Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Every year me and my sister try to convince him to go with us.
He is a musician and a Library of useless music information. He knows so much about music it's stupid. You can say any rock album from 1940 to 1990 and he can tell you all of the artists and why the songs were written.
My most favorite past time is drinking beer in my parents basement with my father while he would play songs and disect them for me.
We would sing, and when Meatloaf(dashboard), Rocky(Racoon that is) or most important Born to Be Wild would play we would dance and sing the lyrics like no one is listening eventhough most of the neighbors could hear us.
So yeah my dad is the best, and he is the reason that I love music. But he was only 13 when Woodstock happened. And he has always said that he wished he were older so that he could've had that experience.
Please give me some suggestions to get this old man out of the basement and on to the farm.
Great guitarist will be playing (Les Claypool and Jeff Beck) to name two. Some old favorites and I like learning about new artists. It is a buffet of music. So many stages and different things to hear and see. If he doesn't like the heat and wants bathrooms and showers I would suggest VIP.
Post by sufficientlyvague on Feb 10, 2010 11:09:02 GMT -5
Maybe he is concerned that he wouldn't fit in. I was a little concerned too, that I'd be the oldest person around and have nothing to talk about to the people around me (I'm 45), but when I went for the first time 3 years ago, I was quite surprised to see so many people around my age and older. Also, most of the people I had great conversations with, were much younger than me. No one cares how old you are. And they don't care what you look like either. Also, he can go off alone to some acts and meet back up with you later to talk about the shows each of you attended. In my group of 4, we all have different musical tastes. I like the punk, indy and bluegrass, my husband likes the pop and classic rock, my sister likes the blues, r & b and southern rock and our friend likes the metal and alt rock. We can all go to this festival and be happy and have no problems with going off alone to see a show and meet back later for a meal. Then we all go to the main stage for the headliners each night. There are many people here who go to Bonnaroo alone every year and make new friends every time. Everyone is so friendly and it is very easy to strike up a conversation with anyone. He should definitely go. Let us know if you are successful in convincing him.
Post by dreamingtree on Feb 10, 2010 11:22:04 GMT -5
Yeah if he loves music, as he seems to, then he seriously needs to go. This will be my 5th Roo and I will be 43. My daughter (who is 18) has tons of friends that go every year, along with their parents. I have no problem with staying up late, sleeping on the ground, and not showering for 4 days for the experience of Bonnaroo because it is just truly another world, full of music and happiness.
I have never felt out of place, or too old, and always have an amazing time. Every year I discover new music there, and have met some awesome people through Bonnaroo.
I forgot to say, I work with an older lady who went to Woodstock. Every year when I come back from Bonnaroo, she says it sounds like Woodstock and she really believes that if she went to Roo, she would have that same feeling that she had back then.
Post by guitarheroo on Feb 10, 2010 13:27:12 GMT -5
It sounds like he's the perfect candidate. Is the only reason he doesn't want to go because he's affraid he won't fit in? Show him some pictures! Even the ones posted here. You sound like you know what he likes and you've been to 'roo enough times that you know he'll have a great time.
Honestly, my dad passed away 2 years ago in April, 2 months before I went to my first bonnaroo. He loved everything classic rock and blues related, and he knew his stuff. I never got to tell him how much he would've loved it, even less have the chance to share the experience with him. When I watched B.B King play in '08 all I could do was think about him and about how much he would've loved being in the same place as B.B.
Convince him to go! Don't let his fear of rejection get in the way. I'm sure if he goes he'll have a blast and will thank you infinitely for it.
Tell him Bonnaroo is for everyone and that the kids like learning about music and that he would fit right in. Show him this thread. Tell him it would mean a lot to you. Some of my best memories with my husband and son happened at Bonnaroo. It is disney for people who love music! Good luck and I hope he makes it with you!
Instead of dirt and poison, we have rather chosen to fill our hives with honey and wax; thus furnishing mankind with the two noblest of things, which are sweetness and light.
Honestly, my dad passed away 2 years ago in April, 2 months before I went to my first bonnaroo. He loved everything classic rock and blues related, and he knew his stuff. I never got to tell him how much he would've loved it, even less have the chance to share the experience with him. When I watched B.B King play in '08 all I could do was think about him and about how much he would've loved being in the same place as B.B.
^^ This! My dad passed away before my daughter was born (18 years ago), but he is the reason I have this passion for music. He lived music, just like I do! There are many times (one of them at BB King) where I have just wished he could have experienced Bonnaroo. He would have loved it so much.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks. You understand that he's rigid in the musical experiences he will allow himself to have. You love him despite his inability to relate to the contemporary music scene. He is teaching you that music isn't meant to challenge or expand consciousness, but simply to reinforce one's comfort zone. And really, music doesn't provide unique opportunities to deepen one's life or mind, anyway. Especially in a venue where musicians are might improvise or respond to the audience's energy.
Post by sufficientlyvague on Feb 10, 2010 17:55:08 GMT -5
You haven't told us the reason why he won't go. Maybe he's one of those homebodies who like the security of their familiar surroundings and doesn't like to go out much or doesn't like camping. Perhaps you could make it happen for him and tell him you've bought his ticket and have a tent for him. "Dad, we've bought a ticket for you and have a tent we are going to put it up for you. All you have to do is put some undies, shorts and t-shirts in a duffle bag and we'll pick you up on Thursday morning." We have to do that sort of thing often for my father-in-law. He grumbles about it but complies but afterwards he is always glad we made him go to that party or whatever. After his first B'roo then he'll won't want to miss the next.
Post by billypilgrim on Feb 10, 2010 19:32:21 GMT -5
I'll be f-f-f-f-f-fifty at this Roo (gotta work on saying that). It will be number 5 for me. It's the highlight of my year. There are so many wonderful musicians - both old favorites, new favorites, and people I'd never heard of. The only common characteristics is that the promoters pick people who bring it when they perform live. And you're surrounded by people who share your love for music. This isn't Woodstock. But it has many of the same elements in a more accessible, civilized package.
If he listens to music from such a wide period then he must have pretty broad tastes. Does he like live music? Does he go to concerts? That's the key. If he does, you should be able to sell him on it. Look through his music and see who's playing that he likes. He's probably into Stevie Wonder, John Fogerty, and Jeff Beck. Maybe also Jimmy Cliff, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, DMB, Blues Traveler, and Kris Kristofferson.
And see if you can't turn him onto some of the "newer" (by 54 year-old standards) bands. If he likes Jazz, play him MMW. If he likes reggae, try Damian Marley and Rebelution. If he likes funk, turn him onto Trombone Shorty and Big Sam.
Is camping the issue? If so, there's a hotel option. Get him to go once and he'll be hooked. Good luck!