Bonnaroo Festival 2012 Underway: Feist, Foster the People Perform Tonight

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, June 08, 2012

Bonnaroo, the 4-day music festival in Tennessee, has kicked off Thursday with a smorgasbord of musical offerings including blues, hip-hip, and indie rock.

Marking its 11th annual event, the music and arts festival takes place on a 700-acre farm in the middle of the town of Manchester at Great Stage Park.

The main attractions at Bonnaroo are the multiple stages of live music where a diverse array of music styles can be heard.

This year, the new rock group Alabama Shakes coveted the opening spot on Thursday. The first day of the festival also saw West Coast rapper Kendrick Lamar, raga group Bad Brains, and electronic music via Big Gigantic, among many other artists.

Friday will see headlining performances by Radiohead, Foster the People, Feist, Black Star, and Mos Def. The 2012 lineup also includes the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beach Boys, Phish, Skrillex, Fun., Alice Cooper, and Bon Iver.

A total of over 150 bands and nearly two dozen comedians will be featured over the four-day event. Bonnaroo also features over 20 different breweries, an art exhibit, and many general stores that offer basic necessities.

"Good Morning #Bonnaroo," the company wrote on their Twitter account Friday. "Anyone in the campsite want us to bring free Ben & Jerry's right to their tent after lunch? Tweet us before 11am."

Many craft, food, and merchandise vendors are proud sponsors of Bonnaroo, including the Vermont-based ice cream company Ben & Jerry's.

Notable past performers at Bonnaroo include Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Buffett, Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, Levon Helm, and Radiohead. Groups such as The White Stripes, The Flaming Lips, The Strokes, and Arcade Fire have also performed at festivals of the past.