Bonnaroo 2023 encapsulated a vibrant weekend of diverse music, captivating art, and an unforgettable sense of community. June 17th was a shining example of this spirit, presenting a rich tableau of performances that traversed various music genres. The day's roster flaunted an eclectic mix of artists, ranging from the soul-stirring indie rock melodies of My Morning Jacket to the mesmerizing electronica rhythms of Odesza.
The day started with a bang as Danielle Ponder took the stage at the Which Stage. Ponder's soulful vocals and catchy melodies had the crowd grooving from the start. Earlier, Ponder had performed an intimate solo concert in the press tent, impressing the small gathering with her exquisite vocals.
Over at This Tent, Thee Sacred Souls took the stage at Bonnaroo at 1 pm and delivered a soulful, bluesy performance with the crowd grooving from start to finish. The band opened with "Overflowing," a slow-burning blues number that set the tone for the rest of the set. They followed with “Love is the Way," a more upbeat track that featured the band's signature soulful vocals.
The band's sound is a blend of blues, soul, and rock, and they have a way of making each song their own. Their vocals are rich and soulful, and their instrumentals are tight and funky. The Sacred Souls are a band that knows how to put on a good show, and they had the crowd at Bonnaroo dancing and singing along from beginning to end.
In the meantime, over at That Tent, The Beths took the stage and delivered a high-energy, indie-pop performance with the crowd singing along and dancing from start to finish. The band opened with "Future Me Hates Me," a catchy, upbeat track that got the crowd moving. They followed with "Uptown Girl," a mellow song showcasing the band's vocal harmonies.
The Beths' setlist was a mix of new and old songs, and they delivered each one with passion and energy and performed a few new songs from their upcoming album.
The band's sound blends indie-pop, rock, and power pop. Their vocals are clear and powerful, and their instrumentals are tight and driving. The Beths are a band that knows how to put on a good show, and they had the crowd at Bonnaroo singing and dancing from beginning to end.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness opened the massive What stage at Bonnaroo just after 3 pm and delivered a heartfelt, personal performance with the crowd singing along and feeling connected from start to finish. The band opened with "The Mixed Tape," a song that tells the story of McMahon's life and music, and they followed with "Stars," a soaring anthem about hope and resilience.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness' setlist was a mix of old and new songs, and they delivered each one with passion and emotion. They played fan favorites like "High Dive" and "Canyon Moon," they also performed a few new songs from their upcoming album.
The band's sound is a blend of pop, rock, and folk, and they have a way of making each song feel personal. McMahon's vocals are clear and powerful, and his lyrics are honest and vulnerable. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness is a band that knows how to connect with its audience, and they had the crowd at Bonnaroo singing along and feeling linked from beginning to end.
At the coveted Who stage, precisely beyond 5 pm, the charismatic Ben Goldsmith claimed the spotlight, captivating the audience with a performance that resonated with the pulsating rhythms of soul and blues. His presence had the crowd swaying rhythmically from the opening chords to the finale.
The band launched the performance with an original slow-burning blues number, creating an ambiance that lingered throughout the set. It was then followed by a decidedly more buoyant track, showcasing Goldsmith's unmistakable soulful voice, a signature of his artistry.
The entirety of Ben Goldsmith's setlist, masterfully curated with a mix of his original pieces, was brought to life by his fervor and vibrant energy. Each song was a testament to his unique style, drawing influences from blues, soul, and rock. The band's prowess shone through their fusion sound, giving each song a distinctive personality.
Goldsmith's vocals, a rich tapestry of soulful undertones, and the band's robust and rhythmically engaging instrumentals added a unique flavor to their performance, proving that they are not just musicians but artists painting with sound and rhythm.
The Band CAMINO took the stage as the summer sun bathed the Which stage in an Orange glow in the late afternoon. It delivered an energetic, indie-pop performance that had the crowd singing along and dancing from start to finish. The band opened with "1 Last Cigarette," a catchy, upbeat track that got the crowd moving. They followed with "Hush Hush," a mellow song showcasing the band's vocal harmonies.
The Band CAMINO's setlist was a mix of new and old songs, and they delivered each one with passion and energy. They played fan favorites like "Roses" and "California."
Remi Wolf played on This tent stage at Bonnaroo just after 6 pm and delivered a funky, soulful performance that had the crowd grooving from start to finish. The Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter opened with her hit single "Woo!" and followed with "Sexy Villain" and "Photo ID."
At about the same time, over at That tent, Yung Gravy took the stage and delivered a high-energy, meme-worthy performance that had the crowd in stitches from start to finish. The Minnesota-based rapper/singer opened with his hit single "Mr. Clean" and followed with "1 Night" and "Slime Language."
As the summer sun slowly bowed out over the Which stage, Sofi Tukker erupted into a fervent, rhythm-fueled performance that transformed the venue into a pulsating dance floor. The crowd became one with the music, singing in unison and dancing ceaselessly from the opening beats to the closing reverberations. The dynamic electronic duo, hailing from New York, kicked off their vibrant set with the catchy hooks of their hit single "Drinkee", subsequently transitioning into the infectious beats of "Hey Mama" and the unapologetically eccentric “Batshit."
