What a fantastic way to start the day -- a great surprise performance by Jimmy Buffett to get the energy flowing. He served up a fantastic breakfast of Cheeseburgers In Paradise as he helped everyone slip into Margaritaville. The audience transformed into land sharks and danced the morning (noon) away.
Next I dropped by the acoustic stage and checked out Grace Potter and the Nocturnals -- I kind of regret I missed their big show. Oh well, can't be everywhere, even though I am trying.
There is so much to do and see and no way, or rather not enough physical energy, to do it all. The action is 24/7 and there is barely time to breath before something else starts. I hope to make it to the comedy tent tonight to check out Jimmy Fallon and there is a circus and dancers and yoga in the morning and a silent disco and so much more.
But I know I will be front and center when the Boss takes the stage tonight. Yes, I will push my way to the front of the crowd and try to be as close to the front as possible. It becomes a bit tight as 80,000 people converge on the same stage at the same time and the human traffic jam is quite intense. It's the perfect time to say "Aren't you glad you used Dial today." Only one problem: no one did.
The best part of the entire event is watching humanity come together and share. Everyone here is from a different walk of life and yet everyone becomes one as they help each other, laugh, talk and make new friends. Most of the time two strangers share a moment, maybe a few laughs and a dance and then part. Each going their separate ways never to see one another again. It is beautiful: No one judges, just befriends.
It never fails -- you meet people from all over: Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky and even Canada.
As I stood in line last night waiting to enter the main gate, I struck up a conversation with the girl in front of me, who was carrying a hula hoop. She and I went to the same high school and grew up in the same small North Carolina town. What are the chances?
The bubbles, the fireworks, the glow sticks, the costumes -- they all make me smile.
I am off in search of a shower or whatever dumping a gallon of water over your head is called. At least some of the dirt washes away! And, just in case anyone was wondering -- yes, the dreadlock is fully formed on the back of my head.
Tonight -- Government Mule, Bruce Springsteen, Ben Harper, Nine Inch Nails and who knows what else I will find.
Editor's note:The Aiken Standard's Rachel Johnson will be reporting back from Bonnaroo 2009 in words, pictures and video throughout the weekend. For the quickest word on her reports, follow her on Twitter at rjohnson_as.
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There is so much to do and see and no way, or rather not enough physical energy, to do it all. The action is 24/7 and there is barely time to breath before something else starts. I hope to make it to the comedy tent tonight to check out Jimmy Fallon and there is a circus and dancers and yoga in the morning and a silent disco and so much more.
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