The Top Ten Bands To See At Bonnaroo

aoife o'donovan

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Aoife O’Donovan/Ed Helms bluegrass jam

The bluegrass-inspired Mumford & Sons notwithstanding, there are some great, more traditional bluegrass acts playing the festival this year as well. Aoife O’Donovan, frontwoman of progressive bluegrass band Crooked Still, is one to watch, while comedian/banjo player Ed Helms, best known as Andy Bernard on “The Office,” is leading his own bluegrass jam.

of monsters and men 2013

Of Monsters and Men

“Little Talks,” the hit single released by Iceland’s Of Monsters and Men last year, has reached peak ubiquity on American radio, and for good reason — the band writes ultra-catchy, highly memorable tunes that cross genre boundaries. And with their Arcade Fire-sized hooks, they should provide a suitably massive sounding show.

fatoumata diawara 2013

Fatoumata Diawara

Born in the Ivory Coast, Malian by blood, and a resident of France, singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara brings a stunning mixture of sounds to her rhythmic, acoustic tunes. Even in a massive field in 90-degree heat, she’s bound to captivate listeners with her gorgeous, upbeat sounds.

glen hansard 2013

Glen Hansard

Whether performing as frontman for The Frames or half of the Swell Season, Glen Hansard has proven to be a reliably stunning singer and songwriter, which certainly holds true with his most recent album, Rhythm and Respose. Carve out some time to check him out on Friday afternoon.

father john misty 2013

Father John Misty

Josh Tillman has carved out an impressive career for himself since his days drumming in Fleet Foxes, and as Father John Misty, he’s grown into an even more impressive performer. Be ready to rock when he breaks out “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings.”

And that doesn’t even begin to cover Cat Power, Dwight Yoakam, The Lumineers, Wu-Tang Clan, Mumford & Sons, Grizzly Bear, Jim James, St. Vincent and David Byrne and The National. It’s going to be an amazing weekend.

Who’s on your Bonnaroo Top 10 List? Let us know in the comments.

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