Camping at a music festival in the South during the summertime isn’t for the faint of heart, even if it means seeing some of the best live music acts all in one place. Bonnaroo, now in its 15th year, has become one of the most anticipated music festivals in the world and continues to host — and introduce us to — some of our favorite artists. Maybe you justified staying home this year because you don’t want to go four days without bathing, but now the FOMO is kicking in. After all, this year’s lineup is pretty incredible, whether you’re into your hometown’s indie rock band or headliners who’ve been around for decades like Pearl Jam.
If you chose to stay home this weekend instead of braving the long trek to Great Stage Park, a.k.a. The Farm, you can still enjoy the festival remotely — and not just via your friends’ continuous Snapchat stories. Red Bull TV is live streaming the festival, so enjoy your air-conditioner, sit back and revel in the music from the comfort of your couch. Here are some of Uproxx’s top picks for “#Coucharoo.”
Friday, June 10
CHVRCHES — Channel 1, 9:05 p.m. ET
It seems like CHVRCHES is a band perpetually on tour. The Scottish trio, led by effervescent vocalist, drummer and keyboardist Lauren Mayberry, released their second studio album, Every Open Eye last summer, followed by a collection of remixes this past April, and they just keep building momentum. With boundless energy and exuberance, they’ll engage fans with playful, but heartfelt hits.
LEON BRIDGES — Channel 1, 10:10 p.m. ET
A year ago, Leon Bridges was relatively unknown. Upon the release of his debut album, Coming Home last June, the Fort Worth, Texas native quickly swept us off our feet with his old-school R&B sound. After being nominated for a Grammy, the silky-voiced 26-year-old has continued to perform at sold-out shows all over the country, winning over new fans.
More Friday Highlights:
Shamir, Channel 3, 6:10 p.m. ET
Kamasi Washington, Channel 1, 8:00 p.m. ET
M83, Channel 1 ET, 11:45 p.m
Lucius, Channel 2, 10:15 p.m. ET
Flosstradamus, Channel 1, 12:15 a.m. ET (Saturday),
LCD Soundsystem, Channel 1, 1:00 a.m. ET
Saturday, JUNE 11
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB — Channel 2, 12:20 a.m. ET
The rock trio from Northern Ireland might be best known for their hit “What You Know,” but they promised fans on social media earlier this year that they were working on new material in between tour dates. Look for new, experimental material as a followup to their sophomore album, 2012’s Beacon.
GRACE POTTER — Channel 1, 7:15 p.m. ET
Grace Potter took a break from touring and recording with her longtime band, The Nocturnals, to explore a solo career. Though the Vermont native is well-versed in different genres, including blues and rock, she’s incorporating more pop sounds into her repertoire. A longtime performer at music festivals, she seems right at home on stage at Bonnaroo.
MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS — Channel 1, 11:05 p.m. ET
Since their breakthrough in 2011, Seattle-based rapper Macklemore and his producer/DJ Ryan Lewis have been on a mission to prove that they’re not just here to make music, but to effect social change. The Grammy winners are an entertaining duo to see live, as they scatter their performances with goofy antics and sincere hope for progress.
More Saturday Highlights:
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Channel 1, 8:20 p.m. ET
Sam Hunt, Channel 1, 9:45 p.m. ET
The Internet, Channel 3, 6:10 p.m. ET
Lamb of God, Channel 3, 11:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, June 12
CHARLES BRADLEY & HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES — Channel 2, 6:05 p.m. ET
It’s not an exaggeration that Charles Bradley is perhaps the most soulful singer in 2016. The 67-year-old former James Brown impersonator absolutely mesmerizes audiences with his raw emotion — this guy will make you feel what he has felt, including love, loss, pain and passion. Though he was certainly a late bloomer in terms of getting discovered — he didn’t release his first solo album until 2011, he’s quickly made up for lost time on the stage, shimmying in dazzling jumpsuits and other ’70s-inspired looks. His backing band members — most of whom are a good three decades his junior — step into the spotlight and hold their ground during Bradley’s many costume changes.
FATHER JOHN MISTY — Channel 1, 7:10 P.M. ET
At times tongue-in-cheek and enigmatic, Father John Misty has come a long way since his more mellow Fleet Foxes days. Expect a raw, energetic performance from the rock star and listen to the lyrics of his music — which are often satirical in nature. As he interacts with his audience, he delivers commentary that is playful, but rebellious at the same time.
GIVERS — Channel 3, 6:05 p.m. ET
Pop-infused indie rock group GIVERS hail from Lafayette, Louisiana — a cultural hotbed known for its diverse, internationally influenced music and arts scene in the heart of Cajun Country. The group quickly became a local favorite act at smaller, regional venues, but their popularity has soared to a new level, especially since the release of their upbeat and ethereal sophomore album New Kingdom.
More Sunday Highlights:
Death Cab for Cutie, Channel 1, 8:15 p.m. ET
Saint Motel, Channel 3, 8:05 p.m. ET
Lettuce, Channel 2, 9:15 ET
Lord Huron, Channel 2, 10:35 p.m. ET
Third Eye Blind, Channel 3, 10:30 p.m. ET
WEEN, Channel 2, 11:45 p.m. ET
Bonnaroo will be live streamed on Red Bull TV through its iOS and Android applications and on Apple TV, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs and RedBull.TV. For the full schedule of streamed performances, click here.
