WTTS Bonnaroo Experience 2018


The 17th annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is June 7th through 10th in Manchester, Tennessee, and this June’s lineup was one that will make WTTS listeners feel like they are at home. Head south and see The Killers, Muse, Alt-J, Moon Taxi and more.

Want the Bonnaroo Experience?

Visit City Barbeque at any of the following locations and enter to win a pair of four-day festival passes, plus prime camping and seating opportunities.

  • IUPUI – 621 West 11th Street, Indianapolis
  • Avon – 9116 Rockville Road, Indianapolis
  • Greenwood – 7863 US 31 South, Indianapolis
  • Carmel – 1356 South Rangeline Road, Carmel
  • Fishers – 9367 Ambleside Drive, Fishers

The deadline to register is April 29th.

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This year’s line up includes:

The Killers• Muse • Moon Taxi • alt-J • Sturgill Simpson • Eminem • Broken Social Scene • St. Paul & The Broken Bones • Rag n Bone Man • Old Crow Medicine Show • First Aid Kit • The Revivalists • Trombone Shorty • Sheryl Crow • Manchester Orchestra • Kaskade • Paramore • Bon Iver • Sylvan Esso and so many more.


With each of their meats smoked on-site at each restaurant, hand rubbed with spices, and cooking for upwards of 18 hours to become pure barbeque perfection. City Barbeque has been doing Barbeque right since 1999. Their employees prepare the sides throughout the day from scratch in the restaurant and give it the same attention they would give to their own family. This is barbeque in its truest form, created by people who are dedicated to doing it right.

For complete rules to the Bonnaroo Experience CLICK HERE.

The Bonnaroo Experience, from City Barbeque and 92-3 WTTS!

WTTS Bonnaroo Experience 2017

The 16th annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is June 8th through 11th in Manchester, Tennessee, and this June’s lineup is one for the ages. U2. The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Lorde. Cage The Elephant and more.

Want the Bonnaroo Experience?

Visit Four Day Ray Brewing on Lantern Road, just North of 116th st. in Fishers. Grab a beer and a bite to eat, and enter to win a pair of four-day festival passes, plus prime camping and seating opportunities. The deadline to register is April 30th.

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This year’s line up includes:

U2  • Red Hot Chili Peppers  • Lorde  • The xx  • Cage The Elephant • The Head And The Heart • Big Gigantic • Glass Animals • Future Islands • Umphrey’s McGee • Portugal. The Man • Tegan & Sara • Milky Chance • Cold War kids • Kaleo • The Strumbellas • Michael Kiwanuka • Joseph • Greensky Bluegrass • Bad Suns • Coin • Kevin Morby • Hippo Campus • The Orwells • Mondo Cozmo • Turkuaz • Klangstof • The Lemon Twigs • White Reaper •  and so many more.


Four Day Ray Brewing’s name recalls Indiana’s Nickel Plate District heritage, drawn from the nickname for a railroad employee who called off work one day a week. Four Day Ray Brewing dares to be great in industry and revelry alike, crafting only the best in their full-scale distribution brewery. Beers at Four Day Ray Brewing are never watered down and flavor is never sacrificed for fashion. Every dish from the scratch kitchen is held to the same high standard because a soft, easy life is not worth living.  Neither is a life spent nose to the grindstone without a cold beer and great meal at the end of the day to enjoy the fruit of your labors.

For complete rules to the Bonnaroo Experience CLICK HERE.

The Bonnaroo Experience, from Four Day Ray Brewing and 92-3 WTTS!

The Bonnaroo Experience

The Bonnaroo Experience Post 14

Photo by Tom Tomkinson for Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

Going to a concert in the summer is one thing, but going to Bonnaroo is one experience you’ll never forget. 92-3 WTTS and The Alexander are teaming up to give one lucky listener the Bonnaroo Experience. You’ll be set with four-day festival passes, prime camping and premium seating at the nation’s number one music festival!

Thank you to everyone who registered.

This year’s line up includes:

Pearl JamDead & Company • LCD SoundsystemTame Impala • Death Cab for CutieM83 Haim HalseyWeen Jason IsbellCHVRCHESChris StapletonSuperJamBig Grams  • Band of HorsesLeon BridgesGrace PotterFather John MistyPurity RingThe Claypool Lennon DeliriumTwo Door Cinema ClubNathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats • Kurt Vile & The ViolatorsLord HuronThe Bluegrass Situation SuperJam Featuring Ed Helms and FriendsX AmbassadorsSt. Lucia and so many more.


Nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, The Plat99_Logo_1CAlexander features outstanding business amenities, 157 stunning guest rooms, 52 extended stay suites, and an emphasis on art and design.
Their mixology lounge, Plat 99 was designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Jorge Pardo and his Los Angeles-based studio. Plat 99 is both a lounge and a work of art. Mixologists blend fresh local ingredients into irresistible concoctions, while you can snack on artisanal charcuterie and regional cheeses. You and your friends can recline on contemporary couches or gather around high-top tables while you sip your inventive cocktails, international wines or regional beers.

For complete rules to the Financial Center Bonnaroo Experience CLICK HERE.

The Bonnaroo Experience, from The Alexander and 92-3 WTTS!

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WTTS Bonnaroo Experience Official Contest Rules 2017

92-3 WTTS Bonnaroo Experience Official Contest Rules

1. How to Enter the Contest:

a. The WTTS Bonnaroo Experience contest will begin on April 3rd, 2017 at 11:30am EST and end on April 30th, 2017 at 9:00pm EST.

b. To participate in the contest, stop by Four Day Ray Brewing & Restaurant, during hours of operation, to register to win. Four Day Ray is located at 11671 Lantern Road, Fishers, Indiana, 46038.

2. Eligibility Restrictions:

a. The contest is open to all WTTS listeners who are 21 years of age or older and who reside in the greater Indianapolis and outlining areas. Employees of WTTS, Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., Four Day Ray Brewing, Pop2Life Media, participating sponsors/promotional partners, other radio stations in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and the members of their immediate families are ineligible to participate or win. Immediate family members are parents, children, spouses, those in spouse-like relationship, and siblings (including those in step- and half-relationships when living in the same household).

b. Eligible participants can win a WTTS contest only once every thirty days and a prize valued at $600 or more only once every six months. Only one winner per household is permitted in any contest.

3. Prizes:

a. One (1) grand prize: Four four-day passes to Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, June 8-11, 2017 in Manchester, TN, and camping for four. Travel arrangements to Manchester, TN are the sole responsibility of the grand prize winner. Approximate value of trip: $1,398.

b. All prizes or prize certificates may be picked up at the office of WTTS: 407 Fulton Street, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN. 46202. Any prize or prize certificate not claimed within 10 days of initial contact with winner will be forfeited by the winner. If any prize or prize certificate is forfeited, an alternate winner will be selected. WTTS is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate

c. Contest prizes are not transferable. Prizes may not be substituted for or redeemed for
cash.

4. Selection of Winners:

a. Decisions of station management with respect to the contest are final.

b. Winner will be selected on May 1st, 2017 by the following method: one finalist will be selected by random drawing from the Four Day Ray registration box to win the Grand Prize.

c. Winner need not be present to win; once the winner is chosen, they will be notified by WTTS by phone and email. If the winner cannot be contacted within 10 days after the prize winner is selected, an alternate winner will be selected.

5. Conditions:

a. Payment of all federal, state and local taxes is the sole responsibility of the winner.
Winners will be reported to the IRS on IRS Form 1099 or the equivalent.

b. By participating in the contest, the winner or winners (and their guest or traveling companion, if any) agree to allow their name, voice, and/or likeness to be used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest for a period of one year without additional financial or other compensation.

c. Contest winners are required to sign a Receipt verifying eligibility prior to acceptance of any prize of more than nominal value. Before claiming a prize, contest winners (and each of their guests or traveling companions, where applicable) are also required to sign a Liability Release and/or Travel Release if the prize to be awarded is valued at $600.00 or greater, if the contest or the prize entails dangerous or potentially dangerous activity, or if the prize includes the provision of transportation, whether or not such transportation is provided by WTTS. Pursuant to the Liability Release and Travel Release, the winners (and each of their guests or traveling companions, where applicable) will agree to hold WTTS, Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., Pop2Life Media, Four Day Ray Brewing, and the respective officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of each of them harmless from and against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the contest.

d. WTTS, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the WTTS Web Site or who is otherwise in violation of the rules. The station further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort.

6. These rules are subject to the interpretation of WTTS. Any aspect of these rules, including the substitution of a prize or prizes of equivalent or greater value, can be changed at the discretion of WTTS, and such change(s) will become effective upon on-air or other appropriate announcement.

7. No purchase is necessary. The contest is void where prohibited.

8. Failure to comply with the contest rules may result in a contestant’s disqualification,
at the sole discretion of WTTS.

