Public Chalk

With all the summer fests going on, it’s a tough decision on which one to go to. This decision process is similar to that of a senior deciding on what college to attend - you’re eager, anxious and have the world at your fingertips. Laugh if you will, but seriously - you evaluate all the same elements: cost, location, living situation, vibe, friends… Bonnaroo was my #2 choice and Rothbury was my #1. And today is the day!

After I left last year’s festival I felt elite. Why? Because I realized that this festival was the best music fest I have ever been to – great weather, music, people and set up. This fest is bold and creates environments you only dream of. Last year they had the courage to have STS9 open up for Crystal Method at 1 am and play for 6 hours. After the set was over and the sun is rising you can take a trip through Sherwood forest where you can swing in hammocks or lounge under oversized mushrooms. If you are still ready to roll, wander a bit deeper into Sherwood forest where it turns into an electric light playground with secret DJ sets hidden amongst the trees. Or take a stop at the flying monkey machine - which words cannot describe. Think: strobe lights, drums, dj, flying monkeys – check it out on youtube.

This year the line up is, of course, extraordinary. Thursdays are usually the “weak” day of any festival, but inevitably Rothbury packed it full with must-sees, including Cool Kids, Future Rock and Disco Biscuits. Closing out with Break Science.

Friday we have King Sunny Ade, Martin Sexton, Rebelution, Broken Social scene, Femi Kuti, Flogging Molly, & String Cheese. As if that wasn’t enough we will party all night til the break of dawn with Chromeo, STS9, and Girl Talk.

Saturday presents us with Underground Orchestra, Son Volt, Railroad Earth, Les Claypool (!!!) & The Dead. Then we start the night(1 am) with Umphrey’s, MSTRKRFT and STS9.

Sunday is great too of course with Yonder, Dylan and Govt Mule…

Now you know where I will be - who would you want to see??