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Post by Vinnie the Eel on Jun 17, 2019 8:40:43 GMT -5
Just got back from the fest -
Initial thoughts:
1. Doubt we will be back. I have a similar feeling to peach about these fests in amphitheaters. Just a strange vibe to me.
2. Organization level - makes Lockn look like Bonnaroo. This was a shitshow of communication. We got into the campground and there was no one to guide us - there were cars stuck everywhere, no one seemed to know anything. It was a free for all.
3. Worst weather we’ve ever had at a festival - we lost 2 ez ups to wind - double staked down but with the wet ground we had no chance. The flying ez ups ripped the tent and we were able to stay semi dry but it was a loss.
4. Just a strange atmosphere. Warren didn’t sit in with anyone - acts kept referring to need to keep it clean, people weren’t allowed to have their shirts off when under the roof? Freakin weird.
Oh well - i imagine we will be back at Roo next year if the lineup is worth it. Don’t think i could convince the wife to do anything in May and Lockn is a no go with those dates.
Pros: Bethel is beautiful, venue was immaculate, grounds and scenery were one of a kind. Security and staff were very chill. Most peaceful camping i've ever been part of. Nights were quiet, had plenty of real estate. Weather is weather, i dont hold wind or rain against a festival.
Cons: Vibe - simply put this was an older crowd. I am no spring chicken but I do go to festivals to party. Mule’s Woodstock set was essentially a seated show, very odd and just a weird dynamic for a show overall. Lineup - Friday was cool JRAD>Mule. Saturday was torture. Willie Nelson just kills any buzz as a Saturday headliner. I respect the man but don't want to hear ‘blue eyes crying in the rain’ when I’m trying to let loose on a Saturday night.
Mixed: Fest was tiny, completely undersold. All shows except Willie Nelson were empty under the shed. I had entire rows dead center empty during JRAD and Mule Friday night. Mule Saturday night was like ¼ full.. I didn’t mind but it just gives everything a weird vibe.
I’d go back with a good lineup. I went into it knowing I was only there for Mule X2 and Jrad but the rest was worse than I even expected. I definitely prefer Bethel to Hunter.
That said I doubt it even comes back, they had to be severely in the red this year based on attendance.
Pros: Bethel is beautiful, venue was immaculate, grounds and scenery were one of a kind. Security and staff were very chill. Most peaceful camping i've ever been part of. Nights were quiet, had plenty of real estate. Weather is weather, i dont hold wind or rain against a festival.
Cons: Vibe - simply put this was an older crowd. I am no spring chicken but I do go to festivals to party. Mule’s Woodstock set was essentially a seated show, very odd and just a weird dynamic for a show overall. Lineup - Friday was cool JRAD>Mule. Saturday was torture. Willie Nelson just kills any buzz as a Saturday headliner. I respect the man but don't want to hear ‘blue eyes crying in the rain’ when I’m trying to let loose on a Saturday night.
Mixed: Fest was tiny, completely undersold. All shows except Willie Nelson were empty under the shed. I had entire rows dead center empty during JRAD and Mule Friday night. Mule Saturday night was like ¼ full.. I didn’t mind but it just gives everything a weird vibe.
I’d go back with a good lineup. I went into it knowing I was only there for Mule X2 and Jrad but the rest was worse than I even expected. I definitely prefer Bethel to Hunter.
That said I doubt it even comes back, they had to be severely in the red this year based on attendance.
I think you touch on some good things here. I don't hold weather against the fest either - apologies if it came off that way. Was just unlucky for us. I agree with you about the vibe, I think that's why I prefer Hunter. Even if there were more people there this year than last, it just feels different. That JRAD set was pure fire, and was empty on what I heard the employees saying was the "busiest" night of the festival.
If I'm ranking the best shows I saw:
1. JRAD 2. Andy Frasco Late Night 3. Mandolin Orange 4. Marco Benevento 5. Amy Helm 6. Allman Betts 7. Revivalists 8. Adam Ezra Group 9. Andy Frasco Afternoon set 10. Phil & Friends
Things I do not understand: 1. Michael Franti - I thought this was pretty cringe. Maybe I wasn't in the right state of mind, but, this was pretty bleh. 2. Willie Nelson - when the biggest ovation is for Lukas... 3. Stephen Lewis & Big Band of Fun - I didn't have much fun here
Thing that fell short of my expectations (however lofty) 1. Mule Woodstock - Did not think I could fall asleep during a Mule tribute to Woodstock. This should have been a wild set and I don't think it even kicked off until an hour in. Then it was over.
