Bonnaroo 2023 updates: Foo Fighters, Paramore close Sunday lineup

It's almost closing time at the 2023 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, the four-night summer camp where thousands of sweaty and sun-soaked show-goers experience a weekend unlike any other in live entertainment.

The festival — located in Manchester, Tennessee, roughly 60 miles southeast of Nashville — will wrap up Sunday after another year of marathon jam sessions, ground-shaking EDM, hip-hop heavyweights, and old-fashioned rock 'n' roll escapism.

From music to food, weather and more, follow along for live updates from Great Stage Park — AKA the Bonnaroo "Farm."

Foo Fighters closet out Bonnaroo with ferocious set

The Foo Fighters too the What Stage with emotional fervor at 9:33 p.m. Sunday as the skies threatened to open up with rain. But the weather held off and Grohl came out of the gate screaming through the staccato machine gun rhythm of "All My Life."

"All night long I dream of the day/When it comes around and it's taken away/Leaves me with the feeling that I feel the most/Feel it come to life when I see your ghost."

As the song, which conjures early Metallica, churned on, the band ripped through an "Enter Sandman" tease before pausing for what would be Grohl's many opportunities to address the crowd.

"It's gonna be a long night, mother****ers!" Grohl screamed into his mic.

The Foo Fighters tore from one absolutely ferocious song to the next, spanning through early classics to songs from the well-received new album "But Here We Are." Grohl repeatedly promised to play until the band got kicked out. Meanwhile, new drummer Josh Freese, a veteran whose credits include Devo and Nine Inch Nails, drove the rhythm with loud, confident beats that echoed through the field and cemented his place among his new band.

The energy with which the band commanded the stage showed exactly why the Foo Fighters remain absolute kings of rock after nearly 30 years.

Paramore return to Bonnaroo and play festival's biggest stage

Paramore returned to the Bonnaroo stage Sunday night, four years after making their 'Roo debut back in 2018.

Their newest album “This Is Why” dropped last February. The record marks the band's first album after six long years. Following their 2017 album "After Laughter," the group took a short hiatus to work on individual projects.

But when they appeared on the What stage, it was like they never left.

"We're right here in our backyard, thank you Tennessee," said singer Hayley Williams. "Last time we played here was one of the most memorable shows we've ever had. Thank you for being here tonight."

Franz Ferdinand play the hits for full crowd on the Which Stage

Scottish band Franz Ferdinand brought their high-energy brand of radio-friendly post-punk rock to the Which stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, quickly whipping the crowd out of their post-Saturday night stupor.

Frontman Alex Kapranos marveled at how quickly the afternoon crowd came alive after three days of partying in the Bonnaroo fields and tents.

The band pounded out an energetic version of “Walk Away” from 2005 album “You Could Have It So Much Better,” before Kapranos turned to greet the crowd again to enthusiastic response: “How you feeling?! Good, me too.”

The band then launched into “Do You Want To,” the lead single from “You Could Have It So Much Better.” It was surprising to see them play the crowd-pleaser so early, but Franz Ferdinand still had plenty left in the tank – and so too, apparently, did the audience.

By the time the band played “Take Me Out,” the guitar-driven hit from their eponymous debut album, the field in front of the Which stage was completely full. Franz Ferdinand wrapped their set promptly at 3:30, the energy from the fans in the field and palpably higher having experienced it

Festival organizers ask fans to stay weather aware due to potential rain

It's likely Bonnaroo will receive some rain Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Festival organizers reminded fans to stay weather aware Sunday due to the potential for inclement weather from 4 - 8 p.m. and overnight through Monday.

Sunday will be mainly sunny with temperatures in the high 80's. NWS reported that areas south of I-40 and west of I-65 have the greatest chance of receiving storms starting after 2 p.m. and lasting overnight.

Potential hazards include gusty winds, hail and heavy rain.

