The Roots N Blues music festival returns to Stephens Lake Park in Columbia on Sept. 24-26 after it was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s lineup gives female artists the spotlight, as all the acts are women or include at least one permanent female member. Headliners include Lennon Stella, Brandi Carlile, Mickey Guyton, Sheryl Crow and Mavis Staples. MU sophomore Audrey Snyder, who has attended the festival twice, looks forward to seeing Carlile and Crow.
“This year I am most excited for Sheryl Crow because she is from here,” Snyder said. “I think it is so cool that she is from Columbia, and she is going to come back and see her roots at Roots N Blues.”
Festival attendees this year are required to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of negative COVID-19 test results administered within 72 hours of arrival at the festival, according to the festival’s website and social media posts. Only one is required, but the venue recommends getting tested prior to the festival regardless of vaccination status. Masks are also recommended for all guests.
“[The COVID-19 policies are] a small price to pay to get Roots N Blues again,” Snyder said. “I know we did not have it last year, which was unfortunate. It makes everyone feel safer. It makes the musicians feel safer.”
Snyder said she appreciates the opportunity to hear new artists and expand her music taste while at the festival. MU junior Maya Bell has also attended the festival multiple times and recommends going to the event.
“I think anyone could enjoy the Roots N Blues festival because there are so many different things to do,” Bell said. “There’s sometimes mural painting and a lot of booths from local venues around town. If you’re a fan of food, if you’re a fan of drinking, if you’re a fan of music, the festival is for you.”
Snyder mentioned her appreciation for the high-energy and inclusive atmosphere of the event and showed enthusiasm for returning to the excitement of Roots N Blues after last year’s cancelation.
“People get so into it, and they really lose track of themselves in the crowd,” Snyder said. “They’ll sing; they’ll dance in front of all these people. They will do their own thing, just because it is a super accepting environment. No one is going to judge them or give them weird looks, and people do really get into it.”
The festival also offers an array of exciting attractions to attendees beyond its live performers, including a ferris wheel and vendors selling food and merchandise. Additionally, The Betsy Farris Memorial Run will be held on Sept. 25, an annual race named in honor of the Roots N Blues Festival director from 2009-2016, according to the festival’s website. Participants can sign up to participate in a half marathon, a 10K run or a 5K run.
Tickets for the Roots N Blues Festival can be purchased at https://rootsnbluesfestival.com, with a choice between weekend general admission and single day general admission.
Edited by Elise Mulligan, emulligan@themaneater.com
