Bellows Falls, June 5-8 — http://www.vermontfestivalsllc.com/
James McMurtry to Headline Roots on the River XV
This year’s featured artist is James McMurtry, a Roots favorite with locals. McMurtry, an Austin, Texas, based singer and songwriter has been closely involved with curating the lineup in concert with Ray Massucco, concert promoter. Thursday will see the opening of the festival at 33 Bridge with Haley Reardon, an amazing teenage singer/songwriter who enchanted a lively local crowd this year in Bellows Falls. Also on Thursday’s schedule is folk duo Second Hands.Friday has a sprinkling of free concerts in Bellows Falls during the day around the Square and at the farmers’ market. This year, 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 will take the stage next, leading the way for McMurtry’s first appearance of the festival.
Saturday is jam-packed with the show kicking off with McMurtry’s son Curtis. Following that will be Heather Maloney, Poor Old Shine, and Roger Marin’s performance; Marin has never missed Roots—also on the lineup, JD McPherson and The Black Lillies.
As the afternoon winds down, The Bottle Rockets, return to Roots to the delight of their local following. The show will round out with McMurtry finishing off the evening with his second performance. The series concludes on Sunday with an all-acoustic show at the 225-year-old landmark Rockingham Meeting House, featuring festival favorite Mary Gauthier, and a second appearance by Canty. The evening will draw to a close at Pleasant Valley Brewing in Saxtons River with The Meadows Brothers and Holly Brewer.
Roots on the River Festival is volunteer driven and staffed. The festival is smoke-free and family-friendly, with a special staffed children’s tent on the Saturday of the festival. There is limited seating 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.
