Down Yonder at Bonnaroo

This past Wednesday, in the wee hours of the morning, a group of brave Richmonders embarked on a road trip to one of the country's largest music festivals: Bonnaroo. Blessed with a killer campsite complete with shade (gasp!) and close proximity to the festival grounds, all were ready for a weekend filled with a memorable musical medley. The festival itself was dusty, hot and HUGE, but as far as music goes, it was an embarrassment of riches. While I know my fellow campers will have their own picks, here are my choices for the best performances I saw.

Freelance Whales

1. Freelance Whales - This crew put on a fantastic show - they are the little band that could. They had an endearing sense of appreciation for the audience and the opportunity to play at Bonnaroo and really delivered. Highlights included the well known (thanks to a Starbucks commercial) "Generator First Floor," and "Starring" and ending the set with "Generator Second Floor." Their simultaneously ethereal and uplifting sound has stuck with me the most and as a result this is the band I'm most excited to go see again.

2. Arcade Fire - Forgive me for my hippie language - but this was totally epic. The whole performance was a tour de force, the seven band members pounded out their songs with endless energy and purpose. The final three songs were the highlight for me. The closing trio began with a rousing "Rebellion (Lies)" followed by a truly moving delivery of "Wake Up." It really struck me in that moment that a huge crowd (80,000 just at this show, the festival reported) were all together for a positive purpose, just enjoying the music. Looking out over the silhouettes of people back lit by the stage lights with this anthem bellowing from the stage was truly beautiful. See the first minute of the video above to get an idea of what I mean. They wrapped the show up with a joyful rendition of "Sprawl II."

3. Ray LaMontagne - This was the third time I saw him and he continues to give stellar, tight performances with a mixture of both old and new favorites. He spiced it up with a few covers including one from Merle Haggard, which made seeing him a third time more interesting. His voice on "Repo Man" and "God Willing" really exhibited his pipes and proved they can carry more than just a raspy barnyard tune, but truly be a soulful vocal presence. Much credit also goes to his "Pariah Dogs" band, who compliment his voice with atmosphere-setting features like the pedal steel guitar.

4. Mumford & Sons - Truly a Cinderella story from their last Bonnaroo to this one. This band acknowledged the role the festival had played in their success and they proved that all of it was deserved. If you haven't listened to them yet, I don't know what's wrong with you - but check out one of their hits. Also probably the dreamiest band ever, a sentiment echoed by every girl I was there with.

5. Robyn - You may think you've never heard of her, but you have! The two-hit wonder circa 1998 ("Show Me Love", anyone?) has come back as a dance pop goddess. I got to hear my two favorites "Dancing on My Own" & "Hang With Me" so I was a happy camper. 

Runners-up: Black Keys - and put on a great show full of energy and excitement. Eminem also brought his all to his first live performance since returning from rehab and putting out the Recovery album.

Also seen: Explosions in the Sky, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lil Wayne, Girl Talk, The Walkmen, Bassnectar, Scissor Sisters.

Wish I'd seen: Pretty Lights. I heard nothing but raves about this performance. It was the first night of the festival and I was so tired I couldn't stay up for the 2 AM show, but I definitely wish I had.

All in all a great experience for music lovers with eclectic taste, it seems the festival has taken its reputation for being a jam band fest to representing multiple genres. While the musical spectrum has broadened, the event is still predominately populated by "hippies." I was happy to join them.