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Like a lot of people, I have lost my main festival and Bonnaroo is the next closest option. I would like to hear from people who have personally experienced BOTH festivals how they compare to each other.
For example, I already understand how Bonnaroo's lineups have compared to Rothbury, I understand that the camping is much bigger and on average will involve longer walks, and I understand the it will get much hotter.
How do the people compare? How does the atmosphere in the camping and at the stages compare? How do the stages/tents (and the crowds at the stages/tents) compare? How does shower availability compare? Etc.
I may or may not make it to Bonnaroo but I wish everyone the best of luck in getting a great lineup and great weather for the weekend.
They are pretty similar, Bonnaroo is about twice the size so you have a few more logistical issues, but it also has twice the lineup so it is worth putting up with them. As far as the vibe, like all fests it is pretty much 80,000 hippies in a field listening to tunes, and that always makes for good times.
They are pretty similar, Bonnaroo is about twice the size so you have a few more logistical issues, but it also has twice the lineup so it is worth putting up with them. As far as the vibe, like all fests it is pretty much 80,000 hippies in a field listening to tunes, and that always makes for good times.
Alright because a lot of people say that Bonnaroo's lineup brings in a lot of people who aren't familiar with the jam scene. I have always questioned that because Roo's lineup is always disproportionately jammy even if they do have more diverse acts, and I always doubted the idea that Metallica fans would be dying to pay $275 a person to drive all the way to Bonnaroo just to see Metallica, for example.
So you would say that in your experience, there is no significant different between the crowd atmosphere at Rothbury vs Bonnaroo?
They are pretty similar, Bonnaroo is about twice the size so you have a few more logistical issues, but it also has twice the lineup so it is worth putting up with them. As far as the vibe, like all fests it is pretty much 80,000 hippies in a field listening to tunes, and that always makes for good times.
Alright because a lot of people say that Bonnaroo's lineup brings in a lot of people who aren't familiar with the jam scene. I have always questioned that because Roo's lineup is always disproportionately jammy even if they do have more diverse acts, and I always doubted the idea that Metallica fans would be dying to pay $275 a person to drive all the way to Bonnaroo just to see Metallica, for example.
So you would say that in your experience, there is no significant different between the crowd atmosphere at Rothbury vs Bonnaroo?
I have never been to Roth, but I have been to 7 or 8 different fests of just about every size, and for the most parts the crowds are the same.
Post by itrainmonkeys on Jan 29, 2010 14:09:38 GMT -5
A lot of people may come here and tell you that the "vibes" or "atmosphere" at roth is so much better than Roo, but I'd disagree. I'm not saying Roo has better vibes.....just that it's up to each person's individual experience. Read more for a better understanding of what I mean by that.
Granted, I haven't been to Roth.......but I've been to Roo for 5 years and never had any complaints about the people camping near me, watching shows near me, sharing food/corn with me, etc.
I don't think you can really judge an "atmosphere" or "vibe" because for every single person it will be a different experience. Someone may get stuck with crappy neighbors, get their food stolen from their camp, etc. while someone else may meet friends for life and share breakfast foods in a communal sense.
What I do know about Roth is that the temperature and scenery is better. Just looking at pictures I can tell you that. Bonnaroo has nice grass in most of the campgrounds at the beginning of the fest but by the second or third day it's just dirt and dust everywhere. And extremely hot.
Bonnaroo has a lot more extra activities (from what I could tell.....if I'm wrong please correct me) in terms of non-music stuff like yoga, environment discussions, arcade, batting cage, art displays, communal artwork, hair styling stations, comedy tent, movie tent, etc. If that's the kind of thing you're looking for, then cool.
But most people will say it's all about the music. Roth and Roo are two different animals. It really comes down to the person and the year in order to decide which has a better lineup.
Personally I find it hard to make a general statement about the "vibe" or "atmosphere". If it was a heavy metal festival .vs. a jamband festival then maybe it would be easier.....but honestly I think it comes down to the individual experience and what you make of it.
Roth had a few of those extra attractions but no movies or comedy.
Alright so I guess I have a couple specific questions:
-Pictures I see of Roo always make the whole grounds seem completely flat. Are all the stages and main tents on completely flat land? If so, can you really see anything?
-The pictures that I see of this tent and that tent always make them seem pretty small compared to the number of people at the festival. Is it hard to get in them for the late nights?
