Bonnaroo Bonanza: dates, iTunes, comedy benefit

[Above: The crowd at last year's Bonnaroo]

People are hungry for next year's Bonnaroo. Heck, the ball hasn't even dropped on 2007 yet and folks are already making up headliners via anonymous e-mails. Thankfully, the festival made a move yesterday to sate the cravings of the rabid masses swarming about its gates. Bonnaroo has essentially announced everything about its 2008 incarnation... except for the lineup.

Here's what we can confirm: the festival is set to run from June 12-15. It takes place on the traditional farm out in Manchester, Tenn., where for six years running rock fans have gathered to get funky in the Volunteer State. Also of note: the festival has released some of its live sets from last year for purchase on iTunes. It's not exactly an a-list group of performers, but there are some hidden gems in the lot, including Mavis Staples, Dr. Dog and Dierks Bentley. Give this link a click to hop on over to the Bonnaroo '07 Store on iTunes and have a look.

Finally, here's a Bonnaroo-related roster we can announce: the festival is sponsoring a top-caliber comedy event in New York City to benefit South Toward Home, a Hurricane Katrina relief organization. David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, John Oliver (freed from his Daily Show duties by the writers strike) and others will join forces to split sides in the name of charity. The concert takes place at the Blender Theater at Gramercy on Dec. 19. Tickets are available at the usual online retailers.

Now... as for that elusive Bonnaroo musical lineup, promoters Superfly Presents and A.C. Entertainment say that highly-coveted list is not coming until "late January/early February." So remember, kids: if you hear that, say, a reunited Phish and Radiohead are playing Bonnaroo any time before then, it's probably a malicious lie. Stay sharp!

Related links:
Bonnaroo.com
Sweet Talk on Bonnaroo '07
YouTube: Regina Spektor covers John Lennon at Bonnaroo '07

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