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!!
Saturday: I had very low expectations going in to this day. The big acts of the day (Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Jim James, Offa Rex-The Decemberists) I had already seen once or twice. The only thing I was really looking forward to was seeing the moment Justin Vernon stepped on stage for Grandma's Hands.
Anyway, I had originally planned to see Mt. Joy first and then make it over to Chicano Batman. I decided to skip Mt. joy and get to the Fort early for a good spot for Grandma's Hands. I got front row. I only knew Freedom is Free but that Chicano Batman set really got me hyped for the rest of the day. The lead singer was embracing the wind and the rain and was so positive that I was ready to embrace whatever weather got thrown at me.
Then came Grandma's Hands which was the top set of the weekend for me. I envisioned Justin Vernon taking the lead for Ain't No Sunshine and was happy to see that come to fruition. His voice was perfect for that song. He and Phil Cook singing back and forth on Lean On Me seemed as if they could have written the song and were singing it to each other; I found that to be a beautiful moment. Lovely Day really stole the show for me though and added to that mantra of embracing the day head on and with a smile. I managed to get MC Taylor's setlist after they left the stage so that's a nice keepsake I added to my Newport Folk memory box.
Offa Rex was fun but I would have preferred another Decemberists song or two. Olivia sounded great and I'm happy it's another short-lived band that I'll be able to say I saw.
After this I couldn't decide whether to see Nikki Lane or Angel Olsen so I split the time between them. I should have stayed at the Fort for the entire Angel Olsen set. She brought it. Nikki's set was one of the biggest letdowns for me (Along with a Big Thief - more on that later).
Next I checked out a couple songs of Jim James. I only wanted to hear A New Life so I was disappointed when I saw the setlist and that he had played it fourth and I missed it.
Lastly I wanted to check out The Avetts to hear Ain't No Man before heading downtown for Deer Tick. I couldn't get anywhere near the stage (There was definitely less standing room this year and that was a big issue for me). Luckily they played that song first and we got out of there.
Deer Tick After Party: I had only been to one of these but hiding on comments made by others it was the best one they've done that wasn't on a Sunday. I wasn't sure if this would be a letdown or not but when I saw John ask Thuyet to get him something and she came back with a bottle of Jack I knew it would not be a letdown. Deer Tick of course sounded great and had plenty of energy despite having just played through Volume 1 at the other show. The Seratones were explosive and the singer coming down to the crowd and dancing right behind me was neat. The Wild Reeds were amazing. I had skipped their set on Friday knowing I would see them here. I regret skipping that set. The opener, Boo City, was pretty cool. My girlfriend met the singer in the bathroom and she said she had just gotten off work so props to her.
Sunday: This was the single best day of music I've ever had (I feel like I've heard this before).
Choir! Choir! Choir! Was perfect and I agree that they should be playing Sunday morning every year with Pres Hall and Berklee. My girlfriend suggested that Berklee should collaborate and help lead the choir for this set and move it the Quad with a more traditional set on the Harbor Stage for those not into quoir music or jazz. I could see this both working and not working but I would prefer to keep it the way they had it this year.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band sounded great but again I couldn't get anywhere near the stage (First set of the day - what's the deal with that?)
Chuck! Dennis Ryan stole this set. I was sad to see Son skittle miss out. His new songs sound amazing and I really hope he returns for a full set next year.
Pinegrove: I already mentioned they blew me away. I was surprised. Currently trying to find out how to get the presale tickets they released today. The plan was to get seats for Rateliff (Which was the person I expected the unannounced to be after my Joni Mitchell idea was killed) but nobody got up! Even after they told the audience who it was before he took the stage, nobody got up. I'm happy that it wasn't solo because so prefer Rateliff's solo work and saw the night sweats each of the last two years so instead I went to...
Whitney: This was a solid set. I've never seen them live but they delivered exactly what I expected. Even with the dry humor I could tell they felt at home and Julian said multiple times they hope to be back. I think they'll be back next year.
Rhiannon Giddens: I couldn't care less about this set but it was another one that surprised me... so much energy and love on that stage. My friend who joined for her first Newport experience (Somebody who doesn't particularly listen to folk music) liked this set the most.
