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!!!!!