Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
I think for the most part, you should be responsible, no matter what age you are. There is an Inforooster who quite frequents the board that I met last year, and if I didn't know his/hers actual age, I would have guessed he/she would had been in his/hers early 20's. On top of that he/she acted more mature and responsible than alot of people venturing the roo last year.
hahahahahhaha my friend is 21 and had to convince his parents to let him go this year. granted, he dropped out of college after freshman year because he couldn't handle the college life at a joke of an institution and basically has no concept of how the world really works.
i'll be coming to bonnaroo from NC as well, and i know there's no way in hell my parents would let me go to bonnaroo if i was 16. even if your parents are a lot cooler than mine, good luck with convincing them. i'm sure they're gonna want to do a little research on their own despite whatever you tell them about it.
I need to rephrase my previous statement. I think you would be blown away but I think Roo is more of an adult-oriented festival. It would freak me the fuck out to see young kids indulging in what is readily available at roo and it wouldn't be beneficial at all. It is really your level of maturity, but if you haven't even graduated high school, in my opinion, you're not mature enough to be there. That said, it's not going anywhere.
Post by venusinfurs on Apr 11, 2008 14:56:03 GMT -5
I was 17 the first time I went to Roo. Took a good deal of convincing my parents, but I managed. Honestly, as long as you're responsible and well prepared, it's not that big of a deal. You just have to be careful.
Post by Steel_City_X on Apr 11, 2008 15:02:11 GMT -5
We can't admit what all we did between 16 and 25 - the statutes of limitations have not expired for somethings.
Again, Lot's of things can go bad in an atmosphere of 80,000 people. Somehow I managed to survive those 10 years.
Hopefully your folks will trust you. If they do, look for the old fart's, I am one of them. I tend to be on the lookout for people who are getting in a compromising situation and am usually willing to help get them out of it. I'd rather intercede than see a young guy or gal get really messed up. After a certain point, you are on your own.
As a fellow old fart I second that. If they let you go and you start to have a problem look for grey hair, especially on the women. I do have to (unfortunately) agree with most of the board, getting them to allow you to go will be one heck of a challenge. Good luck
Post by SouthGA_Festival Machine on Apr 11, 2008 17:02:06 GMT -5
ewsc said:
you [glow=red,2,300]need WAY more thatn 270[/glow]. gotta have a tent, water, food, shade tent, big ass cooler, gas money, fun money etc.
funkymonk7791 said:
ok i decided im going somehow, my parents are pretty chill folks. [glow=red,2,300]all i gotta do now is come up with 270 or so bucks soon because i keep reading about how fast tickets are selling this year. [/glow] haha do you think a powerpoint presentation with the facts would better my chances?
funkymonk7791 said:
thanks alot man that perfect,
haha i doubt ill be transporting anything like that tho
[glow=red,2,300]would u say its worth it for someone my age to save up $400+ and drive 8 hours with two friends[/glow]. does it sound like a good idea for starting off the summer?
Post by funkymonk7791 on Apr 11, 2008 17:41:54 GMT -5
yeah i meant i need 270 or so for the ticket because i would need to get that soon. i know i need to save up much more for the supplies,food,etc.. my friend has most of the gear already anyways.
thanks for all the responses though, i think im just gonna sit my parents down and tell them what its all about and that ill call them to check in. no powerpoint haha. They know how much i love music and going to concerts with friends, and they arent close to being as strict as some of my friends parents, so hopefully they say i can go...we'll see. i plan on preparing and reading a bunch of the guides and faq's on here. i dont want to end up going and then have a bad time beacause im not prepared.
also, i agree with BonnarooDetective, i think my parents will mainly be concerned with my safety getting there and back because it is a long trip. i think they trust me enough that i will survive at the actual festival but being 16 my friends and i dont have much driving experience
Okay, so I'm 20 but my parents support me financially, and they are very conservative - fundamentalist Christian types. This time last year when I was 19, I was really struggling with them over it. I ended up going anyway but they were REALLY unhappy. I think they thought I got it out of my system, so when I told them I'm going again this year, my mom almost broke down in tears because apparently my going to Bonnaroo last year had been a huge conflict with her and my stepdad (who raised me). So I know what its like trying to sell 'Roo to parents that are less than supportive... my mom basically told me I was causing problems in her marraige by 'Rooing! Talk about guilt!
