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!!
Smaller festivals are really fun, you can sleep in your own bed at night, and you don't have to worry about running out of money or food.
Ha, if there's a poster booth around, that suddenly becomes a real danger!
I'm a sucker for the beer tents, super deep fried stuff tent, and t-shirt tent. If there's a bourbon/whisky tasting lodge...that's where my cheddah ends up.
Post by ColorsAndShapes on Feb 21, 2014 12:58:18 GMT -5
I can't imagine being anything less then 18-20 and going no matter how mature you are. It's always best to go with a 1-2 people who have been so you know what to pack and how to pace yourself. Also, don't even think about taking chemicals either if you go and are 15. I think when people think they are mature they can handle these things but are way too young, same with alcohol. I can't tell you how many 16-18 year old I have had to give water too because their skin is white and the eyes are in the back of their heads. Wait till 21-22+. I don't want to get into it too much your time will come when you can balance, respect and understand them. They way more valuable when you have your life figured out a little more. I promise.
Not saying you have to do them, just people really need to be patient. This goes to all youngsters, not just you. Thats what your later years are for. Sorry to sound like an old man but this is something that really bothers me. There will be way more music festivals in your future, kudos for being so passionate about music early.
Smaller fests are a good idea to get you into the fest mindset and Shaky Knees is coming up in May in Atlanta and lots of other Inforoosters are going.
If you do decide to go to Bonnaroo I would highly recommend doing day parking and staying in a local hotel with your mom (more comfy anyway).
I can't imagine being anything less then 18-20 and going no matter how mature you are. It's always best to go with a 1-2 people who have been so you know what to pack and how to pace yourself. Also, don't even think about taking chemicals either if you go and are 15. I think when people think they are mature they can handle these things but are way too young, same with alcohol. I can't tell you how many 16-18 year old I have had to give water too because their skin is white and the eyes are in the back of their heads. Wait till 21-22+. I don't want to get into it too much your time will come when you can balance, respect and understand them. They way more valuable when you have your life figured out a little more. I promise.
Not saying you have to do them, just people really need to be patient. This goes to all youngsters, not just you. Thats what your later years are for. Sorry to sound like an old man but this is something that really bothers me. There will be way more music festivals in your future, kudos for being so passionate about music early.
I really have to disagree with you. Anyone, especially now, is able to research. All you have to do is fire up the old google machine.
In 99' it was all flyers and infolines for directions.
Also, if someone were to say to me at 15 that I wasn't mature enough to take care of myself for a weekend? I would have laughed and laughed and laughed. Extra curricular activities aside, a fifteen year old should be able to feed, clothe, and hydrate ones self for a few days.
I can't imagine being anything less then 18-20 and going no matter how mature you are. It's always best to go with a 1-2 people who have been so you know what to pack and how to pace yourself. Also, don't even think about taking chemicals either if you go and are 15. I think when people think they are mature they can handle these things but are way too young, same with alcohol. I can't tell you how many 16-18 year old I have had to give water too because their skin is white and the eyes are in the back of their heads. Wait till 21-22+. I don't want to get into it too much your time will come when you can balance, respect and understand them. They way more valuable when you have your life figured out a little more. I promise.
Not saying you have to do them, just people really need to be patient. This goes to all youngsters, not just you. Thats what your later years are for. Sorry to sound like an old man but this is something that really bothers me. There will be way more music festivals in your future, kudos for being so passionate about music early.
