Hear what Roots on the River
Greater Rock Fitness to Sponsor Children’s Tent BELLOWS FALLS – With the lineup all set and excitement rising, Vermont Festivals LLC has announced Greater Rock Fitness will sponsor this year’s children’s tent at the 13th annual Roots on the River Music Festival. The festival will be held June 7 through 10, featuring four days of concerts and activities throughout the community. Begin with headliners The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Steam Show, add concert favorites such as Hayes Carll and Mary Gauthier, and mix it all up with lots of regional and local talent, and you have a recipe for a much-anticipated weekend of great music and fun. The children’s tent has been a favorite attraction of the festival for several years. Under the experienced leadership of Lauren Freedman Whittlesey, and the sponsorship this year of Greater Rock Fitness, the Saturday tent will include activities all day for children, as well as healthy snacks. This year’s theme is the carnival games, Whittlesey said. Whether playing games, listening to a story, or making their own festival t-shirts, the kids have a great time, as do the adult and teen supervisors. “We were delighted to sponsor the kids’ tent at this festival,” Marty Gallagher, manager at Greater Rock Fitness said. “It is a natural extension of the work we’ve been doing this year in the schools, encouraging children to exercise and eat healthy snacks.” Located at the Health Center at Bellows Falls (the former Rockingham Hospital), Greater Rock Fitness is a non-profit, community fitness center that serves the people of the Connecticut River Valley. 33 Bridge Street will once again be the kick-off venue for the festival. The Regional Artists Showcase this year will feature Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards, Vermonters Bow Thayer and Perfect Train Wreck, and a favorite from last year, Waylon Speed who promises to shake the very foundations of the old brick factory walls. The first of Friday’s nine sets throughout town will be presented by Tall Heights. Come down to “The Square” to catch their act, then wander around and catch Michael Hertz, an old friend of the festival playing vocal and instrumental favorites for us. On Popolo’s Restaurant deck behind the Hotel Windham, catch The Break Maids and a lively, foot tapping set. Wrapping up the open-air shows downstreet is Dan Weber, coming in from Portland, Oregon. The Bellows Farmers’ Market is not only the scene of two more Friday sets, but also our non-profit partner for the festival. “Tropical Storm Irene devastated many Vermont farms, but our farmers are a resilient bunch and we are showing our thanks by highlighting the Market this year,” said Ray Massucco, Vermont Festivals producer. Other open-air shows include festival veteran, Phil Bosley, who will offer his own material this year, and The Crunchy Western Boys. Moving to the “Big Tent” at the Everyday Inn, Friday evening’s performances include the first of our Canadian artists, Brock Zeman, along with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and Danielle Miraglia. The Big Tent show on Saturday includes eight sets of some remarkable acts, many festival favorites. Hot Mustard, Roger Marin Band (his 13th appearance at Roots) and Barnstar!, making a rare appearance, Melissa Ferrick, and Steel Wheels will set the afternoon off to a good start. Red Molly returns to the festival this year, as will the ever-popular Hayes Carll. All this leads up to The Fred Eaglesmith Travelling Steam Show taking the stage with music and stories that draw fans from around the world. Sunday features the popular all-acoustic concert at the Rockingham Meeting House. Opening for Eaglesmith will be Mary Gauthier, a favorite of this venue. And this year, a new feature has been added following the traditional hockey game, a “Farmers’ Rock” farewell ball at Harlow Farmstand (included in the deluxe ticket holders package, but open to all for the regular Farmers Rock admission) merchant bingo, and end-of-show announcements. “Every year the goal is to put together four days of music we think will excite our fans – whether they are veterans of Roots or first timers who want to come see and hear what all the buzz is about,” Massucco said. “This year promises to be the best ever.” For more information about the festival, please go to the website: http://vermontfestivalsllc.com or call 802-463-9595.
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