BELLOWS FALLS — Twelve years ago, the idea of a small Americana music festival took root in Bellows Falls.
Now, Roots on the River has sprouted into an immensely popular four-day festival that draws musicians and concertgoers from around the world.
This year's 12th annual Roots on the River Music Festival is June 9 to 12. Tickets are now on sale, and the lineup of artists is shaping up nicely with an exciting mix from many facets of our country's musical profile.
Appearing, as he has every year with a new set of stories to punctuate his performances, will be perennial headliner Canadian Fred Eaglesmith and his band, as well as many other favorites of his group's fans, affectionately known as “Fredheads.”
“An even dozen!” Vermont Festivals LLC Producer Ray Massucco said. “From two small concerts in the beginning to four days, six venues, ten shows, and dozens of artists from around the world.”
Thursday night's opening show will feature regional artists, this year at a new venue, 33 Bridge St., a historic mill building with a large dance floor, three bands, and more.
All day Friday, the village of Bellows Falls will be alive with the sound of music wafting through the air with a series of free open-air concerts around the Square and the farmers' market. Then, the evening stage will be set at the Big Tent festival site at the Everyday Inn on Route 103 for the promise of a great weekend of music.
“With James McMurtry and Jandee lee Porter warming up the house, we'll be all set for the anticipated arrival of Fred and his band,” Massucco said. “And that is just the start of the weekend!”
Saturday promises to be exciting as well. The lineup includes the ever popular Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, DADDY, Audrey Auld, Joe Gee, the Roger Marin Band, Zoe Muth and the High Rollers, and Todd Snider.
Sunday's all-acoustic concert at the historic Rockingham Meeting House will see Chris O'Brien opening for Eaglesmith.
Tickets for single events or the weekend range from $15 to $120, are now on sale and can be purchased on line at the festival's website at vermontfestivalsllc.com.
For more information on the festival, go to the website or call 802-463-9595.