MANCHESTER, TN As would be expected, several musicians shared the stage with one another over the weekend at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Friday night, Galactic, along with special guest Charlie Hunter, played a surprise show on the back of a traditional Mardi Gras float, which made its way through the campgrounds and eventually parked in Centeroo. About 100 yards away, guitarist Warren Haynes was jamming with the Funky Meters in This Tent, joining the group for a few songs, including Voodoo Chile. On Saturday, Susan Tedeschi and her son Charlie joined Robert Randolph & the Family Band for a cover of Ill Take You There. Randolph later collaborated with Widespread Panic for Ride Me High. The song also featured Haynes, who played on Dont Wanna Lose You and Surprise Valley. Mike Gordon joined Sound Tribe Sector 9 during the tail end of its late night set. We wandered over to Sector 9, said Gordon. I had never seen them before, but I was really into it. We left before the encore, but then it occurred to me that maybe I could play, so I ran back. Meanwhile, Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) and Cyro Baptista (Trey Anastasio) were on stage with Medeski, Martin & Wood. Particle provided the late late show, kicking off around 4 a.m. and welcoming moe. guitarist Al Schnier for Golden Gator (the set lasted until 8:10 a.m., shortly after the Bonnaroo Beacon newspaper was put to bed).
On Sunday, Haynes sat in with moe. for Opium and Blues Travelers John Popper added harmonica to Bring it Back Home. Prior to the song, Schnier called his dad on his cell phone and prompted the audience to scream Happy Fathers Day in unison (he also suggested that fans call their dads at the same time). Im speechless, Schnier said following the set. I got to see so many of my favorite bands this weekend, from Tortoise to Sonic Youth to the Flaming Lips to Neil Young and now The Dead. Its been an amazing experience to say the least.