Bonnaroo’s 2015 year is in the books. By now, you may have heard about all the major happenings. Billy Joel closed down the main stage with huge hits. The SuperJam was an epic throwback throwdown with appearances from everyone from Zach Galiafinakis and Jon Hamm performing ‘We Are The World’ to DMC going through a few Run DMC classics (watch the whole thing here). Kendrick Lamar and Chance The Rapper freestyled with Earth Wind & Fire. But there were a few incredible moments at Bonnaroo this year you may have missed.Â
1. Oscar Winning Best Picture ‘Birdman’ + Live Film Score
This past year’s biggest Oscar winner was ‘Birdman’, taking home Best Picture along with 3 other wins. The film, starring Michael Keaton, Ed Norton, and Emma Stone, features an incredible and critically acclaimed score by jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez, which acts as a back bone for the entire movie. Using solely the drums and snippets of classical music, Sanchez keeps a beat throughout the film, accentuating scenes with comedic timing or shocking stops when appropriate. The drummer took the stage at the Cinema Tent to perform the score live from start to finish and even performed a 7 minute drum solo during the credits that left people’s jaws on the floor. However, there were a huge throng of upset fans were turned away due to capacity. This most likely once in a lifetime experience was definitely a highlight for the few who found seats.
2. The Game Of Thrones Season Finale
The phenomenon that is Game Of Thrones swept Bonnaroo this year, with the festival’s information booklet adorned with the phrase ‘Summer Is Coming’. At the Cinema Tent throughout the weekend, the episodes leading up to the season finale were screened, but for the big finish, which aired on Sunday night, Bonnaroo went big. They turned the Other Tent into a huge movie theater, with booming sound, a giant screen, and a replica of The Iron Throne. After Billy Joel’s headlining set, a huge crowd made a mass exodus to the tent, sat down on the grown, and watched the epic ending. I’m going to avoid spoilers here, but the somewhat inebriated crowd laughed, cheered, and cried throughout the entire episode. There may be no better way to watch that show than in a 1000 person deep crowd of drunk, cheering young people.
3. The Enchantment Under The Sea Dance
In the finale of the original Back To The Future, Marty McFly helps his father save the day, beat up the bully and get the girl. At the high school dance, the guitarist is injured in a fight, leading Marty to perform an 80s inspired, rip roaring version of ‘Johnny B. Good’, which in some sort of weird time traveling circle, inspired Chuck Berry, as the guitarist immediately calls him: “CHUCK! CHUCK! ITS YOUR COUSIN MARVIN! MARVIN BERRY – YOU KNOW THAT NEW SOUND YOU WERE LOOKING FOR? WELL, LISTEN TO THIS!” Astute fans of the film will remember that very dance’s theme – ‘The Enchantment Under The Sea’, which Bonnaroo organizers set up immediately following a screening of the film, complete with decorations and a live band performing throwback hits.
4. Snicklefritz (Cherub)
One name on the line up many may not have known was Snicklefritz. According Bonnaroo’s schedule, the duo of Steven Dinkleheimer and Mick Dandy met in high school fighting over a girl, but decided to dedicate themselves to their one true love of Rock N Roll. Well, Snicklefritz didn’t exist – and instead the dedicated fans who lined up for a band they had never heard of (or, more likely, heard the buzz around the festival), were treated to a surprise set from Cherub. The duo also performed a secret set at the Kalliope stage, and were a part of the SuperJam.
5. Kalliope
You can’t really miss the Kalliope stage – it’s huge, it shoots fire, it shoots lasers, and it may have some of the loudest sound at Bonnaroo. But most people just check it out as they walk by. This huge stage, straight from Burning Man, has some of the greatest DJs you’ve never heard of spinning everything from deep house cuts to crazy mash ups all night and into the early morning. This is the latest place to see music at Roo, and is one of the best dance parties of the week year after year.
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