From out gay and lesbian musicians and comedians, like Brandi Carlile, Courtney Barrett, Cameron Esposito to great LGBT allies like Ben Folds and Hozier, there is something for everyone at Bonnaroo. Whether you like folk music, top 40, comedy or country, you are sure to find music you will adore.
The fun and frivolity continues year after year and people make the trek down for the event no matter who is performing. This year, Bonnaroo’s lineup boasts almost 200 artists on multiple stages intermixed with a plethora of other activities, like an NBA finals watching party, advance screenings of movies, and other interactive experiences.
Several LGBT groups come join in the festivities each year from other states. Not only is the LGBT community well represented, supporters from many genres are there for their fans also. The Bonnaroo experience is one that all can share in: the code of the festival is one of being positive, respecting the land where it occurs and preparing yourself for the hot Tennessee summer weather!
A partial list of this year’s lineup acts by notable LGBT artists and allies.
Cameron Esposito - Thursday, June 11, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.–7:45 p.m.
Friday 6/12 1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m. in the Comedy Theatre
Esposito is best known for her stand up focused on LGBTQ topics and her lesbian identity. Most recently she has been a recurring panelist on Chelsea Lately and has a series of videos with BuzzFeed titled “Ask a Lesbian”
Courtney Barnett - Thursday, June 11, 10:45 p.m.–11:30 p.m. in the This Tent
Out singer/songwriter Courtney Barnett is a breath of fresh air. The song "Numbers" is written by Courtney and partner Jen about their relationship.
Against Me! - Friday, June, 12, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. in the This Tent
A four person group with a punk sound, Against Me! laughs at danger and breaks all the rules! One of the band members, Grace, is a transitioning transgender person, and the group is very active in trans issues.
Kacey Musgraves - Friday, June 12, 7:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m. in the That Tent
Musgraves is an LGBT ally who sang for GLAAD in New York. The signifigance? She was the first country singer invited to perform. She sang her YOLO-themed song, “Follow Your Arrow,” which carries a great message for our times.
Ben Folds - Friday, June 12, 8:15 p.m.–9:30 p.m. in the The Other Tent
Another great LGBT ally, Folds is very mainstream in America’s music scene. When asked about his home state of North Carolina’s ban on gay marriage, he said it was “embarrassing” and that he didn’t “believe the population of people that he knows agrees with that.”
Hozier - Saturday, June 13, 5:45 p.m.–7 p.m. on the What Stage
Hozier is an ally who wants to see things change for the LGBT community, especially in Russia. Hozier’s video for “Take Me to Church” features a young gay couple being tormented by a Russian mob and takes a strong stance against the oppression and homophobia that is all too common in Russia.
Bassnectar - Sunday, June 14, 12:30 a.m.–2 a.m. on the Which Stage
An ally for the LGBT community, Bassnectar is one of the longest standing and most respected artists in American electronic dance music. He is excited about his success and playing for a mainstream audience. "I feel really confident and excited to play for all kinds of people," he says. "I don't judge anyone as unworthy, or assume they're not going to get it, or that I even know what it is that they could get."
Hurray for the Riff Raff - Sunday, June 14, 1:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m. in the That Tent
Hurray for the Riff Raff can be described as American Folk music. Singer Alynda Lee Segarr , identifies as queer and fiddler Yosi Perlstein is transgender: the entire group have long been supporters of feminism and LBGT causes.
Brandi Carlile - Sunday, June 14, 5:45 p.m.–7 p.m. on the Which Stage
Carlile is extraordinary talent with raw earthy vibes. She and her wife, Catherine Shepherd, were recently married in Boston, MA. She has a new album out, The Firewatcher’s Daughter.
Betty Who - Sunday, June 14, 8:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m. on The Who Stage
Betty Who delivers a blend of indie and pop music delivered in a striking voice. Her most recent contribution as an ally to the LGBT community is in her song “Somebody Loves You,” which was featured in a Home Depot wedding proposal video featuring a gay couple. She then sang at their wedding.
For more information and tickets go to http://www.bonnaroo.com/
Photo: Morgan G Harris