After a successful debut in 2010, the Fayetteville Roots Festival is expanding into a two-day, multi-venue event in 2011.
Festival dates are set for August 27 and 28 this year, and legendary singer/songwriter Guy Clark, Sarah Lee Gutherie & Johnny Irion, and North Carolina based roots band Chatham County Line will co-headline the event, taking place on the Fayetteville square, the Walton Arts Center, and Greenhouse Grille.
Event poster
“The idea with the festival is to showcase Fayetteville in its natural state,” said organizer Bryan Hembree. “That’s why in addition to the Sunday night show at Greenhouse Grille, you’ll see things happening during the Farmers’ Market this year, and on Tyson Plaza in front of the Walton Arts Center on Dickson street.”
Hembree said that he feels like Clark is the perfect headliner for the second-year festival.
“We really wanted to find a legend for a headliner this year, not necessarily someone who would fill an arena, but someone, who, from an authentic music standpoint, was really great,” said Hembree. “Guy Clark certainly fits that description.”
Husband and wife duo Sarah Lee Gutherie & Johnny Irion are coming off an appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly in back in April. The couple is also booked at Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival in June. And yes, Sarah Lee is Arlo’s daughter.
Yep Roc recording artist Chatham County Line released their latest record, the critically acclaimed Wildwood in late 2010. Their music features some incredible 4-part harmonies, and though they use traditional bluegrass instrumentation, as Pitchfork put it, “it’s not hard to imagine someone who’s never much bothered with bluegrass but loves Fleet Foxes finding a lot to love here.”
Locals 3 Penny Acre, Cletus Got Shot, and Still on The Hill, as well as favorites from last year’s festival, The Honey Dew Drops and Da Costa, Rose & Elliot are also on the initial artist lineup.
The first 10 confirmed artists are below, and more are expected to be announced soon. Tickets will go on sale in early June at fayettevilleroots.com.
Initial Artist Announcement
Guy Clark
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion
Chatham County Line
3 Penny Acre
Da Costa, Rose and Elliott
Still on the Hill
Grace Pettis
Johann Wagner Trio
The Honey Dewdrops
Cletus Got Shot
