Surprises at Bonnaroo You Never See Coming!
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is fast approaching. In less than a week we will all be on that big, beautiful farm, high-fiving each other into the wee hours of the morning. Bonnaroo does a great job of delivering us with a packed schedule every year. Between the stellar sets, yoga, movies, comedy, classes and so much more, it can be difficult to fit it all in. But sometimes the best things at Roo aren’t on the schedule at all! Keep your eyes peeled while you mosey around, because you never know what you might find!
Guest Appearances
With so many amazing artists on hand, there are always collaborations you never see coming. Like last year when Zach Galifianakis and Jon Ham dropped by the Super Jam. Or that time in 2010 when Jack Black popped up at Steep Canyon Rangers with Steve Martin. Or when Annie Clark of St. Vincent showed up for The National’s set for a really powerful performance in 2013. Or that time in 2012 D’Angelo showed up for the ?uestlove Super Jam for his first US appearance in over a decade. It happens almost every year. The FOMO struggle is real, folks.
Late-Night Surprise Sets
I believe the saying goes “nothing good happens past 2 am.” But at Bonnaroo, a lot of the good stuff doesn’t happen until well past the witching hour! Bonnaroo is known for its surprise sets, especially for the sunrise crowd. And when they brought Kalliope to the Farm a few years ago, it quickly became “who will play ’til sunrise” central. We have been treated to surprise late-night sets from Skrillex and Cherub there. And over at Snake & Jakes we have seen Chromeo sneak in for a set unannounced during the Robe Party. Or what about the time that Mystikal showed up at the RedBull Music Academy of all places? I told you guys. FOMO. What on earth could they have in store for us this year?
Celebrities Are Fans, Too!
For its size, Bonnaroo is one of the most laid-back festivals you can find. Unlike some of its larger counterparts, Bonnaroo is less about “being seen” and more about “seeing for yourself.” Being able to blend into the crowd and enjoy a weekend away has become a huge draw for many celebrities. Who could forget last year when Chance the Rapper spent the weekend squirting people with water guns from behind a bandana (and he has confirmed he will be back to hang out again this year as well)! It’s also no secret that Bonnaroo is a favorite for Mumford & Sons. The band often spends several days there hanging out whether they are on the lineup or not. You may have seen them running around in costumes last year (which became the music video for their song “The Wolf”). Many artists often choose to hang out and wander for the weekend, so keep your eyes peeled for your own personal celebrity sightings (but remember they are there trying to have a good time, too, so keep it cool).
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD3iXpv4h-o[/embedyt]
Parades
Parades are a tradition at Roo. Sometimes they are scheduled, and sometimes they aren’t, so you never know when an improptu parade will pop up. In years past we have been led through Centeroo by the likes of Edward Sharpe and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Last year a parade led Bonnaroovians back to The Grove for a party, and a rowdy group of cheerleaders (complete with marching band) breezed around the campgrounds. So while you’re wandering around the Farm, be prepared to jump in a parade and dance to the beat of your own drum at any moment!
Get In On the Action
Bonnaroo often has what I like to call their “roving reporters” slinking around. These characters are often on a mission to get your take on your time at Bonnaroo and bestow upon you special gifts and experiences. In years past these have included Rhys Darby as Janson Skivvy, Festival Director. I’ve seen Reggie Watts wandering around to talk to anyone who wants to. And on a personal note, JB Smoove crashed our campsite to give us pancakes in 2012. These interactions usually make their way into super-fun videos at some point, helping you to remember all the great times you had. You really never know who you will run into at Bonnaroo!
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H8kAlROxsY[/embedyt]
We are certainly in for some great surprises this year at Bonnaroo, so keep your eyes and ears open for the goodness that ISN’T on the schedule! See you there!