TapSongz is headed to the farm for the first time this year. Here are five things that we are most excited for at Bonnaroo 2015:
1. Trapped in the Closet
Although R. Kelly is not on the festival bill, he will be featured on-screen at Bonnaroo this year. 2015 marks the tenth anniversary of his famous “Trapped in the Closet” rap opera. So how does one celebrate? On Thursday night/Friday morning, IFC and The Action Pack Present: “Trapped in the Closet 10th Anniversary Sing Along” from 2:45-4:45 in the Cinema Tent. While this is a Bonnaroo tradition, who knows what to expect? R. Kelly is rumored to release a “Trapped in the Closet” book and Broadway show in 2015. But, for now, lets just keep our fingers crossed for a new episode.
2. Kendrick Lamar
So why is Kendrick Lamar the only artist featured on this list? Because, honestly, we have no idea what to expect. Some consider Lamar to be the greatest rapper of his generation. With the release of “To Pimp A Butterfly,” Lamar set the bar high for any other album to be released in 2015. But when looking at recent setlists, “Alright” is the only song Lamar has been performing off the new album. It is hard to believe that Lamar has not learned the songs for live performances. We should note, he has been playing with a live band (which he did not do at Bonnaroo 2013). But if he keeps the same setlist from Sweetlife, he will perform the same songs as 2013 minus “Sing About Me I’m Dying of Thirst” and “Alright.” However, Lamar did perform “These Walls” on Ellen recently, so there is still hope.
3. The Setting
Manchester, Tennessee? Where is that? Exactly! Bonnaroo is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, with nothing surrounding the festival but farmland and the occasional service station. And we love it! Four days disconnected from society is the ultimate remedy for a stressed-out soul. At Bonnaroo, you can fully immerse yourself into nature by catching some shade in “The Grove” (a clump of trees resting in the camp ground with hammocks and art installations). Or you can sprawl out in the grass in Centeroo and soak up the sun. But the best part about having a festival in the middle of nowhere: it never closes. While many festivals shut down after the last band performs, Bonnaroo is a non-stop party. While there may be no bands playing at 5:00 a.m. (although that is not guaranteed), Centeroo is always open. Which means you can gaze at the clock tower, ride the Ferris wheel or dance to nothing at the Silent Disco as long as your heart desires.
4. Superjam
If you had to pick one thing that defines Bonnaroo the most, it is the Superjam. The annual Superjam gathers some of the world’s most talented musicians on one stage to perform a long list of songs together. Each year the Superjam is themed, and this year, Bonnaroo will host the “Throwback Superjam Dance Party.” While topping last years Skrillex-led Superjam will be tough, this year’s lineup looks promising. Featured artists include: Pretty Lights (host), Chance the Rapper, Cherub, DMC, Reggie Watts, Rob Trujillo, Jack Antonoff, Robert Searight and more. Check out the full lineup here.
5. Surprises
So what could possibly be better than the Superjam? Well, we don’t know. Bonnaroo is full of surprises, and they are usually the highlights of the festival. Whether it is an artist bringing out an unlikely guest or a spontaneous parade, Bonnaroo is sure to keep you on your toes. We have already been made aware of a secret Cherub set, and there are surely more surprises to come.
