The first round of artist additions were announced today for this summer’s Bonnaroo Music Festival. Fans of Bonnaroo’s past will be happy, with bands like Ween, Galactic, Umphrey’s McGee and the John Butler Trio, each of whom have played the festival multiple times since its 2002 inception. Marking their first appearances at the festival this year are the dance-punk band, Gossip, and experimental-rock band, Circa Survive, who are led by former Saosin vocalist, Anthony Green.
Ween’s last appearance at the festival came in 2007, where they played a near three-hour show closing out the early evening time slot in a tent. Galactic, who have close ties to festival organizers AC Entertainment and Superfly Productions, were at the festival just last year. They played a mid-day slot on the festival’s main stage, the What Stage, which featured special guest Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, who will also be playing this year with his band Orleans Avenue. Umphrey’s last appearance came in 2008, where they played an early day slot on the festival’s second largest stage, the Which Stage. Looking back over their history at Bonnaroo, I’d say we’re due for another stellar latenight show from the boys in Umph. John Butler’s last appearance at the festival came in 2007, where his band played on the What Stage for the very first time, opening for the legendary Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead.
Gossip should give fans of Bonnaroo vets like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Tegan & Sara something to look forward to, while fans of vets like Portugal. the Man and Minus the Bear should enjoy Circa Survive.
Have a listen to Gossip’s “Heavy Cross”, the first single off of their 2009 album, Music For Men