9. WTTS is not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the contest or in the announcement of any prize.

10. Copies of the written contest rules are available during regular business hours at the main studio of WTTS; 400 Once City Centre, Bloomington, IN. 47404 or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to WTTS at the address above.

11. A list of winners will be available after May 8th, 2017. To request the list of winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to WTTS; 407 Fulton Street, Suite 92, Indianapolis, IN 46202 within 90 days of the announced end date of the contest.

The 2015 Bonnaroo Blogaroo

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Experience Bonnaroo 2015 with Laura Duncan from Manchester, Tennessee.  The WTTS Blogaroo will include a live stream of the festival,  backstage interviews, performances and festival photos.  For more exclusive content, “Like” WTTS on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram.


Stands of Oak – Goshen ’97 (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/StrandsofOaks/StrandofOaks-Goshen97.mp3[/podcast]

Strand of Oak – Plymouth (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/StrandsofOaks/StrandofOaks-Plymouth.mp3[/podcast]

Strand of Oak – JM (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/StrandsofOaks/StrandofOaks-JM.mp3[/podcast]

Strand of Oak – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/StrandsofOaks/StrandofOaks-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Jungle – Busy Earnin’ (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Jungle/Jungle-BusyEarnin.mp3[/podcast]

Jungle – The Heat (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Jungle/Jungle-TheHeat.mp3[/podcast]

Jungle – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Jungle/JungleInterview.mp3[/podcast]

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Courtney Barnett – Dead Fox (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/CourtneyBarrnett/CourtneyBarnett-DeadFox.mp3[/podcast]

Courtney Barnett – Depreston (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/CourtneyBarrnett/CourtneyBarnett-Depreston.mp3[/podcast]

Courtney Barnett – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/CourtneyBarrnett/CourtneyBarnett-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Houndmouth – Sedona (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Houndmouth/Houndmouth-Sedona.mp3[/podcast]

Houndmouth – My Cousin Greg (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Houndmouth/Houndmouth-MyCousinGreg.mp3[/podcast]

Houndmouth – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Houndmouth/Houndmouth-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Moon Taxi

Moon Taxi playing dinner

Moon Taxi – All Day All Night (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MoonTaxi/MoonTaxi-AllDayAllNight.mp3[/podcast]

Moon Taxi – River Water (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MoonTaxi/MoonTaxi-RiverWater.mp3[/podcast]

Moon Taxi – Running Wild (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MoonTaxi/MoonTaxi-RunningWild.mp3[/podcast]

Moon Taxi – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MoonTaxi/MoonTaxi-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Can’t Keep Checking My Phone (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/UnknownMortalOrchestra/UnknownMortalOrchestra-CantKeepCheckingMyPhone.mp3[/podcast]

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/UnknownMortalOrchestra/UnknownMortalOrchestra-Multi-Love.mp3[/podcast]

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Necessary Evil (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/UnknownMortalOrchestra/UnknownMortalOrchestra-NecessaryEvil.mp3[/podcast]

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/UnknownMortalOrchestra/UnknownMortalOrchestra-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

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Earth Wind & Fire

Ben Folds – Capable of Anything (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/BenFolds/BenFolds-CapableofAnything.mp3[/podcast]

Ben Folds – You Don’t Know Me (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/BenFolds/BenFolds-YouDontKnowMe.mp3[/podcast]

Ben Folds – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/BenFolds/BenFolds-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Sylvan Esso – Coffee (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/SylvanEsso/SylvanEsso-Coffee.mp3[/podcast]

Sylvan Esso – Uncatena (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/SylvanEsso/SylvanEsso-Uncatena.mp3[/podcast]

Sylvan Esso – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/SylvanEsso/SylvanEsso-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

royal blood

Royal Blood plays to the cheering crowd

My Morning Jacket – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MyMorningJacket/MyMorningJacket-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Guster – Doing It (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Guster/Guster-DoingIt.mp3[/podcast]

Guster – Endlessly (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Guster/Guster-Endlessly.mp3[/podcast]

Guster – Stay With Me Jesus (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Guster/Guster-StayWithMeJesus.mp3[/podcast]

Guster – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Guster/Guster-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Elle King – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/ElleKing/ElleKing-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

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“Normal” is relative.

