The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn., will be celebrating their ten-year anniversary, and thanks to one of last year’s acts, Conan O’Brien, the Bonnaroo 2011 early line-up announcement was made on Monday via YouTube. “I think this year’s Bonnaroo is going to be the very best Bonnaroo since the beginning of Bonnaroo,” said O’Brien. Quickly following his Bonnaroo monologue, a digitally animated announcement began and named the headliner as Eminem.

Normally the event features one huge headliner, last year’s being Jay-Z, that draws the masses but what about some of the other bands – the ones that leave the masses asking, “Who?'”

The following artists may not be on the same level as Eminem, but that’s what makes them a must-see.

My Morning Jacket – They are straight out of Louisville, Ky., and have been around for roughly 12 years. Many label them as a psychedelic, progressive jam band.

Their first full-length album was called “The Tennessee Fire” released in May of 1999. The latest album titled “Evil Urges” came out June 10, 2008. The band’s first encounter with Bonnaroo was in 2003, the second year of the music festival, and they also played in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.

Frontman Jim James has recently branched off with M. Ward, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis to form the band Monsters of Folk.

The Decemberists – If this band sounds familiar, the name Colin Meloy should also come to mind. He’s the spearhead of this Portland-based folk act. They’ve been playing since 2000 and their first album was released in 2002 titled “Castaways and Cutouts.”

The band incorporates many odd instruments like organ, accordion, melodica and bouzouki. Their most recent album came out Jan. 14 of this year.

Explosions in the Sky – This instrumental quartet is from Austin, Texas, and they’ve been playing tunes since 1999. All of their albums have an airy feel and many fans play them when trying to fall asleep.

Although the sound is somewhat sleep-inducing, it also meshes well with a positive attitude. Their band name is actually a great synonym for their sound. This year is their first appearance at Bonnaroo and the release of their new album “Take Care, Take Care, Take Care” is set for April of this year.

Beirut – Not the capitol of Lebanon but one of the most innovative bands still around today. Zach Condon was born in New Mexico and started this project with the intention of staying solo, but it has since blossomed into a full band.

The signature instrument for this band is the ukulele. Condon also plays trumpet and mandolin. Beirut’s European folk sound derives from Condon’s travels to Europe when he was 17. Their latest release is a double EP featuring Condon’s electronic side project called Realpeople and the classic Beirut sound with March of the Zapotec. This is Beirut’s first appearance at Bonnaroo.

Cold War Kids – The Kids have been busting out tunes since 2005 and played Bonnaroo in 2007. They have released three albums. The latest, which debuted Jan. 25, is called “Mine is Yours.” The Long Beach, Calif., band has an energetic stage presence.

Their new album incorporates blues and pop rock. Lead singer Nathan Willett has a high, soulful vibe in his voice that seems to grab the attention of many listeners.

DeVotchKa – Much like the sounds of Beirut, DeVotchKa incorporates a plethora of worldly influences. They have a classic mariachi, bolero sound that fuses with early American folk and punk.

They are widely known for the “Little Miss Sunshine” soundtrack, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2006. That same year, DeVotchKa played Bonnaroo.

Jessica Lea Mayfield – This girl is a local favorite on the bluegrass scene. She grew up in Ohio playing with a family band. She got her start playing in bars and writes poignant country songs that blend with contemporary rock. She played her first Bonnaroo in 2009.

Smith Westerns – A bunch of buzz has circulated about Smith Westerns this year with their album “Dye It Blonde,” released Jan. 15. Their first self-titled album was released in 2009.

The band’s style is catchy and innovative. They draw heavily from influences like the Beatles and T. Rex.

Karen Elson – She is a supermodel gone rock star. Her music style is minimalistic and has a blues rhythm. She’s a Nashville resident but is originally from England and owns her own vintage clothing shop.

She released her first solo album last year called The Ghost Who Walks produced by her husband Jack White of The White Stripes and Dead Weather.

Phosphorescent – Matthew Houck is the frontman of this group but often tours with a traveling band.

He got his start touring the world and released an LP under the name Fillup Shack. He’s from Athens, Ga., but now resides in Brooklyn. Many label this style of music as alternative country or folk rock.

His voice has a striking near-yodel quality and blends perfectly into his guitar style.

So, if the original reason you were considering Bonnaroo this year is Eminem, maybe you can make your $300 worthwhile and also visit these artists’ tents as well.

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival is being held June 9-12. For more information, visit www.bonnaroo.com.

Editor’s Note: The current line-up is subject to change.

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