Weekend Bonnaroo Update from Alisa Ali

Hey Folks,

I've got a little downtime now, so I thought I'd check in and see how you're doing. Are you clean? Sitting in air conditioning? Feeling like you have 100% of your hearing? Recently used a functioning toilet? If you answered yes to any of the above... Oh, how I envy you!

Having said that, I want you to know that I do hear the world's smallest violin playing just for me. I may be a little out of my comfort zone, but I am still happy to be here on the farm in TN. I'd trade the comforts of modern civilazation anytime (for a few days at least) so that I can experience such a wealth of great music.

Yesterday, as every day, was a doozy. The highlight, of course, was Paul McCartney! This might actually be a little surprising to those who know me. Of course I love Paul and the Beatles – I'm not a robot! But honestly, when I saw that he was on the schedule, I thought, yeah that's cool, but I was way more excited to see Alt-J and Bjork. (I work on The Alternate Side – what do you expect?!) However, after hearing Paul soundcheck, my enthusiasm levels skyrocketed, and when I actually got to the show, it was kind of a surreal experience to watch the man who wrote "Penny Lane" actually performing it. Also, I literally cried  (I'm emotional, ok?) when Paul sang "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Hey Jude."

Oh My God, and there were fireworks! Actually, it's funny, earlier in the night I kept seeing floating lanterns in the sky and was talking about how the birds must get really freaked out when the see a flaming bag in the sky next to them. But that was nothing compared to the fireworks display during McCartney's set. Those poor birds! But, as somone who is really in touch with her inner child, I love fireworks and it was an exciting display that seemed to really punctuate the excitement of show.

Speaking of Paul McCartney, his son James is actually on stage right now. He's playing to a slightly smaller crowd ;) and on a much smaller stage — The New Music On Tap Lounge. This is one of the stages that some of the lesser known bands play on. I actually saw a band on that stage yesterday that I really enjoyed, Alanna Royale - Blue eyed soul/ rockabilly style with a horn section. Other highlights for me from yesterday included Bombino & Reptar.

Oh, and I got to interview Glen Kotche from Wilco! He was a very cool guy. I aired the interview on Rita's Whole Wide World show last night as we broadcast live from the backstage area.

The big shows for me today are: Bjork, Dirty Projectors and the Rock & Soul Dance Party Super Jam, which includes Jim James, Cyro Baptista, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and others.

Ack! I'm hearing Solange play now. I gotta go check that out. More Later.

Action Ali out!