In the end, though, my mom told me that even though don't support or condone my going, they realize its something I want to do THAT BAD that they'd rather not fight about it, when they know I'm going to anyway. We came to that "agree to disagree" conclusion after more than one conversation, in which I tried to be understanding of their points of view and I LISTENED a lot to what they had to say even if I didn't agree, and of course my main selling point was that even though they support me, I work and save money to pay my entire way to Bonnaroo myself. So even though my mom thinks Bonnaroo is a "den of iniquity" (her exact words haha), they respected how I went about the conversation enough, and they also saw clearly that its something I REALLY want to do, that they didn't expressly forbid me from going.
So, in my experience, funkymonk, a lot of it isn't what you have to say and your bullet points, but your willingness to listen to your parents and have a conversation, instead of just telling them what you're gonna do. Especially at 16, I think that goes a long way. In the end, if they say no, they say no. You're still a minor so there's not much you can really do at that point. Some people would be rebellious and throw a big fit, but I have always been really successful with going the mature and responsible route, and respecting my parents' wishes. If you act like a child, they will continue to treat you like one. If you are reasonable about it and don't whine and bitch, that could really work more in your favor... if not in this specific situation, surely in the long run as far as earning your parents' trust.
So there's my 237 cents, based from personal experience. Hope it was helpful
I also second what others have said about funds, too. We did Bonnaroo mega cheaply last year and it took away from our experience. I'm not saying that if you can't have a pimped out campsite and be mega prepared, you shouldn't go, because plenty of people go with the bare minimum and have a great time, but... there's a point where, if you can't swing the supplies (and gas money!) that are essential to Rooing, you might be better off hitting up a festie or show closer to home. I know, blasphemy...
Last Edit: Apr 11, 2008 18:54:58 GMT -5 by Deleted - Back to Top
This word also has a underground meaning once you break it down. Let’s take “Bonn” for example and it actually turns into the word “Bone”. We all know gays use this word to describe the action of when they are fecal fisting their Cuban cabana boy at their sex bath house parties. Now let’s look at Roo, “Roo” is short for “Kangaroo”.So put the full true message together and you get“Bone a Kangaroo
*i like coconuts, you can break them open they smell like ladies lyin in the sun** *Hell I don't even know where I am** *for now I must sit here and ponder the yonder: The herbivores did well cause their food didn't never run** *We listen, if it feels good We shake** *You made a big impression for a girl of your size, Now I can't get by without you and your big brown eyes.**
yeah i meant i need 270 or so for the ticket because i would need to get that soon. i know i need to save up much more for the supplies,food,etc.. my friend has most of the gear already anyways.
thanks for all the responses though, i think im just gonna sit my parents down and tell them what its all about and that ill call them to check in. no powerpoint haha. They know how much i love music and going to concerts with friends, and they arent close to being as strict as some of my friends parents, so hopefully they say i can go...we'll see. i plan on preparing and reading a bunch of the guides and faq's on here. i dont want to end up going and then have a bad time beacause im not prepared.
also, i agree with BonnarooDetective, i think my parents will mainly be concerned with my safety getting there and back because it is a long trip. i think they trust me enough that i will survive at the actual festival but being 16 my friends and i dont have much driving experience
perhaps look into taking a bus if your parents are concerned about you driving long distances. It's dirt cheap within the States. My friends and I, who are 21, are taking a bus from Canada simply simply so we don't have to worry about driving after 4 days of sleep deprived debauchery. My brother and his friends who are 18 and 19 are also coming down and were considering driving. It made my parents pretty uneasy considering the 3 of them don't have much driving experience, especially on the highways (let alone to Interstate, which from my experience, is a totally different monster than the Canadian highways). My parents became a lot more comfortable with them going down when they decided to bus it with us.
Post by BonnarooDetective on Apr 11, 2008 19:23:05 GMT -5
funkymonk7791 said:
also, i agree with BonnarooDetective, i think my parents will mainly be concerned with my safety getting there and back because it is a long trip. i think they trust me enough that i will survive at the actual festival but being 16 my friends and i dont have much driving experience
I'm no parent (trust me, it's better for society); but if I had a kid, the lengthy road trip would be my biggest objection. Like I said before, Bonnaroo is a safe place, you won't get into trouble in less you look for it. A bunch of 16 year olds packing into a car and driving down the highway for 8 hours seems like the most dangerous part of the adventure to me. While I'm not necessarily advocating that you do it, here is my advice if you go . . .
- Make sure your car (or whoever's car you're taking) has everything in order. I know this sounds obvious, make sure the oil has been changed, everything is running smoothly etc . . . but don't forget about the little things. Last year I completely forgot that the jack for my Jeep was broken. Thankfully, I never got a flat tire, but it would have been disastrous if I had.
