The Roots Report: Record Setting Sesh: A quick report on folk to see in the fall

Okee dokee folks … I am going to try to set a record today for the fastest column I have ever written. I am hyped up on my elixir of life: Red Bull. Actually, three cans. I am sitting in a friend’s RV backstage at Rhythm and Roots Festival, and I am taking a break to squeeze in some writing before I get back into my skull-adorned “Death Mobile” and continue driving endless laps while checking on the four stages at Ninigret Park. I have one bar of internet reception with the festival wi-fi. Do they make Red Bull for wi-fi? I discovered that if I hold the laptop up in the air it gets a better signal, but it’s a little tough to type that way.

So I will inform and entertain you for a bit and then I must scurry back into the unwashed masses at the park. While I have your attention, I would like to thank the folks who came out to this year’s Providence Folk Festival. We were all absolutely floored by the attendance and the response we received this year. Rose Larisa Park in East Providence was a HUGE hit. And thank you also to all who volunteered, sponsored and performed! We are excited to already be working on the 7th annual folk festival for 2020. Keep an eye out as we are more than likely going to rename the festival because of the new location — many folks were confused as to why the Providence Folk Festival was in EP! So, this being the Fall Guide Issue I guess I should guide you on how to fall. Oops, sorry — that’s the Red Bull talking! Read on…   

Michelle Malone is returning to RI on Thursday, September 19. If you are a fan of Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow or Bonnie Raitt, you will love Malone. She has been performing around the world for more than 30 years, including touring with the Indigo Girls and writing songs with them. Malone is an amazing and dynamic performer, and you will walk away totally wowed after her show. She only gets up this way from Georgia once every couple of years, so take advantage of this show. Malone will be performing as part of the Route 44 Music Series at The Harmony Lodge on Route 44 in Harmony. Make sense? Get there early and have dinner. The show starts at 7:30 and will be over by 9:45, so it gives you plenty of time to get home and get a good night’s sleep. Performing a short opening set is RI’s own Dan Lilley in a rare solo appearance. For more, “Flagpole” over to hearinrhodeisland.com

On Saturday, September 14, The RI Music and Arts Festival takes over India Point Park. The festival advertises “Little State, Big Music,” and this year will present The Felice Brothers, Adam Ezra Group, Kung Fu, Bumpin’ Uglies, Six Fox Whiskey, Colby James, West End Blend, Phil Adams Group, Aubrey Haddad, Mease and Rival Roots. For info, Revolutionary Route over to littlestatebigmusic.com.

The Rhode Island Songwriters Association has a couple of events coming up this month. Their Semi-Annual Summer Showcase takes place on Saturday, September 7, at Sandywoods in Tiverton. This installment is produced by Jack Moore and features music from Ed McGuirl and friends, Mike Laureanno and Morgan Johnston. On Wednesday, September 11, at AS220, the monthly Songwriters In The Round show happens with songwriters tackling the theme of “recycled dreams.” To hear what they all came up with, head over to the Empire Street venue by 7pm. For more about these shows and RISA, compose over to risongwriters.com

The East Bay is hosting more great events to close out the summer festival season. The 2019 Warren Folks Festival is September 8 at 30 Cutler St in Warren. This year’s lineup includes John Faraone’s curated songwriter stage, Coma Coma, The Glory Girls, Conseulo’s Revenge, Cactus Attack, The Bear Fight Club and The Low Cards. Besides the talent there will be food, music and beer. For more, get the folk over to thecollaborative02885.org/warren-folks-fest2019.

The 9th annual Barrington Local Brew Fiddle and Folk Festival takes place on Saturday, September 21, from noon until 5 at Haines Park. Fiddlin’ and Folkin’ this year will be Old Fiddler’s Club, Drownville Station, Len Cabral, Ed Desjardins, The Vox Hunters, Lost Set of Keys, Old Dog Daddy and the Dagnabbits, Hollow Turtle, The Lazy Sundays, and Oak Hill, and Michelle Kaminsky will host a fiddlers jam session from 10:30 until noon. For more, rosin over to Local Brew Fiddle and Folk Festival on Facebook.

A few more for you. The Vinnie Earnshaw Memorial Concert happens at The Met on Sunday, September 8. Paying tribute will be The Bickersins, Heidi Nirk Band, Greg Allen’s Fringe Religion, Neal and the Vipers, Bob Angel All Starr band with Duke Robillard, Time Taylor, Gary Cummings, Jack Moore and more! Doors are at 2 and the free show starts at 3pm. For info, slide over to themetri.com.

Stone Soup is reheating a fall season this year and comes out of a two year hiatus. Joanne Lurgio and Mike Laureanno will perform for the rekindled coffeehouse. The show will take place at 88 Meeting St in Providence. For more grind over to stonesoupcoffeehouse.org

The River Bend Songwriter Festival will weave into Slater Mill on Saturday, September 7 as part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. The Sea The Sea, Vance Gilbert, Catie Curtis , Michael Graham Ryan Fitzsimmons, Kim Moberg, Bernard John , and Grvcelyn sing the songs from noon until 7pm on the grounds at the mill. For more, industrially revolute to facebook.com/events/426520577961253

There’s lots more to come this fall. Keep on reading! JohnFuzek.com