Americana, Blues, Soul, Tejano & Zydeco...Here We Go!

Charlestown, RI at Ninigret Park – The Rhythm & Roots Festival returns for the 22nd annual edition this Labor Day weekend. The line-up includes some of the best Americana bands on the scene today. Los Texmaniacs, Sarah Potenza , Christine Ohlman, Victor Wainright, Dustbowl Revival, Joe Craven, Chubby Carrier, The Knickerbocker All-stars, Johnny Nicholas and many others fill out line-up.

Those that have attended Rhythm & Roots previously are aware that the Dance Stage serves up authentic zydeco and Texas dance hall acts all day and night. The dance floor is constantly jumping, and scores of potential dance partners line the perimeter of the tent bent on joining the throngs of dancers or just to do some serious people watching! Word to the wise, don’t miss Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band if you’re sporting your dancing shoes.

Johnny Nicholas, a Rhode Island native living in Texas, is a fan favorite at Rhythm & Roots each year. When last I interviewed Mr. Nicholas he mentioned that he hosted a birthday party for Jimmie Vaughan and his old pal Eric Clapton attended, which is a testament to Nicholas' creds as a musician. Johnny gained great exposure to the Texas dancehall style of music while a member of Asleep at the Wheel. Friday’s first can’t miss set is on the Roots Stage with the Golden Triangle trio. The all-star outfit was born at Rhythm & Roots after Johnny jammed with David Greely and Sam Broussard. The group's name is a reference to the area where Texas meets Louisiana. An inordinate number of vibrant musicians have emerged from the Golden Triangle and this combo is no exception. Joe Craven, formerly of the David Grisman Quintet presents the Jerry Garcia songbook only on Friday. Grisman, Craven and Garcia often jammed, and Joey will undoubtedly service the material in a unique and respectful manner not to be missed. As Marcia Ball offers a tribute to Dr. John at the festival this year the current generation’s equivalent, Victor Wainright may only be seen Friday night on the Rhythm Stage. I attended the festival kick-off party last night at the Knickerbocker and Johnny Nicholas backed by Los Texmaniacs was off the chain. The Tejano meets the Texas blues combo had the dancefloor packed the entire set. Similarly, Sugar Ray Norcia and Brian Templeton both fronted the Knickerbocker All-stars. The band includes current and former Roomful of Blues stalwarts in the horn section. The wall of sound from the seasoned players on stage is sure to enthrall the crowd at the Rhythm Stage tonight for the opening day finale.

The Beehive Queen, Christine Ohlman is another frequent attraction at Rhythm & Roots. Once again by popular demand Christine and Rhode Island native, Sarah Potenza collaborate on Sunday for a gospel set. When I asked Ms. Ohlman about her many fine musical pairings she replied, “Honestly, I think that the vast array of songs I know and my deep connection to several genres make it possible to just jump in, impromptu, sometimes, and I'm known for being super-prepared in situations where that's called for. I just did a sold-out tribute to the songs of Doc Pomus at the Guthrie Center in Great Barrington with my friends Marshall Crenshaw and Willie Nile. Also, my 'evenings of duets' with Dr. John a.k.a. Mac Rebennack stand out. Mac plays, I sing, or we sing together. Superlatively deep! I just returned from 12 days in Muscle Shoals where I'm in a band with iconic bassist David Hood and do shows with Donnie Fritts, Travis Wammack, Spooner Oldham, John Paul White, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay. Sometimes I think I've been onstage with everyone!" The Queen continued, "'Sunday School with Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez and The Sin Sisters' will find me bringing a bigger aggregation to the "Gospel Tent" (Roots) with a gritty Americana-themed gospel show that will include everything from The Staple Singers to Percy Sledge and Sister Wynonna Carr. The tent will be rockin'! All of our CDs and a concert DVD will be on sale in the merch tent. Come on over and say hello to the Beehive Queen! I'd love to see everybody!"

Tickets and all pertinent festival information may be found at: https://rhythmandroots.com/

About Jim Carty: Mr. Carty has produced and hosted blues, jazz and American roots radio shows in Boston and Pittsburgh. He booked legendary acts such as Jay Geils, Big Jack Johnson, Ronnie Earl, Alvin "Youngblood" Hart, Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin to name a few. As a concert producer he has worked with members of the Allman Brothers, Guns and Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bad Company, Chuck Berry, Alice Cooper, Kiss and many others. Jim was proudly tapped as the host of the Centennial Celebration of the Blues at Tanglewood. He spent several years as an Old Lyme resident in his youth and he has recently returned home to the Connecticut Shoreline. Contact at: jcbc93@gmail.com