Day two of Bonnaroo 2024 was hot, dry, and dusty, with music fans coping with extreme temperatures throughout the early afternoon. The Bonnaroo fountain and giant cooling tent, adorned with posters and large fans, were popular destinations. Tree-shaded areas became prime real estate. Staying hydrated was key to enduring the onslaught of musical performances throughout the day.
The lineup was diverse, featuring young pop stars like Dominic Fike, Gothic rock from Interpol, a massive EDM multimedia extravaganza from DJs like Sudden Death, and headlining Hip-Hop sets from Post Malone and T-Pain. Other standouts included indie rock from The Japanese House and The Driver Era. Maggie Rogers also pleased a large crowd with her country-tinged indie set. However, if there was one dominant genre on Saturday, it was jam bands.
The jams began in the early afternoon with a guitar-drenched set by the Lovell sisters.
Better known as Larkin Poe, sisters Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell brought the Bonnaroo Main Stage to life under a sweltering early afternoon summer sun. The duo rocked the stage with their aggressive guitar and slide licks, tight harmonies, and captivating stage charisma. Nashville-based Rebecca and Megan Lovell started their professional careers as teenagers in 2005 with their older sister, Jessica, playing as the Lovell Sisters. That formation disbanded in 2009, but Rebecca and Megan returned in 2010 as Larkin Poe, named in tribute to their fourth-great-grandfather, a cousin of Edgar Allan Poe, hence their signature raven logo.
Grammy-nominated Larkin Poe is a highly accomplished and incredibly talented duo. They have been quite prolific over the last 12 years, releasing six studio albums, a live album, several EPs, and numerous live and recorded collaborations with other artists, all while maintaining an exhausting touring schedule. Both Rebecca and Megan are multi-instrumentalists; Rebecca plays lead guitar and keyboards, while Megan plays lap steel and resonator guitar. Rebecca sings lead, with strong support on harmonies from Megan.
Gary Clark Jr. rocked the second-largest stage at Bonnaroo with his signature guitar riffs and soulful vocals, playing fan favorites like “When My Train Pulls In” and “Bright Lights,” along with tracks from his latest album. The crowd was on their feet and singing along. After his electrifying performance, Clark Jr. sat down for a one-on-one interview with Andy Langer and other members of the media. Reflecting on his past performances at Bonnaroo, he shared how his career has evolved since his first appearance over a decade ago. He talked about his nerves back then and how he has grown more confident in his abilities. Taking questions from the press, Clark Jr. discussed his passion for music and his interest in the perspectives of young people. He appreciated the opportunity to connect with fans and media alike, noting the importance of embracing change and staying true to his artistry. As he wrapped up the interview, Clark Jr. thanked everyone for their support and encouraged fans to keep the music alive. With his soulful sound and dynamic stage presence, Gary Clark Jr. left a lasting impression on Bonnaroo, again proving why he is a must-see performer.
In the evening, the Joe Russo band took the stage at Bonnaroo, a group synonymous with jam music and the festival itself. The band has been playing at this festival since it started 20 years ago, appearing almost every other year in different forms. The musicians making up the Joe Russo band have become Bonnaroo fixtures. Joe Russo and keyboardist Marco Benevento played as a duo. They also played with Phish‘s Mike Gordon, later with Phish’s Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon, and the Grateful Dead‘s Phil Lesh. They also played with Bustle in Your Hedgerow, their Led Zeppelin cover band, in a historic jam that lasted until sunrise.
Later on the main stage, another jam band set a very different mystical mood. Khruangbin, an American musical trio from Houston, Texas, appeared in a magical multimedia presentation heavy on saturated color and smoky haze. The band consists of Laura Lee Ochoa, Mark Speer, and DJ Johnson. Known for blending global music influences such as classic soul, dub, rock, and psychedelia, Khruangbin's Bonnaroo set was spellbinding, gathering a massive audience.
The final jam in the early morning hours of Saturday featured Thundercat. Stephen Lee Bruner, better known by his stage name Thundercat, is an American musician, singer, record producer, and songwriter from Los Angeles. Bruner led his band with his oversized bass through a stunning 14-song setlist, seamlessly blending R&B/Soul, Dance/Electronic, and Jazz.
