If I had an extra thumb, I’d give Bristol Rhythm and Roots 2010 three thumbs up. But for the time being, I guess two thumbs will have to do.
A quaint Southern downtown area was shut down and filled with outdoor music stages and vendors. Multiple restaurants and bars also had stages of their own featuring lesser known, but still entertaining acts. Our first venture on Friday began at an old school theater with seats constructed before obesity became an issue in America. The Infamous Stringdusters featured an amazing dobro player who joined his fellow bandmates to play an upbeat, traditional bluegrass sound. The rest of the evening was filled with wandering and time to check out unknown bands. The Two Man Gentleman Band was definitely a favorite that combined an awesome sense of humor, 1930’s get up, and high energy to entertain the crowd. Dr. Dog closed the night with a unique rock sound and lighting that impressed all.
After missing most of Saturday’s early acts, we arrived just in time to catch a solo female act, Sarah Jarosz, a multi-instrument playing folk singer. She played on a rather large outdoor stage that didn’t seem to suit her gentle musical style and inspired us to move on to the next act. Luckily, Saturday night had a highly anticipated schedule with the Felice Brothers following Cadillac Sky. From the first song, Cadillac Sky showed up ready to rock and entertain the masses. The band’s guitarist, amazed the crowd with not only his amazing playing ability, but his humor that showcased beat-boxing skills and an Elvis impersonation. His plaid shirt ripping, beer belly exposing performance was a highlight of the festival. The Felice Brothers gave an equally entertaining performance that always forces onlookers to question the lead singer’s ability to last the whole show without stopping for another fix or passing out. Still, when you mix an accordion, fiddle, and washboard with electric guitar picking you can’t go wrong. They played all the crowd favorites including “Run Chicken Run!”, “Frankie’s Gun”, and “Whiskey in my Whiskey.”
A vibrant performance by the Carolina Chocolate Drops complete with jug blowing and bones, rounded out the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival on Sunday afternoon. An incredible line-up, perfectly organized event, and small time feel made this a favorite festival not to be missed in the future!!
Oh happy days are here!
It's the perfect summer night
And the moonlight's shining clear
Put a pistol in your purse
Cause we're goin to Gettysburg
To the stand of the Greatest Show on Earth!
-"The Greatest Show on Earth" by the Felice Brothers
Bethany, In your job serch you should include descriptive writing. As I read along it felt as though I was right ther with you.
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