Sunday lineup: Paramore, Foo Fighters to close Bonnaroo 2023

All good things must come to an end, and while this year's Bonnaroo closes Sunday night, the lineup promises an impressive and fitting end for the 80,000-or-so fans on the festival grounds.

The highlights:

• Paris Jackson, yes, Michael Jackson's daughter, makes her Bonnaroo debut on the This Tent at 12:45 p.m.

• Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand will take the Which Stage at 2:30 p.m.

• Originally from Memphis and now Nashville-based, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors make their That Tent appearance at 3 p.m.

• Nashville's own Paramore will hit Bonnaroo's biggest stage, What Stage, at 7:15 p.m.

• British singer songwriter Marcus Mumford, of Mumford and Sons fame, will take the Which Stage at 8:15 p.m.

• Foo Fighters will write a new chapter with their headlining set on the What Stage at 9:30 p.m.

Those who didn't trek to Bonnaroo this weekend can catch Mumford, Paramore, Foo Fighters and others at home via Hulu. The streaming service broadcasts Bonnaroo performances online beginning at 4:05 p.m. CST. Find the full schedule and lineup at hulu.com/bonnaroo.

My Morning Jacket return with another three-hour show

Nearly 20 years after My Morning Jacket made a Bonnaroo debut with a rain-soaked show that's since become the stuff of legend, and a subject of a newly-released live album, the Louisville-based band did it again in the early hours of Sunday at the Which Stage.

The band took the stage shortly after 12:30 a.m. for what meant to be a two-hour set that well extended well past 3 a.m. with saxophone and guitar jams (not to mention the unrelenting work of drummer Patrick Hallahan).

Before thousands of fans, the band coursed through favorites such as "Off The Record," from 2005 album "Z," and the psychedelic pop sounds of "Lucky To Be Alive," from the self-titled 2021 album.

The band also played two covers, sneaking Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" into original song "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Part 2." The group followed that with a cover of Traffic's "Feelin' Alright?," inspired by the 1969 Joe Cocker version.

As it approached 2:30 a.m., My Morning Jacket showed no sign of stopping as the band rolled through catalog cuts from 2011's "Circuital" and 2003's "It Still Moves."

And while the band walked off the stage after that, there was no doubt among the audience that they would return —despite the late hour and another daunting festival day around the corner.

"We love you Bonnaroo," frontman Jim James yelled after closing with tension-building and crowd-pleasing version of "One Big Holiday." A perfect send off.

Huge crowd finds common ground during Tyler Childers

Tyler Childers, the Kentucky troubadour from the heart of Appalachia who's built a die-hard following, has drawn comparisons to popular bluegrass player Billy Strings, and sometimes vice versa.

Perhaps that's because Childers is known for his graveled-voice truth-telling sermons such as "Nose To The Grindstone,” a parable about prescription drug addiction in his native Eastern Kentucky. Perhaps that's because of his sure hand with Grateful Dead classics such as the Robert Hunter-penned "Greatest Story Ever Told," which Childers played Saturday night, with the support of his band, to perfection.

But Childers, who took the Which stage at Bonnaroo in support of his deeply spiritual 2022 album “Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven?,” has a sound and a following all his own.

In an hour and a quarter, the artist and his backing band, an ever-reliable collective called The Food Stamps, traveled through gospel, bluegrass standards, originals and straight-fire, meat-and-potatoes country music. The crowd was filled with bubble-blowing hippies, blue-collar festival maintenance workers, families and Instagram models. They all somehow found common ground in Childers' music.

Lil Nas X takes the What Stage in unapologetic, energizing performance

Lil Nas X delivered like no other Saturday night at Bonnaroo. Complete with giant costumed creatures and stellar outfits, his performance was a celebration of Black joy and queerness, while at the same time exuding seduction and sex appeal.

Appearing on the What Stage wearing a gold breast plate, Lil Nas opened with "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" immediately sending the crowd into a nonstop, wild euphoria.

