Creative Loafing writers Arielle Stevenson and Andrew Silverstein have journeyed north to Tennessee for the weekend to brave the wilds of the four-day fest otherwise known as Bonnaroo, jumping from stage to stage, snapping photos (the ones currently included are all by Andrew), talking to musicians on the fly (audio interviews to be added next week), and reporting back here throughout the weekend about their adventures. Photographer Tracy May is also in the field and will be submitting his own pics later as well; currently, all shots included here are by Andrew unless otherwise noted…
The following is their transmissions direct from the fest, including some photos, with more to be added later; make sure to keep checking back for updates…
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THURSDAY, JUNE 10
Why isn’t mud a four letter word? It should be. Please understand, there is quality to the earthy feeling you get knowing you’re at the mercy of mother nature. The first day is probably the hardest of the weekend as the ‘Roo-gin half of this coverage team can attest. Everyone is utterly exhausted from the drive up, and like a child refusing to nap, they continue on stubbornly.
Well, that first day of Bonnaroo has come and gone and we're … still alive. Manchester graced us and around 80,000 others with a comfortably warm atmosphere and a slew of great, and not-so-great, but more so great acts on this kick-off Thursday. Here's the rundown on all the bands we got to catch.
Joe Robinson, 1-2 p.m.
Don’t be fooled by this Aussie’s baby face; the 19-year-old is one hell of a guitar player. My first musical act of the festival was an unexpected treat. Wandering without a direction from our campsite towards what sounded like potentially self-indulgent 50-somethings from a far was actually the fresh face of blues and jazz guitar. In 2008, Robinson won Australia’s Got Talent at the tender age of 16. And he is good, really good. His back-up band, Elmwood, equaled Robinson’s age and skill level, and all together, they made some beautiful musical love. Robinson is well-trained and has the chops to back up the emotion in his playing. Imagine if Jimi Hendrix, Peter Frampton and Stevie Ray Vaughn had a baby that John Coltrane delivered… Keep an eye on Robinson, who just moved to the states over a month ago. For the hordes of invigorated 'roo-goers like myself, Robinson was a pleasant surprise to kick off this festival. —Arielle
The Postelles [pictured right], 4:15-5 p.m.
With the kick of a bass drum and a swell of howling feedback, the Postelles made it known they were the right dudes to get the party started. Sunny and exuberant with just enough overdrive to let us know they aren't raging sissies, The Postelles played a great, energetic show that, from the looks of it, perked the ears of a lot of new listeners (including myself). "This might be the best show we've ever played," remarked lead man Daniel Balk. I think he might be right. —Andrew
This article appears in Jun 10-16, 2010.