Bonnaroo rumor season is just around the corner and we here at the Nashville Festivals Examiner can't wait. But until we get some solid rumors to chew on, we can make educated guesses about some acts that may possibly come to Bonnaroo 2012 based on recent trends and current touring information.
Virtually every year, at least one or two major Jam acts get one of the coveted Bonnaroo Late Night slots. As many of these groups' typical shows stretch 2-3 hours, this slot makes sense. So it's a good bet that at least one Jam artist will take up a Late Night slot at Bonnaroo 2012. These are the groups we see as most likely:
Yonder Mountain String Band
Yonder Mountain String Band hasn't played Bonnaroo since their Sunday What Stage opening slot at Bonnaroo 2008. During that show they jokingly asked Bonnaroo to "give us that glow in the dark set next year!", referring to the Kanye West debacle of the previous night. While they may not be glowing in the dark, a Yonder Mountain String Band late night show would be a blast.
Dark Star Orchestra
There aren't many cover bands who could hold down a Bonnaroo Late Night slot, but then there aren't many cover bands as popular as Dark Star Orchestra. A Grateful Dead tribute act so obsessive that each of their shows is a complete recreation of a Grateful Dead setlist from the past. Dark Star Orchestra has played Bonnaroo in the past and has always been popular.
Umphrey's McGee
Umphrey's McGee is one of the most frequent Bonnaroo acts, but their last few trips to the farm have been daytime sets. It seems that, if Umphrey's McGee comes back to Bonnaroo for 2011, they've earned the right to stretch their legs a bit with a lengthy late night set.
Phil Lesh and Friends
After playing with Furthur for the last several years, Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh is getting his band Phil Lesh and Friends back together for some shows. While we can definitely see Furthur as a possible headliner, Phil Lesh and Friends would make an excellent late night act if that doesn't materialize. With a stellar lineup including John Scofield, Warren Haynes, Jackie Greene, and Joe Russo, it would definitely be a show to remember.
What Jam act would you like to see get a Late Night slot at Bonnaroo 2012? Disco Biscuits? Lotus? Tea Leaf Green? Someone we've left off completely? Let us know in the comments section.
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