5 Reasons Not to Miss The Rhythm and Roots Festival in Charlestown!

We simply can’t ignore the main reason people flock to this festival in droves, Rhythm and Roots provides the stage for the hottest acts in the industry.  The lineup is always stellar and this year proves to be no exception.  The main stage will be graced with the musical presence of Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Lucinda Williams, the Taj Mahal Trio, The David Grisman Sextet, Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin with the Guilty Ones, Matt Andersen & the Bona Fide and many more.  Now that your musical ears are perked up, have a look at what else this event offers festival goers, the community, and beyond:

1.  The Rhythm and Roots Festival is expected to draw 10,000-12,000 people to the local community.  The area’s hotels experience their best weekend, the local restaurants will be packed and out of towners will understand why Rhode Island is the perfect place to vacation.  The event bolsters the economy and introduces outsiders to the RI way of life.

 

2.  This festival has something for all ages, it truly is a family friendly event. In fact, there is a Family Stage which features music, dance, storytelling and crafts for all ages. Tomaquag Museum will be offering Native American songs, storytelling and crafts. The family stage also features instrument and mask making workshops in the afternoons followed by the Mardi Gras family parades.  There will be movies in the evening for the little ones and a later flick for the teens.  Be sure to spend some time on the Ninigret’s newly remodeled playground!  Kids of all ages are bound to have a blast at this family friendly event.

3.  The local and new talent!  The festival organizers know that the main stage needs a rock solid lineup from year to year.  They also know that finding new talent and local talent will have festival goers returning time and time again.  This year you will hear from some of RI’s most renowned local artists as well as new artists who are bound for success!  Two thirds of this year’s artists have never played this venue before!  That means there are plenty of surprises in store as well as many new discoveries to be made.

4.  Beyond the local community, the Rhythm and Roots Festival is dedicated to the well being of those near and far.  This year,fundraising efforts will be in place to help musicians in Louisiana who have been directly affected by the devastating floods.  These fundraising details will be announced during the festival.

5. No festival is complete without a way to satiate the appetite you’ve worked up!  Rhythm and Roots Festival will have on-site vendors offering ethnic specialties from the Bayou and all over the world.  Some local favorites including, Hungry Haven, Karma Concessions, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Sweet Althea’s, The Coffee Guy and Sunset Farms will also be on hand to quell your hunger! There will be an assortment of pasties, espresso, cappuccino, beer, wine, Del’s and plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.  Vegetarian and gluten free options will also be available, so come hungry!  Additionally, there will be art vendors from near and far selling their beautiful handmade items.

All the details you need for a great time at the Rhythm and Roots Festival can be found here on their site!  Onsite camping is available as well as day passes and weekend passes.  Click here for more!