Bonnaroo Sat pics/videos: Pride parade, Kacey Musgraves, The National, John Prine, more

June 16, 2019

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For the last few months — as festival season has set in — an undeniable wave has been building under Kacey Musgraves. Things have escalated quickly since her third album, “Golden Hour,” brought in fans from well outside the country world, and won the Grammy for Album of the Year.

But at Bonnaroo — a festival that has welcomed her with open arms for the last six years — it’s safe to say the adoration reached a new level.

As she emerged to the strains of “Slow Burn,” the pandemonium spread through the field in front of Bonnaroo’s second-largest stage, where Musgraves was greeted like a modern icon.

[…] The crowd that gathered for John Prine may not have been the youngest or largest seen at Bonnaroo.

But it could easily be the rowdiest.

Passionate chants of “John Prine! John Prine!” awaited the newly-inducted Songwriters Hall of Fame member as he walked onto the That Tent stage, flashing a coy grin and wearing his familiar black button-down.

And his rabid following wouldn’t leave unfulfilled. Prine delivered a 15-song set of what he’s unquestionably profound at: Singing heartfelt stories with a sly wit and unabashed honesty.

“Everybody doin’ alright?” Prine asked with a mild rasp (as if he didn’t already know the answer!).

The 72-year-old pulled heavily from his latest studio album, 2018’s Grammy Award-nominated “The Tree of Forgiveness.” He asked for help with a can of pork and beans during album opener “Knockin’ On Your Screen Door.” He sent the spine tinging with eerie, Southern Gothic-tinged “Caravan of Fools.” [The Tennessean]

After kicking off on Thursday and shifting into full gear on Friday, Bonnaroo 2019 continued on Saturday (6/15) with Kacey Musgraves (who covered The Flaming Lips‘ “Do You Realize??”), The National, Post Malone, ODESZA, Hozier (who brought out Brandi Carlile, who plays her own set on Sunday), The Lonely Island, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, John Prine, Jim James, Maren Morris, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, TOKiMONSTA, Little Simz, and more. Saturday was also host to the festival’s first-ever Pride parade. Via The Tennessean:

Led by New Breed Brass Band, the group waved flags, twirled parasols, and spun around in colorful circles and they marched in a unified demonstration of diversity, sexuality and humanity.

“Why is it amazing? Because it represents everyone from all parts of the world, in every flavor and dynamic and choice that you can possibly make as a human,” said Olivia Alloux. “How could you not love this?”

The rainbow revolution was a spectacle to behold.

House of Yes, one of Brooklyn’s most popular nightlife venues, produced the event with a fierce showing of bedazzled drag queens and dancers. As they weaved through the campground, the horns and drums adding a New Orleans flair, onlookers and supporters lined the roads taking pictures, giving high fives and joining the parade.

Check out some more pictures and videos from the Saturday of Bonnaroo below.

The festival wraps up today (6/16) with two Phish sets, Cardi B, Brandi Carlile, and more. If you’re there, browse our list of 10 non-headliners not to miss.

In more tragic news from the Saturday of Bonnaroo, a 27-year-old attendee passed away at the festival.