Bonnaroo VIDEO!!!!

Bonnaroo Day 3!!!!!

Day 3 –

After the My Morning Jacket experience, Cara and I were wondering, “how could this get any better?” Well we had all of Saturday to find out with the expectation that PEARL JAM would absolutely kill it. Before we get to that, let us continue with the earlier parts of the day.

Once again we woke up and met up with The Press Project at the “Which” stage, waiting for Alyssa to pick us up for showers. I don’t quite know how we managed to pull this one off but we fit about 15 people in a 10 person car – which I think, only added to the excitement of it all (as well as a combined sweaty mess and stink, haha).

Quick showers and more waffle house eggs, hash browns (which you could get with onion, chili, cheese, jalapeño peppers, etc), orange juice and coffee – made way for Day 3.

Our first stop was the Sonic Stage to meet up with everyone from Ourstage and to see one of the bands they brought to Bonnaroo – The Sons Of Roswell. While I was watching this show I felt a bit strange because the guitar player kept trying to follow the lead singer, and the bassist was a bit unsure of what he was doing – little did I know that a week before Bonnaroo, their original lead singer quit and they had written a whole set worth of new songs in a week – it was very impressive because aside from their nervous faces, the band sounded good.

After their performance we ran over to see Ozomatli who once again –ROCKED. Everyone in the crowd was loving it, dancing and having a great time.

Quickly back to the Sonic stage to catch Donavon Frankenreiter for a small intimate show. While I was hanging out in the Ourstage tent, I saw a kid signing his demo cd’s – his name was Timmy Whiting – so naturally I told him, “it’s the greatest name ever”. There was a woman beside him who told me she was his mother and we talked for a bit – I met the whole family who was so stoked to be at Bonnaroo – such warm people. They were a bunch of surfers (so I felt a connection there) and each of the children played a different instrument – the next Partridge Family perhaps…who knows. The fathers name was Tim as well – too many Tim’s for such a small tent, I don’t know if anyone was ready for it, haha. What was great was that their favorite artist was in fact….Donavon Frankenreiter and Laura/Alyssa gave them the chance to go backstage to meet him. To see the smiles on their faces as they met one of their music heroes was such an amazing experience, it’s really what this festival is all about . . . once again Ourstage hooked everyone up big time!




Next Cara and I made our way to see B.B King – you have to go B.B its like an unwritten rule. We saw him be presented with a key to the city, which was well deserved – but after the first song I received a call from Alyssa that Talib Kweli was going to do an interview with her at the Ourstage tent and Cara and I were invited to sit in on it!!!!!


We ran back, only to find that Talib had a signing in another tent at 6:30 and would come do the interview after it – this wasn’t too bad because I knew Cara wanted to swing by Ben Folds and I wanted to see Iron & Wine. Ben Folds played a few strange songs (which he does from time to time) and the show overall wasn’t bad, I Knew Cara wished he played something she recognized, so we then walked over to Iron & Wine saw a few songs, quickly heard a bit of Levon Helm and The Ramble On The Road – you know him from The Band, “take a load off Annie…” He was awesome and we wished we could see a bit more but Talib awaited our arrival, hahah so we ran back to the Ourstage tent.

We sat right next to Talib as Alyssa gave an amazing interview. He was such a nice guy, very well spoken, not to mention I have always been a fan of his awesome lyrics. I really wanted to get a pic/autograph but he rushed out of the tent to get ready for his show, and I was feeling a bit bummed until Cara goes “Hey Talib can you sign this for my B/f”, hahah, Yea Cara!!! So he did, he signed my cd- which I really was getting for my brother who is a huge fan – as well as the best brother in the world (sorry all you other brothers from different mothers, haha yea I’m a cheese ball)

Cara and I didn’t have much time to see Jack Johnson up close and personal, we did listen from our tent before taking a nap to get ready for Pearl Jam.



Here is where things get a bit crazy, the security at Pearl Jam was out of control, and we broke off from our Ourstage friends who tried to get backstage with their press passes. They told us to wait by this fence which was at a direct 180 degree angle to the stage which meant, we couldn’t see a thing – and hopefully once they got in, 2 press passes could be passed back to us and we would go in. I was constantly in touch with Alyssa who was saying even they were having trouble getting in – things weren’t looking good. While we waited, I was standing next to a security guard who said even he couldn’t get in . . . ok things weren’t looking good at all, in fact they looked horrible. Through talking with him he sort of got the notion that I worked for Ourstage and was saying he is the contact for Roger Alan Wade – who is Johnny Knoxville’s cousin and a singer who worked with Johnny Cash – Idk, basically he wanted Ourstage to do an interview with him, so I pretended I worked for Ourstage just in case they wanted the interview. The guard liked us a lot and said he would try to get us backstage…Score….though I’m sad to say things never materialized. BUT…….

