beauty in a wicked world.

Although I have gotten several emails from Bonnaroo over the past few months, the one I received today definitely caught my attention. Bonnaroo 2010 Dates, Pre-Sale Tickets, and Video! Bonnaroo was one of the greatest musical experiences I have ever been a part of. It was truly a pilgrimage of sorts. With Sully as my partner in crime, we made the trip worth remembering. There was no drama (well, except for a certain racial profiling cop we encountered in Marshall, TX), and not having flushing toilets or showers didn't matter one bit. The music, the people, the atmosphere, the widespread drug use, dancing until sunrise, camping in the middle of Tennessee, the mud, port-o-potties filled to capacity....it doesn't get any better. Trust me.

It is safe to assume that Sully and I are purchasing tickets for next year.

Words can't even describe how blissful, amazing, beautiful, heartbreaking, perfect it was. The energy emitting from the stage was out of this world. These are the musicians that truly deserve the admiration and respect the receive. Their sincere demeanor radiated throughout the entire performance. Knowing that these songs reflect Glen and Marketa's actual relationship makes it that much more genuine.

The setlist consisted of the perfect mix of new and old. Hell, they played for about two hours, meaning, I heard just about every song I wanted. There were also several treats interspersed throughout the show: performing "Say It To Me Now" with no amp, bringing a woman on stage to sing with the band (this woman could sang), an intense Van Morrison cover (he was bleeding by the end of the song), etc. Another neat tidbit was the fact that they were performing with the rest of the band members from The Frames.

Most bands attempt to interact with the audience, but you actually believe what Glen and Marketa are saying. The magnetism between Glen, Marketa, and the crowd was just so real.

It is safe to say that a very special evening was enjoyed by all who attended.

Here is Grizzly Bear's latest music video, "Ready, Able," off Veckatimest. This is by far one of my favorite songs on the album.

Oh, and enjoy the extra hour of drinking. I know I will.

Unless you have been completely out of touch with society for the past couple weeks, surely you have heard the story about the boy and his weather balloon. The moment that situation was resolved, I had a feeling there was something very tailored about it. What a surprise...the father, Richard Heene, was behind it all. Heene did it for media attention, and even though its mostly negative, he is getting what he desired. The fact that it was done at the expense of his children makes this even worse. Can you believe how much it has blown up in the news? He is now being compared to John Gosselin as the '"Worst Dad Ever". Don't get me started on the hot mess that is "John and Kate + 8".

No matter what way you look at it, negative publicity is still publicity. The parents are being convicted, but I highly doubt they will receive a serious charge. They have officially become celebrities by default. There are so many different avenues in which a normal person can attain fame: youtube, reality television, social media networks, etc. Celebrity status has become almost a necessity for some. Here is in interesting article on CNN.com about how stardom is becoming a basic need in society.

I think I'll keep to myself and pass on the fame and stardom. Props to the people who can make a short-term living out of being a Default Celebrity, but you have to wonder where they will be in five years. Oh wait, they will probably just become the Richard Heenes of the future.