BELLOWS FALLS — The 15th annual Roots on the River Music Festival takes place with a new format, a special headliner, and an exciting mix of artists. It all happens Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8 at locations throughout town.
This year's featured artist is Austin, Texas,-based singer/songwriter James McMurtry, a Roots favorite.
ROTR is undergoing a major transition this year, as one of the festival's co-founders and mainstays, Fred J. Eaglesmith, has taken his leave as anchor headliner.
“The festival has the foundation and momentum to continue on for as long as you want to keep it going,” Eaglesmith wants his fans to know.
Of his stepping out of the spotlight, Eaglesmith told Vermont Festival's producer, Ray Massucco, that the festival had outgrown him - but that he knew it would soldier on after having built a loyal following over a decade and a half.
And there's a change of format as well, organizers are excited to note: “We've decided to invite a different headlining artist each year,” Massucco said. “McMurtry will be the first to lead the way.”
McMurtry is working closely with Massucco on the event's lineup, and that's great for established fans - and growing the event's fan base altogether, Massucco says.
With the festival approximately 100 days out, ticket sales are already running ahead of last year's record numbers, Massucco adds.
And that lineup reportedly is shaping up nicely, with a mix of old and new faces to delight concertgoers from near and far.
The festival is held for four days throughout the town at an interesting mix of venues - an old mill building at 33 Bridge St., informal locations around the Square, and under the “big tent” at the Rodeway Inn.
Thursday sees the opening of the festival at 33 Bridge St. with Haley Reardon, the teenage singer/songwriter who enchanted a lively crowd this year at Popolo. Also on Thursday's schedule is folk duo Second Hands.
Friday sees a sprinkling of free concerts in Bellows Falls during the day around the Square and at the farmers' market. Look for The Meadows Brothers, Rebecca Holtz and the Once Hollow, and Caitlin Canty.
In the evening, under the Big Tent, the show begins with Sean Rowe, popular alternative folk singer-songwriter and musician. Carolyn Wonderland takes the stage next, leading the way for McMurtry's first appearance at the festival.
Saturday is jam-packed, with McMurtry's son Curtis kicking things off. Organizers say this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, so claim your spot early.
Following Curtis McMurtry are Heather Maloney, Poor Old Shine, and Roger Marin (who has never missed a Roots. With Eaglesmith's departure, Marin will hold the record).
Also on the lineup: JD McPherson and The Black Lilies.
Ease into evening with the Bottle Rockets, who return to Roots to the delight of their local following. The show rounds out with McMurtry taking the stage for a second time.
The series powers down on Sunday with an all-acoustic show at the 225-year-old landmark Rockingham Meeting House. Festival favorite Mary Gauthier and a second appearance by Canty will entertain for sure.
The evening draws to a close at Pleasant Valley Brewing in Saxtons River with The Meadows Brothers and Holly Brewer. Other performers are on tap. More details will be announced as they're available.
The Roots on the River Festival is made possible by up to 25 volunteer staff and an additional 75 weekend helpers. Organizers note proudly that many volunteers have returned for 10 years or more.
The festival is smoke-free and family-friendly, and there's an appropriately staffed children's tent on Saturday.
Seating under the big tent is limited, so come early or bring a small lawn chair or blanket. Vendors will be on hand to provide food and beverages.