Playing at Bonnaroo is a big deal for most of the artists here. Anyone that’s ever been in a band can attest that it would be an incredible opportunity to play Bonnaroo. Amidst all the star struck fans and press coverage, a different story is emerging. The best part about playing Bonnaroo for most musicians is getting to revert to being a music fan.
“After all these years touring and bands we’ve been meeting, this festival is like a reunion of sorts. I hear about bands all the time people are always like’ have you heard about this band?’ When we come to a festival I’ll always check that out….I like to see bands live,” said Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog.
With a network of great musicians coming together, band crossovers are bound to happen. One of the festival highlights was a stunning performance from a British old time country band from West London called Mumford and Sons. Toward the end of their set they were joined on stage by, their idols and near legendary old-time string band Old Crow Medicine Show. The result was an Americana phenomenon fused with elements of British folk that made the packed crowd’s ears smile.
“I’m speechless, I need to collect myself….. I can’t do justice to what just happened,” said Winston “Country” Marshall of the Mumford and Sons after playing with the Old Crow Medicine Show.
Photos by Kim Jay
