Rhythm & Roots Festival Delivers Stellar Lineup in GoodWorks Entertainment's Sophomore Outing

Charlestown, RI at Ninigret Park - Labor Day Weekend is upon us again, which means its time for Rhythm and Roots Festival. GoodWorks Entertainment has operated the festival since 2024 after the Wentworth family bid farewell to beloved festival founder, Chuck Wentworth. The festival continues the traditions that Mr. Wentworth built over several decades. Zydeco will remain the main stay in the dance tent near the swimming hole. Plenty of acts from the Golden Triangle where Louisiana meets Texas are the cornerstone of Rhythm and Roots. Blues, Americana, country and folk all make up much of the stellar acts presented. GoodWorks seems to be adding some acts that appeal to slightly younger demographics, yet they all are roots-based outfits. The main stage seems to feature bands that should draw the attention of the youngest to oldest festival attendees. Thankfully, Rhythm and Roots is still the most family friendly festival I’m aware of in the Northeast.

2024 had many highlights for this writer. It was refreshing to see Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country on the main stage. Check out my most recent interview with Mr. Donato. . Glen David Andrews brought that NOLA funk every time he hit the stage. Mr. Andrews and I had a wonderful chat last year. GA-20 pushed boundaries while paying homage to blues greats like Hound Dog Taylor. Larkin Poe brought a torrent of energy to the main stage last year.

Every band on the 2025 bill is worth enjoying. Plan to wander to all three stages as they each have their own unique vibe. Here are my must-see sets by day. Friday: Lettuce is comprised of some of the most versatile musicians I’ve ever witnessed. One would best characterize Lettuce as a funky jam band with the ability to slip into an improvisational jazz idiom at any moment. Lettuce at the Fillmore. JD Simo (Jack White, Beyoncé, Chris Isaak) & Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) joined forces, and they capture lightning in a bottle. Dickinson is among the most legitimate progeny of the juke joint legends like R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough and Big Jack Johnson. JD Simo brings the energy and edge to the raw and incendiary material they tackle that complements Luther’s mastery of a musical lexicon born out of the Mississippi Delta. Both men possess the ability to improvise in a manner that may enthrall Deadheads and blues lovers alike. JD & Luther Live. 2022 interview with Luther Dickinson. Saturday: Blackberry Smoke delivers a fun Southern Rock vibe , think countrified Black Crows. Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel is Duane’s solo project in contrast to the Allman Betts Band, in which he shares the spotlight with Devon Allman. Duane, son of R&RHOF Dickey Betts, continues to tour behind his fantastic release, Wild & Precious Life. Duane and I discussed just how precious life can be in this interview. Mr. Betts turns out radio friendly tunes like "Evergreen" from his current release. Don’t worry, Duane does justice to a handful of Allman Brother tunes such as "Blue Sky" in his set. Sunday: Christine Ohlman’s Sunday School with the Solid Sinners has become an institution, much like the festival itself. Finally, The Wood Brothers who are touring behind “Puff of Smoke” are sure to put an exclamation point on the end of Labor Day Weekend. The Woods Brothers are the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup of music. Blues guitarist, Oliver Wood (Tinsley Ellis Band) paired with his brother Chris, an extraordinary jazz bassist, who joins with Jano Rix (Drums, keys, vocals), where Jano is the peanut butter that binds the Wood Brothers into a highly skilled musical outfit. “Puff of Smoke”. 2022 interview with Oliver Wood.

GoodWorks Entertainment engineered a stage schedule that requires attendance on all three days of the festival, if possible. Various ticket options are available. Pack your folding chair and sunscreen and we’ll see you at Ninigret Park August 29 – 31, 2025.