While we waited, everyone behind us kept pushing up towards the stage and soon enough Cara and I were at this gate where the guards said no one else was allowed in, passes or not. BUZZKILL!




Suddenly another guard saw us and said alright, you 2 can go in…..WHAT….we ran in and I was so excited I didn’t even realize we were in the front pit FRONT ROW!!!!! OF PEARL JAM!!!!! I looked back to see 70 thousand people. The show was INCREDIBLE……that’s all I need to say about that that, Eddie Vedder was awesome, the whole band was.

We were tired after the show but we pushed ourselves to go see Lupe Fiasco – who was good, and Talib Kweli which we got to sit in front of the first row while Andy took some video of us rocking out – Talib was out of this world.


Then Cara and I went backstage and when Talib finished his set he was standing right next to us, with his DJ while the crowd cried “Talib, Talib, Talib…” He was deciding which songs to do next…..RIGHT NEXT TO US. Suddenly the clean up crew ran on stage and started breaking down the set and despite Talib’s manager’s cries not to, it was too late. Talib was a bit bummed but either way the show was amazing.

Back to our tent for some sleep and onto Day 4!!!!!

Bonnaroo Day 2!!!!

Day 2-

After rocking out into the early morning hours, it was finally time for bed. Cara and I made our way back to our tent, which was in a key position (about 5 mins from the main stage and 2 minutes from the bathrooms – which is always a plus). Hoping to get a good nights rest for our big day on Friday, we were suddenly awoken by the 100-degree heat steaming through our tents, causing our blood to boil. Who knew that the minute the sun came up, hell itself broke loose upon that 700 acre farm. . . maybe we were naive – but whatever the case may have been we decided to go outside and lay in some shade until about 8 am.





Shortly there after we met up with Alyssa and the members of the band The Press Project (who were all really cool and fun to be around). Now here is where you will have to forgive us for not being completely true to the spirit of Bonnaroo – by this I mean staying dirty, sweaty and un-showered for 4 days straight. Ourstage totally spoiled us in allowing us to use the showers back at their hotel, but whose complaining? In our defense we did make them quick showers. . hahaha . . but we have bigger fish to fry – the ones inside our stomachs which ached for food. Luckily there was a good ole fashion Waffle House right next to the hotel which was true to the soul of TN – with the hostess’ name being “Mouse” (who mind you was pregnant at the same time)- a beautifully wonderful person who gave us 10% discount cards each day!

But enough about showers and food lets get to the heart of this post. . . the bands. Our day began with the Latin inspired “Grupo Fantasma” who held an intimate show on the sonic stage before heading out to perform on the main stages. Their sound was amazing, think of Ozomatli . .not to mention they were super cool guys who signed a CD for me. Next up was the always brilliant, State Radio – who also held a smaller show on the sonic stage which was perfect because it allowed me to head backstage with my press pass and meet Chad Stokes Urmstorm!!!!! I did the cheesy thing and took a picture with him . . I apologize but I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Some of the other highlights of the day – Stephen Marley, The Swell Season!!!! – who put on an AMAZING show, just such a cool and fun vibe, they really get the crowd involved and make you feel like you are sitting in small bar in Ireland, drunk, and having the time of your life!

The Raconteurs = great

I know I know I know I know – I missed Willie Nelson, well I heard him play I just didn’t have the time to swing over towards his tent – but I did get to see M.I.A who as Alyssa said “was almost a religious experience”.

!!! announced that it was M.I.A’s last show and she was retiring – or so I heard – who really knows the truth, but I find it hard to believe – I don’t know I guess keep your eyes and ears open on that front.

Chris Rock was hilarious as usual. But after Chris Rock, Cara and I were a bit tired so we decided to take a short nap before heading over to My Morning Jacket. This proved to be the perfect time for a nap because METALLICA was coming on, and who really wants to see that show (sorry all metallica fans, there is just something about that band and Lars that I can’t get passed- but that’s not to knock anyone that loves them).