1. I agree. do NOT fuck with chemicals. Not from strangers, ever. If you're really that curious, do them at home with people you trust. Roo is not the place to have your first time. 2. I went with 9 other newbies. Know what to pack? well that's what inforoo is for! There are tons of threads on it with hundreds of pages. The one thing I'll say I'm happy I brought is definitely my camel bak, it's a lifesaver. 3. Pace yourself with alcohol, and honestly dont drink until the sun goes down, the heat will make you feel really shitty, especially if you're drunk. 4. Know your limits. Every single one of my friends tripped except for me (lol they even timed every thing out. dropped in the late afternoon to peak during Paul's set)I didn't, and they never pressured me. I have an anxiety disorder and my last experience with psychadelics was negative, so I stay away. Hell, I don't even smoke. 5. Bring protein bars. There isn't exactly a lot of nutritious food at bonnaroo. 6. Get as much sleep as you can, when you can. This was DEFINITELY my biggest problem. The sleep deprivation by day 4 was rough. 7. Go with a big group. I'm happy I went with 10 people. Whenever I got separated or was alone, I would just go back to our campsite and there was almost always someone there, because with a group of 10, you have a lot of people wanting to do their own thing. If for some reason nobody was there, somebody would be within 5 minutes. 8. Budget Well. I saved all my money from working over the summer. The thing is, i saved so much more than my friends by not doing any drugs. Didn't have to buy any. Just a lot of beer and I was fine for the weekend, and we all chipped in for that so it wasnt too expensive. 9. I don't believe the 18-20 bs. Go when you feel you're ready after months of reading, reading, and more reading. Watch some videos to get a feel too.
I really dislike when an older adult basically says "you kids cant handle it. wait til your older". Kids will usually do what they want to do, and advice isnt often heeded. People like to find out for themselves, regardless of what they're told. OP, wait until graduation, then I say go for it.
I can't imagine being anything less then 18-20 and going no matter how mature you are. It's always best to go with a 1-2 people who have been so you know what to pack and how to pace yourself. Also, don't even think about taking chemicals either if you go and are 15. I think when people think they are mature they can handle these things but are way too young, same with alcohol. I can't tell you how many 16-18 year old I have had to give water too because their skin is white and the eyes are in the back of their heads. Wait till 21-22+. I don't want to get into it too much your time will come when you can balance, respect and understand them. They way more valuable when you have your life figured out a little more. I promise.
Not saying you have to do them, just people really need to be patient. This goes to all youngsters, not just you. Thats what your later years are for. Sorry to sound like an old man but this is something that really bothers me. There will be way more music festivals in your future, kudos for being so passionate about music early.
I really have to disagree with you. Anyone, especially now, is able to research. All you have to do is fire up the old google machine.
In 99' it was all flyers and infolines for directions.
Also, if someone were to say to me at 15 that I wasn't mature enough to take care of myself for a weekend? I would have laughed and laughed and laughed. Extra curricular activities aside, a fifteen year old should be able to feed, clothe, and hydrate ones self for a few days.
At 15-17 you should try to be sneaking a few beers and "gardening". I would not let my kid go until (without me) until they were 18 maybe 17, 15 is ridiculous.
Like someone said there is even a huge diff between 16/17-18. As for keeping yourself alive sure easy peasy, until you take few 2c strand thinking its Luc or something cause you don't know better. You can be reckless and get away with it sometime but its not a really good idea. Also for most the sensation/culture once they do it is something they are going to be chasing for a while, and you think thats ok for a sophomore in high school? That is not right. I was dumb as shit when I was 15 and made horrible decisions. I thought I was ready for freedom, but I wasn't. All in all there is no such thing as a "mature" 15 year old, especially at bonnaroo. Also you act like bonnaroo chemicals are sooo reliable. The internet is filled with misguided info too. This is a culture you need to warm up too and be educated on very slowly. Learn what is not allowed with what, test kits, etc. My fear is "mature" (people who say that are generally trying to push the envelope) will jump right in.
With all respect you are wrong. If they/you can go and just enjoy the view then fine, but I don't think that is the case with most 15 year olds without some sort of leash. We had a few 15-16 year olds in our grooouping (spelling) last year but they came with 2 moms. They just made sure they came back to camp alive and that their pupils were not the size of a quarter. You also don't realize how expensive it is as a 15 year old going for the first time.
My apologies for all the no no word talk, but seriously...
