A bona fide Bonnaroo bash
Matt Finger
Managing Editor
reveiewsbyguild.com
It’s like passing through the golden gate of outdoor concerts.
“I want Bonnaroo to belong to this generation and I want Bonnaroo to stand on its own as being something really hip and special for this time.”
That’s what a fiesty Ben Harper said last Tuesday in a press conference when asked about Bonnaroo’s recent comparisons to Woodstock.
Harper, who will be playing with his band Innocent Criminals, will be making his third appearance at the music festival Bonnaroo this summer. But Harper isn’t the only big name gracing the stages of Manchester, Tenn.; rock and roll titans The Police, recently back together, will be headlining the four-day fiesta as well.
Other popular artists playing will include the Flaming Lips, Wilco, Regina Spektor, the White Stripes, Tool, Widespread Panic, Mute Math and the Decemberists, as well as comedians Lewis Black and Dave Attell. More than 80 bands, artists and comedians are scheduled to perform between Thursday, June 14 and Sunday, June 17.
Many of these artists, like Harper, are veterans of the festival. But there still remains a large number of newcomers, such as Paul Meany and his band Mute Math. Meany, who is coincidently a huge Sting fan, is excited to make his Bonnaroo debut.
“It’s an incredibly surreal experience,” Meany said about sharing the stage with such well-known artists. “I’m really looking forward to it. I mean, you dream about this when you’re a little boy and you’re getting started in your band for these types of opportunities. So we’re going to enjoy it.”
Colin Meloy of the rising star band the Decemberists, another first-time fixture at Bonnaroo, is used to the festival setting, and anticipates a good time at Bonnaroo. “I think it’s a good opportunity. What I like about playing festivals is that you just get to be in close proximity with your peers, really, you know, and get to meet other people and bands that, you know, maybe you cross paths with on tour.”
There will certainly be opportunities for musical mingling with the line-up that Bonnaroo has this year. With 700 acres of farm laid aside for the festival and camping, there will likely be no shortage of entertainment. Along with the performances taking place on the multiple main stages, Bonneroo guests can occupy themselves with a classic arcade, on-site cinema, silent disco, comedy club, theater performers, a beer festival and a music technology village, as well as cafés where more artists can be found.
Manchester, is a mere five hours and 30 minutes from Cincinnati, a worthwhile drive for any music enthusiast. Tickets range from $184.50 to $214.50, an admittedly pretty penny. But in perspective, a single ticket to see The Police in Cleveland range between $50 to $300. Considering that the Bonnaroo ticket includes four action-packed days of music, parking and a camping pass, $214.50 is a steal.
Rolling Stone called Bonnaroo one of the top 50 moments that has changed the “history of rock and roll.” Making the trip to Manchester this June is sure to be a revolutionizing experience, and one that belongs to this generation.
Workshop winners
Best play: "Everybody Needs a Place to Sit"
Best cast: "Divine Intervention"
Best actoress: Stephanie Renny, "On Trial"
Best actor: Mike Sauce, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble"
Biggest spaz: Scott Brikner, "Cupid"
Best spit: Kenny Malone, "Let's Get Ready to Rumble"
Best drunk: Michael Roberts, "Divine Intervention"
Best ironic name: Joy, "Defining Hope"
Best example of art imitating life: "The Next 75 Minutes"
Best Romance: "Something Blue"
Biggest creeper: John Pacitti, "On Trial"
Best "mean girl": Lisa DeRoberts, "The Next 75 Minutes"
Most inappropriate moment(s): Michael Roberts groping Katie Casdorph in "Divine Intervention", Julie Redfern fantasizing about her teacher in "The Next 75 Minutes"
Best line:
Stuart Samuels: Margaret, how'd you fine me?
Margaret Matthewson: I saw it up on your AIM away message. You put where you were, what time you left and what time you'd thought you'd return. You even said "come visit" with a little smiley face.
From "Everybody Needs a Place to Sit"
Stephanie Metz
Arts & Entertainment Editors
BSA BBQ
Join the Black Student Association for their end of the year celebration! They will be hosting a delicious barbeque from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2 on the greenspace. There will be great food, games and music. This event is free and all are welcome.
Late Night Movie
Need a break from studyimg for finals or just want a reason to continue procrastinating? This Oscar-nominated film will be shown at 11 p.m. from Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5 in the GSC Theater. The movie “Letters From Iwo Jima” will be showing The movie is free to XU students with All Cards.
Bingo Anyone?
The Resident Student Association will be hosting “Bingo Hollywood Style” at 8:30 p.m. in the Armory on Friday, May 4. There will be tons of great prizes including an iPod, digital camera and a $500 Master Card. There will be over $2,500 in prizes and lots of free food. This isn’t your grandparents game, folks. What’s not to love?!
Flag Football
The club football team is sponsoring their second Annual “flag football free for all”.
This event will be held from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 at the soccer stadium. This game is free and open to all students. Come blow off some steam before finals. If you would like to play, contact head coach Tim Powers at Tepowersjr@yahoo.com.
Cultural Event
Come listen to students give a presentation about their experience in Nicaragua this past semester. The presentation will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 4. If you are interested in studying abroad, you should definitly attend and learn what it is like from a student’s perspective.
