The Bonnaroo music festival has made its initial artist announcement and while some onlookers may have previously expressed trepidation, it is now clear that the 2004 event will certainly retain its grassroots core (many of the groups have appeared at the two previous events) while also introducing complmentary new artists as well. Newcomers include Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews & Friends, David Byrne, Primus, Willie Nelson, Wilco, Los Lobos, Ani DiFranco, Yo La Tengo, Femi Kuti, Gomez and The Bad Plus. Artists who will be returning to Manchester include The Dead, Trey Anastasio, String Cheese Incident, moe., Galactic, Govt Mule, Medeski Martin & Wood, The Del McCoury Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, North Mississippi Allstars, Umphrey’s McGee and My Morning Jacket. Tickets for this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival will go on sale next Saturday, February 21, with additional information available at the official Bonnaroo web site.