Sofi Tukker's distinct musical style is an invigorating cocktail of electronic dance music, pop, and funk, showcasing their uncanny ability to infuse their unique character into every track. Their vocals, both catchy and upbeat, intertwine with a melodic underlay of funky instrumentals that are guaranteed to make hips sway and heads bob. This duo doesn't just perform—they craft an exhilarating experience, their radiant energy proving infectious. By the end of their set at Bonnaroo, Sofi Tukker had achieved more than just a memorable show; they had crafted an atmosphere of unified rhythm and melody, leaving the audience in a shared state of dance-fueled euphoria.
The summer sky above Centeroo began to fill with stars, as one of the most anticipated shows of Bonnaroo 2023 took place on the massive What stage. The performance of Lil Nas X was a revelation. The young rapper brought the house down with his energetic set, which included a mix of his biggest hits and newer material. He even came out in a custom-made outfit that looked like a giant horse, just one of many memorable moments from his performance.
The Atlanta-based rapper opened with his hit single "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" and followed with "Industry Baby" and "That's What I Want ."Lil Nas X's setlist was a mix of new and old songs, and he delivered each one with passion and energy. He also covered a few classic hip-hop songs, including "Industry Baby" by Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow.
Returning to the effervescent Which stage, promptly past 9:45 pm, Tyler Childers graced the platform with his undiluted country rhythms, serenading the throng that eagerly absorbed every note. His performance was more than music - it was an impassioned connection that sent waves of enchantment through the crowd. For numerous devotees, Childers' set became the zenith of the day, a compelling spectacle magnetizing them with his sincere lyricism and potent vocal prowess.
Just as the clock struck 11 pm, the sprawling main stage at Bonnaroo, affectionately known as the What Stage, saw a sea of passionate EDM aficionados converge. Each one, bearing their unique totems, eagerly anticipated the grand spectacle that was to be the highlight of the festival. Odesza, in full form, embarked on a monumental audio-visual journey, a marathon performance composed of 26 breathtaking tracks that left the audience spellbound.
The electro-symphonic duo's set was an unabashed sensory feast, painting vivid soundscapes amidst a canvas of stunning visuals that transcended the confines of the concert venue. The ethereal opening notes of their hit single "A Moment Apart" were the prelude to a musical odyssey, followed by the pulsating rhythms of "Bloom" and the mesmeric "Line of Sight".
The carefully curated setlist of Odesza was an expertly woven tapestry of their musical evolution, comprising both fresh compositions and iconic classics. Each song was rendered with an infectious ardor that resonated throughout the festival grounds. Their signature sonic blend—a seamless fusion of electronica, indie, and ambient—spun an aural web of moving soundscapes that were as mesmerizing as they were memorable.
Complementing their auditory mastery was an unrivaled visual prowess. A staggering array of lasers, pulsating lights, and evocative projections coalesced to form a multi-dimensional spectacle, creating an immersive experience that was nothing short of spellbinding. Odesza, a duo with an undisputed knack for stellar performances, held the rapt attention of the Bonnaroo crowd from the inaugural beat to the resonating echoes of the closing note. Their set was a testament to the transcendent power of their music, transforming the stage into another world and leaving the audience in a state of profound awe.
Jam band fans were treated to a special late-night set at 1230am on the Which stage. My Morning Jacket delivered an unforgettable performance at Bonnaroo 2023, showcasing their musical prowess with a 23-song marathon set. The band debuted a haunting cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” They followed it up with a rousing rendition of Traffic's "Feelin' Alright?" before delving into songs from their extensive discography. The audience was treated to six songs from their 2003 album It Still Moves, four songs from 2005's Z, and newer tracks from their self-titled 2021 LP and 2008's Evil Urges.
The band's energy was infectious, and frontman Jim James' passionate vocals were a standout feature of the performance. The set lasted nearly three hours, ending with an encore that included fan favorites like "One Big Holiday" and "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt. 1." My Morning Jacket proved once again why they are one of the most exciting live acts in the music industry.
Overall, the performance was a triumph for My Morning Jacket and a highlight of Bonnaroo 2023. It left the audience energized and eager to see what the band had in store for their upcoming US tour.
Just before 1 am, Korn electrified the crowd at Bonnaroo 2023 with a high-octane setlist that left fans in awe. The nu-metal pioneers performed their hits like "Blind," "Got the Life," and "Freak on a Leash." The band played classic hits and new material, showcasing their musical prowess and stage presence. The audience was on their feet throughout the performance, with mosh pits forming in front of the stage. Korn's energy was palpable, with Jonathan Davis' signature growls and the band's heavy riffs creating an electrifying atmosphere. Overall, the performance was a memorable experience for metal fans at the festival.
Korn's sound is a blend of nu-metal, heavy metal, and alternative metal, and they have a way of creating heavy and melodic music. Their live shows are known for their energy and intensity, and they had the crowd at Bonnaroo going wild from the beginning to the end of their 15-song set.
