What Would You 'Roo?
posted in: Features
Well, we’re about 24 hours from my all-time favorite time of year. A time when I pack up friends and foes, lots of ponchos, and extra trash bags then make the 14 hour voyage to the promised land of music, more commonly referred to as Bonnaroo. Generally, I take little time in planning out my days while in Manchester, floating from tent to stage by basing my decisions on the vibes each spot is giving off and the music that wafts to my ears over the heads of other festival goers. But this year, as promised, OurStage is going to be keeping you in the loop, so I consider it my moral duty to give you a heads up on who I’ll be checking out throughout the weekend. Don’t forget, I’ll be live tweeting the whole time from the OurStage Twitter account ( just like Bamboozle)! And if you were following along then, you know it was a ruckus good time. So without further ado, I present to you the bands I’m most excited to see. Think I’m crazy? That’s okay. Let me know in the comments below and I’ll be sure to report back on YOUR favorite artists’ performances.
Thursday
Local Natives – Their song “Airplanes” is sad yet sweet, and I’m always tapping my feet to it, so I can’t wait to see what else they have in store.
Neon Indian – Simply because the hype surrounding this band is hard to ignore.
Miike Snow – This is actually a band, not one guy. Their club rock is poignant and lyrical with a seemingly ethereal quality. And while I’ve seen them live in a dark concert hall, I’m excited to see how their music will flow in the open air.
Other must-sees: The Dodos, Lotus, LA Riots, Wale
Friday
Tokyo Police Club and The Gaslight Anthem – Because both promise energetic and engaging performaces.
Dr. Dog – Their 1960’s influenced pop-rock should make for a mellow and vibey late afternoon show.
The Flaming Lips vs. The Black Keys – Both scheduled for a midnight show, this is the worst conflict I foresee. The Flaming Lips will be revisiting Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon while The Black Keys will most likely be performing brand new material off their latest release, Brothers. So what do you think, out with the old in with the new or pay tribute to the greats who have come before?
Other must-sees: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, She & Him, Tori Amos, Kings of Leon
Saturday
Paper Tongues – We had the pleasure of interviewing the boys of Paper Tongues at Bamboozle but weren’t able to catch them live. If their high energy on camera is any indication of their live performance, their show should be a pumped-up party.
The Dead Weather – Excited to see how Jack White’s newest venture stacks up to The White Stripes and The Raconteurs.
GWAR – Playing at 2:30 AM. I only hope I make it ’til then to enjoy their wild sci-fiesque costumes and on-stage antics (like spraying the audience with weird liquids.)
Other must-sees: Conan O’Brien, Circa Survive, Mumford & Sons, Jay-Z
Sunday
Ingrid Michaelson – Following a high-paced weekend, her dreamy melodies and lovely voice will be a nice break for the ears.
Ween – After almost 20 years, their infectious grooves still ring true.
Other must-sees: Against Me!, Blues Traveler, Lucero, Zac Brown Band, Phoenix