The Bonnaroo Chronicles ALL THE REST ('cept the music)
ALL THE REST ('cept the music)
"Patience Grasshopper," it's a comin'........(you would be Grasshopper, Richard)
Bonnarooooooooo......The atmosphere is unbelievable --- music can be heard all over, non-stop, people are friendly, attitudes are mellow, tempers are even --- it's all about good times and good music.
Our neighbors on one side -- Tim, Laurie, Leah, and Andy -- were from Massachusettes. Matt and I were having issues with putting up our tent -- basically, we didn't have a clue. Laurie noticed, recruited Tim, and he taught me. I was so grateful, I bought Laurie a shower as I didn't know how else to repay them. She was pretty miserable in the heat. And, as a result, was a total grouch and mean to Tim. I figured that would be the best way to repay him. I doubt they used the money for a shower, but who knows. They were very much hippies --or wanted to be -- my impression was that they were just 'starting out.' Tim was the only one who had the true unwashed, tangled up, dreds in full effect. At any rate, he was the leader and obviously the only one who had lots of experience with camping. He was also my favorite, and not just because he helped us set up camp. He was just genuinely a nice guy. I overheard him telling Laurie that he 'used to be fat' when he was a teenager. I was immediately enamored of him. I am a COMPLETE sucker and protector of underdogs -- always have been. Andy was really sweet too, and had he not been with that group I would never have known he was a hippie. Leah was really quiet, so I didn't get a feel for her personality, other than the fact that she was a little shy. Unfortunately, we heard from Laurie the most. She had a comment about everything, and was incredibly whiny, so much so that she even got on Matt's nerves. They were very nice and friendly to me, especially Andy, but I think I made them uncomfortable. Maybe they thought I was a narc. :o) I was truly a minority on the farm, that's for sure!!
On the other side of our tent resided a group of about 7-8 college-age guys, also from Massachusettes, and so dubbed the 'Boston Boys.' Not very creative I know, but the heat was relentless and frying my tired brain. They immediately announced to us (not to me really) that they had some good headies and invited everyone for a 'wake and bake.' I didn't see a lot them after the first night.
Thursday was strange to say the least. After setting up camp, we wandered around Bonnaroo and then into Centeroo for a bit. Picture the way New York City is--- everyone walking by each other very quickly, no one making eye contact. Such were the streets of Bonnaroo. As people passed by -- key words could be heard -- those vocabulary words I told you about before -- Molly, Chocolates, Doses. Groups would stop, exchange pleasantries and goods and then be on their way. The concept of basic supply and demand at it's most elemental. I have to be honest, it was a little too seedy for me and a bit off-putting at first. I was hoping the rest of the weekend didn't go on this way. I truly wanted to just enjoy the music, but not at the cost of being subjected to this the entire time. I needn't have worried, I wasn't and was able to enjoy the rest of the weekend.
One thing that was consistent throughout the entire weekend. It was somehow obvious that I do not partake in illegal substances - to EVERYONE at Bonnaroo. I am still at a loss as to why this was so apparent. I didn't really want any, but I did want to at least be offered. :o) To be fair, I did receive a couple of obligatory offers. One was from a guy to whom I lent my water bottle. Another from a couple of girls you'll meet later who were trying to impress too-cool-for-school Matt. Oh, and then there was Friday when I was wandering around lost after the Dave show, I did get offered some doses by a guy passing by. I think he misstook the (Joshua dubbed) bluebirds flying around my head for some substance-induced illusion (sorry, that's an inside joke that only a portion of you will understand). I vowed to Matt that next year I was wearing MY Bob Marley T-shirt!! He informed me it was not the shirt, it was the beard.. Humpfh, well I draw the line at growing a beard. But maybe I could get some dreds. (there had better not be anybody laughing at this!!!)
The stages were labeled 'What Stage,' 'Which Stage,' 'That Tent,' 'This Tent,' 'The Other Tent.' While I thought this was 'cute,' I'm not convinced that this was such a good idea. Those of us who were clear headed and carried around schedules were having trouble with the names. I can't imagine how confused the 'impaired' were. :o) Along with the music, there were various other activities -- though, with so much music to hear, I don't know how anyone found the time to squeeze them in. There was a music lounge, a silent disco, an arcade, a place to make your own drum, TONs of shopping, the list goes on. There was even a playground. And the place was so huge, it didn't feel crowded, only at some of the shows did you get that effect.
As for the weather, well, it is pretty freaking hot.....and, then it rains....then it heats up again....then it rains.....then ---you get the picture. All that rain caused the farm to be a VERY muddy place. Friday was the hottest, Saturday had the most rain, and Sunday was actually rather pleasant, not much rain and the sun was hidden behind some incredibly dark rain clouds that threatened all day. Wear cool, light clothing that dries fast. Ladies, bring a scrunchy or a hair clip. Your 'do' will not stay done.
Though a large majority of the festival attendees were hippies, not everyone was, at least not obviously so. There were a large number of people who resembled me - in jeans, shorts, capris, and t-shirts. There were all walks of people there, just there to enjoy the music. It was all about having a good time, even for us hated Dave fans (this will make sense later).
More people I met along the way to follow in the music e-mail. Be forewarned, the music e-mail is LONG.