Post by shakedownstreet on Jun 17, 2019 10:18:23 GMT -5
Interesting feedback. I had a feeling the amphitheater setting would be weird. At Hunter - even when things were empty at the stages you could still get up close and dance and it would feel more crowded. I saw a video of the Avett Brothers closing out Sunday and they panned out to the crowd at the end and it looked like the lawn was completely empty. Especially with more a jam feel - I like that at Hunter I could lay on my blanket or sit on the ground or dance fairly close - I typically hate seated shows. I'm happy with my decision to skip this year. Did it seem more crowded than last year? I'll be curious to see what they do next year? Did they announce the dates for next year? I know in years past they started selling pre-sale tickets or at least announce a date.
'13 Bonnaroo, Mountain Jam, Boston Calling '14 Mountain Jam, Boston Calling '15 Bonnaroo, Mountain Jam, Gathering of the Vibes, Boston Calling '16 Mountain Jam, Firefly, Newport Folk Fest '17 Mountain Jam, Newport Folk Fest, Boston Calling '18 Mountain Jam, Newport Folk Fest '19 Newport Folk Fest '22 Newport Folk Fest
Interesting feedback. I had a feeling the amphitheater setting would be weird. At Hunter - even when things were empty at the stages you could still get up close and dance and it would feel more crowded. I saw a video of the Avett Brothers closing out Sunday and they panned out to the crowd at the end and it looked like the lawn was completely empty. Especially with more a jam feel - I like that at Hunter I could lay on my blanket or sit on the ground or dance fairly close - I typically hate seated shows. I'm happy with my decision to skip this year. Did it seem more crowded than last year? I'll be curious to see what they do next year? Did they announce the dates for next year? I know in years past they started selling pre-sale tickets or at least announce a date.
The reason the lawn was empty for the Avetts was the rain. Weather was pretty awful yesterday. The lawn was fuller on Friday and Saturday night.
It's hard to compare the crowd because of the venue change. I'd say substantially more than last year - much less than the Petty year. I saw no references to next year on socials or the website. I think <<personally>> they should avoid the Bonnaroo weekend. If they're staying in an amphitheater, the weather doesn't matter so much, so they could do later or earlier in June. They're so close to Peach and the festivals now have such a similar feel...this is like a baby Peach. I'd want to get some separation from those festivals.
I think this is moving up a weekend so it should no longer conflict with Bonnaroo.
Makes sense with Lockn moving to June. With Peach pretty much out for me this year and being more likely to do something family friendly, if anything, I could see us doing this.
I think this is moving up a weekend so it should no longer conflict with Bonnaroo.
I'm just shocked this is coming back.
Any insider hints?
Got nothin' at the moment, but haven't exactly inquired either. Mountain Jam, Bonnaroo, Lockn, Peach all taking place in one month's time is crazy though. I can't envision a scenario where mountain jam sells well regardless of lineup. If there's a Phish fest announced for later in the summer that will just compound the issue
Got nothin' at the moment, but haven't exactly inquired either. Mountain Jam, Bonnaroo, Lockn, Peach all taking place in one month's time is crazy though. I can't envision a scenario where mountain jam sells well regardless of lineup. If there's a Phish fest announced for later in the summer that will just compound the issue
Got nothin' at the moment, but haven't exactly inquired either. Mountain Jam, Bonnaroo, Lockn, Peach all taking place in one month's time is crazy though. I can't envision a scenario where mountain jam sells well regardless of lineup. If there's a Phish fest announced for later in the summer that will just compound the issue
Yeah, I'm shocked it's coming back. Shocked.
Who knows, with no official announcement yet they could still scrap it for this year and I wouldn't be surprised. If they do have it I'm assuming they'll do so knowing they'll lose money, but just hope to keep the brand relevant and continue to establish Bethel as a fest site
I have not... still dk how this is supposed to compete with Lockn, Peach, and Roo in a ~1 month time period. Live Nation owning 3 of the 4 makes it even crazier.
