While the weekend before Labor Day unfortunately signals the impending end of summer, it’s also a reminder that there’s still time to enjoy it before the leaves turn hues of brown, red and orange. For example, you can finally hit the beach after not getting the chance to soak up the rays due to work or other responsibilities. It’s also an opportunity for folks to catch up with friends and family they haven’t seen in a while for a backyard barbecue. In Rhode Island, people spend this time of year a little differently than folks in other parts of the country. That’s because of the Rhythm & Roots Festival that takes place at Ninigret Park in Charlestown.
From Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, this year’s edition has a stacked lineup chock full of local rockers, vibrant up and comers and established legends. Here are five of them who can’t go overlooked.
Aug. 30 @ Rhythm Stage
7:30 p.m.
Based in Brooklyn, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds are an exciting band that exhibits a blend of rock & roll, soul, funk and blues. Arleigh Kincheloe is a powerhouse on vocals while her brother Jackson plays harmonica, Dan Boyden plays drums, Josh Myers plays bass, Brian Graham plays both the baritone and tenor saxophones and Phil Rodriguez plays trumpet to round it all out. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this band live before and they always deliver an amazing performance.
Aug. 31 @ Rhythm Stage
2:15 p.m.
Ali McGuirk has been one of the best songwriters in the music scene around New England since the latter half of the 2010s. The Burlington, Vermont resident has drawn acclaim on an international, national and regional level while collaborating with the likes of fellow singer-songwriter Jonah Tolchin, jazz organist Larry Goldings and vocalist Valerie Pinkston. She has a stellar voice of her own, which has a soulful quality that’s absolutely stellar.
Aug. 31 @ Rhythm Stage @ 8:30 p.m.
Headlining the festival’s second day will be none other than the country music legend Emmylou Harris, who has been performing, writing and recording since the late ‘60s. She is a prime example of how an artist can survive through trends and eras just by being themselves. This claim is backed up with hit singles such as a rendition of Delbert McClinton’s “Two More Bottles of Wine,” her version of the folk standard “Wayfaring Stranger” and “Beneath Still Waters” among many others.
Sept. 1 @ Roots Stage @ 8:30 p.m.
Any fan of electric blues should head over to see GA-20 close things out on the Roots Stage. The trio of guitarists Matthew Stubbs and Pat Faherty along with drummer Tim Carman has a rip-roaring sound that is ideal for anyone who digs what was coming out of Chicago during the ‘50s and ‘60s. For folks who are looking for a preview of what to expect from these guys, look up and check out their latest live album “Live in Loveland” that came out last year.
Sept. 1 @ Rhythm Stage @ 8:30 p.m.
Over on the Rhythm Stage, Old Crow Medicine Show are going to be concluding all of Rhythm & Roots with their blend of folk, bluegrass and old-time tunes. They’re another band that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live multiple times and they’re excellent. Make sure to stick around until the very end because it’ll definitely be worth it.
Along with the Rhythm Stage and the Roots Stage, there’s also the Dance Stage, which has music of a New Orleans flair being performed all day and night. Anyone who attends should spend some time checking it out because it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. For the complete lineup of performers and everything else to know about the Rhythm & Roots Festival, log onto www.rhythmandroots.com.
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