The Features are playing Bonnaroo 2009

[carligula]

Here's the story for those who haven't heard (by the way, this is a pretty good local music blog):

http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/nashvillecream/2009/03/the_road_to_bonnaroo_starts_wi.php

I'm so damn happy the boys are finally getting the chance to play that big festival down the road.  I'm just sad I won't be able to make it this year.  I hope they get a nice slot that'll get them a lot of attention.  They were mentioned in the last Bonnaroo email, so they're obviously dedicated to giving them some well-deserved exposure.

Is anyone here going this year?

[DigsySlattery]

Nice! How hard is it to play at Bonnaroo? This will definitely be great exposure for them. I can't believe they haven't played before, actually. I will not be going, as I really don't like outdoor festivals at all. No thank you, All Points West.

[jamiecarroll]

Yes.  I'm glad for the Features to have this opportunity.

I experienced Bonnaroo a couple of years ago when Radiohead played at it, and it blew my mind - just the sheer size of it was overwhelming.  I kind of told myself after that that while I was glad I got to see it, I didn't feel the need to ever go back.

But this year...Phish is playing!  I might have to bite the bullet.  Or I might try to see them in Knoxville on 6/10, but since that one is sold out, it might end up being just as expensive as Bonnaroo.  We'll see.

[Tom Foolery]

I've never been to Bonnaroo.  How is the set up there?  Is there a main stage with some other side stages, or are all of the performances on one stage?  Is it possible The Features could be shuffled off to the side somewhere, or is it pretty much guaranteed that they'll be playing in front of their largest audience ever?

[carligula]

Unfortunately, there's a good chance they'll be playing for a small crowd.  There are about a dozen stages/tents for acts to play.  Phish will get tens of thousands of people while some of the "cafe" acts will get dozens at most.  I'm hoping that the mention of them specifically in the email got a good buzz going, but we'll see when the schedule comes out in a month or two...

[Keith]

I've never been to Bonnaroo.  How is the set up there?  Is there a main stage with some other side stages, or are all of the performances on one stage?  Is it possible The Features could be shuffled off to the side somewhere, or is it pretty much guaranteed that they'll be playing in front of their largest audience ever?

Two giant main stages. Two medium sized stages. Various "cafe" stages.

I've been to Bonnaroo twice, once selling Jack Daniels merch and last year DND played a cafe stage. I love it, but I've had access to beds, bathrooms, showers, etc both times I went. I'm hoping to get hooked up with tickets this year, but I don't think I'll ever pay to go. Yes, I'm a snob.

[carligula]

Actually Keith, if you want to get technical, there's one giant stage, one really big stage, three medium-sized stages under "tents", and various smaller stages.

[Keith]

Thanks for the correction. I did indeed want to get technical about it.

[lalalayousangtome]

Excellent.

[carligula]

The official schedule came out yesterday.  They're playing what appears to be the smallest stage at the fest (Troo Music Lounge) on the first night (Thursday) at 10pm.  The good news is that they don't have much competition, because only smaller bands play that night.  If they had a similar slot any other night, they'd be competing with some of the top acts.  If you know anyone that's going, make sure to let them know they'd be the perfect way to start the weekend.

[Keith]

I'm almost sure I'm going to Bonnaroo now. I'm very excited, and assuming I'm there Thursday, I'll definitely whore out The Features.

[carligula]

Well, this sucks.  I looked at the schedule yesterday and it appears The Features have been moved to 6:40pm Friday night.  While this may seem like good news because more people attend on Friday than Thursday, it means they'll be up against heavy hitters like TVotR, Al Green, Lucinda Williams and Ani Difranco.  Sigh.

The Protomen nabbed the 11:30pm slot, so their primary competition will be Phish.  I bet they get a much bigger crowd.