Throughout his set, Lil Nas X performed hype song after hype song, like "Don't Want it," "Down Souf Hoes" and his 2019 industry-shaking "Old Town Road" which earned him and Billy Ray Cyrus a pair of Grammy Awards and ultimately launched the young showman into stardom.

But besides his trademark charm and energy, what set Lil Nas X's set apart from others was the unapologetic and raw way in which he showcased his persona.

Remi Wolf officiates wedding and crushes it at That Tent

Remi Wolf has been officiating weddings all weekend. Four in total. Add that to her resume.

The 27-year-old California-based singer, once a contestant on American Idol, formed her first band at the age of 14. The indie-pop artist has since gained a big following, and her fans spilled out of That Tent and spread out across the lawn. Wolf could have filled a venue three times the size. Five minutes before she was even scheduled to appear, the crowd was chanting her name.

When Wolf emerged on the stage, the young performer with the giant voice commanded what would be an hour-long singalong. Highlights of her performance were “Sexy Villain” and the catchy “Anthony Kiedis,” both from Wolf’s 2021 album “Juno.” She also led a funkier version of the otherwise spare and creepy 2011 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye.

Sheryl Crow speaks up for mental health and transgender rights

Sheryl Crow shared an abundance of joy and positivity - in true Bonnaroo fashion - Saturday evening on the What Stage.

The activist and soon-to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer used her platform at 'Roo to speak on mental health and transgender rights. On stage, Crow recalled during her record-making days in 1990s Pasadena, California, she witnessed a transgender person being kicked out of a coffee shop for “disturbing” other patrons.

After being booted, she said the person left a note that read, “If I’m not here, then you’re not here.” Crow wrote 1996 song “Hard To Make A Stand” about the person.

“I’m happy that although 30 years later, all of us can live in this country free and be our true selves and love who we love,” she said.

As Crow progressed through her set, she also reflected on dark moments in her life. The time-tested hitmaker shared empathy toward young people who could be experiencing the same. She dedicated “Cross Creek Road” to all of those “struggling with their low lows.”

“Sometime you’re just born with melancholy," she said. "I was."

Danielle Ponder lives her dream at Bonnaroo

Danielle Ponder left a job as a public defender in her hometown, Rochester, New York, to pursue her dream of becoming a musician.

Saturday, as she kicked off performances on the Which Stage, she announced that she was living her dream.

And her early afternoon set served as an inspiration for those in the audience that it's never too late to follow a dream. The R&B singer made for a smooth start to the day with her powerful vocals and soulful covers of Dionne Warwick's "Walk On By," (taking inspiration from Issac Hayes funk-rock version) and Radiohead's "Creep," which closed her show.

But perhaps the true highlight was her tribute to Tina Turner. She took a slowed-down approach to Ike Turner and Tina Turner's Phil Spector-produced classic "River Deep - Mountain High," showcasing her luscious vocals.

'Joy'All' with Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis took Which Stage around 3:45 p.m. Saturday, a day after playing a sold-out, hometown show at Nashville's Eastside Bowl to celebrate the release of her fifth solo album "Joy'All."

She played three songs from the new release, the most successful being "Puppy and a Truck." Already a live highlight, the song debuted during her 2021 tour with Harry Styles and its yacht rock vibe felt perfect for a sunny Saturday afternoon on the festival grounds.

"That's for my dog Bobby Rhubarb and my Chevy Colorado truck," Lewis said after the song. "And I'm not being paid to say that."

Wearing a two-piece black-patterned pantsuit and flamed-tipped sunglasses, Lewis led her all-female band through highlights from her solo career, including "Do Si Do," "She's Not Me," "The Next Messiah" and "Red Bull & Hennessy."

Colony House makes a 'dream come true'

Despite never before playing Bonnaroo, Franklin-born band Colony House took over the This Tent stage Saturday afternoon with unmistakable confidence and charisma.