Post by ColorsAndShapes on Feb 21, 2014 13:44:26 GMT -5
With my comment regarding that may have been a little confusing. I think 20-22 is when I think you are truly ready. I am talking about everything; your life in general, brain, wallet, maturity. I just think there will be struggles anything less than that, sure that is part of the fun. Bonnaroo also used to be WAAAAY harder to do a few years back with a lack of water and shade etc.
17-18 (post graduating HS) is my answer of when you can go solo. You're an adult. =D
All I was saying was that I did it when I was 15. And I've never lost my proverbial shit. And I've participated in pretty much everything. I 100% attribute this success to knowledge and not age. Do the work and reap the benefits.
It's really simple. A 15 year old can be just as capable as a 25, 30, 40 year old.
But saying that someone shouldn't experience something because of their age in a situation like this? It kind of seems more like PR instead of real advice.
Based on prior experience with all sorts of various festivals I think it would be best for everybody if there was a mandatory 21 and over policy.
No way. Some of my best memories were from my formative years. Good festivals, good memories. I've seen just as wobbly middle agers as kids. There isn't a correlation between age and recklessness.
There are plenty of full grown adults who aren't capable of behaving in a courteous and responsible manner, but it's not as easy to eliminate a wide swath of them with a simple rule.
There are plenty of full grown adults who aren't capable of behaving in a courteous and responsible manner, but it's not as easy to eliminate a wide swath of them with a simple rule.
I think it's about traveling with a pack of folks who will take care of you, at any age. Even when I went alone to Roo (2009) I was camping with a bazillion friends.
Now my daughter is 10 this year and going to her 3rd Bonnaroo. She was 6 at her first. I wonder how old I would have let her go alone... (I say, "would" since I'm sure I'll still be going even when she'd RATHER go alone.) I think I wouldn't really WANT her to go to Roo without an adult until she was like 17. But here's the thing... in 5 years this kid would have been to what, 5 Bonnaroos? She'll know her way around more than most adults. But in terms of the heat and such, I would still insist she go in a group, and that she has at least 1-3 adult's phone numbers and know their campsites in case of trouble*.
But hey, that's what this group is for!
*Full disclosure: I have been, "that adult" for several people's kids both on this board and not who go to Roo. Ages 16-20.
For me it would be less the idea of the navigation of a musical festival which really isn't all that much of a brainteaser, and more turning a 15 year old girl loose, unsupervised, in what is essentially a fairly lawless small city. My worries would be less about my child's actions than it would the actions of others.
Based on prior experience with all sorts of various festivals I think it would be best for everybody if there was a mandatory 21 and over policy.
No way. Some of my best memories were from my formative years. Good festivals, good memories. I've seen just as wobbly middle agers as kids. There isn't a correlation between age and recklessness.
I am sorry I keep disagreeing with you but adults are allowed to be reckless because they are adults and can pay for/handle their mistakes and don't have to report to anyone. Again I am not saying NO 15 YEAR OLD CAN HANDLE BONNAROO, I am just saying overall I think it's a really bad idea. I've seen multiple accounts of kids freaking out cause they don't know how to handle a bad situation (friends laying on ground) saying "what are we going to do?" "dont tell our parents" etc cause their friend is on the ground. When you are 18 you don't have to worry about all that as well.
Actually, there is a correlation... Experience is huge. Sure adults get in car accidents just like 16 year olds but they know how to handle a hydroplane cause they have done it 1000 times.
Also walk into the med tent, not too many old faces.
All I was saying was that I did it when I was 15. And I've never lost my proverbial shit. And I've participated in pretty much everything. I 100% attribute this success to knowledge and not age. Do the work and reap the benefits.
It's really simple. A 15 year old can be just as capable as a 25, 30, 40 year old.
But saying that someone shouldn't experience something because of their age in a situation like this? It kind of seems more like PR instead of real advice.
Have you had teenage children? For me, my advice was the same I gave to my daughter at 15. She was not sheltered in any way, and very mature for her age, and I would never have let her go to Bonnaroo without an adult at that age. I really don't feel like a 15 year old has the same ability to make decisions as an older person, who has more knowledge and wisdom. Yes there are exceptions to that of course, but on average I believe that is the case.