The Districts – Bold (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/TheDistricts/TheDistricts-Bold.mp3[/podcast]

The Districts – Chlorine (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/TheDistricts/TheDistricts-Chlorine.mp3[/podcast]

The Districts – Peaches (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/TheDistricts/TheDistricts-Peaches.mp3[/podcast]

The Districts – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/TheDistricts/TheDistricts-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Rhiannon Giddens – Black Is The Color (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/RhiannonGiddens/RhiannonGiddens-BlackIsTheColor.mp3[/podcast]

Rhiannon Giddens – Don’t Let It Trouble Your Mind (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/RhiannonGiddens/RhiannonGiddens-DontLetItTroubleYourMind.mp3[/podcast]

Rhiannon Giddens – Shake Sugaree (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/RhiannonGiddens/RhiannonGiddens-ShakeSugaree.mp3[/podcast]

Rhiannon Giddens – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/RhiannonGiddens/RhiannonGiddens-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

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Hamageddon

Shakey Graves – Where A Boy Once Stood (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/ShakeyGraves/ShakeyGraves-WhereABoyOnceStood.mp3[/podcast]

Shakey Graves – If Not For You (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/ShakeyGraves/ShakeyGraves-IfNotForYou.mp3[/podcast]

Shakey Graves – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/ShakeyGraves/ShakeyGraves-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Bahamas – Be My Witness (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Bahamas/Bahamas-BeMyWitness.mp3[/podcast]

Bahamas – Caught Me Thinkin (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Bahamas/Bahamas-CaughtMeThinkin.mp3[/podcast]

Bahamas – Jealous Guy (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Bahamas/Bahamas-JealousGuy.mp3[/podcast]

Bahamas – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Bahamas/Bahamas-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

X Ambassadors – Renegades (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/XAmbassadors/XAmbassadors-Renegades.mp3[/podcast]

X Ambassadors – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/XAmbassadors/XAmbassadorsInterview.mp3[/podcast]

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Fun in the sun.

Dawes – Things Happen (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Dawes/Dawes-ThingsHappen.mp3[/podcast]

Dawes – All Your Favorite Bands (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Dawes/Dawes-AllYourFavoriteBands.mp3[/podcast]

Dawes – Somewhere Along The Way (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Dawes/Dawes-SomewhereAlongTheWay.mp3[/podcast]

Dawes – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Dawes/Dawes-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Gary Clark Jr. – Church (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/GaryClarkJr/GaryClarkJr-Church.mp3[/podcast]

Gary Clark Jr. – The Healing (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/GaryClarkJr/GaryClarkJr-TheHealing.mp3[/podcast]

Gary Clark Jr. – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/GaryClarkJr/GaryClarkJr-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

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Hozier – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Hozier/Hozier-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

The War On Drugs – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/TheWarOnDrugs/TheWarOnDrugs-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – Modern Day Mystery (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear-ModernDayMystery.mp3[/podcast]

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – Sorrows and Woes (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear-SorrowsandWoes.mp3[/podcast]

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – Whole Lotta Problems (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear-WholeLottaProblems.mp3[/podcast]

Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear/MadisenWardandtheMamaBear-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

Spoon – Do You (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Spoon/Spoon-DoYou.mp3[/podcast]

Spoon – Inside Out (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Spoon/Spoon-InsideOut.mp3[/podcast]

Spoon – The Beast and Dragon (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Spoon/Spoon-TheBeastandDragon.mp3[/podcast]

Spoon – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/Spoon/Spoon-Interview.mp3[/podcast]

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The 2014 Bonnaroo Blogaroo

 Laura Duncan was in Manchester, Tennessee for the 2014 edition of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Follow Laura’s  journey, including her experiences and insights, right here on the WTTS Blogaroo! And for more exclusive content, “Like” WTTS on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and follow Laura’s Twitter.


Day One

We arrived on the farm Thursday at about 5pm and were immediately ushered to the radio compound for a great BBQ dinner. The special thing about THIS BBQ was the fact that The Wild Feathers were dining with us and joining in on the hang. Great bunch of guys who will be playing at Sun King‘s downtown brewery on June 28.

MonsterTruck

Monster Truck

After getting settled, it was off to see the music. We ventured out to see an artist perform (who I had selected before arriving) and were excited about the possibilities of the pending show. On our journey, we heard the rumblings of an electric guitar screaming just barely above the screams of the audience. I was pulled, completely drawn, to the sounds coming from the distance. When we finally arrived at the modest performance space, we witnessed a throw down of massive proportions taking place on stage. The band was Monster Truck, who came from Canada to Tennessee locked and loaded with the energy of 5 bands, giving the best performance of their lives.