The group played an intense, high-energy set that opened with “Landlocked Surf Rock,” a standout from 2022 album “The Cannonballers," inspired in-part by Opryland lore. The set rolled on with “Would Ya Could Ya," “Silhouettes," “Learning How To Love" and a crowd-roaring cover of Steve Lacy hit “Bad Habit."

“This is a dream come true ya’ll,” frontman Caleb Chapman said on stage. “Thanks for sticking around."

'What's Going On' with Devon Gilfillian

Devon Gilfillian, the charismatic Nashville-based soul singer-songwriter and guitarist, took the stage with his band at 3 p.m. Saturday — right on time. And he stayed right on time throughout a soulful, soaring performance that threatened to blow the roof off That Tent.

Gilfillian, with his sunny yet commanding stage presence, took a hold of the crowd immediately and never released his grip throughout a show that featured high-flying guitar riffs, old-school funk beats and sultry R&B vocals. His band, clad in silk lavender lounge shirts emblazoned with his initials, smoothly segued from one song to the next, driving the beat and keeping the energy high.

Highlights included the title track off the artist’s new album, “Love You Anyway,” a song about healing relationships in a fractured political climate. Gilfillian’s crooning soul anthem, “All I Really Want to Do,” was a welcome breather in an otherwise blistering set. But perhaps the most moving moment was when Gilfillian delivered Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” with his brother Ryan Gilfillian, a talented crooner who performs in a wheelchair after a 2009 car accident left him paralyzed. Ryan Gilfillian’s golden voice, eerily reminiscent of Gaye’s, rendered the already rapt crowd completely silent.

Bonnaroo fashion: Bikini tops, platforms and more

At Bonnaroo, self-expression can take many forms. A unique totem pole. Colorful, meticulously braided hair filled with glitter and sparkle. Or a carefully curated outfit. Here's are some of the biggest trends at this year's festival:

• Bikini tops: Festivalgoers often pair these with shorts, skirts, or simply a bikini bottom - truly providing the ultimate freedom.

• Platforms: Platform boots, platform wedges, platform All-Stars - whichever style you prefer, the versatile form of footwear continues to be a a fan favorite all weekend.

• Sparkles: The small yet bold accents could be incorporated into almost everything. Either sprinkled throughout the hair or used to create "festival freckles," fans used the mini, reflective pieces to add flare to individual looks.

More highlights: Bonnaroo fans show off four ways their outfits best express their true selves

Late-night rewind: Shaquille O'Neal makes a slam dunk debut

“Are we having a good time Bonnaroo?” Diesel, also known as NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, yelled at the crowd shortly after starting his 2:30 a.m. set at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.

Playing a mixture of EDM beats with samples of hip hop, house music and even rock mixed in, Shaq — who played as performances around Centeroo wound down — seemed to draw waves of totems (one-of-a-kind signposts often carried by Bonnaroo faithful) to The Other Tent where he delivered a never-ending blur of blinding lights perfectly synched to his ground-shaking EDM set.

Shaq spent most of his time on stage playfully threatening the audience — “I’m coming out there!” — and encouraging chaos.

“I don’t see no mosh pits in the back,” he said at one point.

He frequently asked if anyone wanted to join him onstage, which at first seemed like offhand banter, but people began to trickle onstage greeting the self-proclaimed "world's biggest DJ."

Full recap: Shaquille O'Neal made his Bonnaroo debut. It was an early morning slam dunk

Tyler Childers, Lil Nas X set for Saturday lineup at Bonnaroo

The show rolls on Saturday at Bonnaroo with another jam-packed lineup of globetrotting music-makers. Who's performing during day three on The Farm? Let's break down a few highlights.

• Rising indie-rock group The Beths kick off festivities inside the That Tent at 1:30 p.m. CST.

• Franklin-born "landlocked surf rock" outfit Colony House plays This Tent at 2:45 p.m.

• Music City soul singer Devon Gilfillian follows The Beths with a That Tent performance at 3 p.m.