Speak Out: Knowing Roger Waters was present and didn't play Deja Vu kills me but it's really okay because this was another perfect set on level with Grandma's Hands Band. Kyle Craft becoming David Bowie before our eyes stands out. It was funny that nobody had any clue who he was (Including me). Also, Sharon Van Etten's performance was beautiful and Billy Bragg playing one of my favorite Anaïs Mitchell songs was amazing.
John Prine: I only know a few John Prine songs. I've never been a huge fan but this set delivered in a big way. I'm going to be looking for some John Prine records now. I'll be in Nashville ina few weeks and think that would be a good place to find some.
Closing thoughts:
-Justin Vernon was in love and will be back. I never saw him without a smile on his face. It certainly helps that he had Phil Cook by his side the whole time. I was happy to see him sidestage during Whitney. This was the only time I saw him at a set he wasn't involved with directly.
-I relistened to the Big Thief set yesterday and it almost made me cry. It was much better than I thought. I think those last five minutes with the guitar solo really turned me off and look back on the set negatively. That set is more of a grower (Which is risky but if people relisten I think they may feel the same).
-I met Dylan at the Deer Tick show on Saturday. Cool guy. I feel like I was probably standing with other people from this board throughout the weekend (Judging on conversations I overheard) but I don't know everybody's names or what you all look like so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ maybe next year I'll meet more of you.
-I can't wait for next year.
Edit: Jesus, I'm sorry this is so long. I have a problem.
I think I was standing in front of you for Prine and Speak Out. Judging from your avatar here. But I didn't say anything, because I wasn't sure.
Also, I picked up on that being Kyle Craft, because I remember seeing him on the lineup last year! He was great this year!
Post by thevagabond on Aug 2, 2017 13:18:59 GMT -5
Unfortunately the beer pier/garden is a draw for some in my group who are there just to hang out and have a nice weekend. I also choose not to drink as music festivals.
My thought is always "what am I going to tell my kids: 'I missed XYZ because I had to pee' or 'I was there, right up front'"
It's just not worth it, for me at least. You can drink everywhere. You can't see this stuff anywhere else.
In five years I've still never had a drop of alcohol at the Fort. My experience has not been worsened. I make up for it at night downtown.
I think I have had one beer every year. Our group usually picks a time frame midday when we aren't super invested in an set and head to either the Quad or Pier, grab one beer to nurse a hangover from the night before, watch a performance on one of the screens, then head to the Fort to get a good spot for the headliner. I would not miss it if they removed beer entirely, though.
If I were to ever have a beer at the Fort, this would be the way I would do it but that also requires waiting around to get a token(s) and spending more money so in the end it just isn't worth it for me. I'm happy to know the option is there though. I'm definitely happy the beer isn't allowed out of the designated areas. I think that's what keeps the festival so civil in comparison to others.
Upcoming Shows: August 7: Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/The Linda Lindas August 30: Waxahatchee/Snail Mail/Tim Heidecker September 17: Pearl Jam/Glen Hansard September 24: Idles/English Teacher
Saturday: I had very low expectations going in to this day. The big acts of the day (Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Jim James, Offa Rex-The Decemberists) I had already seen once or twice. The only thing I was really looking forward to was seeing the moment Justin Vernon stepped on stage for Grandma's Hands.
Anyway, I had originally planned to see Mt. Joy first and then make it over to Chicano Batman. I decided to skip Mt. joy and get to the Fort early for a good spot for Grandma's Hands. I got front row. I only knew Freedom is Free but that Chicano Batman set really got me hyped for the rest of the day. The lead singer was embracing the wind and the rain and was so positive that I was ready to embrace whatever weather got thrown at me.
Then came Grandma's Hands which was the top set of the weekend for me. I envisioned Justin Vernon taking the lead for Ain't No Sunshine and was happy to see that come to fruition. His voice was perfect for that song. He and Phil Cook singing back and forth on Lean On Me seemed as if they could have written the song and were singing it to each other; I found that to be a beautiful moment. Lovely Day really stole the show for me though and added to that mantra of embracing the day head on and with a smile. I managed to get MC Taylor's setlist after they left the stage so that's a nice keepsake I added to my Newport Folk memory box.
