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!!
I just want to offer my backyard for camping to anyone who is making the journey to Wilmington. I am a few miles off of I-40, bout three or four hours away from Wilmington. Just send me a message if their is anyone interested and I will set you up with my info. Just want to offer any help I can offer.
Post by rideincircles on Jun 15, 2010 18:31:32 GMT -5
This goes out to all inforoosters from one of Matt's friends.
Hi,
My name is Clara and Matt was my friend for 10 yrs. I found the link to the inforoo message board through an article about Matt's passing in our local Asheville paper the Mountain Xpress.
We were leveled by the news on Sunday. I had lunch with him while he passed through town on his way to Bonnarroo--he was so excited. Every year. But I don't think any of us realized just how special and how vast a community he had built within the festival and I have to say it has been such an amazing gift to be able to read through the posts and realize how many more people had the chance to know him--words are just not doing justice to how I feel about you people right now and the donations you are gathering and wanting to contribute and honor him. I am passing the link along so that everyone can see. It means the world to us and I sincerely hope to meet you this weekend. We are now aware of his beautiful Bonnarroo community and we are touched and grateful and absolutely in awe of you wonderful souls. I hope you have been able to get ahold of Jerry and Judy and Lauren. Please let me know if you need anything in the way of ...anything. If there's a brightside in any of this it is that without this tragedy we might never have known the scope of his impact...I can't get over this Sanuks thing...
From the bottom of my heart, thank you and my deepest condolences,
Post by canexplain on Jun 18, 2010 19:24:49 GMT -5
I know this might sound terrible, but you know how these boards are. Can you take some pictures that are in the spirit of the Roo and the memory of one of the family? I didn't know him, but if you go to Bonnaroo even once you are part of the family, just like that. Let's go with "pics or it didn't happen" and maybe Matt is just around the corner RIP Colorado Ron
I am going to try to respectfully and discreetly take some pics of the church and the surroundings, but I dont how well that would go over with the family if they saw me taking pictures of the people there.....
I have gotten back home from the memorial and wanted to sit down and let you guys know how it went.
I have also read the article, I dont think I can even comment on that right now!!
It was a beautiful ceremony in a beautiful location. It was more about celebrating Matt than mourning his death. The mood and the tone was kept upbeat and happy.
The music was provided by Matt's friends, The Sloan River Project (including a heart wrenching performance of Christmas Song by DMB)
Dr Sloan, Matts father gave the Remembrance and had everyone in attendance in smiles, telling stories of Matts childhood and some of the crazier things he got into in his younger days, but also about how dedicated Matt was at the summer camp he volunteered at every year and all the good works Matt did throughout his life.
After going through the Episcopalian ceremony, everyone retired to the back rooms for visiting and refreshments where there were many pictures of Matt from all stages of his life around the room. There was a slide show running as well.
I met his mom briefly, and asked if I could speak with her later when she had the opportunity as she was greeting everyone.
As I was waiting to speak with Mrs Sloan, I went to the other room to get a drink of water and Dr. Sloan was in there with just a few people. I spoke with him for a moment about how much Matt was loved by everyone and how many lives he had touched. It was very emotional speaking with Dr Sloan, and, although we had never met, we shared a hug and a tear.
When Mrs Sloan was able to take the time, She, Lauren (Matts sister) and I sat and talked for about 20 - 25 minutes.
I told her that I was there representing more people than I could count from inforoo, and that each and everyone of us were there in spirit. I told her about the many people who were so upset over this and that he was loved by more people than they would ever know.
I told her about the donations that are being collected for Matt's Trees. That his inforoo family has raised over 1000, that AC have promised 1000 and were going to plant a tree at Bonnaroo in Matts honor. At this point Mrs Sloan was very emotional, but it was what I told her next the made the most impact. I discussed with her Matts love of Sanuk's, which she was already aware of. (She noticed that I had Sanuk's on) I told her that Sanuk had also promised a donation, the amount we do not know yet, but that they were also going to dedicate a shoe to him, she really broke down. (Admittedly, this is when I broke down as well)
I told her that they were still deciding between The Sloan or CarpeDM and she agreed with me, it should be CarpeDM.
The Sloans were very hospitable to me and even invited me to their home after the ceremony (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it?) After meeting the Sloans, I knew exactly why Matt was the person he was, they are just good people all around.