• Adopted Nashville singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis plays Which Stage at 3:45 p.m.

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member-elect Sheryl Crow hits the What Stage at 4:45 p.m.

• Pop hitmaker Lil Nas X plays the What Stage at 8:45 p.m.

• Kentucky troubadour Tyler Childers makes his Bonnaroo return on the Which Stage at 9:45 p.m.

• Bonnaroo staple My Morning Jacket kick-off a late-night jam on the Which Stage at 12:30 a.m.

• Nu-metal favorite Korn plays the This Tent at 12:45 a.m.

Those who didn't trek to Bonnaroo this weekend can catch Crow, Gilfillian, Childers and others at home via Hulu. The streaming service broadcasts Bonnaroo performances online begining at 4:05 p.m. CST. Find the full schedule and lineup at hulu.com/bonnaroo.

And festival-goers should plan for another hot day in Coffee County. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies Saturday with a high around 86 degrees and a light wind in the afternoon.

What you missed on Friday Bonnaroo 2023: 5 top moments from Friday as Kendrick Lamar headlines

Kendrick Lamar takes Bonnaroo's biggest stage

Kendrick Lamar took the stage at Bonnaroo's What Stage, the platform for the Manchester music festival's biggest performers, shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday night.

It had been a long, hot day packed full of music for many of the fans on the sprawling field, and it showed. Lamar seemed to notice it too, pausing near the end of "Element", from the 2017 album "DAMN." to address the crowd.

"Is anyone alive out there?" he called out.

As Lamar strode the stage in pink wide-legged pants, a tightly choreographed group of dancers in aprons behind him, he launched into "King Kunta," followed soon after by DAMN's title track, which lent the crowd a bit more energy. Other tracks from the album, including "Love", "Humble" and "Loyalty", seemed to hit hardest with the late-night fans.

Full recap: What happened when Kendrick Lamar took Bonnaroo's biggest stage

Fleet Foxes deliver indie-folk sermon

There are some bands whose live performances fall flat when compared to their studio albums. And there are some bands whose performances transcend those recorded tracks. Fleet Foxes belongs in the latter category.

The critically-acclaimed indie-folk band, known for lush harmonies, took the stage at the relatively small This Tent shortly after 9 p.m. Friday night. The crowd easily filled the space and spilled over onto the lawn.

The band kicked off their set with the short “Sun Giant” and then soared through some of the most popular songs in the Fleet Foxes canon, including a clear-eyed and earnest version of “Ragged Wood” from their eponymous album. The crowd joined in on every word, sometimes coming close to smothering the band’s beautifully layered lyrics.

Three 6 Mafia bring Jelly Roll on for 'Hard Out Here for a Pimp'

Memphis’ very own rap group, Three 6 Mafia sent the Bonnaroo crowd into a frenzy Friday night during their set, special guest and all, on the Which stage.

Three 6’s Juicy J and DJ Paul began their 7:45 set with “Who Run It,” from their 2000 album, “When The Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1.”

Joining the group Friday night was 2023 CMT award winner, Jelly Roll who came onstage for a special version of “Hard Out Here For a Pimp.”

The audience couldn’t get enough of the group. Similarly, Three 6 Mafia fed off the audience’s energy, even encouraging a mosh pit.

“Everybody back up! Let’s form a circle! … It’s Three 6 Mafia we got to turn up tonight."

Portugal. The Man takes the What Stage and play to Bonnaroo's Earth Warriors

Portugal. The Man kicked off their set at Bonnaroo’s What Stage around 6:45 on Friday night by inviting onstage an Indigenous woman from Sitka, Alaska, who called the crowd Earth Warriors.

“What’s special about you is that you decided to come to this earth at a time when we really need you,” she said.

The Portland-based band, originally from Wasilla, Alaska, led a set of sometimes blistering, sometimes anthemic, catchy modern rock, coasting though “Dummy” and the relatively new “Summer of Luv,” both from the rock outfit’s 2023 release Chris Black Changed My Life.

