We’re doing it again!
If you haven’t started planning out your weekend or if you aren’t heading down to The Farm at all, we have you covered- we’ve been breaking down and researching this lineup for a couple weeks now. Beaver and I are not only really excited for some of the top billings, but have also found some gems hidden in the smaller print. This year’s Bonnaroo has some of our favs, Moon Taxi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ron Gallo, Moses Sumney, St Paul and The Broken Bones, and Sturgill Simpson, but we wanted to highlight some new folks. There are far less Louisville bands on this year’s lineup, but the superjam has very close ties to us- Into the Great Wide Open part 2!!!! The list we’ve created is fairly comprehensive, yet it doesn’t even begin to represent everything we plan to see. We did the legwork so you don’t have to, and even if you can’t join, we’ve got some music you need to check out ASAP.
Bonnaroo round 2, let’s goooooo!
Worth Checking Out
At only 22, it is crazy that this Australian is creating this level of music. Tash is a multi-instrumentalist who essentially provides every element of a band… impressive shit. If you like Jack Garratt or Maggie Rogers, check this set out
Friday 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM, This Tent
Daniel Caesar provides the emotional R&B soundtrack to your life… and a couple of our favorite TV shows. We’ve definitely slow dance to Mr. Caesar. If you like Frank Ocean or Sampha, check this set out.
Sunday 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM, This Tent
Another young Aussie laying out some truths to the tune of indie-pop. If you like Courtney Barnett or Julian Baker, check this set out.
Friday 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM, What Stage
This Canadian supergroup includes musicians from Metric and Feist. If you like The New Pornographers or Dirty Projectors, check this set out.
Sunday 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, That Tent
Jalen N’Gonda definitely has that retro vibe people seem to be into right now. There isn’t a whole lot of music out to his name, but the buzz around him is loud and clear. If you like Leon Bridges or Anderson East, check this set out.
Thursday 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM, New Music On Tap Lounge Brewed By Miller Lite
16 year old, LA Based, Billie Eilish’s ocean eyes went viral on spotify last month with over 50 million plays. She is in the vein of Lorde and Lana Del Ray. We’ll be there for what is sure to be her first of many Bonnaroo appearances and hoping to see a guest appearance from Khalid for lovely. If you like Lorde or Lana Del Ray, check this set out.
Saturday 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM, Which Stage
Beaver the movie man was thrilled to hear that Manchester Orchestra is involved in films including the score for Swiss Army Man. They’re the type of band that I always recognize but never can memba. This may change that? Honestly, I can’t believe we’ve never seen them.
Friday 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, Which Stage
This kid has had a huge year, being recognized as one of the best up and coming acts of the past year. He’s gotten nominated for all of that new artist stuff. His music is young and carefree but his presentation makes it seem more serious. Personally, I love his voice and want to know what he’s like live.
Friday 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM, Which Stage
Britt saw this London based band right after the release of their self-titled and only album. A London based soul collective is so up our alley. They have released a couple of singles this year, and I’m looking forward to that meshed with jams like “Busy Earnin.’”
Sunday 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, Which Stage
Beaver was most intrigued by the name (and the thought of maybe noodles for breakfast), but upon researching and listening, Michelle Zauner’s solo project of experimental pop and lo-fi sounds are sure to be a great way to kick off Bonnaroo Friday.
Friday 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM, This Tent
FINALLY
We recently revisited 8 Mile and this might be our most hyped shows of the weekend. What is there to say about Eminem? He is one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generation and Beaver can’t wait to finally have a reason to dawn his necklace and white t-shirt.
Saturday 10:45 PM – 12:25 AM, What Stage
Their themes of social isolationism, economics, government oppression, and Orewelian influences may have made them popular on the alt-right in recent years, but that has never been the intention or the beliefs of the band themselves. If you don’t believe us research their interview with Glen Beck back in 2012. We are definitely hoping for some 2000s nostalgia with their indie anthems of Knights of Cydonia and Supermassive Black Hole.
Friday 10:30 PM – 11:45 PM, What Stage
If you were a teen in the 2000’s then you know Paramore and probably know them well. It is exciting to see them back and playing major festivals. I read that their Boston Calling performance was one of the best of the weekend, reigniting my feelings about catching this set at Bonnaroo.
Friday 6:15 – 7:15, What Stage
Aubrey and Brittany may have seen them, but Beaver is excited to check them out after missing them in Louisville this fall. The electro pop duo may be one of the few bands that may actually get us dancing.
Saturday 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM, That Stage
Even though we fully agree that Future is usually better on other people’s tracks, his high billing this weekend makes him an obvious set we will check out.
Sunday 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM, What Stage
Clearly Stephen Lee Bruner is a musical genius. If you look at the list of his album appearances, including Kendrick Lamar, Kamasi Washington, Flying Lotus, Erykah Badu, and Lando himself, Childish Gambino, he is doing something that everyone wants.
Sunday 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM, This Tent
I mean the woman is a legend. Maybe all the young people won’t be as thrilled as we are. Great, more room for us.
Saturday 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM, Which Stage
Have to See… Again
So we are so extra and are about to be blessed with 3 Bon Iver sets in 5 days. I am beyond confident that all three experiences will be completely different. (We are heading to Indy for their show Tuesday.) Justin Vernon and crew will be playing The Which stage twice in one night, sandwiching Eminem. While looking at that schedule seems odd now, the metamorphic nature of Bon Iver will definitely work.
Saturday 9:45 PM – 10:45 PM, Which Stage
Saturday 12:25 AM – 1:55 AM, Which Stage
Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals
The only time we’ve ever seen Anderson .Paak we were completely in awe of how much energy and passion this artist puts into his live shows. Not only does he provide vocals, he plays the drums and is a hellion on stage. Get ready, Bonnaroo.
Saturday 8:45 PM – 9:45 PM, What Stage
One of the few mainstream bands still performing pure Rock, they are sure to dazzle us as they have in the past. The Killers always have one of the most impressive light shows and energizing performances at festivals and we have know doubt the spectacle of The Vegas band will not disappoint.
Sunday 10:15 PM – 11:35 PM, What Stage
The postmodern lyricism of Alt-J makes for a mesmerizing and immersive concert experience. We can’t wait to revisit one of our favorite indie bands of the decade.
Sunday 9:15 PM – 10:15 PM, Which Stage
Into the Great Wide Open
So it is really fucking cool that the core of this Super Jam is the exact same one that performed at Headliners last year. Seriously, there is so much Louisville in this set: MMJ’s Patrick Hallahan and Tom Blankenship, Mark Charles Heidinger of Vandaveer, Craig Pfunder from VHS or Beta, and The Watson Twins. Plus, it’s all Tom Petty. We have to stay up for this one.
Friday (well technically Saturday) 1:15 AM – 3:00 AM, This Tent
Live Music Louisville 