Remember that one time when I thought because I bought rain boots today it wasn’t going to rain at Bonnaroo? Yeah. Good times. It rained at Bonnaroo today, Mixers, and then it absolutely let loose for about ten minutes in the 10 o’clock hour, nearly drowning out poor The Low Anthem. They were minding their own business, shambolically folking about in That Tent with their harmonicas and their zithers… and then they were straining to be heard over the gallons of water drumming on the roof. Worse, I don’t think today’s rain is anything compared to what the festival gods have in store for us this weekend. I think that was just a tease for the big show. I think I’m gonna need a bigger boat.

But if weather can serve as a metaphor — and by god, I think it can! — Thursday at the ‘Roo was really just a tease for the deluge to come. Mud aside, the scene is the same as it’s been my last two years in these Tennessee hills, and thanks to the absence of the Delta Spirit (scratched due to travel disaster), I got the chance to do some early meandering, greeting the ferris wheel and the Silent Disco and the 47 batik-print sundress stands and the giant fountain like old friends. A companion commented on the kids in attendance, and how fresh-faced they all seemed compared to the kids he’s used to seeing at European rock festivals; I reminded him this was day one, and we’ve quite a long way to go. Fresh-faced on day one can just as easily mean passed-out-under-a-recyling-bin by day three. And if it keeps raining, anyone who passes out is probably going to need a snorkel.

After the jump: Pictures and words about Hockey, Portugal. The Man, The Knux, The Low Anthem, Passion Pit, Zac Brown Band, and Thursday’s all-star, Janelle Monae (above)…

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Greetings from central Tennessee, Mixers, where I arrived this afternoon to begin the annual spiritual journey that is Bonnaroo. When I drove into town, it was pouring down rain, and weather advisories were warning of severe thunderstorms. As of ten minutes ago, when I left the Tractor Supply Co. with my new rain boots (pictured) and a $5 gimme cap, the skies could not be more blue. Had I not bought those rain boots, however, I’m quite certain I would have needed to row my way to the Janelle Monae set that starts at 5:45. I have saved Bonnaroo! Thank me later.

Anyway. Hi! I’m here! I’m psyched to see Springsteen, and the Beasties, and Elvis Costello, and the return of prodigal sons Phish, and two people are currently having very loud sex in the hotel room next to mine. Check out the schedule, bust out the bong, and tell me how I should spend my next four days. Into the breach!