The Grammy-winning band, a Bonnaroo favorite, launched briefly into Nirvana’s “In Bloom” before switching gears to “Senseless” from 2011’s album In the Mountain in the Cloud. A blistering “So Young” primed the crowd for a driving “What Me Worry,” followed by “Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue,” played as the oncoming sunset began to color the horizon.

The crowd, which sensed the inevitable hit “Feel it Still,” filled in the field until it was a blur of colors. Portugal. The Man finished their set with “Live in the Moment,” before releasing the Bonnaroo faithful into another night of music.

Knocked Loose open the pit

Shortly after 5 p.m., hardcore band Knocked Loose opened up the pit.

The Kentucky band came onstage to a crowd ready to mosh in the This Tent.

While vocalist Bryan Harris screamed his lyrics, the crowd pulsated in unison with fans pushing against one another. The space above the audience filled with so many crowd surfers that security couldn't seem to keep up. At one point, a fan in a wheelchair was in the air.

“We’re the only band this weekend that sounds like this,” frontman Harris told the Bonnaroo crowd before thanking them for such a welcome reception.

It was a rather odd scene for 5 pm in the sweltering heat, but that didn’t stop fans as they thrashed in circles.

Knocked Loose provided a barrage of down-tuned guitars and howling vocals that proved exactly what this afternoon crowd needed. And band wanted more.

“I love this energy,” Harris said during a brief break. “There’s nothing in the world I love more than this energy, and I need you to pick it up.”

Morgan Wade strikes down with electric country show

Nashville recording artist Morgan Wade opened her set at Which Stage on Friday afternoon with "The Night," a country song about toeing the line with sobriety, even during the day's darkest moments.

Fans waited years — literally — to hear Wade at Bonnaroo; she was scheduled to perform in 2021 before heavy rain caused organizers to cancel the festival.

And as she played her country tunes on a pink guitar, those fans swayed back and forth to her low, raspy voice.

“Thank you for standing in the heat with us,” she said in the heat of a near 90-degree afternoon.

Halfway through her set, Wade belted out on her harmonica, much to the excitement of the crowd. One fan shouted, “Yes, queen.”

As her set continued, couples danced hand in hand underneath the June sun to “When The Dirt All Settles" — a cut off the Sony Music Nashville reissue of her breakout album "Reckless" — and a fan-favorite song from the same album, "Wilder Days."

Suki Waterhouse plays buzzy set Thursday night after short delay

Suki Waterhouse, the English singer-songwriter and actress, was scheduled to perform on at the That Tent from 9 p.m.-10 p.m., but her show didn't begin for nearly a half-hour after the slotted start time. As some fans became impatient and began to inch their way out of the crowd, others took advantage of the opportunity to squeeze to the front of the stage.

While it's unknown why the extended wait occurred, Waterhouse eventually took the stage, opening with "Bull**** on the Internet" from her 2022 album "I Can't Let Go."

During her hour-long set Waterhouse performed songs new to Bonnaroo, including "Johanna" and "To Love." She closed with her 2017 single "Good Looking," which gained attention last year after going viral on social media platform TikTok.

Bonnaroo Friday schedule highlights and how to watch

After a packed Thursday at The Farm, Friday features no shortages of performances to watch whether in-person or from afar.

The What and Which Stages open up Friday afternoon with performances by punk band AFI and blues artist Christone Ingram, aka Kingfish, respectively. Ingram, who's mother is Charley Pride's cousin, will have his set livestreamed by Hulu, starting at 5 p.m. CT.

Breakout country singer Morgan Wade plays the Which Stage at 3:45 p.m., you can watch her set at 6 p.m. on Hulu.

Oscar winners and Memphis' own Three 6 Mafia plays the Which stage at 7:45 p.m. The beloved hip-hop group, who last year teamed with Tennessee Titans for game day anthem "Who Run It," will be a good one to catch on the livestream at 11:35 p.m.

