I had always wanted to go to Bonnaroo and had never gotten the opportunity until last year. Despite seeming a bit expensive (but not really when you think of how many bands there are!) and impossible to find sleeping quarters in a nearby hotel if you don’t plan on camping, it is bound to be one of the most fun experiences you’ll ever have! You never knew if you were mingling with just regular music-lovers, journalists, or musicians, because even the strangest-looking person blends right in with the crowd there. Even the motliest crew like Gogol Bordello could meander about virtually unnoticed. This year promises to be just as good, with headliners such as Metallica, Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, and Robert Plant with Alison Krauss. Though, if you ask me, the best acts were on the smaller stages (the stages are annoyingly/awesomely named the What Stage, the Which Stage, This Tent, That Tent, and The Other Tent, so keep your map handy! Don’t you love the smartass who thought up those names?). In the smaller tents, the environment is a bit more intimate but the artists are often just as good. While big players like Kanye and Metallica will be on the bigger stages, you’re liable to catch Iron & Wine, Rilo Kiley, or Lupe Fiasco on a smaller stage.

Catch the complete lineup and more photos I took from last year after the jump as well as a thorough list of things to bring with you if you go. Don’t be stupid like me and wind up asking one of the Kings of Leon what you should bring! You’ll only get an answer like, “two-ply toilet paper and plenty of Xanax.”

Keep reading….

What To Bring (from bonnaroo.com):

- Raingear
- Camping Gear (tent, tarp, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Clothing with a hood
- Extra pair of shoes/sneakers
- Mud Boots (in case it rains)
- Bug Spray
- Blanket for seating
- Sunscreen
- A hat for shade
- A bandanna
- Sunglasses
- Plastic container (or two!) for water
- Plastic bags for trash
- Extra toilet paper (just in case)
- Lantern/Flashlight with extra batteries
- Portable Radio
- Flag or balloon to identify your campsite
- Small luggage lock for your tent (please don�t bring any valuables � if you must, keep them locked in your vehicle out of view)
- Earplugs
- Extra trash bags
- Camera (disposable)
- Pen and paper for names, addresses, memories, and setlists!
- Extra set of keys to keep with you at all times (Avoid keeping keys in your car!)
- Vehicle Key Code (this will cut down on the time it takes for the locksmith to duplicate your key if you lose it)

All Photos are owned by backseatcuddler.com, Bonnaroo 2008 poster from bonnaroo.com

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