- It is flat but the stages are 5-7 feet in the air so it is usually not aproblem
- The tents have a 10-15 thousand or so capacity, however especially at late nights there will be 3-4 people going so they do not ever get too crowded. However if it is a show you realy want to be close for I would say show up right as the band before them is finishing.
Post by lordrockinhood on Jan 29, 2010 22:25:26 GMT -5
In recent years I've camped at Bonnaroo, Langerado Big Cypress, AllGood, and Gathering of the Vibes. I like the diversity of music best at Bonnaroo, but as far as the people in general, they were all pretty much the same, and by that I mean good
If I do a festival this year, its going to end up being Summercamp, Wakarusa, or Bonnaroo, and I am trying to be able to figure out the pros and cons.
Summercamp is the convenient one because it is only 3 hours away, and isn't as far south> won't be quite as muggy, and you can camp in the forest to get some shade and be able to sleep in later. Downside is the lineup- Umphrey's and Moe. as headliners every night. I love umphrey's but obviously there are festivals with bigger acts
Wakarusa gets hype for its beautiful venue and all-night music (past 6am in previous years, supposedly to 8am on 2 stages this year) and the lineup that they have announced so far is promising but they haven't announced who the headliners are and that could make all the difference. They have had big names like Flaming Lips and Widespread Panic in the past but also small uninteresting acts as headliners. Also its 10 hours from me.
Bonnaroo is 8 hours from me and it is camping in a flat farm baking in the sun, trying to find my way around 80,000 people without any elevation changes to help see things in the distance, but without a doubt would have both the biggest and most diverse music. And also an amazing comedy lineup every year.
...god I hate that Rothbury is gone... great venue, big headliners, lots of familiar jam acts that I like, and only 4.5 hours away... it was clearly my best choice.
^Even though I listen to and love Jam Bands, the lack of diversity in Rothburys lineup has always kept me from making that 1o hour trek up there. Sometimes the bandsthat you have never heard of are the ones that end up being the best. I had never heard of Orchestra Baobab, and they blew my mind.
Summercamp always looks fun to me, but from what I have read because it is public ground they have roughly the same number of arrests as Bonnaroo, from a population about 1/3rd the size.
I am really thinking I am going to do Waka this year myself depending on headliners, but I would never usue it as a 'roo replacement.
- It is flat but the stages are 5-7 feet in the air so it is usually not aproblem
- The tents have a 10-15 thousand or so capacity, however especially at late nights there will be 3-4 people going so they do not ever get too crowded. However if it is a show you realy want to be close for I would say show up right as the band before them is finishing.
Except last year at GirlTalk which had the tent overflowing past the vendors. We walked by, could barely see the stage and went to bed. If I were to choose out of the three mentioned, I'd do Roo. Waka and Summercamp just aren't diverse enough for me and I love jambands.
I think (never been to roth)the big difference in the perceived vibe or Roth vs Roo could be directly related to the weather. Roo can be pretty miserable if you're not up to the challenge. Hell, my first year in 04 was sooooo hot and then poured. I remember standing ankle deep in mud watching Trey conduct an orchestra. I swore that I'd never go back. But I aged 5 years, went back last year and had a blast. I learned how to make the experience even more enjoyable. I can't wait for this year.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
If I do a festival this year, its going to end up being Summercamp, Wakarusa, or Bonnaroo, and I am trying to be able to figure out the pros and cons.
Summercamp is the convenient one because it is only 3 hours away, and isn't as far south> won't be quite as muggy, and you can camp in the forest to get some shade and be able to sleep in later. Downside is the lineup- Umphrey's and Moe. as headliners every night. I love umphrey's but obviously there are festivals with bigger acts
Wakarusa gets hype for its beautiful venue and all-night music (past 6am in previous years, supposedly to 8am on 2 stages this year) and the lineup that they have announced so far is promising but they haven't announced who the headliners are and that could make all the difference. They have had big names like Flaming Lips and Widespread Panic in the past but also small uninteresting acts as headliners. Also its 10 hours from me.
Bonnaroo is 8 hours from me and it is camping in a flat farm baking in the sun, trying to find my way around 80,000 people without any elevation changes to help see things in the distance, but without a doubt would have both the biggest and most diverse music. And also an amazing comedy lineup every year.
