Bonnaroo 2007: PopWatch is on the scene

Fire up the hempmobile, PopWatchers: We’re goin’ to Bonnaroo. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be in my pocket for all four days of the Tennessee-based music festival, formerly the home of every jam band ever, but increasingly a showcase for diverse acts, this year ranging from the neo-soul of Ryan Shaw to the Police reunion tour (pictured). While my Coachella experience is legion, I’ve never attended its eastern counterpart, and I have little idea what to expect outside of muddy hippies and the occasional warning to avoid the brown acid. But I’m psyched, and I will do my best to properly capture the free-wheelin’ vibe of the fest, from its inconveniently-named stages (“This Tent” and “That Tent,” etc, oh the har) to what I’m certain will be upwards of 75,000 drum circles.

Stay tuned, won’t you? There will be White Stripes, and Spoon, and the Hold Steady, and Tool, and the String Cheese Incident (couldn’t avoid them forever), and Flaming Lips, and Old Crow Medicine Show, and Flight of the Conchords, and most likely another 200 rapturous words on the Decemberists. I will try and hit bands I’ve missed at the rest of this year’s festivals — at last, Gillian Welch, we shall have our moment in the sun — and do my best to make it all come alive for everyone scoring at home. In return, I ask for nothing more than your occasional attention, and ongoing participation. Please try not to yell at me when I write stupid things because I am sitting in the middle of a field surrounded by noodle dancers. It’s all about peace, love and veggie burritos, man. Or something.

So, who should I see? Anyone got survival tips? And where have I put my batik-print sarong?

addCredit(“The Police: Kevin Mazur/Wireimage.com”)