At 11:30 Thursday night, I was about to make my way to a tent far, far away on the muddy grounds to see J. Roddy Walston & The Business. I was approached by someone from the J. Roddy camp and asked if I would like a golf cart ride to the show (a wonderful perk for radio broadcasting campers).  In addition to the mad front-man skills presented by JRW, his band was as tights as I’ve seen. The pure and authentic personality of the music was only matched by the joy delivered by it’s makers. When J. Roddy determined the evening of music was a wrap he defined it perfectly as described by this note I took while watching: Throws chair, flips hair, goodnight.

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A little adjustment made to the radio broadcast area upon my arrival.

 

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What year is it?

 

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A beautiful first night on the farm

 

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Anticipation can be hauntingly beautiful.

 

They love J. Roddy Walston & The Business

They love J. Roddy Walston & The Business

 

The J. Roddy hair flip

The J. Roddy hair flip

I found this on my pillow when I arrived. <3

I found this on my pillow when I arrived. <3

 

We take over a radio station in Manchester, TN and have a variety of different hosts and music all weekend.

We take over a radio station in Manchester, TN and have a variety of different hosts and music all weekend.


Day Two

Friday at Bonnaroo is always an exploratory day for me. I like to walk around the farm, take in the sights, meet music lovers and follow the music. Friday the 13th at Bonnaroo includes a sea of fun costumes and attitudes which we have captured with photos. I’ll let the pictures do the talking. WTTS photographer, Amy Castillo with RIF (Rhythm In Focus) has access to capture some wonderful images. Visit the RIF site next week to dig in further. Internet is down on this 700 acre farm, but we will pass along what the machine powering these flying particles allow later today. Please follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

ZZ Ward

ZZ Ward

Sam Smith in front of the Hay Bale Studios

Sam Smith in front of the Hay Bale Studios

Friday the 13th on the farm.

Friday the 13th on the farm.

Sometimes it's great to soak it all in from "the hill"

Sometimes it’s great to soak it all in from “the hill”

 

The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart

 

Vampire Weekend played Roooooooo

Vampire Weekend played Roooooooo


Day 3

Saturday in Manchester, TN and the heat decided to stay away. It’s always a great thing to have temperatures in the 80s with beautiful sunshine. That was the state of the state today at Bonnaroo.

IMG_20140614_144937We started our day with a performance right outside our bus in the radio compound. UK singer/songwriter James Bay talked to all of us as he prepared to play in a casual tent/couch setting. He was grateful to be attending this  monstrous festival of music and community. We all enjoyed his set as we dined on wraps and sipped our bloody marys.  Directly after James Bay played, The Wild Feathers stepped up and played a few songs for us. The band is from Nashville and loves the drive down to Bonnaroo to hang/perform. The band can throw down a performance like you’ve never witnessed. Remember, all of this is happening right outside the door of my bus. I just walk out and start listening to music. As I was walking from the Wild Feathers’ performance, I noticed the guys from Cage The Elephant standing next to the Hay Bale Studios. Quickly, I approached one of their management team and worked my way into the intimate show that was about to take place. Inside a small but equipped room, the band took their places behind their instruments as I sat on a chair next to a friend of mine and placed the headphones on my ears. It was just me, Mike (a friend of mine), the crew and the band.  It was SUCH an incredible performance and a look into the softer presentation of the band.

Hours later, it was off to see the plugged in version of Cage the Elephant. The Wild Feathers joined a few of us as we watched Cage The Elephant from the side of the “Which” stage. They were ready to impress and did just that. I was mesmerized by the rhythm the guys exampled as they synced up and exploded in front of the charged audience. We stood on stage and watched the family of the band members sing every word and talk of personal experiences shared with their favorite musicians. For the last song, the tour manager opened the gate of the barricade which held us all, properly, on the side of the stage. All of the 20 somethings that were standing next to me rushed on stage and began to dance. I was 2 seconds from joining them when the stage manager sent all rogue stage participants back to the pen. Whew, he saved me from sharing embarrassing dance moves.

