The Bonnaroo Music Festival was named Festival of the Year at the 14th annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards, held Friday at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA. The event was hosted by comedian Lewis Black and included appearances by everyone from the elusive George Clinton to a few of the Laker Girls. Bonnaroo beat out notable nominees such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Coachella Music Festival. It was very exciting, especially it being our first year, says Superfly Productions Jonathan Mayers, who accepted the award along with fellow partner Rick Farman. Both Coachella and Jazz Fest inspired Bonnaroo, as well as the European festivals. It really felt like it was a turning point for us and for the whole scene to be recognized. We know that we were involved with something special and something so different from everything else thats out there.
Other winners included John Mayer for Best New Artist, New Yorks Madison Square Garden for Arena of the Year, Washington D.C.s 9:30 Club for Nightclub Venue of the Year and Chip Hooper of Monterey Peninsula Artists for Agent of the Year (Hoopers clients include Phish, moe. and Dave Matthews Band).
Plans for Bonnaroo 2003 currently in full swing. Look for the line-up to be announced Friday.