411 Mania Summer Festival Preview: Rothbury
Posted by Jeff Modzelewski on 04.29.2008
A Fourth of July festival celebrating music, art, and environmentalism. It's not Woodstock 2008, it's Rothbury!
411 Mania Summer Festival Preview: Rothbury
What?
Entering into the crowded and competitive Summer Musical Festival scene is a newcomer this year. The Rothbury Festival is featuring some heavy hitters in the jam-band category, some perennial "modern-day hippy" bands, and a few surprises too.
Don't think that this festival is focused on trippy jams and trippier, ahem "substances." This is, as they say here in Columbus, a party with a purpose. Above and beyond the music, the festival is focused on renewable energy and energy conservation. We're not just talking recycled paper here. We're talking eliminating any and all unnecessary waste and carbon emissions. We're talking about adding a $3 fee to the price of the ticket to offset carbon emissions. We're talking about bio-diesel and solar powered stages, lights, golf carts, etc… They're not messing around folks. This is a true "green" festival, in the environmental sense of the word.
Who?
The lineup is an exciting mishmash of artists from jam rock, pop, blues, alternative, and rap. I've counted something like 70+ artists already confirmed, with the website saying that more are to come. Some of the more well-known artists include:
The Big Boys
The Dave Matthews Band
Dave and the boys are hitting the summer tour circuit once again this year. A full slate of dates has already been released (including a Columbus date, thankfully), and a new album is anticipated any time now. DMB has consistently been a powerful player on the festival circuit, generally doing one or two every year. They are a perennial draw, and will bring in quite a few fans that normally might not be attending.
John Mayer
Another popular artist, Mayer will add an element of mainstream popularity that other artists on the list haven't been able to achieve. That's not to say that Mayer doesn't fit in with the rest of the bill. Mayer has built up a substantial fan base, and will probably build it even more with this performance.
Snoop Dogg
Here's the surprise of the festival. The only thing that most people would see Snoop having in common with many of the other acts on this bill would be the "green" thing. However, Snoop has proven that his popularity reaches past just the rap world, and he'll be another interesting addition to the lineup.
Primus
The always fun, always eclectic, and extremely talented Primus will be hitting the road again this year. No word yet if they'll be playing an album in it's entirety or just mixing in the best from their entire catalogue. Primus will definitely get the crowd bouncing this summer.
The Best of the Rest
311, Widespread Panic, Phil Lesh and Friends, Modest Mouse, Zappa Plays Zappa, The Black Keys, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Medeski, Martin, and Wood are all bands that will bring in significant numbers of fans. And that's really only the tip of the overall iceberg.
When?
July 3rd through the 6th. A schedule of performances hasn't been released yet.
Where?
The Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan. About an hour northwest of Grand Rapids. The ranch has lakes, hiking, and a whole lot of family-friendly activities. Frankly, I'd like to spend a weekend here even without the festival. You can learn more about the ranch at their website.
Why?
To "(harness) the spirit of the music festival community into a durable social movement." The theme of the festival is "Finding Energy Dependence." I don't know how far one music festival will go in that quest, but I appreciate the attempt.
The reason you want to go? Look back at the lineup. Look at the website for the location. This is going to be a great weekend of fun and music, and I'm pretty sure it'll be worth your time to attend.
