Roots on The River 2008 News

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Lineup for the Ninth Annual
Roots on the River Festival Announced

By DOROTHY READ

              BELLOWS FALLS – When fans attend the annual Roots on the River music festival in June, they expect to see a few familiar faces, Fred Eaglesmith’s, without a doubt, being at the top of the list. They also want to experience some new talent as well, and this year’s lineup promises to fulfill all those desires. Mark your calendars for this year’s festival dates of Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8.
As usual, this ninth year features Canadian Fred Eaglesmith and his band, the Flying Squirrels, who will make their first appearance of the weekend on Friday night, June 6.
After a two-year absence, Mary Gauthier will return to the all-acoustic Sunday concert that closes the festival at the Rockingham Meeting House.  Gauthier was a virtual unknown when she made her first festival appearance eight years ago.  She now tours nationally and throughout Europe on a regular basis as a Lost Highway record label artist.
              Another Roots favorite, the Roger Marin Band, will also return to the weekend’s lineup.
The festival has established itself as one of Vermont’s most exciting summer music events. It draws fans from all over North America and Europe, and is a favorite of many locals as well. The festival has increased in size and scope every year, creating excitement in the Village of Bellows Falls and surrounding towns. Many community events have been added over time in concert with the music, from art shows, to plant and garage sales, and even the extremely competitive street hockey game after the Meeting House concert. All events are popular with Eaglesmith’s most devoted fans, known affectionately as “Fredheads.”
              To further encourage local attendance, this year organizers will offer a family ticket package. 
“We want to make this an affordable event for families with children, so we will put together a specially priced ticket package to do that,” festival producer Ray Massucco said. “If we can provide a quality musical experience to the younger fans, we will go a long way to building our future audience.
               “We’ve got surprises planned, including a new format for the Thursday night concert,” Massucco said, adding that details will follow, so stay tuned. “The weekend has loyal fans, from near and far away, and we want to keep them happy with the favorite events, but add some new twists as well.”
              Last year’s new twist was the swap tent of musical instruments. It proved to be a popular draw, with vintage and new items for sale or swap. It will be back this year, bigger and better, Massucco promised, adding that new food vendors are planned as well, giving hungry concert goers an even better choice of food from ribs to Italian to gourmet delights.
“Fans enjoy the entire weekend, and Fredheads are among the friendliest and most outgoing festival goers around,” Massucco said. “Anybody within a two- to three-hours drive from Bellows Falls should make plans to come for all or part of the four-day weekend celebration of Americana roots music.”
              Most of the musical events are all held under a massive tent in the field behind the Everyday Inn on Route 5, except for the popular closing concert on Sunday at the Meeting House, a sampling of offerings at the Farmers’ Market on Friday, and usually a more informal jam somewhere in the village on Friday.
              The events are held, rain or shine.
              For more information, call festival headquarters at 802-463-9595, or write Massucco at [email protected]. The website is being updated and will be available soon: www.rootsontheriver.com.