I went to Bonnaroo last summer and have mixed feelings about it. Here is my review:
Very commerical. Everything is sponsered now. Even Dunkin' Donuts was there. A lot of drunk (drunk!) college kids who don't understand the scene. Undercover cops as well. HOWEVER: There are still hoardes of like-minded kind people there. I met many wonderful people who shared with me everything they had and showed me a great time. The music was GREAT. There were a few "pop" bands there, but they are easily avoided. There is so much music going on that there is always a great band playing.
I was disgusted by the Flaming Lips. Their shows are so wasteful, hundreds of thoudsands of laser pointers littered the ground. Pounds and pounds of confetti forever engrained into the dirt. Yuck.
Gov't Mule.... sick.
Ratdog..... sick.
STRING CHEESE!!... SICK!
Ziggy Marley... mellow.
Ratdog.... sick.
John Butler... rather boring.
Rodrigo y Gabrielle.... breathtaking! Check them out!
Hot Tuna... always good.
WSP.. closed the festival on a high note.
Damien Rice... I slept in the field...
Orn. Coleman... amazing jazz guy, until he passed out from the heat.
AND MANY MORE!
Overall I just think Bonnaroo has outgrown it's self. It started out as something good, but has since imploded on itself. To many people for the grounds to hold. I will not go back their again, but will never forget the amazing time I had.
I have to say a great festival is 10,000 Lakes in Minnesota. It is really, really laid back. Everyone there is RUKind worthy. But I feel it will become the next Bonnaroo, so I recommend checking it out this summer before its to late.
Another good festival is Hookahville in Ohio. A lot of drunks, but friendly drunks. Its a different scene but still very enjoyable.
My 2 cents.