- Don't drive through the night. You and your buddies haven't been driving very long, and the last thing you want to do it drive while you're getting tired. It is seriously dangerous, at any age, much less 16. I know you are going to be amped to get there, and you will probably want to drive all night so you can get there Thursday morning. Don't do it. Either go to sleep early Wednesday and get up in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday (let's say 4 or 5 am) or (what I would recommend) find a hotel somewhere halfway between NC and Manchester and split the trip in two. Drive 4 or 5 hours on Wednesday, crash in a hotel for the night, and get up the next morning to finish the trek.
- The nice part (which might help convince your parents) is that Bonnaroo is easy to get to. It literally has its own exit off the highway. Directions should not be complicated whatsoever, and the likelihood of you getting lost is slim.
- Don't leave Sunday night. My first year my buddies and I decided to just bail at the end of Sunday night. Sure it was nice to be home by the middle of the day Monday, but we were all really tired as we drove; in retrospect, we were too tired to drive, and I would not do it again. Now I always leave Monday, it is just better to be well rested and have a clear head.
- Do not plaster your car with "Bonnaroo or Bust!" or anything to that effect. Cops know what Bonnaroo is, and they would just love an excuse to pull you over and search your car.
- When you are getting close to Manchester, fill up on gas. I'm sure you'll read this in an FAQ or something, but once you actually get to Manchester, you're probably going to be waiting in line for a while to get in. If you have less than a quarter tank of gas, you might run out while sitting in line.
Aside from that, just don't be an assclown. Don't speed, don't get intoxicated while you're driving, and watch out for Martha Stewart.
I was definitely going to shows, Dead and other. However, they were within a certain radius of home and they weren't camping fests. It's only my opinion, but I don't think festivals like Bonnaroo are the place for unattended high school kids.
Couldnt agree more, its more of an 18 up thing unless you are goin with your parents.since 2006 I have noticed a lot more under age kids at Roo, wouldnt be surprised to see a Crackdown on underage drinking and "party favors"at Roo, anyone remember Wakarusa 2006.
Post by plasticpepper on Apr 11, 2008 21:17:21 GMT -5
Since it seems to be the trip itself that's they might worry about, I think all of the Detective's advice is right on the money. I would also mention all of that stuff about the road trip to your parents - it will show that you know it's a big deal and that you're taking it seriously, and if you ask them for advice - "can you guys think of anything else we need to keep in mind?" - it will show that you're aware you guys are inexperienced drivers. One of the biggest problems with inexperienced drivers is the ones who think they're NOT inexperienced, so if you know that this trip is a big deal then they'll know you're going to be careful and make sure to stop or switch drivers when you're tired, etc.
Post by trippindaisy on Apr 11, 2008 21:25:36 GMT -5
elusiveboz said:
funkymonk just bring dad with you...
Seriously that is the best suggestion yet. I take my teenage daughter with me but we don't spend every minute together. We keep in touch through texting and meet up every few hours to see a band we both like or to eat. She has a blast every year even though she is under my supervision. If your parents are that cool then they will go with you......
Seriously that is the best suggestion yet. I take my teenage daughter with me but we don't spend every minute together. We keep in touch through texting and meet up every few hours to see a band we both like or to eat. She has a blast every year even though she is under my supervision. If your parents are that cool then they will go with you......
i would agree. as lame is it might sound, its something you would look back on with fond memories....er, i'd imagine. although i think id have an interesting time with my dad at bonnaroo. i'd have to come clean about some lifestyle choices ive made... it would be a bonding experience, to say the least.
Post by rideincircles on Apr 11, 2008 22:51:27 GMT -5
Good luck, I went to warped tour in Austin when i was 16, my parents were cool, but this is incomparable. You must be entirely prepared for anything and everything that can happen in 4 days. Wind water dust heat, it has all happened at bonnaroo. It truly is one of the greatest experiences ever so experiencing that an early age would propel to see things like this for the rest of your life because its addicting. There is a list of every possible camping supply in this thread: bonnaroo.proboards21.com/index.c.cgi?action=display&board=logistics&thread=1203468608&page=1 Good Luck
Post by elusiveboz on Apr 11, 2008 23:17:00 GMT -5
just take your dad...he will find music he likes...tell him about the allmans and little feat playing...i bet that might spark an intrest for him... and not to mention he will get to spend quality time with you and he will probably have a blast....
This word also has a underground meaning once you break it down. Let’s take “Bonn” for example and it actually turns into the word “Bone”. We all know gays use this word to describe the action of when they are fecal fisting their Cuban cabana boy at their sex bath house parties. Now let’s look at Roo, “Roo” is short for “Kangaroo”.So put the full true message together and you get“Bone a Kangaroo
Post by Kanye West on Apr 11, 2008 23:40:23 GMT -5
I'm 18. Were I you, I'd definitely try and get an older driver. Think thing my dad was wary about was the driving, but when he found out I had a 22 year old going with me, he was ok with it.