Electronic DJ Griz, rapper Kendrick Lamar and funk band Vulfpeck round out the acts on the festival's biggest stages. One additional highlight is the debut of Shaquille O'Neal, aka Diesel, DJing on The Other Stage at 2:30 a.m.

Festival hair at Bonnaroo: The story behind hair trends at music festivals

Diarrhea Planet highlight brilliantly eclectic first night of Bonnaroo

The party on Thursday really got underway late at night with Cimafunk bringing Cuban rhythms to the This Tent stage around 10:30 p.m.

Half-an-hour later, Dehd brought their garage surf rock sound to That Tent. Performing in front of a bright blue screensaver featuring a plumber and a butterfly, the crowd perked up when they performed their indie hit “Bad Love.”

After some technical issues during soundcheck, Diarrhea Planet made a triumphantly rocking entrance as the band members shred their way on to the stage.

“Hello Bonnaroo, we’re Diarrhea Planet and we’re from f****ng here,” shouted guitarist Jordan Smith.

The band continued to shred for an hour before wrapping up with a raucous cover of Rage Against the Machine’s "Bulls on Parade."

Big Freedia’s set began with her DJ blasting The Ying Yang Twins to pump up the crowd before her grand entrance. Known as the New Orleans Queen of Bounce, she kicked off her set stomping with brand new track “Bigfoot.”

The high energy dance performance helped close a night that only could happen at Bonnaroo — where Latin funk, rock and dance follow each other, offering a fantastic preview of three nights yet to come.

Music rolls into Manchester with Molly Tuttle, Abraham Alexander

Bonnaroo digs bluegrass.

Molly Tuttle and her ace band the Golden Highway brought a collection of good-time grass-cuttin' tunes to The Farm on Thursday evening.

Tuttle — a sought-after Nashville flatpicking guitarist and singer-songwriter who broke out last year behind her Grammy Award-winning album "Crooked Tree" — kicked out songs like foot-stomping anthem "She'll Change," Music City honky-tonk tune "Nashville Mess Around" and jam-ready "Castilleja." Throughout the songs, onlookers hollered in wild admiration as Tuttle and her band swapped fast-picking solos and shared harmonies.

"We're so happy to be back here, on The Farm," Tuttle said, adding, "We made it through the storm."

Before Tuttle, soul-stirring singer-songwriter Abraham Alexander took to the This Tent stage — in a sleeveless denim jacket and wide-brimmed hat — to perform songs off his debut 2023 album "Sea/Sons" (as well as a tent-rousing cover of Chris Isaak's classic "Wicked Game").

Weather forces schedule changes

Most years, one band kicks off Bonnaroo with a mid-afternoon Thursday set. This year, a handful of artists shared the honor.

After an hour-and-a-half storm delay, festival organizers juggled the Thursday schedule to fit in all performances impacted by the weather. Music kicked off at 4:30 p.m. — two hours later than originally scheduled — across three stages: Texas band Briscoe inside the This Tent, pond-hopping rock band CVC at the That Tent and indie artist Nordista Freeze on the Who Stage. Most Thursday performers now take the stage later than initially scheduled, but none of the changes seem drastic enough for show-goers to face new scheduling conflicts.

Bonnaroo weather evacuation to be lifted

Centeroo is expected to open at 4 p.m., festival organizers said in tweet around 3:49 p.m. Music is expected to continue at 4:30 p.m.

Centeroo closes ahead of severe weather

Festival grounds main artery Centeroo closed around 2:30 p.m. Thursday due to an impending storm, according to Bonnaroo on Twitter. Organizers urged festivalgoers to return to the campgrounds ahead of rainfall impacting Coffee County.

As the storm approached, Bonnaroo organizers suggested those without a vehicle to seek help from other festivalgoers already on-site or find shelter in one of the community barns throughout the campgrounds.

