Greetings from Manchester, TN!!

After 13 hours, two time zones, and 6 states – I made it to Bonnaroo. In one piece. Without getting pulled over (unlike the car from Massachutsetts next to me who got tagged by a stater in Virginia… hope you guys made it). It was a sweet ride, albeit slightly boring. I listened to Preston and Steve podcasts to make me feel like I had other people with me.

I write this from the VIP/Artist Check-in, on my first (and only!) shift as an official Bonnaroo volunteer. Granted, I did get the 1am to 7am graveyard shift, but to see a 4-day music festival for FREE and to stay in VIP campgrounds (with showers, which are amazing), you really can’t beat this deal. Plus, I’ve already met a ton of chill people and have prime area to be during the day. There are currently four of us chillin’ in the Holiday Inn conference room, listening to music, and waiting for people to show up. And, thus far, all the people have been supercool.

At about 1pm, Central Time, I pull my car into the camp ground, parked, and made friends. Instantly. Oh, wait – I have to interrupt this – the manager for Brazilian Girls is hangin’ out here. I’m schmoozing. Okay, anyway, so I made three instant friends, set up my tent, participated in some “activities,” then walked around the festival grounds. There are 700 acres of space open to the Bonnaroo Festival and it’s almost 80,000 attendees. It’s an expansive space, but not intimidating. In fact, nothing about this place is intimidating. This is probably the least judgmental place on earth. It’s totally “come as you are, be what you want,” I don’t have to suck in my gut or worry about my hair… hell, I don’t even need to put on clothing if I don’t feel like it. It’s nice to have the option of nudity, even if I don’t choose to take it. :)

I love this place and I have only been here for 12 hours.
It’s going to be very difficult to go back to work and PA and normal life.

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to write again, as I didn’t bring my laptop, but I have lots of paper and will make a full report upon my return.

My personal concert schedule for tomorrow:
Brazilian Girls
The Nightwatchman
Lily Allen
The Roots
Dierks Bentley
TOOL!!!!
String Cheese

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