Post by oysterheadhead on Apr 13, 2008 1:28:56 GMT -5
if i started this thread it would be titled "getting my kids to let me go to Roo" LOL!!
the other day my son said "you're going to bonnaroo again aren't you"
seriously, my wife and i have to jump thru some major hoops to make arrangements for the kids to stay with someone while we go. BIG THANKS TO GRANDMA!! on another note, i would NEVER bring my kids to bonnaroo. it isn't a place for anyone under 18!!!!!
I'm about to turn 21 in May. Last year was my first Bonnaroo experience. I live with my parents, so I of course had to run it by them and get the OK. They let me go, and I'm 99.9% sure that they wouldn't have let me go if I hadn't been travelling with my step-aunts (grandfather's children from a later marriage). It was really a win-win for everyone. I had great company who I'm really close with, they were able to make sure that I didn't get killed or anything, my parents were happy that I was with responsible, mature supervision, and they were cool with me doing pretty much whatever I wanted to do. I could eat my corn in peace, AND my parents were happy.
This year I'm going with a couple friends, without said "supervision." I think my parents are a bit more easygoing now since I've already done it once, and I know what to expect.
If I had asked my parents to go to Bonnaroo when I was 16, they probably would've laughed in my face.
Id say try to get someone at least 21 or so to go with you and whatever you do, during your power point, do NOT try to compare Bonnaroo to Woodstock. They would not see that as a good thing for their 16 year old to be attending.
Post by masshysteria on Apr 13, 2008 13:24:44 GMT -5
The only other advice I could really give you is keep your grades up the rest of the school year and show your maturity to them in different ways. I know I would have to work hard for that trip but if I had plenty of good folks going to be around me the whole time, I think they would let me go. Just show that you are mature enough if you have pretty chill folks.
Now if you are the son of a baptist preacher good luck....lol.
"That's the big thing about education. People can be book smart, but not really intelligent about anything else. A lot of times they just taking in all this information and regurgitate it. It's much more important to process it and personalize it. To apply it to your world, to your life. You have to walk the walk, or you can't really report about it honestly."
Seriously that is the best suggestion yet. I take my teenage daughter with me but we don't spend every minute together. We keep in touch through texting and meet up every few hours to see a band we both like or to eat. She has a blast every year even though she is under my supervision. If your parents are that cool then they will go with you......
i would agree. as lame is it might sound, its something you would look back on with fond memories....er, i'd imagine. although i think id have an interesting time with my dad at bonnaroo. i'd have to come clean about some lifestyle choices ive made... it would be a bonding experience, to say the least.
that's what i had to do. my friend and i were allowed to wander about during the day with a few "check-ins". but, at night, we had to be in the same vicinity. it really wasn't bad at all, and like you said, that way they have an amazing experience to look back on, too.
however, i do have to admit that i would have loved going without my parents.
Post by bamadancer on Apr 13, 2008 18:03:54 GMT -5
I took my younger brother (who was 15 at the time) with me to Bonnaroo last year. It took a lot of convincing with my parents...I basically said that I had been there, I knew it was a safe environment...I mean, people bring their small children to Bonnaroo. My little brother wasn't with me the whole time, but he spent the majority of the time with me. I let him go off on his own and do his own thing, but I did check in on him. While he was fine, I liked being there to be able to supervise him and I'm sure my parents did too! I didn't try to control him, just keep him out of trouble and make sure he didn't die, haha. I think your best bet is to either find and older sibling/family member/ or maybe friend to go with you. They might feel better after that.
And by all means, have all your facts in order when you present it to them. Tell them about Bonnaroo, tell them how you've prepared, all the info you know, basically. It will help tons.
Post by experiencehaze on Apr 13, 2008 19:03:45 GMT -5
As someone stated earlier you should call your parents periodically to let them know that you are OK even if they don't ask you to. When you arrive there let them know, and let them know that each day and also about what time you will be coming home on monday.
Just try to put yourself in their shoes. Don't leave on wednesday/thursday and just show up covered in mud on monday without calling them at least once.
And introduce all the people you will be going with and who will be driving to your parents. Just because they let you go doesn't mean they won't be worried at all, this way they will consider you more mature if you do all the things a parents asks but on your own.
"I want you to notice When I'm not around You're so fücking special I wish I was special But I'm a creep I'm a weirdo What the hell am I doing here? I don't belong here" -Radiohead
“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” -Benjamin Franklin