The sun seemed to be cooling down by the time I made way to The Other Tent to check out the Del McCoury Band, an amazing country/bluegrass group. Their set was very genuine and had a warm, welcoming feel to it — Appalachia at it’s finest. While I'm not usually into bluegrass, I was really getting into the songs; and I wasn't the only one. Folks all around me were clapping their hands and dancing around, indeed having a good ol' time in the tent.
One of the bigger acts I wanted to see all weekend was already playing at That Tent by the time I trucked over there. The artist, Jenny Lewis, had a huge gathering checking her out, including someone who was going to play the same stage later on: Elvis Costello. He ultimately joined Lewis to perform “Carpetbaggers,” which I'd actually suspected since the two worked together on that song previously.
I had a very tough time actually seeing her on stage, though, as there were so many people blocking the view, but her voice was strong and beautiful regardless. I envy all who could see Lewis and her band play, but I still feel fortunate to have been in attendance, especially when she covered the Traveling Wilbury’s “Handle With Care.”
With the performance time slots so close together, I had to make a quick choice of who I was going to check out next, finally deciding to head over to the What Stage to watch Wilco for a couple of songs and then return to That Tent for Elvis Costello.
Wilco was amazing and I really wish I could have seen more than I did. I enjoyed hearing “Handshake Drugs” as did thousands of others who flocked to the main stage to catch their performance. After soaking in a couple of tunes I made my way back to see Elvis Costello who stated his performance would include some special guests.
He played “Radio, Radio” as well as the Beatles’ “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.” And his special guests wound up being Jenny Lewis and Allen Toussaint. Overall, Costello's set was strong and all of the fans were asking for more by the time it was over. Personally, I was thrilled to have heard “(What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?” and "Veronica."
Article comments
1 - dirtyrickshaw
Springsteen wasn't the only one playing at the time. Jeff Bujak was playing on another stage. Check 'yer facts, folks.
2 - theglenburnie
You're such a newb. You probably should have hung out with the guy with the white powder--we would all be better off for it. It might have made for a more interesting review.
3 - Jordan Richardson
Sounds like a good time. Thanks for sharing your experiences, Brian!
4 - jack
Meh, I would have appreciated a more critical review of some of the artists. Did you really think they were all that great? I herd several people complain that Wilco sounded bland and complaints from others that the Boss' voice sounded shot and his song selection was weighted far too much in favor of his more recent collection rather than his classics (considering this wasn't a typical Springsteen audience, this was a poor choice on his part).
5 - paul
the dr. john cover dan dyer performed was "i walk on guilded splinters" (on dan's self-titled album)
6 - Corey
"I wasn't interested in seeing MGMT or Moe and I really was lacking energy so day three at Bonnaroo was concluded."
This confirms that you are a douche.