Bonnaroo’s Human Scavenger Hunt: A Chat with Bonnaroo Chris
If you have ever been to Bonnaroo before (and maybe even if you haven’t!), you have probably heard about Bonnaroo Chris. The Farm’s very own Where’s Waldo, finding Chris while wandering from stage to stage has become a huge game of hide and seek for Bonnaroovians. Find him, and you will be rewarded with one of his famous Bonnaroo stickers. But there is a whole lot more to Bonnaroo Chris than stickers and selfies.
We recently chatted with him to learn more about his love for Bonnaroo, how he got to where he is, and how he brought his passion for helping others to The Farm.
When was your first Bonnaroo?
My first Bonnaroo was in 2007, and the headliners were The Police, Tool and Widespread Panic. It was so freaking hot, and my buddy Mike and I were completely unprepared. We didn’t bring enough shade or general supplies, and yet we had the most amazing and unforgettable experience. Some highlights besides the headliners: Clutch, Ben Harper playing with John Paul Jones, Gov’t Mule’s late night set and the following Sunday morning sunrise, and the entire White Stripes’ set.
What was it that got you hooked on Roo?
What keeps me coming back is the people. The music is always fantastic, but the camaraderie that occurs at this festival is awesome. That energy may wane some years (looking at you, 2011), but it is always a large part of the experience. Everyone is happy, polite and a bit selfless. I’ve met and befriended so many people from all over the U.S. and the world. Those Canadians are a fun bunch! It’s also been interesting to watch the rise of online social connectivity and how that has allowed Bonnaroovians to stay in touch throughout the other 361 days of the year.
You’re kind of a celebrity there now! When did you first start handing out the stickers and what gave you that idea?
I used to bring random stickers from my favorite band, bar or whatever and put them around Centeroo or hand them out to random people in the crowd. I didn’t start making Roo-specific stickers until 2011. I talked about it on my blog, BonnarooChris.com, and then in social media, and soon folks were asking how they could find me to get one. There are now thousands of people looking for me each year! It’s a bit surreal and a lot of fun. I knew I had achieved proper status when I saw graffiti in my honor.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Bonnaroo?
I’m looking forward to Pearl Jam’s return to the Farm. Their 2008 set was epic. (Plus, they [allegedly] started the whole Kanye debacle.) I’m also looking forward to seeing the band Clutch. They were the first band I saw in 2007 and I caught them again on the Farm in 2010. I’m curious to see the newly installed bathrooms and how those survive, too. And I’m absolutely looking forward to being away from the outside world for four glorious days, surrounded by music and positive vibes.
Do you go to any other festivals?
I have been and still go to other festivals but not on the regular basis like Bonnaroo. I caught the Grateful Dead back in ’95, and while I realize it wasn’t a festival, the atmosphere is totally similar. I also caught some Phish shows, Clifford Ball and NYE 2000. I guess my first festival was Lollapalooza in ’96, which featured Metallica, Soundgarden, The Ramones, some Shaolin Monks, and the Screaming Trees. I was hooked. If you’re bored, you can read every concert/event I’ve ever attended at ConcertChris.net.
Now you’re not just a festival attendee but also part of Planet Roo with ShelterBox. How did you get involved with that organization?
I started volunteering for ShelterBox in 2013 after hearing about it from a friend. I just loved the mission and the people involved with the organization. In 2014, I noticed the application for Planet Roo and decided to take a chance and apply on ShelterBox’s behalf. I’m pleased to report that ShelterBox was accepted for the third year in a row! In other news, I took another chance and applied to work for ShelterBox USA (the U.S. headquarters is in South Florida where I live) and got the job! I handle their marketing communications.
What is ShelterBox for those who may not know?
ShelterBox is a disaster relief charity that provides immediate emergency shelter to survivors of a natural or man-made disaster, anywhere in the world. It’s completely funded through private donations and volunteer driven with thousands of volunteers around the world. You can learn more about it at ShelterBoxUSA.org or come visit us in Planet Roo this year.
Where can people come find you and ShelterBox at Bonnaroo this year?
The ShelterBox tent will be somewhere in Planet Roo, near the Post Office. You can’t miss it, because we have one set up for people to check it out. I’ll be there every morning of the festival which is the easiest way to find me. I’ll also be leading the class ‘Preparing for the worst day ever: Lessons from ShelterBox’ at the Planet Roo Academy on Sunday at 11 am. Otherwise, look for my standard uniform: long sleeve shirts, colored bandannas around the neck and wrist, and my new blue Kavu hat. I will post real-time locations and updates via Twitter.com/BonnarooChris.
Any regrets?
Only the Bonnaroos I missed.