I was honored to be able to represent this community at Matts service. All of you, know this, Dr and Mrs Sloan are very thankful for everything you have done, they know now that Matt was loved across this entire country by many and wanted me to express how much they appreciate everything.
Dr and Mrs Sloan, if you read this, it was an honor to meet the two of you as much as it was an honor to know your son in life!
Here are some pics of the church and the program and card that they gave everyone.
Post by dreamingtree on Jun 20, 2010 18:03:48 GMT -5
Thanks so much for sharing this with us And thanks for making the trip that many of us could not. I was thinking about him and the memorial service today and am glad that it was a positive experience. The part about the DMB song made me cry......
Post by monkeymonkeyjoyjoy on Jun 20, 2010 18:21:45 GMT -5
Thank you so much for bringing all of our love to the memorial, and for sharing the memorial back with us who could not be there in person. We were all there in spirit of course, and it's wonderful to hear that it was def a celebration of his life and that there were many smiles for Matt.
Post by daisychain on Jun 20, 2010 18:46:13 GMT -5
Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I know that some of us wanted to be there but didn't have the emotional fortitude to withstand it. I considered making the drive from Raleigh but decided I'd be sobbing uncontrollably and it just wouldn't be safe. Your post was the first bright spot today. And it's been such a long day. Thank you for being our emissary and conveying our condolences to the family and updating them about everything. You are wonderful! :-)
but it was what I told her next the made the most impact. I discussed with her Matts love of Sanuk's, which she was already aware of. (She noticed that I had Sanuk's on) I told her that Sanuk had also promised a donation, the amount we do not know yet, but that they were also going to dedicate a shoe to him, she really broke down.
but damn RoofaninTN! you just made a 36 year old man cry.
Post by cheeky resurrection on Jun 20, 2010 23:40:59 GMT -5
Roofan, We all appreciate this more than you can imagine. You were right in telling the family we were all there in spirit. I am so glad they took the "celebration" route at his memorial. I have no doubt he wouldn't have had it any other way.
I was contacted last night by a life long friend of Matt's that attended the Ash Spreading Ceremony at Sanders point. She sent me pictures and gave me permission to post them up.
I was regretablly unable to attend and I thank you Carla for these photos, it means a lot to this community:
Do you know what was written on the posters they are holding up?
Unfortunately I dont. I wanted so bad to attend at Sanders point, but it was beat by the drive and the pending drive back was looming.
Carla has sent me a message on FB last week - I just messaged her and thanked her for sending you the pics and also asked what was on the posters. I'll let you know what she replies
The song is "Give Yourself to Love" written by Kate Wolf. It has been covered by a lot of people, but the version I know best (and probably Matt too, I'm not sure) is by Fran McKendree. Here are the lyrics:
Kind friends all gathered 'round, there's something I would say: That what brings us together here has blessed us all today. Love has made a circle that holds us all inside; Where strangers are as family, loneliness can't hide.
You must give yourself to love if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
I've walked these mountains in the rain and learned to love the wind; I've been up before the sunrise to watch the day begin. I always knew I'd find you, though I never did know how; Like sunshine on a cloudy day, you stand before me now.
So give yourself to love if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Love is born in fire; it's planted like a seed. Love can't give you everything, but it gives you what you need. And love comes when you're ready, love comes when you're afraid; It'll be your greatest teacher, the best friend you have made.
So give yourself to if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Give yourself to love, if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.
Post by strumntheguitar on Jun 21, 2010 10:38:08 GMT -5
Chris-
You are a true ambassador of Love and Positive Vibes, and represent your community better than anyone I could imagine. Thank you so much for taking the time and willpower to do this. I know I for one could not have ever mustered the courage to approach his family with the warmth and strength that you maintained. I've been strangely shaken by this whole situation and have been at a loss of words all week. Reading your review and seeing the pictures and reactions of Matt's closest friends and family has given me a sense of closure. Nobody is happy with his untimely passing, but I know at least for me personally I feel at peace knowing those closest to him are celebrating his life as best as anyone can... with music, laughter, and camaraderie.
May Matt forever Rest in Peace, and may we all learn something about ourselves and our friendships. Life is temporary, but Love most certainly is forever.