"There is weather coming towards the site that contains lightning & heavy rain in the next 40 minutes," festival organizers shared on social media. The post continued to read: "Weather evacuation. Please head calmly to the nearest exit."

Bonnaroo pushed "pause" on festivities at the same time the weekend's first act — retro rock act CVC — was scheduled to hit the stage. It is unclear how the storm may impact an afternoon lineup that includes soul artist Abraham Alexander, alternative singer-songwriter Ezra Furman and Texas duo Briscoe.

As the storm moved through Williamson County around 2 p.m., the National Weather Service shared, "... there is plenty of lightning and still some gusty winds will push south and southeast over the next couple of hours. If you are outdoors, you will want to watch this closely!! Hint Hint."

Festivities kick off with Pride parade

Gates to "Centeroo" — the central hub where concert-goers congregate for main stage entertainment — opened with the annual Pride parade, a colorful, vibrant sea of expression and voices.

As hundreds of participants made their way from the "Outeroo" campgrounds to Centeroo, spectators from the sidelines shouted “We love the gays!” and “One, two, three, everybody say LGBT!” As they marched, bubbles and rhythmic waving of colorful fans filled the air.

Big Freedia, a "Ru Paul's Drag Race" alum and cornerstone artist in the bounce-rap scene, served as this year's parade Grand Marshal hours before a scheduled performance inside That Tent.

Apple feature causes flood of 911 calls from near The Farm

The Manchester Police Department reported numerous accidental 911 calls from near the festival Thursday.

The calls were due to "crash detection mode," a new feature on Apple iPhone 14. Once the iPhone detects a perceived crash, it makes an emergency phone call after 20 seconds unless overridden. If not deactivated, Apple contacts emergency services with the user's latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.

Bonnaroo and local police recommended turning off the automatic feature for the duration of the festival.

Bonnaroo scavenger hunt

Festivalgoers are already having fun with the artist scavenger hunt. Organized by Propeller, a social activism organization, fans enter by doing good around The Farm for a chance to win prizes with heir favorite artists.

Sofi Tkker, Sylvan Esso, Hippo Campus, Andrew McMahon among others are participating. Fans compete by completing action in the festival grounds and redeeming points for prizes.

The Bonnaroovian who completes the most scavenger hunt actions will win VIP passes to next year's festival.

Four-day Bonnaroo tickets sell out

Didn't snag a weekend pass to Bonnaroo? You may be out of luck.

Four-night music and camping tickets to the mystical music summer camp sold out early Thursday, hours before gates opened. Bonnaroo confirmed the sell-out Thursday morning via social media.

"Wow y'all, you did it," Bonnaroo organizers published on Twitter. "Our Bonnaroovian family is back together and the good vibes are already flowing."

Some single-night tickets remain available, according to the festival. This year, Bonnaroo reaches festival capacity at roughly 85,000 ticket holders.

Alcohol policy: Bonnaroo 2023: Everything to know about the alcohol policy this year

Bonnaroo lineup: Who's playing Bonnaroo 2023? See the full lineup and schedule

Thursday weather forecast

A slight chance of rain and storms could impact campers arriving Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service calls for a 50% chance of storms after 12 p.m. Thursday, with a marginal chance of severe weather. Overnight rain chances dip to 20%. Festival-goers can expect a high of around 81 degrees Thursday afternoon.

Hulu livestream

Those unable to make it to The Farm can follow most of Bonnaroo via a multi-channel live stream on digital platform Hulu. Throughout the weekend, the streaming service plans to feature main-stage performances from Foo Fighters, Paramore, Tyler Childers and more.

Some notable acts on the opening night broadcast include Grammy Award-winning bluegrass picker Molly Tuttle, soul breakout Abraham Alexander, pop singer JP Saxe and electronic headliner Zeds Dead.

See the full lineup at hulu.com/bonnaroo.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bonnaroo 2023 updates: Foo Fighters, Paramore close Sunday lineup