BELLOWS FALLS — The Roots on the River Music festival will run from Friday, June 9, through Sunday, June 11, and features returning headliner Hayes Carll and a host of nationally acclaimed singer/songwriters, as well as a number of popular regional artists who will add local flavor to the weekend and lots of music from freshly released albums.
From a Thursday night kickoff party at Donovan's with Jatoba reunited, through three lively days of a variety of musical genres, artists range from Carll, Bill Kirchen of “Hot Rod Lincoln” fame and the introspective Ian Foster to the lively Boxcar Lilies.
A full roster of performances Saturday culminates in Carll's performance, but also not to be missed is this year's exciting Friday lineup at the Rodeway Inn.
Joining Kirchen under the big tent will be Say Darling featuring Woodsmith & Hersch. Celia Woodsmith, a Grammy-nominated performer and songwriter who grew up in Vermont, is the daughter of poet Sybil Smith. They will offer songs from their freshly released album Stoned on You.
BettySoo will appear at Roots for the first time this year, offering emotionally moving melodies, a clear voice, and precise arrangements. Dan Weber, three-time Roots veteran, returns to the stage with enticing storytelling, humor, and thoughtful songs.
Birds of Chicago, featuring JT Nero and Allison Russell (formerly of Po' Girl), will fill the air with their gospel-inspired, rich and original songs.
The weekend will culminate with fan favorite Mary Gauthier followed by the expanded full Gospel Hour show at the landmark Rockingham Meeting House. This all-acoustic show sold out last year. The lineup includes The Meadows Brothers, The Boxcar Lilies, and Dayna Kurtz.
Regional artists will be well represented on the festival stage, and you can't get much more local than The Suitcase Junket - Matt Lorenz from Chester - on Saturday. New England's charismatic folk quartet Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem will return to the festival, and Dayna Kurtz, who divides her home between Vermont and New Orleans will add her own soulful touch to the performances.
The festival wouldn't be the same without Roger Marin, who has never missed a performance at Roots, and attendees will tap their feet to the music of the Mammals and may hear a little political banter in the process.
Throughout the weekend, the Bellows Falls Bike Project, this year's nonprofit partner, will be publicized and promoted, including a raffle to raise funds. Founded in 2012 by Bonnie Anderson, the bike project's mission is to provide community access to recycled bicycles. Volunteers work closely with the schools and public as well.
The weekend draws to a close with a Farewell Ball Sunday at Donovan's.
Deluxe Ticket holders are invited to visit a catered hospitality tent on Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to meet the musicians. Those ticket holders also receive a discount on RotR merchandise and souvenirs, reserved parking at the Rodeway Inn, and entry to the Farewell Ball at Donovan's on Sunday with food, music, and door prizes.
There is a limited number of Deluxe Tickets for guaranteed seats under the big tent, so plan to come early or bring a small lawn chair or blanket. Vendors will be on-site to provide food and beverages. No glass is allowed at the venue.
The smoke-free festival is family and pet friendly. On Saturday, a staffed children's tent will feature games, crafts, and healthy snacks. There is also “rough camping” at the Rodeway on a newly mowed field next to the inn, with porta-potties available.