Offa Rex was fun but I would have preferred another Decemberists song or two. Olivia sounded great and I'm happy it's another short-lived band that I'll be able to say I saw.
After this I couldn't decide whether to see Nikki Lane or Angel Olsen so I split the time between them. I should have stayed at the Fort for the entire Angel Olsen set. She brought it. Nikki's set was one of the biggest letdowns for me (Along with a Big Thief - more on that later).
Next I checked out a couple songs of Jim James. I only wanted to hear A New Life so I was disappointed when I saw the setlist and that he had played it fourth and I missed it.
Lastly I wanted to check out The Avetts to hear Ain't No Man before heading downtown for Deer Tick. I couldn't get anywhere near the stage (There was definitely less standing room this year and that was a big issue for me). Luckily they played that song first and we got out of there.
Deer Tick After Party: I had only been to one of these but hiding on comments made by others it was the best one they've done that wasn't on a Sunday. I wasn't sure if this would be a letdown or not but when I saw John ask Thuyet to get him something and she came back with a bottle of Jack I knew it would not be a letdown. Deer Tick of course sounded great and had plenty of energy despite having just played through Volume 1 at the other show. The Seratones were explosive and the singer coming down to the crowd and dancing right behind me was neat. The Wild Reeds were amazing. I had skipped their set on Friday knowing I would see them here. I regret skipping that set. The opener, Boo City, was pretty cool. My girlfriend met the singer in the bathroom and she said she had just gotten off work so props to her.
Sunday: This was the single best day of music I've ever had (I feel like I've heard this before).
Choir! Choir! Choir! Was perfect and I agree that they should be playing Sunday morning every year with Pres Hall and Berklee. My girlfriend suggested that Berklee should collaborate and help lead the choir for this set and move it the Quad with a more traditional set on the Harbor Stage for those not into quoir music or jazz. I could see this both working and not working but I would prefer to keep it the way they had it this year.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band sounded great but again I couldn't get anywhere near the stage (First set of the day - what's the deal with that?)
Chuck! Dennis Ryan stole this set. I was sad to see Son skittle miss out. His new songs sound amazing and I really hope he returns for a full set next year.
Pinegrove: I already mentioned they blew me away. I was surprised. Currently trying to find out how to get the presale tickets they released today. The plan was to get seats for Rateliff (Which was the person I expected the unannounced to be after my Joni Mitchell idea was killed) but nobody got up! Even after they told the audience who it was before he took the stage, nobody got up. I'm happy that it wasn't solo because so prefer Rateliff's solo work and saw the night sweats each of the last two years so instead I went to...
Whitney: This was a solid set. I've never seen them live but they delivered exactly what I expected. Even with the dry humor I could tell they felt at home and Julian said multiple times they hope to be back. I think they'll be back next year.
Rhiannon Giddens: I couldn't care less about this set but it was another one that surprised me... so much energy and love on that stage. My friend who joined for her first Newport experience (Somebody who doesn't particularly listen to folk music) liked this set the most.
Speak Out: Knowing Roger Waters was present and didn't play Deja Vu kills me but it's really okay because this was another perfect set on level with Grandma's Hands Band. Kyle Craft becoming David Bowie before our eyes stands out. It was funny that nobody had any clue who he was (Including me). Also, Sharon Van Etten's performance was beautiful and Billy Bragg playing one of my favorite Anaïs Mitchell songs was amazing.
John Prine: I only know a few John Prine songs. I've never been a huge fan but this set delivered in a big way. I'm going to be looking for some John Prine records now. I'll be in Nashville ina few weeks and think that would be a good place to find some.
Closing thoughts:
-Justin Vernon was in love and will be back. I never saw him without a smile on his face. It certainly helps that he had Phil Cook by his side the whole time. I was happy to see him sidestage during Whitney. This was the only time I saw him at a set he wasn't involved with directly.
-I relistened to the Big Thief set yesterday and it almost made me cry. It was much better than I thought. I think those last five minutes with the guitar solo really turned me off and look back on the set negatively. That set is more of a grower (Which is risky but if people relisten I think they may feel the same).
