Le Bon Temps Roo 2011: NOLA-born Bonnaroo Invites Local Acts to the Farm

Stanton Moore w/ Galactic @ Bonnaroo - Photo © David Oppenheimer

If you dig deep enough into the early pre-history of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary next weekend, or you know where the name “Bonnaroo” comes from – a 1974 Dr. John album called Desitively Bonnaroo, you’ll find the event’s roots are deeply entrenched right here in New Orleans. This article details how the four Superfly Presents partners met, formed and built the $40 million company into the live music juggernaut it is today. The quote about operating like a socialist organization in the early days was particularly interesting, as it reminded me of how many young bands operate on a tight ‘band budget’ while cutting their teeth in the club scene —

We operated almost like a socialist regime. Every month, each one of us would list personal expenses—a car payment, new contact lenses—and take exactly that amount from earnings. The rest went back into the business.

The influence of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and venues like Tipitina’s that provide late night live music to fans is extremely prevalent in the spirit of Bonnaroo – a 24-hour, anything goes musical city set in the hills of Middle Tennessee each summer.

The festival has always shown a great deal of reverence and respect for the artists that inspired the Superfly boys (there have even been New Orleans-themed tents in the past) and this year is no exception with the reappearance of the Original Meters with Dr. John to perform the album that gives this great American festival it’s name. Allen Toussaint will also join this once-in-a-lifetime late night party, set to run in This Tent on Friday night from 12:30-2:00 p.m. and perhaps the biggest blow-out-the-candles celebration of Bonnaroo’s 10th Anniversary. Just like Jazz Fest, the shows that tend to really leave a lasting impression on fans don’t get going ’til after midnight.

The previous night, Hollygrove’s own Lil Wayne will be putting on perhaps his biggest blowout set since his release from prison earlier this year from 1:30-3:00 a.m. on Which Stage. It’s intriguing to say the least to see what kind of tricks Weezy has up his sleeve of tattoos and whether he’ll be debuting some material from his forthcoming Tha Carter IV album. Also, Galactic will appear on the main stage on Sunday for the 8th time in 10 years, a record for the festival. For more on this year’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, go here. Finally, and most importantly, for a list of all NOLA performances goin’ down on the Farm next weekend, see below.

Thursday, June 9th
The Knux – 7:00-8:00 p.m. – This Tent

Friday, June 10th
New Orleans All-Stars – 12:15-1:00 p.m. – Sonic Stage
The Del McCoury Band & the Preservation Hall Jazz Band – 7:30-9:00 p.m. – The Other Tent
Lil Wayne – 1:30-3:00 a.m. – Which Stage

Saturday, June 11th
Rotary Downs – 2:40-3:30 p.m. – On Tap Lounge
Dr. John with Original Meters and Allen Toussaint – 12:30-2:00 a.m. – That Tent

Sunday, June 12th
Galactic – 3:30-5:00 p.m. – What Stage
Superjam featuring Dr. John and Dan Auerbach – 7:00-8:30 p.m. – That Tent

Funky Meters – Rainy Day Women @ Bonnaroo 2003

Dr. John “The Night Tripper” at Bonnaroo 2006

Galactic – Bonnaroo 2009 (into the crowd)

Dr. John – Iko Iko (Live at Howlin’ Wolf – Feb. 2011)

About the author

Wesley grew up in coastal Georgia and is a former resident of The Music City and The Big Easy where he helped get LMB NOLA off-the-ground after launching in January 2011. Over the past few years, he has also contributed steadily to JamBase and Relix Magazine. Recently, Hodges moved on to L.A. where Abita Beer is hard to find, costs about $6 if located and impromptu parading in the streets will most likely get you arrested on the spot.

 

Tags: 2011 Lineup, allen toussaint, Bonnaroo, Dr. John, Lil Wayne, Rotary Downs, The Knux, the Meters