show your kids – or maybe not.

Helpful Additions:

– Kettle grill: To cook food and, again, to save some money.
– First aid kit: Because you never know when a mini-disaster may strike – include aspirin.
– Bug spray/Citronella candles: Apparently the bugs are a major problem in Manchester.
– Cooking utensils: Pots, pans, bowls, plates, can openers, aluminum foil, among others.
– Wet wipes: You’d be surprised how multi-useful these really are.
– Wine/Beer/Booze: Come on now, it’s Bonnaroo.
– Cooler/Ice: To make sure you keep all those beverages and food nice and chilly.
– Extra, old shoes: The farm is known to get rather muddy in the rain.
– Can opener: Imagine trying to get into a can of baked beans with a survival knife.
– An open mind: Things have been known to get freaky, so be prepared.

Welcome!

Bonnaroo or Bust! is a blog dedicated entirely to the 2009 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, written from the point of view of a first-time festival goer. This preview will attempt to look at every possible aspect of Bonnaroo, from the bands that are set to play to artists set to show off their work. 

As a city boy who grew up just across the Hudson River from New York City in northern New Jersey, a trip to rural Manchester, Tennessee would undoubtedly place me out of my element.  However, after the line-up was released and some persuasion from friends, I bought my ticket without much trepidation.

One of the things that attracted me to Bonnaroo was that it felt like a modern-day Woodstock. As an avid music lover raised by “Deadheads,” I remember being a kid wishing that grew up in my parents’ era.  The music was classic, the country was in political transition and people were the epitome of carefree.

There can be some major parallels drawn between Woodstock in 1969 and Bonnaroo, 40 years later. Both occurred during times of protested wars, both attracted music and art lovers from across the country and both featured some of the most recognizable names in the recording industry at the time. Still, Bonnaroo is not Woodstock, nor does it claim to be. 

The major difference between the two festivals is that unlike Woodstock, Bonnaroo has been held annually since 2002.  What started off as an indie, new-age hippie festival has since attracted the likes of such music mega-stars as Kanye West, The Police and Radiohead.

This year’s Bonnaroo lineup is chock-full of big-name artists as well; Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band headline, along with Phish (who will be playing two shows over the four days), The Beastie Boys and Nine Inch Nails.  In addition, soul legend Al Green will take the stage, as well as notorious rapper Snoop Dogg, and the art-punk trio, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Bonnaroo promises to be the event of a lifetime, and Bonnaroo or Bust! will attempt to take patrons every step of the way.  This blog will spotlight musicians, bands, artists and comedians, as well as give tips for how to survive on a farm in the middle of Tennessee.  It will also feature interviews with past and future Bonnaroo attendees, shed light on breaking news and suggest some noticeable absences from the 2009 lineup.

Bonnaroo or Bust!  will be updated at least twice a week – more if necessary.  Until then, I look forward to exploring the world of Bonnaroo and am always open to suggestions about possible artist spotlights.