Your average Bonnaroovian,

Drew

And the attached essay… Bonnaroo: A New World

On a planet abundant with extreme diversity, music is the single unifying practice we all exercise. The power of music can inspire art, give that edge to any movie scene, induce extreme emotion, and even create an atmosphere so beautiful and radiant that hundreds of thousands of people feel inexplicably intertwined as one. I can easily say the best experience of my life, hands down, has been any moment that passed at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. There has never been a time in my life where I’ve felt such a sense of pure freedom and yet felts ecurity at the same time. Music Festivals are a place where human beings regardless of, race, religion, social status, economic standing, and political views, can come together. At this place people come and unite for the soul reason of love for music.

Music is simply the easiest way for humans to express themselves and connect to each other. For centuries, people have come together to play music, dance, sing and show praise to the ones that play their favorites. Bonnaroo draws in a crowd of over one hundred thousand people from all across the world. At first the sea of tents varying in shape, color, size, structure, and flat out creativity is simply impressive. Then you realize that all these people are here for one reason and it just hits you. Music allows us to fully express our right as human beings to experience enigmatic sensations, emotion. Music is quite possibly the most influential creation of all. Music, through all else, proves to us that we feel. Music embodies the emotion we sometimes neglect and shine through. Music is simply the gift of life, for those who always listen will always hear. It will forever live in your soul. Music will forever be a way that connects humans in a way that is unexplainable. This harmony only adds to the true mystique and beauty that the vibrations of a sound can hold. The openness of the air on the seven hundred acre farm amplifies the sound of the already quaking bass that erupts from the speakers. Never in my life have I felt more alive than as when my heart beats in unison with that kick drum on stage. That liveliness in tandem of knowing everyone else in the crowd feels the exact same way I do at that exact moment. It connects you with those people in a way that will never be explained.

The sense of community and comradery that radiates from each festival goers campsite is parallel to that of a utopia in a science fiction movie. It is uncanny the display of brotherhood and true unity that is the general vibration at the Roo. With no more than a couple feet separating each tent at the most, you are made instant friends with your surrounding neighbors due to the extremely tight proximity.You are introduced quickly as each camper scrambles to set up camp as swiftly as possible to get comfortable and situated before the 4 day festival begins. Once set up festival goers traditionally get acquainted and begin swapping stories of travel, home lands, and anticipation of their favorite shows. Throughout the weekend you go about meeting people who share the same interests and tastes in music as you. It is a place you can meet life-long friends or weekend warriors you’ll share unforgettable adventures with even if you can’t remember their name. It is refreshing to know that many people can come together and share pure bliss without any problems of intoxication or belligerence arising. Although Bonnaroo sounds like a fantasy world it’s atmosphere encompasses the backbone of this country.

Not only is the Roo a place of love, it is a place of freedom. Freedom is a thing many people take for granted. We are lucky enough to live in a country where we live free daily. But have you ever experienced complete and utter freedom? The freedom to walk around naked and nobody think anything of it. The freedom to dress up however you feel is suitable and can be encouraged and praised for your creativity. The feeling of pure acceptance is one that is rare beyond belief and one that is to be treasured. Many people in today’s society judge others, even if they don’t mean, it is how we are wired as humans. It’s our right to have that opinion but it is also our right to be whoever we want to be and at Bonnaroo that right is reserved, expressed and encouraged. Bonnaroo is the taste of freedom people should experience every day.

Certainly this festival is a one of a kind event. I have been to Bonnaroo twice now and will be returning in June. This festival has given me a different perspective of the world. It has refreshed my faith in humans and showed me we’re all the same in one way or another. It has also introduced to me that music holds far more power than just that of melodies and harmony, but also unity and love. Bonnaroo has changed my life in a way I will never forget. Bonnaroo is a new world.