In the vast landscape of 21st-century music festivals, Bonnaroo stands out as a pivotal event that has shaped the industry. Held for the first time on June 21-23, 2002, in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo set the stage for the success of contemporary music festivals. While the inaugural edition of Bonnaroo had a strong presence of jam bands, the festival’s commitment to fostering communal vibes and a love for live music has only grown stronger over the years. Let’s explore the origins of the first Bonnaroo Music and Art festival, its remarkable lineup, and how it paved the way for future triumphant music festivals.
The Spirit of Bonnaroo
The name “Bonnaroo” is deeply rooted in musical culture. It is a combination of the French words “bonne,” meaning “good,” and “rue,” meaning “street.” This homage to the musical heritage of New Orleans embodies the essence of a successful music festival—a space for pure enjoyment. Interestingly, “bonnaroo” also happens to be Creole slang for a “really good time.” It’s a fitting term for an event that aims to create unforgettable experiences.
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A Twist of Fate
The closing of Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park in 1999 inadvertently set the wheels in motion for the birth of Bonnaroo. This park had been home to the annual Hot Summer Nights music festival until construction made it impossible to continue hosting concerts there. Faced with this challenge, the founders of Bonnaroo, AC Entertainment, had to pivot and find an alternative venue. Little did they know that this setback would give rise to something extraordinary.
The Birth of a Festival
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Bonnaroo seemed like the perfect name for the ambitious new venture set on a sprawling farm in Manchester, TN. Not only did the name have various translations, but it also resonated with pop culture through Dr. John’s 1974 release, Desitively Bonnaroo.
The team at Superfly, who had previously produced shows during the New Orleans Jazz Fest, drew inspiration from their experiences at Glastonbury and Coachella. They joined forces with Coran Capshaw, a renowned manager for bands like Phish and Dave Matthews Band, and regional promoter Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment. Together, they combined their expertise and resources to create what would become America’s most successful multi-day camping music festival since Woodstock.
A Team of Experts
When it came to organizing Bonnaroo, the team left no room for error. They assembled an experienced crew, incorporating key players from the successful Phish events. Every aspect of the festival, from project management to security, was entrusted to the best professionals in the camping festival business. By doing so, they ensured that the quality of the event and facilities would be unparalleled.
Finding the Perfect Location
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The team scouted for the ideal location and settled on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN, near I-24. The previous use of the land for the Itchykoo festival provided existing access roads, making it easily accessible for festival-goers. The purchase of the farm in 2007 allowed for the addition of a permanent power source, eliminating the need to rely solely on generators.
The Bonnaroo Experience Begins
On March 13, 2002, Bonnaroo tickets went on sale with minimal advertising. Priced initially at $100 and later reaching $170, tickets were exclusively sold through the festival’s website. To their surprise, 10,000 tickets were sold on the first day alone. Within a week, 70,000 tickets were sold, and on March 24, the festival announced a sell-out. In just 11 days, Bonnaroo had captured the interest and enthusiasm of fans solely through word-of-mouth and without any major marketing campaigns.
A Turning Point for Music Festivals
Bonnaroo came at a pivotal time for music festivals, with the shadow of Woodstock ’99 still lingering. While the Itchykoo festival failed due to a lack of headlining acts and funding, Woodstock ’99 tarnished the festival’s brand irreparably. Bonnaroo, however, managed to rise above these challenges, offering an experience that resonated with fans and set a new standard for music festivals.
Bonnaroo’s inaugural edition marked the beginning of a new era in music festivals. With its unique blend of diverse musical performances, vibrant community spirit, and commitment to creating unforgettable memories, it laid the groundwork for the success of future music festivals. Bonnaroo continues to evolve, captivating music lovers with its unwavering dedication to the celebration of live music and the joyous Bonnaroo experience.
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