Festival season is in full swing! This year’s fests have some pretty impressive lineups and now, for my first time ever, I’ve trekked out to Tennessee for Bonnaroo! I’ve heard plenty of stories and I know I’m in for a fun and interesting weekend amongst the craziness that will ensue.  I’ve got my camping gear ready in my hatchback having made list checking and supply gathering a priority.

My trip started out with a journey to the west yesterday, where I met up with GIVERS for their show at Antone’s in Austin, Texas. From there, we headed east to Bonnaroo very early this morning.

Fuse/HTC are hosting the Relax and Recharge tent, complete with charging stations and hammocks, where I’ll be juicing up my beloved lifeline. Steady updates via my Twitter feed will be packed with pics & updates on all the awesomeness, so feel free to follow me (@kimberlydupuis).

Here’s my full itinerary for the weekend! I also plan on waking up at a decent hour on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to make my way to the Solar Stage for yoga at 9AM — gotta work my chi!

Wavves – 5:30PM – This Tent or Freelance Whales – 5:30PM – That Tent

School of Seven Bells – 7:00PM – That Tent

It’s hard for me not to love bands that feature reverb heavy female vocals paired with danceable percussion and electronics, so I’m really excited for this show!

Band of Skulls – 8:30PM – That Tent

I got into these guys pretty recently, and I’m pumped to get a nice fill of Brit-Rock on my first night at ‘Roo.

Sleigh Bells – 10:15PM – The Other Tent

I’ve fallen pretty hard for Sleigh Bells electronic, crunchy and ultra-hypnotic sound, so I’ll be there, earplugs in tow.

Deerhunter – 11:30PM – That Tent

A little ambient psych rock will be the perfect way to end my first night at Bonnaroo. Plus, I’ve heard they’re fantastic live.

Sharon Van Etten – 12:15PM – Which Stage

I saw Sharon Van Etten in Baton Rouge not too long ago and it was a beautiful show! I’m excited to see her & her bandmates perform in a festival setting.

Matt & Kim – 3:15PM – This Tent

I’ve heard a ton about Matt & Kim, so I’m thinking it’ll pump me up for the intensity of the next show…

GIVERS – 5:20PM – The On Tap Lounge

For anyone who hasn’t seen GIVERS live, this show should definitely be on your ‘must see’ list! You’ll find me at the front barricade dancing like a crazy-person, amongst all the others, dancing like crazy people! It’s like a sunshine mosh pit and it’s just as amazing every single time.

Florence + The Machine – 6:45PM – This Tent

I’m pretty sure Florence + The Machine will be epic as the sun sets on Bonnaroo. I’m so so pumped for this show!

Arcade Fire – 11:00PM – What Stage

I’m a huge Arcade Fire fan, and after seeing them last month at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, I’m super stoked to catch them again!  They put on a wonderful live show and have an amazing stage presence.

Lil’ Wayne – 1:30AM – Which Stage

Okay, so I’m from south Louisiana and this is kind of an obligatory one, but I happen to think it’ll be better than I’m anticipating.

Ratatat – 2:30AM – The Other Tent

I was really big into them about 5 or so years ago and am actually pretty stoked to catch this set. And being at an hour when everyone is delirious will make the hardcore electronica extra awesome.

Old Crow Medicine Show – 2:00PM – Which Stage or Garden State + Q&A with Zach Braff – 2:10PM – Bonnaroo Cinema

I’ve heard OCMC puts on a great show.

!!! – 3:45PM – Sonic Stage

Portugal. The Man – 5:00PM – That Tent or DeVotchKa – 5:15PM – The Other Tent

I absolutely love Portugal. The Man! They put on a really energetic performance… BUT! I’ve seen them before, so I’ll only be stopping by for a few songs. DeVotchKa’s violin heavy, gypsy-jazz infused rock has been pretty high on my “to see” list for some time now & it’s finally happening!

Mumford & Sons – 6:15PM – Which Stage

These guys are impeccable onstage and I’m really lucky to be able to see them again. There are few things that I love more than strings paired with mellow, folky tunes and that style of music translates beautifully live.

The Black Keys – 8:00PM – What Stage

I haven’t gotten into The Black Keys (gasp! – I know) but hopefully this show will be a nice introduction, as die-hard TBK fans will surround me.

Girl Talk – 2:30AM – This Tent

I’m expecting the high energy performance of Girl Talk to snap me out of whatever exhaustion I’ll be feeling in the middle of the night and leave me super hung over the next morning, even though I’ll probably be the most sober person there.

Smith Westerns – 12:30PM – This Tent

I totally fell in love with them at their New Orleans performance last month, so now I can actually sing along to their stuff! I’m thinking their reverb rock tunes will be a great pick me up from the long night before.

FENCES – 1:15PM – Sonic Stage

I’ve just recently got into FENCES and I’m digging their sound that for some reason reminds me of the melancholy days of the 90s with a very slight folky undertone. I’m interested to see what they have to offer in a live show.

Junip – 3:00PM – The Other Tent

Junip will be the perfect transition between FENCES and Iron & Wine. I just can’t get enough of Jose’s lush voice and eloquent finger picking.

Iron & Wine – 4:30PM – Which Stage

Joyous hardly even describes how I feel that in just a little over a week, I’ll be standing in front of the stage where Iron & Wine will grace me with their presence. Although I have to admit, I’m really hoping it’s not too much stuff from the new album. *Fingers crossed*

Explosions in the Sky – 6:45PM – This Tent or The Strokes – 6:45PM – Which Stage

I’d like to catch The Strokes, but I have a feeling that after a day of mellow rock, I’ll be more in the mood for some instrumental music to close out my Bonnaroo experience. Plus, I’ve been a fan of EITS for a pretty long time.