On the third day of Bonnaroo, festival attendees were treated to a full day of good vibes, temperamental weather, and headlining performances from Pearl Jam, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, and the highly anticipated “Heart, Soul, and Spirit: Tribute to Tennessee” late-night superjam set.
Things kicked off with Bonnaroo veteran Jason Mraz who played a surprise set at This Tent to a packed crowd, singing along to all of his songs and starting the day off right. Lawrence Was came next on the Miller Lite Stage, winning over the overheated crowds with their soulful, funky music. Vulfpeck’s Antwuan Stanley was in the crowd enjoying the set, when Lawrence lead singer Clyde Lawrence gestured for him to join them on stage and he jumped on there for a fun vocal collaboration on their track “Oh No.” Other highlights included a bass-heavy cover of Sean Paul‘s “Sexy Ladies,” and a beautiful cover of Destiny’s Child‘s “Say My Name.”
Elsewhere at the festival, country music’s fastest riding star, Chris Stapleton, brought his chill Nashville vibes to the What Stage, while Nathaniel Rateliff performed a set of tight and funky soul music on the This tent. Haim played the Which Stage to a sprawling crowd, with their Los Angeles vibes perfectly placed for sunset at Bonnaroo.
Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse and Bonnaroo was then evacuated, forcing fans to run to their cars for shelter. While no heavy rain ever actually arrived, strong winds and huge lightning bolts forced the schedule to be shifted by an hour and fifteen minutes, allowing for every act to play their set. Unfortunately, it created some new overlapping sets, as the festival attempted to fit in all their previously scheduled performances.
When the gates re-opened, the Claypool Lennon Delirium made their festival debut, performing a set of material from their new album, and impressed with their swirling, psychedelic vibes. The psychedelic love-child of Primus bassist Les Claypool and Beatles offspring was the perfect evening performance to lead into headliner Pearl Jam.
When they took the stage, the night quickly shifted to a highlighting set of rock and roll. Playing a powerful selection of songs from throughout their impressive career, with classics like “Even Flow” and “Jeremy,” the band worked through an incredible set that satisfied the likes of many.
The late-night continued with the exciting “Heart, Soul & Spirit: A Tribute to Tennessee” as led by Kamasi Washington. The band was hot, featuring a rotating cast of characters, including Miguel, GRiZ, Devonte Hynes, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Eric Krasno & The Shady Horns, Allen Stone, Theo Katzmann, The Internet, Chicano Batman, and Lizzo. The setlist featured songs by Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, and plenty more choice sing-a-longs. Stephen Jenkins of Third Eye Blind and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child also surprised the jam-packed tent, pleasing the crowd for what was without-a-doubt one of the most anticipated set of the weekend.
Bonnaroo continues for a third day with two headlining sets from Dead & Company, as well as Ween, Lettuce, Father John Misty, and more! Enjoy these photos, courtesy of Rex Thomson:
