By Amberlynn Anderson
Hey everyone! So this year was by far the best Bonnaroo I’ve ever had by far! Currently dealing with “Bonnaflu” but I’ll get over it soon enough. This year I wanted to take a second to pat myself on the back with my sobriety. I’m going to get real for a moment and be honest and tell you that I’ve struggled with staying sober since I was a teenager. Whether it be drinking or drugging, I’ve had a problem. Being completely honest, I didn’t think I had it in me to get through this Bonnaroo sober, but I did it! Talking about my sobriety with newfound friends and total strangers, though, I made it! If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to your local NA/AA groups to get help. Please know that they have help at festivals as well, and Bonnaroo has help with something called “Sobaroo.”
Alright down to the nitty gritty. This years lineup, as you already know, was sick! Honeyluv killed it with her cowboy hat – definitely a different set to be able to witness If you ever get the chance to see her, do it! I was really anticipating Disco Lines, and I’m really stoked that I got to see them. And although they didn’t play ‘Honey,’ the vibes were immaculate! The one and only Pretty Lights had not one, but two sets this year and the first one definitely had more of a dubstep tone to it while keeping up to date with the latest sounds. One of my favorite sets was Oliver Heldens, in terms of EDM. Not only was he smooth sailing from start to finish but the overall tone was to die for.
The Friday sets were something else, and starting off strong we had Hamdi who has made his way to the top! His set was funky and fun and different! He was…perfect! Dr Fresch had an amazing late night set that had a more original tone and lively feel where the audience came alive and the freaks came to play! Special non-EDM artists go out to: Dominic Fike, T-Pain, and Post Malone, of course!
As we all know, Saturday is for the girls! Pretty Lights had the sunrise set to set the tone for the entire festival, if I ever did see one! They brought back a lot of their old tracks that really took me back to 2014! It was almost as pretty as the actual sunset itself. Saturday was also set in beauty around The Red Chili Peppers, bringing everything back in terms of old school, making life just right on the farm. Melanie Martinez also really did the damn thing, making for not only cute choreography but vocals that were fantastic! Shooting for her was difficult but I managed to fit in some decent shots, to say the least. Special shoutout to Dashboard Confessional Superjam for bringing back all the feels for us millennials.
Sunday isn’t only best for worship, unless that is, worshipping Ashnikko. Having the absolute HONOR to shoot for her was beyond a dream! I also caught a bit of Megan Thee Stallions set and shot for her as well! She absolutely knocked it out of the park, and looked flawless doing so! Seven Lions made his way..where? Where In The Woods that is. His set was fast and fun and full of energy, and the backdrop was everything!
This year was beyond special to me in so many ways, I managed to stay sober while talking about it. Managed to meet other sober ravers, and make so many friends. The people I met camping in MSG (media camping) are held so dear to my heart though. They really got me through it, Tim and Matt, who are brothers, are the kindest and most protective people you’ll ever meet! Cori and Jess, who are the funniest and warmest, mommy energy women you’ll ever come in contact with. These people are my absolute world! What else can I say about Bonnaroo – this place is magical! Can’t wait to see you all on the farm next year! Until then, radiate positivity!