...god I hate that Rothbury is gone... great venue, big headliners, lots of familiar jam acts that I like, and only 4.5 hours away... it was clearly my best choice.
I would just compare the lineups, ticket prices, and associated costs and decide which one is right for your consumer needs, budget, etc. I've been to all 3 of your options and I've had a blast at all of them...
if you are a mainly a jam band fan , which it sounds like you are, i would suggest going to one of the other fests. bonnaroo isn't a jam band fest anymore. they still get some jambands, but it's just a small part of the fest. some people took this as a bad thing and praised rothbury because it was more jam heavy and had more good vibes man. the fact is rothbury was just what bonnaroo use to be 5 years ago. but if that is the kind of vibe you are looking for, i would suggest heading elsewhere. but if you want the best, most diverse festival, understand that with a crowd that huge there are going to be some problems and can deal with that, come on down to the farm. i guarantee you will not regret it.
if you are a mainly a jam band fan , which it sounds like you are, i would suggest going to one of the other fests. bonnaroo isn't a jam band fest anymore. they still get some jambands, but it's just a small part of the fest. some people took this as a bad thing and praised rothbury because it was more jam heavy and had more good vibes man. the fact is rothbury was just what bonnaroo use to be 5 years ago. but if that is the kind of vibe you are looking for, i would suggest heading elsewhere. but if you want the best, most diverse festival, understand that with a crowd that huge there are going to be some problems and can deal with that, come on down to the farm. i guarantee you will not regret it.
Actually I disagree, as someone who primarily likes Jambands himself, there is always a path at Bonnaroo to see mainly jambands all weekend. There is also a path to see mainly metal, and once I met a guy who was there for the Country Music and Metallica. If you have a narrow musical interest you can certainly follow it to your hearts content there.
The great part though is when you are on your way from seeing a badass jamband, and you stop and watch a jazz show for a minute, then have your mind blown. Or that you will got to a headliner like Radiohead, that you had no interest in seeing, and walk away saying it was one of the best shows of your life. One of the best things that has happened to me since I started going to Bonnaroo is my appreciation for all types of bands I would never have gone to see on my own.
if you are a mainly a jam band fan , which it sounds like you are, i would suggest going to one of the other fests. bonnaroo isn't a jam band fest anymore. they still get some jambands, but it's just a small part of the fest. some people took this as a bad thing and praised rothbury because it was more jam heavy and had more good vibes man. the fact is rothbury was just what bonnaroo use to be 5 years ago. but if that is the kind of vibe you are looking for, i would suggest heading elsewhere. but if you want the best, most diverse festival, understand that with a crowd that huge there are going to be some problems and can deal with that, come on down to the farm. i guarantee you will not regret it.
Actually I disagree, as someone who primarily likes Jambands himself, there is always a path at Bonnaroo to see mainly jambands all weekend. There is also a path to see mainly metal, and once I met a guy who was there for the Country Music and Metallica. If you have a narrow musical interest you can certainly follow it to your hearts content there.
The great part though is when you are on your way from seeing a badass jamband, and you stop and watch a jazz show for a minute, then have your mind blown. Or that you will got to a headliner like Radiohead, that you had no interest in seeing, and walk away saying it was one of the best shows of your life. One of the best things that has happened to me since I started going to Bonnaroo is my appreciation for all types of bands I would never have gone to see on my own.
we don't really disagree then bonnaroo has different options, you can see whatever you want. you can come for that one thing but if you are open to seeing other things come to bonnaroo. those other fests don't have those options. so if you just want that one type of music and type of people you can get it at those fests.
- It is flat but the stages are 5-7 feet in the air so it is usually not aproblem
- The tents have a 10-15 thousand or so capacity, however especially at late nights there will be 3-4 people going so they do not ever get too crowded. However if it is a show you realy want to be close for I would say show up right as the band before them is finishing.
There is no way the tents have a 10-15 thousand person capacity. Maybe 5,000, maybe.
- It is flat but the stages are 5-7 feet in the air so it is usually not aproblem
- The tents have a 10-15 thousand or so capacity, however especially at late nights there will be 3-4 people going so they do not ever get too crowded. However if it is a show you realy want to be close for I would say show up right as the band before them is finishing.
There is no way the tents have a 10-15 thousand person capacity. Maybe 5,000, maybe.
and they are almost always completely packed. overflowing out the sides and back sometimes as far as past the road.