Moving on to more important things – we met up with Alyssa who once again from the kindness of her heart, lent us use two of her press passes to sneak up front for the show. Now, when I say upfront – I don’t mean like front row – that just won’t do for Ourstage! To quote The Dude – “That will not stand. . . . man” – haha. No, when I say up front I am talking, in front of the front row, ahead of that barrier, I WAS SITTING ON THE SUBWOFFER!! Cara and I were in fact, the closest people to the band – to the point that one of the Olsen twins was standing behind us – hahah – SCORE – we are mort important than the Olsens!






As you can see from the pictures, I could literally reach out and grab the guitar out of their hands. What made this show even more spectacular was that we were caught in a downpour, the rain blew in and onto the stage drenching the band but with their beautiful light show, something felt angelic about the whole scene. I had to step back and take a moment to just get myself past the amazing music and feel myself in this picturesque situation. MMJ played for 3 hours with a short intermission and let me tell you – it was incredible to say the least. The set list was as follows:

01 “Evil Urges”

02 “Off The Record”

03 “Gideon”

04 “Hot Fun In The Summertime” (Sly & the Family Stone) *

05 “Highly Suspicious”

06 “What A Wonderful Man”

07 “I’m Amazed”

08 “Thank You Too”

09 “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 1”

10 “Sec Walkin”

11 “Golden”

12 “Two Halves”

13 “Lay Low”

14 “Hit It and Quit It” (Funkadelic)

15 “Tyrone” (Erykah Badu)

16 “Steam Engine”—>drum solo

17 “Anytime”

18 “Aluminum Park”

19 “Easy Morning Rebel” *

20 “Dancefloors” *

21 “One Big Holiday” (w/ Kirk Hammett)

22 “Cold Sweat” (James Brown) *

23 “Get Down On It” (Kool & the Gang) *

24 “Across 110th Street” (Bobby Womack) *

25 “Wordless Chorus”

26 “Phone Went West”

27 “Mahgeetah”

28 “Oh Sweet Nuthin” (The Velvet Underground)

29 “Librarian”

30 “Bermuda Highway” (Jim James solo)

31 “Dondante”

32 “Run Thru”

33 “Smokin From Shootin”

34 “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2”
35 “Home Sweet Home (Feat. Zach Galifianakis as Little Orphan Annie) (Mötley Crüe)

* w/Jeff Coffin on saxophone and the Nashville/Louisville Horns

Time for sleep – and the big day tomorrow PEARL JAM!!!!!

After a long day of flights / layovers and anticipation of our first Bonnaroo experience, we made our way over to our hotel and tried to get in some sleep before meeting up with the amazing and glamorous Ourstage family in the morning. . . . Ok so the part about getting some sleep was a bit of a lie, because with all of that excitement dancing elegantly over our heads how could anyone sleep . . . right? So I’ll try this again, once we made our way over to the hotel we stayed awake with the magic and mystery that lay before us on that beautiful 700 acres of 100% home grown Manchester TN land.

But back to our story. . . The next morning we met up with Alyssa, one of the most beautiful and genuine people I have the pleasure of knowing – and Andy only the best camera man there is as well as a great new friend of mine who I hope to travel and climb many mountains with (in case you weren’t sure, check out Alyssa’s Blog to see just how much Andy hearts mountains!).

Before we knew it we were whisked away via the secret VIP only entrance – and out towards our campsite where with the help of Alyssa and Andy, we got our tent up in no time and oh what a glorious tent it was!!!.

There is way too much to fill in the gaps of this story so we will stick with some of the highlights. Our first stop was the Ourstage tent located directly next to the Sonic Stage, which would be “the stage” (pun intended) of many great performances by some of the best bands around as well as many of the brightest indie artists trying to make it in the crazy world of music. These included bands like State Radio, Ozomatli, Donavon Frankenreiter, and the Ourstage exclusive bands The Press Project, The Sons Of Roswell, MorningBell and Don Dilego.

We met up with the rest of the Ourstage family that included Steph – whose smile can light up any room, Laura – who brought that beautiful Bulgarian Flare that we all desperately needed – as well as being super cool and kind, and Chris – the silent warrior who presence was felt by everyone!

Quickly we were rushed off to have our first DJ Lesson!! – Thanks to Scratch.com we had a personal lesson in which my skills could not match my g/f Cara’s natural ability to tear it up with the transformer scratch – only one of the most difficult scratch techniques known to man!

Oh and the bands!!!! – We got up close and personal (like backstage close) with Vampire Weekend! and MGMT!

But let us not forget others like Superdrag and Grupo Fantasma.

Day 1 – Amazing . . . stay tuned for what Day 2 held in store for us!