Bruce Springsteen to headline Bonnaroo 2009

I know I am a few days late on this, but Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be headlining Bonnaroo 2009 here in Manchester. It was announced last week, but what can I say? I'm a little slow these days. Others performing at the festival will be Phish, Elvis Costello, Merle Haggard, and a lot of bands I have never heard of.

I have only seen Springsteen in concert once. It was in either 1984 or '85 in Murfreesboro at Murphy Center. Before I saw the show, I had heard stories about his prowess in sustaining three- and four-hour concerts. I was skeptical, but I left the show a believer. He and his band were first-rate, and that performance was probably the best concert I have ever seen.

I thought he still had some moves during his performance during the Super Bowl halftime show. However, that performance was only 12-minutes long. Still, after all these years, it looks like he can carry the load.

Elvis Costello to play the Ryman Auditorium on April 23

Tickets for Elvis Costello's performance at the Ryman on April 23 go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m.

I like his stuff. If you are looking for an introduction to his music, consider The Very Best of Elvis Costello that Rhino Records released a few years ago. It has all the essential songs plus some well chosen album cuts.

You could do a lot worse.