Post by nodepression on Jan 30, 2010 14:18:18 GMT -5
If I really want to see a show in a tent, I'll go a song before other band ends, it's always worked for me. Bon Iver last year was packed but I got in before Robyn Hitchcock ended and got a great spot.
- It is flat but the stages are 5-7 feet in the air so it is usually not aproblem
- The tents have a 10-15 thousand or so capacity, however especially at late nights there will be 3-4 people going so they do not ever get too crowded. However if it is a show you realy want to be close for I would say show up right as the band before them is finishing.
There is no way the tents have a 10-15 thousand person capacity. Maybe 5,000, maybe.
I am looking for a source but Centeroo capacity is 80,000 excluding the What Stage, and Which is 30,000, so 15 at this and that, and ten, at the Other seems about right to me.
I am looking for a source but Centeroo capacity is 80,000 excluding the What Stage, and Which is 30,000, so 15 at this and that, and ten, at the Other seems about right to me.
thats what you would hope but they look much smaller and descriptions I have seen have said "several thousand". But if you can get in that's all that matters.
If you mean capacity Physically under the tents he is correct. I am referring to the capacity of the area around the stages, where you can stand and still see the music decently well, and hear the show.
^Fair enough we were getting at the same thing, I was just saying it does have a lot to offer jamband fans still.
I dunno, Jess. I agree that there's a lot to offer jam band fans still, but those things aren't necessarily actual jam bands anymore. There's a lot of great music, and jamband fans will find a lot of things that they like, but the trend has been fewer and fewer jambands each year since 07.
Last year I can recall Phish, moe., Govt Mule, Galactic, and Ben Harper and R7 (even though they're not really a jamband). Am I missing any? Since 08, you really can't go to Roo and expect to see more than 1 or 2 jambands in a day, unless they reverse the trend this year.
But like I said, there's still plenty of music there that's awesome, and fans of jam bands should be able to find something all day that's good.
Post by pondo ROCKS on Jan 30, 2010 20:55:31 GMT -5
The differences in the fests are they comedy, the "extra" stuff to do, the heat and the overall size, but in the end, good music is good music. I think the overall attitude of the person going, the crew the decide to bring (or perhaps they go solo), the choices they make while attending and the openness of their mind and finally the willingness to go with the flow make or break a festival.
True, some bands are better than others but in the end, its all about having the best time there and I hope you enjoy Roo as much as you did Roth if not more....
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^Fair enough we were getting at the same thing, I was just saying it does have a lot to offer jamband fans still.
I dunno, Jess. I agree that there's a lot to offer jam band fans still, but those things aren't necessarily actual jam bands anymore. There's a lot of great music, and jamband fans will find a lot of things that they like, but the trend has been fewer and fewer jambands each year since 07.
Last year I can recall Phish, moe., Govt Mule, Galactic, and Ben Harper and R7 (even though they're not really a jamband). Am I missing any? Since 08, you really can't go to Roo and expect to see more than 1 or 2 jambands in a day, unless they reverse the trend this year.
But like I said, there's still plenty of music there that's awesome, and fans of jam bands should be able to find something all day that's good.
It is hard to define who is and isn't a Jam Band I would say the jamband fans also enjoyed.
Bela Fleck Booker T Tony Rice Toubab Krewe Grace Potter Moonalice David Grisman etc.....
Like I said though it is hard to define what is and is not a Jam Band.
It is hard to define who is and isn't a Jam Band I would say the jamband fans also enjoyed.
Bela Fleck Booker T Tony Rice Toubab Krewe Grace Potter Moonalice David Grisman etc.....
Like I said though it is hard to define what is and is not a Jam Band.
Sure, that's why I was saying there would be stuff for jam band fans to enjoy. But Bela wasn't with the Flecktones, and the stuff he did was more African music than jammy type stuff -- it was great of course. Tony Rice and Grisman are straight up bluegrass. Grace Potter is great, but I didn't know anyone considered that jamband music. Booker T too. Toubab I could see.
Jamband is like many genre terms, in that it's been expanded to refer to so many bands that it doesn't have much meaning left. People who love jam bands usually also like a lot of bands that most people wouldn't consider to be in that category.
In any case, it's hard to be a music lover of any kind (except maybe jazz or classical) and not love bonnaroo.
;D