-I met Dylan at the Deer Tick show on Saturday. Cool guy. I feel like I was probably standing with other people from this board throughout the weekend (Judging on conversations I overheard) but I don't know everybody's names or what you all look like so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ maybe next year I'll meet more of you.
-I can't wait for next year.
Edit: Jesus, I'm sorry this is so long. I have a problem.
I think I was standing in front of you for Prine and Speak Out. Judging from your avatar here. But I didn't say anything, because I wasn't sure.
Also, I picked up on that being Kyle Craft, because I remember seeing him on the lineup last year! He was great this year!
Haha I'm gonna change my avatar to more of closeup so I'll be more recognizable. Say hi next time!
Upcoming Shows: August 7: Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/The Linda Lindas August 30: Waxahatchee/Snail Mail/Tim Heidecker September 17: Pearl Jam/Glen Hansard September 24: Idles/English Teacher
I'm not saying it's a bad thing at all, I just couldn't imagine any other major music festival being able to pull that off. It helps contribute to what makes Newport such a unique experience.
Hello -- I finally got around to joining this message board. My boyfriend is matthewgroehl and he's been on here a while and trying to get me to join as well. I probably won't be super active as far as posting goes but will enjoy reading along to all of your music perspectives!
The beer prisons are required to (attempt) to prevent under aged drinking. While RI is a blue state, don't forget it is still rooted in Blue laws and it's official name is still the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. It's come a long way baby, but a ways to go still.
This was the first year that the Quack Club 15 person van that we rent to arrive in bulk got there by 10:05 at the latest. Friday 10:05 - lot 2 to the right of the split right after parking ticket scan, sat 9:55- lot 3.. whoop whoop, imm. to the left of the exit road, sun 10:00 - got lot 3 again by about 3 minutes when cars were being sent up the dreaded hill. We stayed to the end of each day and we were out within 10 minutes tops of getting everyone back to the van (which we did relatively quickly). Back home to QC in Warren which is a solid 35 -40 by 9 pm each night. That was a really nice change from getting home at 10 or later!
Quacker and I were gifted backstage access for Saturday. Highlight of the weekend for me was meeting the loveliest Connie Sweet (Jay's mom) at Grandma's hands, hearing some stories in between songs, and swaying/singing along with her and Quacker to Lean on Me up in the side viewing area. Me: "I think i'm going to cry". Quacker: "I think i already am".
The loose rock/stones between the museum and harbor have to go. Our daughter slid down hard on these, not once but twice and ended up in a boot for the weekend. She will be okay but sprains and a ton of bruising and contusions. While picking her up, two other folks went down behind us. And... what's up with the foot traffic pattern having to do a cross over x from the quad tunnel past the harbor stage? go to the right, stay to the right.. not go to the right, then cross over to the left. << incredibly minor commentary compared to the epicness of the weekend.
Got to meet mrpotatotrooper!! Dylan made the QC family pic epic!! Wished we got to meet more.. Sad that life got in the way for itrainmonkeys and cath this year. Missed you both tons!!
Chuck, for me, was pretty frustrating. The sound was all messed up as has been mentioned previously, but there were times where they would have a keyboard solo or a harmonica solo and the band could obviously hear it on there speakers but we couldn't hear a thing. And then when Jim James did his son while reading the lyrics from his phone.... I couldn't believe what I was seeing. And then when Son Little wasn't around. It all just felt disrespectful after hearing on the podcast how the set came about. Felt like Chuck deserved more what Bill Withers got.
Now, the good thing because this board is generally pretty positive and I don't want to be the downer. Obviously the final group sing of Paradise was magical but one of the things I loved the most about it was how Jay knew that it was already 7:30 and gave the greenlight to do it anyway. They are usually so strict about no music after 7:30 and it was evident that John Prine was ready to head off the stage. Felt very rebellious in such a small way. Would have been awful if they didn't do it just because they were 3-4 minutes behind.
