R&R Fest: Big Fun For the Whole Family

BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES

If you're within an easy drive of the lovely Rhode Island coast and don't have plans for the Labor Day weekend, consider dropping in on the 10th annual Rhythym & Roots Festival at Ninigret Park near Charlestown.

I'm not in the habit of endorsing events, but the R&R Festival has become an annual sojourn for the DF&C and I because:

* Its eclectic range of the best Cajun, creole and zydeco bands around, as well as other bands (honky tonk, R&B, blues, rock) that compliment those sweet Louisiana bred musical idioms.

* The festival goers, many of whom are into fais do-do-ing under the big (4,000-square foot) Dance Tent off of the main stage, are among the nicest people you'll meet anywhere.

* Musician and craftsmaking workshops.

* Excellent gourmet food, drink and crafts vendors. (Can you say Red Hook beers and ales?)

* Kids of all ages feel welcome, and range from toddlers to septuagenarians.

* The sound, mixed by the folks who do the venerable Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, is terrific.

In fact, the R&R is the best run festival of our experience, and we've been to zillions over the years.

Taking the term "eclectic" to new levels, among the performers booked for the 2007 edition whom we have seen and recommend include Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Susan Tedeschi, Los Straightjackets, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, James McMurtry, Paul Cebar & The Milwaukeeans, Magnolia, and Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams.

Area motels typically have no vacancies because of the festival, but there are acres of camping at the festival site. Click here for more info.

And if you're a regular here and plan to make the trip, drop me an email and we'll try to meet up.