Thursday, June 10, 2010
After four days at Bonnaroo, I got 24 mosquito bites, felt like I had emphysema and was probably a few tangles away from having dreadlocks. I have no desire to be out in the sun for about a month. Despite the weather, neighbors, and the whole no-running-water thing, it was lots of fun. So here it goes.
Had we been two cars late, we would have parked in the same area we were at last year, which was so good – next to the Porta-Potties and just down the road from Centeroo. But we weren’t. We were right next to the road leading to the interstate. It took forever to get back to camp from Centeroo. But it could’ve been worse, so I shan’t complain too much.
Our camp was at the very end, near the pond. Like, right up on the pond. Little white things that looked a bit like dandelions (except there were no visible dandelions in the area) kept floating around. Mosquitoes only came out one night and weren’t much of a problem.
Some of our neighbors were pretty cool and kept to themselves. But one group from New York that was directly next to us was so loud. There were maybe 15 of them, and their tents all surrounded ours. It seemed like they never went to a show until the wee hours of morning, like they never left camp. They were there all morning and there all evening. They’d yell and tell the same unfunny jokes over and over. They’d also walk right through our camp – when we were sitting there! They’d leave trash, tarps, bottles, hair (yeah, a wad of hair from where they showered) next to our vehicle and campsite.
Aaaanyway, I was already sweating profusely after our camp was set up. Just like the feeling of pain, you forget some of the not-so-good (okay, downright bad) parts of an experience sometimes. I remembered it was uncomfortably hot last year – hot enough to make you sick – but I underestimated that. I remember it being humid, but I didn’t remember the feeling. Every day felt like it was the hottest. I think the heat index was supposedly 100 degrees. There was little breeze, and when it came it was fleeting. You could immediately feel your skin burning as you stepped into the sun. (By the way, there were loads of people who did not put on sunscreen and turned completely red as a result.)
The first show we went to was Fanfarlo. They were amazing and energetic. I was by the speakers and saw this one guy in the backstage area who was air-drumming throughout their whole set. He had a Beatles hairdo and was dressed in a long-sleeve shirt and tie. I saw him at other stages and tents throughout the festival and was never sure what he actually did.
Next up was Elizabeth Cook. She was performing at the Troo Music Lounge, which is a smaller, more intimate stage. I think lots of people were sitting down throughout the set. She was okay. The microphone was turned up too loud, making her voice sound piercing. It was fun, though. The songs were good and Elizabeth tap danced a little.
After Elizabeth Cook, we made our way to see Manchester Orchestra and got a spot in the front. The guy 
standing next to me kept looking my way, which was awkward since he was significantly taller than I am. Each time he turned he’d get in my way. No matter. He ended up leaving afterwards. Up next was NeedToBreathe, and I squeeze my way more to the center. NTB was uh-may-zing. They didn’t play “Hurricane,” but it was fun singing along to the other songs.
I thought about going to see Blitzen Trapper afterwards, but just went on to see some of Frank Turner at Troo. He was pretty entertaining. If I remember correctly, he had someone from the audience come on stage and play the harmonica.
That Thursday was a good start to the festival. The highlight for me was NeedToBreathe, but Friday was going to be my main day.
More photos here and videos here.