Post by Vinnie the Eel on Aug 3, 2017 10:44:52 GMT -5
Last year, I just packed all of my stuff in my bag, they looked at it and were like, hm...The key is getting there early so it's like 16 year old assistant park rangers searching your bag.
incredible weekend. was my first time at newport and the ultimate take away is that it is every bit of the magic i imagined and the community/enviroment that i hoped for.
each day seemed unique, each set its own. i found as many of my top sets came from bands i loved as bands i had never heard before.
favorite sets: deer tick FRI @ NBC -- felt like a pilgramage, rocked so hard. robert ellis doing two billy joel songs (or as he described saturday as "a casual BJ") was a ruckus. still in search of a real setlist (anyone?) L.A. salami grandma's hands john prine pinegrove speak out robert ellis chuck pres hall wilco
but id say a better list is best moments of weekend aka those times where a grown man almost cried:
- standing ovation after 6 days a week @ LA Salami - the high five line as i left on sunday - mt joy in the kids tent doing a family-friendly version of "astrovan" - prine "angel from montgomery" - crowd exploding and standing during pinegrove "new friends" - AND AT #1: sunday in the kids tent as dan blakeslee played his final song. i hadnt heard of him or the song and I'm not sure others have. but as the final chorus hit, there was a swell of energy as, i imagine, everyone took in that this was probably the last song at this stage of the weekend. everyone stood and danced like mad people, adults and kids alike. felt otherworldly. seems strange to say my most moving moment was a band i didnt no on a sunday evening in the kids tent, but god damn this one had me.
incredible weekend. was my first time at newport and the ultimate take away is that it is every bit of the magic i imagined and the community/enviroment that i hoped for.
each day seemed unique, each set its own. i found as many of my top sets came from bands i loved as bands i had never heard before.
favorite sets: deer tick FRI @ NBC -- felt like a pilgramage, rocked so hard. robert ellis doing two billy joel songs (or as he described saturday as "a casual BJ") was a ruckus. still in search of a real setlist (anyone?) L.A. salami grandma's hands john prine pinegrove speak out robert ellis chuck pres hall wilco
but id say a better list is best moments of weekend aka those times where a grown man almost cried:
- standing ovation after 6 days a week @ LA Salami - the high five line as i left on sunday - mt joy in the kids tent doing a family-friendly version of "astrovan" - prine "angel from montgomery" - crowd exploding and standing during pinegrove "new friends" - AND AT #1: sunday in the kids tent as dan blakeslee played his final song. i hadnt heard of him or the song and I'm not sure others have. but as the final chorus hit, there was a swell of energy as, i imagine, everyone took in that this was probably the last song at this stage of the weekend. everyone stood and danced like mad people, adults and kids alike. felt otherworldly. seems strange to say my most moving moment was a band i didnt no on a sunday evening in the kids tent, but god damn this one had me.
Blakeslee is something of a cult hero to the festival. The first few years I went he was always near the "corral" area busking and singing armed with only his guitar as people left the Fort each day. The festival has really started to embrace him more the last couple years. I think he played the Museum stage for the first time in 2015.
Upcoming Shows: August 7: Green Day/Smashing Pumpkins/Rancid/The Linda Lindas August 30: Waxahatchee/Snail Mail/Tim Heidecker September 17: Pearl Jam/Glen Hansard September 24: Idles/English Teacher
Also: Surprised I haven't seen more people here raving about Drive-By Truckers' set. Patterson Hood is exactly what the music world needs right now. He provided the quote of the decade in his speech explaining the background of "What it Means" (which, by the way, made me cry like a fucking baby. As if that song wasn't gut-wrenching enough) "This isn't political. It's fucking personal. They killed my neighbor."
Patterson Hood for President 2020.
That set was by far my favorite set of the weekend that was a “normal” set (aka not a Newport specific like Grandma’s Hands, or Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge at the Museum or riddled with guests like John Prine. They absolutely killed it. And yes, I cried too.
Also, I picked up on that being Kyle Craft, because I remember seeing him on the lineup last year! He was great this year!
I saw him all weekend hanging side stage, but had no idea who he was until he was thanked (and no one I was with could name him either). When I looked up an older picture of him without the black hair, he looked more familiar.
Welcome back Bonz, but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal.
It's come a long way baby, but a ways to go still.
but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal.