Live from Bonnaroo: Xpress dispatch, pt. 4

It feels like weeks since we arrived at Bonnaroo. After four days in the sun, three nights in a tent, dozens of shows and uncomfortably close encounters with tens of thousands of red-faced music fans, it’s good to be home. But the relief comes with more than a little hesitation. Despite the discomfort, festivals can be an oasis, if you’re into that sort of thing, and Bonnaroo is the most epic of American music experiences. Luckily, there’s always next year.

Live from Bonnaroo: Xpress dispatch, pt. 2

It’s 9 a.m. and I’m sitting in a crowded Starbucks about a mile from the festival grounds. As has been the case in years past, the internet at Bonnaroo, even in the press tent, is patchy at best. Luckily, I brought a bicycle to slip in and out of the festival quickly. It’s not the most convenient approach, but the air conditioning is a welcome change from the humidity and the cold iced coffee is just what I needed.

Live from Bonnaroo: Xpress dispatch

The 11th annual Bonnaroo music festival is off and running, and Xpress is here to bake in the sun and navigate the endless crowds so you don’t have to. But it’s not all misery and exhaustion. Aside from the dozens of stellar shows, standup comedians, cinema tent, dance parties and general reckless abandon that are inherent to the festival, this year stands to be one of the coolest (temperature wise) Bonnaroos on record.

My Side of the Mountain: Tristen

I met Tristen at The Grey Eagle on a Wednesday afternoon. As Justin Townes Earl and his band soundchecked in the next room, we chatted about common friends in Nashville, the pitfalls of long tours (Tristen has been on and off the road for almost two years) and the increasingly unpredictable weather. After nearly an hour of waiting, we capitalized on a short window of quiet and set up in the foyer.

Good night, Doc

By now, you’ve probably heard music legend Arthel “Doc” Watson died last night at the age of 89. He was surrounded by friends and family near his home in North Carolina. I’ve been trying to think of how best to mark his passing — a musician who redefined the way an instrument was played, but who also always, without exception, delivered the music for the sake of the music.