As a smaller city in a landlocked state, Columbia sometimes feels a little dreary. However, the annual Roots N Blues festival brought in thousands of guests, great music and hundreds of volunteers to Stephens Lake Park. Just a 25-minute walk from MU Student Center, Roots N Blues provided the perfect opportunity to escape the stress of school while staying close to campus.

Local and traveling eateries set up shop, providing a variety of foods, with something for everyone’s preferences. Attendees indulged in the classic Roots N Blues taste with Big Daddy’s BBQ, caffeinated with drinks from Fretboard Coffee and treated themselves with pie from Peggy Jean’s Pies.

Additionally, people shopped at local businesses on the festival grounds. Bluelight Fabricators sold handmade art, the Psychic Room offered palm readings and Makes Scents provided beauty products.

And of course, the music. One of the biggest names in contemporary music Jack Antonoff performed under his solo name, Bleachers. Missouri artists Sifa, Jen Norman and Kassi Ashton brought a variety of sounds. Wilco, Jon Batiste and Hippo Campus are some other featured artists who performed this past weekend.

It is rare for that many big names in the music industry to perform near campus. This allowed students to see those artists without having to travel to Kansas City or St. Louis.

Ticket prices started at around $210 for all three days, however, volunteers were offered a free three-day pass.

Roots N Blues was the perfect opportunity for MU students to get hands-on experience in a community event. Information regarding next year’s Roots N Blues volunteer positions is available on their website.

After this year’s festival, anticipation is already building for next year. Keep an eye on Roots N Blues’ social media and website for next year’s passes.

Edited by Egan Ward | eward@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Julia Williams | jwilliams@themaneater.com