2006 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival Dates Announced

Fifth Annual Event To Take Place June 16-18

Staff Reports / Photos by Will Jordan

The Fifth Annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will take place June 16-18 once again on the same 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 60 miles southeast of Nashville.
Bonnaroo’s fifth anniversary year promises to trump its previous four in scope and success. Since its inception in 2002, the festival has evolved into an incomparable multi-faceted entertainment experience, swiftly earning its status as the country's premier music and arts event. Promoters plan to continue the tradition of excellence they have upheld so far, adding new and exciting elements to the music lineup and activity features.
“We work hard between festivals thinking of ways to ensure that each event is better then the one before it,” says Superfly's Jonathan Mayers.
This year’s festival have decided to reduce capacity by 10,000 people, capping off ticket sales at 80,000--the same size as the 2003 event. This number will make for a more comfortable environment.
In addition to its adventurous music programming, Bonnaroo's art and entertainment options set it apart from traditional rock festivals. The festival's non-music activities have included a 24-hour cinema, a comedy tent, an arcade, an onsite beer festival, a Mardi Gras parade, an Internet café, a digital music lounge, wireless hot spots, a silent disco, masquerade ball, restaurants and much more.
Bonnaroo continues to make a strong impact on the American music industry. The event recently received its fourth consecutive nomination for Pollstar's festival of the year award. According to the New York Times, “Bonnaroo has revolutionized the modern rock festival,” and Rolling Stone called it, “one of the 50 moments to change the history of rock and roll.” The festival has served as a launching pad for such popular artists as Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, Robert Randolph, My Morning Jacket, Ray Lamontagne and Matisyahu.
Bonnaroo has featured a staggering range of acts such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Wilco, The Dave Matthews Band, James Brown, The Dead, Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes, Alison Krauss, Jurassic 5, Modest Mouse, The Mars Volta, Burning Spear and the Flaming Lips.

Want to join Rib Magazine's e-mail list? Contact us