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.
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!
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!
Nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, The Alexander 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!
Experience Bonnaroo 2015 with Laura Duncan from Manchester, Tennessee. TheWTTS 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]
Elle King – Interview (Backstage)
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Bonnaroo2015/ElleKing/ElleKing-Interview.mp3[/podcast]
“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]
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]
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]
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.
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.
A little adjustment made to the radio broadcast area upon my arrival.
What year is it?
A beautiful first night on the farm
Anticipation can be hauntingly beautiful.
They love J. Roddy Walston & The Business
The J. Roddy hair flip
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.
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
Sam Smith in front of the Hay Bale Studios
Friday the 13th on the farm.
Sometimes it’s great to soak it all in from “the hill”
The Head and the Heart
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.
We 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.
Cake
James Bay performing for a radio lunch crowd.
The Wild Feathers
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.
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.
The Blogaroo is back! Brad, Laura, and Keefer are spending the weekend in Manchester, Tennessee at the Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival. Check out their commentary and some of the backstage interviews and performances below!
Laura’s Recap
It’s Day One All Over Again
Another Bonnaroo is underway! On the drive down, I was thinking about how many times I have ventured to the farm in Tennessee for my fix of music and culture. This year is my 9th journey to summer camp.
Day 1 is always filled with hugs from those that have been a voice on the phone over the last year, a quick tour of the grounds (which adjust every year) and a structuring of sleeping quarters. News that Mumford & Sons canceled their Saturday night headlining gig spread around the camp. Soon after, Jack Johnson mysteriously showed up in our camp to talk to our own, Keefer. The rumors became reality as it was announced that Jack would take Saturday night’s headlining slot.
It always seems, to those looking in from the outside, that this is a fun ride filled with perks, meetings with rock stars and front row/side stage access. They think we come down here, stay on air-conditioned buses, enjoy the stocked bar and refrigerators and hop on golf cart shuttles that take us to see live music. Well, that is correct. We enjoy all of those things and I make no apologies. It is the best experience any music lover could dream of. But remember, the reason we are treated with such importance is because we are connecting YOU to the experience. The musicians, managers, record labels and Bonnaroo staff understand this and are very helpful in guiding us towards the ultimate experience. I guess I should thank you. So, thank you.
Thursday included the sights and sounds of Django Django, JD McPherson, Wake Owl, Twenty One Pilots and the sounds of the talented unknown as we walked through Centeroo, past the stages of Bonnaroo. Tonight, we will enjoy Sir Paul McCartney as he makes his first appearance on the farm. I’ll cover this one from the pit and send it all back to you.
9 years as a Bonnaroovian and I wouldn’t trade a second of this experience. My life is “about the music.” It connects the world together, as one.
He’ll be playing a ‘TTS show Tuesday on the Lawn At White River State Park, but this weekend, fan favorite Ray Lamontagne’s in Tennessee. He stopped backstage and Bonnaroo correspondent Mike Powers had a chance to catch up with him.
Ray Lamontagne Interview
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Ray%20Lamontagne%20Int.mp3[/podcast]
Fresh off his ‘TTS show last month at the Murat, the legendary Warren Haynes has found himself at another Bonnaroo Music Festival. He took a few minutes to come backstage and chat with Bonnaroo correspondent Mike Powers.
The Decemberists stopped backstage for a quick chat with Bonnaroo correspondent Mike Powers. The band will be in Indianapolis for a ‘TTS show on August 5 at the Lawn at White River State Park.
The Decemberists Interview
[podcast]https://www.wttsfm.com/audio/Decemberists%20Int.mp3[/podcast]
Saturday night’s WTTS Groove Show (10pm-Midnight) comes from the Bonnaroo backstage, with exclusive live performances from Umphrey’s McGee, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Disco Biscuits and more.
Michael Franti Takes it to the Crowd
You see all sorts of signs at Bonnaroo....
Michael Franti Interview
[podcast]https://www.wgclradio.com/audio/WTTS/Bonnaroo/Michael%20Franti%20Interview.mp3[/podcast]
I’ll just come out and say it right now – I had my single coolest Bonnaroo moment ever last night. I think the picture says it all.
Maybe the Greatest Moment of Brad's Life
Yep, I know what you’re thinking – there are two wild and crazy guys…
Steve has a wonderful project called Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers and the band put on a wonderful performance last night. I wandered backstage about a half hour before they were supposed to go on, and there they are, just warming up. Steve Martin was an absolute gentleman. He seemed a bit shy and reserved, but again, a total gentleman to any jerk (no pun intended) who came up asking for a photo. One of those magical Bonnaroo moments that will last a lifetime.
Other musical highlights from the evening: checking out Black Keys and Tori Amos from backstage, a high-energy performance from Michael Franti & Spearhead, and seeing The National perform.
Tune in to WTTS today from 12pm-6pm for live updates from backstage at Bonnaroo – and keep checking back here at our online Blogaroo for more updates, photos, artist interviews and more.
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.
