ROTHBURY 2009

Looking to get away to somewhere with wide open spaces?

Want some music and shenanigans to go with it?

Come to my neck of the woods.

Rothbury, the fledgling, 4-day outdoor Michigan music festival (practically in my backyard) just announced most of their lineup a few days ago. 2008 was its first year, and it has gained speed in the offseason despite some trouble with the owners of the property.

Here's just some of what you'd be missing if you didn't go to Rothbury this year:

The (Grateful) Dead
Bob Dylan
Willie Nelson
The Black Crowes
Nas
The Hold Steady
The String Cheese Incident
STS9
Les Claypool
Cold War Kids
Matisyahu
Disco Biscuits
Ani DiFranco
Toots & The Maytals
Broken Social Scene
Chromeo
++++

Speaking from experience, this is a pretty chill festival. Low key, relaxing, incredibly eclectic, and plenty of the great outdoors. Western Michigan's a beautiful place, and the beach is not that far away. The area isn't one you'd think of for an event such as this, but then again -- where is Coachella? Bonnaroo? (The Double JJ Ranch is within striking distance of Chicago, by the way.)


The grand shindig is July 2-5. For more information:

http://www.rothburyfestival.com/