I watched a bit of Cake and Blackberry Smoke and a number of smaller bands perform as I walked around Centeroo to explore the goods that will eventually call my name. After heading another RV camp to hang with friends, I was alerted to the meeting time and place for those of us wanting to see Lionel Richie perform (The Saturday night headliner). I had never seen Lionel perform and was interested in his presentation, so I decided to make the  play for a pit stance in front of the stage.  I was very optimistic and feeling nostalgic. I am not one to spread negativity through the minds of enthusiasts, but I was so disappointed I left early. His set list was filled with a bouncing ball of emotionally rhetoric. We were dancing one minute and then thrown to the ground as the breaks were put on by Lionel without warning. The band was not synced at times and I endured a harmonica solo that was sharp and uninspired. I appreciate all kinds of music and embrace diversity, but a live performance on the main stage at Bonnaroo demands all the best. Attention all future Bonnaroo performers, please bring your A+ game.

Enjoy some photos of our Saturday experience. More to come when I get back to a place with wonderful wifi.

Cage The Elephant from the side of the Which Stage.

Cage The Elephant from the side of the Which Stage.

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Cake

 

James Bay performing for a radio lunch crowd.

James Bay performing for a radio lunch crowd.

 

The Wild Feathers

The Wild Feathers

 

Blackberry Smoke

Blackberry Smoke


Day 4

In years past, we would wake up on Sunday and leave the farm for civilization. This year, Elton John was the headliner on Sunday which made the decision easy to stay for that last day of festival fare.

There is a fine art to working one’s way to the side of the stage for a headliner’s performance, especially rock royalty like Elton John. The request began a month back on the phone in my office. By the time we departed Indiana, I received an email saying it had been worked out.  The fact that I attend Bonnaroo every year, sleep on an air-conditioned tour bus, attend private studio sessions with the most talented musicians and hangout with the world’s best broadcast professionals, is not lost on me. I am grateful for every single moment, including being chosen as one of 50 people to watch Elton John’s performance from the stage while 80,000 watch from the field.

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Sir Elton John

Sir Elton John is one artist whose performance I have never witnessed. All of the opportunities have passed without even a glimpse of Elton in person. I have been a fan my entire life and have celebrated his musical evolution since I was smart enough to appreciate fine music. The anticipation of the night’s performance began to swell as soon as my eyes opened on Sunday. Thoughts of singing along and feeling the memories associated with each song were forefront as the day progressed. A couple of hours before the show, I gathered with dear friends for a last night cocktail or 4 and pre-show discussion. The lanyards were placed around our necks and we were off to the What Stage. It is a freeing experience to walk up to a guarded gate (where many have gathered to try and work their way backstage), flash a badge and be waved right through. No hassles, only smiles. We worked our way up to the third level of the stage and bellied up to the gated barrier where we enjoyed a perfect, unobstructed view facing Elton John’s piano. When I heard the beginning keyboard contribution to “Funeral For A Friend”, I knew it was going to be a magical night. Sir Elton walked on stage as the song continued, sat at the piano and became the snapshot of a musical memory that will never be forgotten. The night was cool, a breeze wafted from the field and the crowd was a gracious and unfiltered. One by one my heart was lifted as the master of the keys and his talented cast of contributors filled the farm with musical notes that seemingly floated through the air. There were no mistakes, no arrogant “off topic” conversations, no appearances of festival adjustment to the playlist. It was an A+ performance on a beautiful night filled with a community of passionate consumers of musical expression.

Here are some photos taken on the last day of Bonnaroo. These were taken with my phone camera. WTTS photographer, Amy Castillo of RIF, will have some wonderful (professional) photos this week on the RIF website, so be sure to visit. Thanks so much for following along. I hope you felt like you were a part of every moment.

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Bonnaroo Sunday. Ah.

 

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Sir Elton John.

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Elton John side stage.

 

The Magic Badge

The Magic Badge

 

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Elton John in front of 80,000

 

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My silhouette with Sir Elton on my shoulder.

 

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My view of the crowd.


Additional Photos

Enjoy additional photos from WTTS photographer Amy Castillo and check out her entire Bonnaroo Set at Rhythm In Focus Photography.

Blogaroo: Bonnaroo Review

Bonnaroo took place in Manchester, TN from June 7th – 10th. WTTS broadcasting live from Bonnaroo during this year’s festival, with backstage updates, interviews, performances and more on the WTTS Blogaroo. Here are the highlights:

Photos

Bonnaroo Photo Gallery 

Conversations

Alabama Shakes
Avett Brothers
Dawes
Delta Spirit

Fitz & the Tantrums

Katie HerzigThe Kooks
Michael Kiwanuka

The Shins 

Young the Giant

Brad and Laura’s Updates

Back from Bonnaroo 2012
Toto, We’re not in Indiana anymore
Doing the ‘Roo