Ten Must-Do’s at Rhythm and Roots

The Rhythm and Roots Festival returns to Ninigret Park in Charlestown this Labor Day Weekend, September 4-6, bringing an all-star musical lineup, great food, exciting vendors, and good vibes all around. With three stages, plus the return of the children’s tent (and free admission for kids 12 and under), free on-site parking, and a VIP experience, there’s something for everyone. Tickets are still available for all three days, but with beautiful late-summer weather in the forecast, expect the festival to sell out. Meanwhile, check out our list of “Must-Do’s” at Rhythm and Roots.

1. The Headliners: Critically acclaimed bands Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band regularly fill music halls on their own, with each band paying tribute to rhythm, roots and beyond. Pack a sweatshirt and stay late each night for these high-energy acts! Click here for the daily schedule.
2. The Dance Tent: Head to the Dance Tent to waltz the two-step or just watch as authentic Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco bands play all day and night. Longtime festival favorite Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys are back, along with Pine Leaf Boys, Ruben Moreno, Old Fashioned Aces, and Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble.
3. What is Hip: Tower of Power, the legendary band formed in 1968 in Oakland, CA, and best known for the horn-driven funk classic “What is Hip,” will bring the party to the Rhythm Stage Saturday night at 8:30pm. Don’t miss this set!
4. Margo: Enjoy a dose of badass outlaw country from Margo Price, Saturday at 6:40, bringing her blend of honky-tonk, soul, and Americana. Emerging from Nashville’s indie scene, Price has become known for fearless storytelling, powerful vocals, and outspoken advocacy.
5. Find your New Favorite Band: With over 30 bands covering numerous genres, plus award-winning artists, the festival is your opportunity to be curious – see what the buzz is all about with New England based rising stars like The Mallett Brothers, Adam Ezra Group and The Suitcase Junket.
6. An Elevated Experience: For an additional fee, the Lagniappe Lounge, offers early entry to the festival, a covered lounge area, a viewing platform at the Rhythm Stage, a private bar, and air-conditioned premium bathrooms. Only 250 spots available.
7. The Locals: Annual local favorites The Knickerbocker All-Stars kick things off on the main Rhythm Stage Saturday at 1pm, Roomful of Blues play the same stage Sunday at 3:30pm, and PVD’s Quahogs will rock the Roots Stage Saturday at 5pm.
8. The Vendors: Bring a few extra bucks and plan to shop festival vendors offering everything from hip apparel to vintage concert photography, plus shop the official artist and merch tents for some of the coolest garb, glassware, and CDs/vinyl north of Baton Rouge.
9. Sunday School: How do you get people to show up to a music festival early on a Sunday? Schedule a high-energy set at 1pm with Christine Ohlman & Friends featuring The Sin Sisters, a Rhythm and Roots tradition. The set is about that space where gospel meets the blues, with SNL’s legendary Beehive Queen there to preach the gospel.
10. Delicious Eats: This is one music festival where many fans are equally enthused about the culinary offerings. Plan on stopping by one of the many food trucks including local favorites Chili Brothers, Newport Chowder Company, Sunset Farm BBQ, and, of course, Del’s Lemonade.

Weekend passes and single-day tickets are on sale – learn more at RhythmAndRoots.com.