Of Monsters and Men at Bonnaroo Music Festival

Of Monsters and Men

Lighting up the Which Stage on Friday afternoon for an hour was Of Monsters and Men, an Icelandic pop and folk band with their own very unique sound.  While their 2011 album launched them into stardom in Europe and Australia, this five piece group is in the midst of gaining popularity in the United States.  Of Monsters and Men is led by Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson on acoustic guitar and vocals.  They are backed by Brynjar Leifsson on lead guitar, Kristján Páll Kristjánsson on bass, and Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson on drums. 

Of Monsters and Men is one of those bands that is fits only a very specific niche at a large scale music festival such as Bonnaroo, but the crowd full of American youths signify the demand for such odd Nordic music. 

Bob Weir solo in Nashville

By Butch Worrell

 Bob Weir solo opened for the Bob Dylan’s “Americanarama” festival of music in Nashville June 30th.

Paul McCartney Raises Bar at Bonnaroo

Paul McCartney

Arguably the most epic headlining act in the history of Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival was Sir Paul McCartney, playing Friday night at this year’s event.  Bonnaroo always has a way to go over the top in many aspects, especially in the magnitude of performances.  It seems like every year has a way of outdoing the year before, and this year was no different.  Sir Paul and his band came onstage to a cram packed crowd of seventy thousand or so screaming fans on the What Stage.  The performance from this 71 year old (70 at the time) was nothing short of magical.  Supporting McCartney was Rusty Anderson on lead guitar, Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums, Paul Wickens on keys and Brian Ray on rhythm guitar and bass.  McCartney cycled through playing his Höfner 500/1 bass, acoustic guitar and piano.  Over the course of two and a half hours, this group of powerhouse legends played 38 songs, the majority of which came from The Beatles’ and Wings’ repertoires.  They played all of the best and biggest hits that Sir Paul has been a part of from the past five decades.  The fans in the crowd knew every single one.  There were so many highlights from the show, including Highlights from the main segment of the show included “Eleanor Rigby,” “Hey Jude,” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” among numerous others. 

Paul McCartney at Bonnaroo Music Festival

Monster Energy Drink Rockapalooza

Monster Energy Drink Rockapalooza 2013
Jackson County Fair Grounds
200 West Ganson Street, Jackson, Michigan


Rockapalooza was very easy to locate following the fairground signs gave us worry free driving to the festival.  There was plenty of parking at and around the fairgrounds.  The only worry we had was the weather forecast for forty percent chance of thundershowers.

Michigan weather held out for the total show which was a relief.  As you travel to the entrance you see concert goers young and old alike.  As you see the children you can’t help but think, “One of them could be a future rock star inspired by the festivals.”

Hangout Festival 2013 Experiences Triumphant Year

Hangout Music Festival Crowd

The 2013 Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama was a success in every sense of the word.  The beautiful sunny weather on the beach once again provided the perfect environment for patrons to enjoy its best musical lineup yet.  It was neither too hot nor too cold.  With over 60 acts, every genre of music was accounted for.  The Hangout saw everything from the best in indie rock such as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Shins, to jambands such as Umphrey’s McGee and Moe, to electronica’s heavy hitters in Bassnectar and Porter Robinson, and everything in between.  Being able to see Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, and Trey Anastasio all giving us everything they have in the same festival was nothing short of magical.  Other than the headliners, festival highlights included The Roots, Galactic, and Toots and The Maytals.

Stevie Wonder - The Hangout Fest Grand Finale

Stevie Wonder

As the final act to play for the weekend, Stevie Wonder closed out the 2013 Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama with a bang.  His performance was quite an epic grand finale for any festival.  His large live band includes Stanley Rudolph on drums, Nathan Watts on bass guitar, Errol Cooney on guitar, Ryan Kilgore on saxophone, Dwight Adams on trumpet, Fausto Cuevas and Munyungo Jackson on percussion, and of course, Stevie Wonder on piano and keys.  His backup vocals are led by his daughter, Aisha Morris, Keith John, and LaNeesha Baca.  Wonder opened the show with a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is,” which would set the tone for the rest of the rest of the night.  Practically every song was a well known hit that was either a cover or a Stevie Wonder original. 

Bye, Bye Miss American Pie

By Butchie (Butch Worrell)
     Nashville, TN

 Don McClean made a comment about the meaning of “Bye, Bye Miss American Pie” from the stage last night at the Franklin Theatre.