No way. Some of my best memories were from my formative years. Good festivals, good memories. I've seen just as wobbly middle agers as kids. There isn't a correlation between age and recklessness.
I am sorry I keep disagreeing with you but adults are allowed to be reckless because they are adults and can pay for/handle their mistakes and don't have to report to anyone. Again I am not saying NO 15 YEAR OLD CAN HANDLE BONNAROO, I am just saying overall I think it's a really bad idea. I've seen multiple accounts of kids freaking out cause they don't know how to handle a bad situation (friends laying on ground) saying "what are we going to do?" "dont tell our parents" etc cause their friend is on the ground. When you are 18 you don't have to worry about all that as well.
Actually, there is a correlation... Experience is huge. Sure adults get in car accidents just like 16 year olds but they know how to handle a hydroplane cause they have done it 1000 times.
Also walk into the med tent, not too many old faces.
I don't quite know how to handle this. On the one hand you appear to be agreeing with me, which somewhat validates my opinion. On the other hand, you appear to be pretty much a perfect example of what 1karen1 was saying, so I'm torn.
Post by James Baxter on Feb 21, 2014 15:43:42 GMT -5
I went to my first Bonnaroo (and music festival) with my dad when I was 15 (2011;) it was a good experience, and probably the only way I would have been able to accomplish most of what I wanted to that year, along with VIP camping. It served as a good crash course in how to handle myself, schedule, ask for help, just how draining unprepared LNs can be, etc.
The next year, I split off with a friend when my father and I had irreconcilable conflicts or when he was feeling tired, and vice versae. e.g. Went to Spectrum Road and Reggie Watts with my dad while my friend did D'Angelo, my friend and I went to SBTRKT while my dad went to Santigold.
I'm gonna go ahead and recommend you apply for access camping if you're comfortable attending with your mom, or, if that's undesirable, do a shorter fest or two this year.
Also, bring a camel back and don't let it go unsupervised. I haven't had trouble with anything like that, but I'm also a male, so the chance of my encountering that are exponentially lower.
(1) Damon Albarn (2) Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (3) King Khan & His Shrines (4) Ty Segall (5) Ms Lauryn Hill (6) Darkside (7) Kanye (8) Janelle Monae (9) Goat (10) Meshuggah.
I am sorry I keep disagreeing with you but adults are allowed to be reckless because they are adults and can pay for/handle their mistakes and don't have to report to anyone. Again I am not saying NO 15 YEAR OLD CAN HANDLE BONNAROO, I am just saying overall I think it's a really bad idea. I've seen multiple accounts of kids freaking out cause they don't know how to handle a bad situation (friends laying on ground) saying "what are we going to do?" "dont tell our parents" etc cause their friend is on the ground. When you are 18 you don't have to worry about all that as well.
Actually, there is a correlation... Experience is huge. Sure adults get in car accidents just like 16 year olds but they know how to handle a hydroplane cause they have done it 1000 times.
Also walk into the med tent, not too many old faces.
I don't quite know how to handle this. On the one hand you appear to be agreeing with me, which somewhat validates my opinion. On the other hand, you appear to be pretty much a perfect example of what 1karen1 was saying, so I'm torn.
I am on your side. Sorry If I have been confusing. What are you saying I am the example of? For the record I have never once had a bad time because I am OCD about my party process. That along with some luck, you really never know what you are getting. But that process took a while to get to.
Karen may be THE EXCEPTION, but I promise you most 15 year olds are not doing any homework. Like someone said roo is not a good first time fest for a first timer. Try Music Midtown, Hangout, etc for a few years. They are way more "family friendly" and not 4 day lawless parties. Even if they stay sober there are risk, other people (cute 18 year old boys).
PS. I saw the OP is being smart about this. Kudos to that.
