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Through The Eyes of a Bonnaroovian [Event Review]

June 16, 2017 By Maggie Forbes

Photo Credit: Chris Auditore

Bonnaroo 2017 breathed new life into the magic that has kept this festival running for sixteen long years. The breezy sunshine over the weekend encouraged smiling, laughter, and all around good vibes in Bonnaroo newbies and the seasoned veterans.

While I walked around the farm over the three miraculous days. I thought about how each festival goer perceives and celebrates this annual festival of positive vibes differently. I reached out to the Bonnacommunity (If you add Bonna to the beginning of a word or Roo to the end it suddenly becomes part of the lingo), and asked for the pictures that embody their Bonnaroo weekend experience. I received hundreds of pictures that showed me so many different views of the same weekend that I had just experienced.

Photo Credit: Charlie Shah

The love and positivity were endless over the weekend. Smiles were gigantic, hugs from people you just met warmed your soul, and at every single show the artists commented on the positive energy radiating through the farm.

Photo Credit: Christine Jordan

I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people over the weekend from all walks of life. The two pictured above are a mother and son that decided to do Roo together this year. The ability to strengthen relationships and family bonds is something very unique to this festival. During the Getter set I witnessed a grandmother raging with her grandson, and I knew this place was one of a kind.

Photo Credit: Sarah Sutherland

Not only do people celebrate the festival over the second weekend in June a plethora of other things were being celebrated as well. Pictured above is one of the many weddings that took place on the grounds of the farm. Bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, and anniversaries were all over. I could think of no better place for a celebration.

Photo Credit: Juan Rivera

A festival that goes on as long as Bonnaroo Arts & Music Festival develops certain traditions along the way. I do believe my personal favorite tradition along with everyone else is “High Five Friday.” Bonnaroovians have different ways of celebrating by either handing out suckers or bracelets, but the main objective is to get as many high fives as possible.

Photo Credit: Nick Ingram

The lazy days of the weekend turned into electric nights. The sun provided for good naps, and chill shows during the afternoon so the conserved energy could be spent going hard throughout the night. Pictured above is comfy crowd watching Lonely Islands perform the barbecue set at the What Stage.

Photo Credit: Paul Ruff

I know seeing the stage from the front is one experience, but when you get the chance to reverse your view you take it. The picture above is of Marshmello’s set from a stage hand point of view. The set was so full of energy, and not a single person was standing still.

Photo Credit: Madi Varone

No matter what part of the crowd you experience a show in at the farm you can feel a sense of belonging. You make this connection with people in the crowd not only because you enjoy the same type of music, but you are experiencing this special moment, at this special place and it instills this unbreakable bond.

Photo Credit: Stefan Kusiv

Veterans on the farm provide guidance to those who are experiencing the farm for the first time. The knowledge they bestow about the history of the farm, or about how you should always keep on your toes because some kind of magic is bound to happen is priceless.

Photo Credit: Beth Mclean

I think my favorite picture I received is pictured above. Eli is his name, and while his mom and dad run a beer tent you can catch Eli on top of the ice machine. Why on top of the ice machine you might ask? The view of That Tent is perfect from the ice machine according to Eli. The music and the happenings of the festival are so important to this 10 year old he will do anything to get the best view possible.

If Eli’s ten year old self says anything about the things you feel at this festival the future is looking bright for Bonnaroo. The call of the Roo echos in your ears on the ride home, and throughout the year reminds you that through music we are all connected.