GAYLETTER

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival nestled in the heart of Tennessee is an 80,000 strong convergence of campers all loyal to the the high-five ideology of “radiating positivity” while listening to some world famous musical acts. Elton John’s set was a showstopper as were those by the amazing Jack White, Frank Ocean, Lionel Richie, Die Antwood, Disclosure, Janelle Monaé and Bobby Womack (his final show before his recent death). All together there were about 100 bands playing throughout the 4 days. But the music itself is only half the Bonnaroo equation. The magic of “being on the farm,” as they call it, is living in a tent, floating around in the heat, and meeting new friends in the bliss of the moment.

Ah, but I’ve been to Coachella, I hear you say. Bonnaroo couldn’t be father from the experience of it’s somewhat superficial West Coast cousin. Sleeping in a tent and living 4 days off-the-grid creates an atmosphere of “we’re in this together” amongst the Bonnorovians.

There’s plenty to do at the festival besides listen to music. Just take a walk to “This Tent,” “That Tent” and “The Other Tent.” This year there was comedy from Broad City, a giant waterside, World Cup broadcast on giant a screen under an artsy color wheel tent, and of course, the Silent Disco. If there was ever a worthy contender to Woodstock, Bonnaroo might be just be it. This year I got lost there photographing all manner of freaks and geeks, and some wicked hot boys too.