PPS. Sorry about all these preaching post but this is something that really bothers me. These lawless fest should really be 17-18+.
I went to my first Bonnaroo (and music festival) with my dad when I was 15 (2011;) it was a good experience, and probably the only way I would have been able to accomplish most of what I wanted to that year, along with VIP camping. It served as a good crash course in how to handle myself, schedule, ask for help, just how draining unprepared LNs can be, etc.
The next year, I split off with a friend when my father and I had irreconcilable conflicts or when he was feeling tired, and vice versae. e.g. Went to Spectrum Road and Reggie Watts with my dad while my friend did D'Angelo, my friend and I went to SBTRKT while my dad went to Santigold.
I'm gonna go ahead and recommend you apply for access camping if you're comfortable attending with your mom, or, if that's undesirable, do a shorter fest or two this year.
Also, bring a camel back and don't let it go unsupervised. I haven't had trouble with anything like that, but I'm also a male, so the chance of my encountering that are exponentially lower.
Being 15 and having a parent with you at Bonnaroo, even though he wasn't hovering over you the whole time, is different than being by yourself far from home at 15. You knew that your dad had your back with basic needs like food, water, and a ride home. That's pretty awesome that your dad brought you to Bonnaroo at such a young age. I just have to give the thumbs down to unaccompanied minor folk at Bonnaroo.
(1) Damon Albarn (2) Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (3) King Khan & His Shrines (4) Ty Segall (5) Ms Lauryn Hill (6) Darkside (7) Kanye (8) Janelle Monae (9) Goat (10) Meshuggah.
Post by crazykittensmile on Feb 21, 2014 16:15:53 GMT -5
The OP has heeded the advice of most and decided to wait on Bonnaroo for the time being, I think that speaks a lot to her maturity. And I hope we see her at brunch in a few years
My parents gave me a lot of freedom at that age, but I can't even begin to imagine going to an event like Bonnaroo ALONE at that age. I got into enough trouble without a 4 day festival full of extreme conditions, temptations, + surrounded by thousands of strangers with nobody to turn to for help/guidance if needed. It just doesn't seem like a recipe for a good time.
tnginger I agree, that's why I advised her to go with her mom if she could.
Water? Pah, he told me to rely on the fountains. He filled his cooler w/ beer.
Well...he was straight with the ride home at least.
Kidding, we had two gallons we kept filled diligently, and I'm very glad he was straight about a ride home and not ready to force me to learn about resourcefulness, trust, navigation etc.
Kudos to the OP. It speaks volumes that you're able to handle not attending well and still recognize your privilege.
(1) Damon Albarn (2) Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (3) King Khan & His Shrines (4) Ty Segall (5) Ms Lauryn Hill (6) Darkside (7) Kanye (8) Janelle Monae (9) Goat (10) Meshuggah.
I am sorry I keep disagreeing with you but adults are allowed to be reckless because they are adults
That made me chuckle.
Hopefully a good chuckle.
Disclaimer: as long as you don't hurt/inconvenience anyone else. Like don't drink and drive and shit. Partying in a field to some sounds, ya, sure, go for it.
I was able to do the homework and have a good time because the resources were available and for some reason, not as taboo as they are right now.
I've gotten into this discussion with people from Bonnaroo. There needs to be more readily available information to people on the farm. I really think they should work towards an affiliation with DanceSafe(which is what I was working a few years ago and eventually hit a wall where they wouldn't listen to mine and DS's arguments)
I really don't feel like I was an exception. I feel like I was given the resources and support to keep myself alive and happy. I wouldn't change a thing about my misguided youth.
I do have kids.(someone asked) My oldest is 11. Not a teen yet. I'm well aware of the ass kicking I'm going to get in a few years because of my formative years. My kids have been to numerous festivals including Bonnaroo. There is a real small fest that we go to locally and I trust her to wander a little. I think it teaches self awareness.
Now that I've made random points about all topics discussed, I really encourage thought out disagreement. Fun fact about me. An internet debate will never hurt my virtual feelings.