Post by dreamingtree on Jun 21, 2010 10:42:50 GMT -5
Hi Carla and thanks so much for sharing this with us, and allowing us to be a part of your mourning. Matt was part of our little online family and he touched all of our lives in some way. Thank you Now I need to stop crying at my desk!!
You are a true ambassador of Love and Positive Vibes, and represent your community better than anyone I could imagine. Thank you so much for taking the time and willpower to do this. I know I for one could not have ever mustered the courage to approach his family with the warmth and strength that you maintained. I've been strangely shaken by this whole situation and have been at a loss of words all week. Reading your review and seeing the pictures and reactions of Matt's closest friends and family has given me a sense of closure. Nobody is happy with his untimely passing, but I know at least for me personally I feel at peace knowing those closest to him are celebrating his life as best as anyone can... with music, laughter, and camaraderie.
May Matt forever Rest in Peace, and may we all learn something about ourselves and our friendships. Life is temporary, but Love most certainly is forever.
I have gotten back home from the memorial and wanted to sit down and let you guys know how it went.
I have also read the article, I dont think I can even comment on that right now!!
It was a beautiful ceremony in a beautiful location. It was more about celebrating Matt than mourning his death. The mood and the tone was kept upbeat and happy.
The music was provided by Matt's friends, The Sloan River Project (including a heart wrenching performance of Christmas Song by DMB)
Dr Sloan, Matts father gave the Remembrance and had everyone in attendance in smiles, telling stories of Matts childhood and some of the crazier things he got into in his younger days, but also about how dedicated Matt was at the summer camp he volunteered at every year and all the good works Matt did throughout his life.
After going through the Episcopalian ceremony, everyone retired to the back rooms for visiting and refreshments where there were many pictures of Matt from all stages of his life around the room. There was a slide show running as well.
I met his mom briefly, and asked if I could speak with her later when she had the opportunity as she was greeting everyone.
As I was waiting to speak with Mrs Sloan, I went to the other room to get a drink of water and Dr. Sloan was in there with just a few people. I spoke with him for a moment about how much Matt was loved by everyone and how many lives he had touched. It was very emotional speaking with Dr Sloan, and, although we had never met, we shared a hug and a tear.
When Mrs Sloan was able to take the time, She, Lauren (Matts sister) and I sat and talked for about 20 - 25 minutes.
I told her that I was there representing more people than I could count from inforoo, and that each and everyone of us were there in spirit. I told her about the many people who were so upset over this and that he was loved by more people than they would ever know.
I told her about the donations that are being collected for Matt's Trees. That his inforoo family has raised over 1000, that AC have promised 1000 and were going to plant a tree at Bonnaroo in Matts honor. At this point Mrs Sloan was very emotional, but it was what I told her next the made the most impact. I discussed with her Matts love of Sanuk's, which she was already aware of. (She noticed that I had Sanuk's on) I told her that Sanuk had also promised a donation, the amount we do not know yet, but that they were also going to dedicate a shoe to him, she really broke down. (Admittedly, this is when I broke down as well)
I told her that they were still deciding between The Sloan or CarpeDM and she agreed with me, it should be CarpeDM.
The Sloans were very hospitable to me and even invited me to their home after the ceremony (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree does it?) After meeting the Sloans, I knew exactly why Matt was the person he was, they are just good people all around.
I was honored to be able to represent this community at Matts service. All of you, know this, Dr and Mrs Sloan are very thankful for everything you have done, they know now that Matt was loved across this entire country by many and wanted me to express how much they appreciate everything.
Dr and Mrs Sloan, if you read this, it was an honor to meet the two of you as much as it was an honor to know your son in life!
Here are some pics of the church and the program and card that they gave everyone.
RIP Matt
Your story touched my heart..I did hear about what happened and my heart goes out to his family..30 years old is a young age...to tell you the truth I scared my Husband and Sister-in law that Friday night when i passed out..i didn't realize i passed out during a concert till i woke up in the medical tent..it is a scary feeling...so yeah when i read about 1 of are own Bonnaroo family members passing i had sadness in heart...may our heart heal slowly and remember him in good ways and how he was with so many people..i did not know him.nor did i meet him but my heart is always kind and open to everyone..
RIP Colorado Ron
And thanks for making the trip that many of us could not. I was thinking about him and the memorial service today and am glad that it was a positive experience. The part about the DMB song made me cry......
;D
