Running the Show at the Hidden Speakeasy Stage
Running the Show at the Secret Speak EZ Stage

Lots of my friends have been asking for more, more, more details about The Rothbury Music Festival this year. So I will give them to you! The best way I can describe Rothbury is “unexpected.” By this I mean, there’s just nothing to compare it to. The whole experience is over the top, maybe that’s why more than 50,000 people attended this year, that’s up about 20,00 from last year.

One example is at the Speak EZ Stage and bar. It’s hidden in Sherwood Forest, in fact, I didn’t even know about it until my son Ryan told me about the stage. The Speak EZ is tucked back in the woods and has a burlesque look and feel to it. Artists perform at this stage with everything from burlesque to experimental art. I took this photo as an impromptu show was being set up for a performing, experimental artist… more on that later, I took photos.

Right after the gates opened at Rothbury. Yesterday around 6PM.
Right after the gates opened at Rothbury. Yesterday around 6PM.

The sky may have been gloomy when the Rothbury gates opened but everyone was there to have fun and at least it didn’t rain yesterday. It looks like we’ll have the perfect Michigan summer weather here for the rest of the weekend.

As I was walking through the festival, I noticed a surprisingly good selection of food and lots, and lots of vendors with some pretty cool stuff to buy.

Charles Walker and the Dynamites at the Rothbury Music Festival
Charles Walker and the Dynamites at the Rothbury Music Festival

Charles Walker and the Dynamites were my introduction to the Rothbury Music Festival. I was backstage and saw Charles Walker walking towards the stage from his trailer before the show. When he hit the stage, he turned into a funk powerhouse.  If you get a chance to see them, take it! Here’s a link to their Myspace page.

The mounted police at Rothbury Music Festival
The mounted police at Rothbury Music Festival

The police force at Rothbury was actually a pleasant addition to the festival and added to the unique atmosphere. They were on horseback, friendly and great at interacting with the crowd. It was interesting because they definitely kept things in line but were not threatening at all.

I’ve got more shots of Rothbury coming up this week including pics of the Phil Lesh and Friends concert. Also here’s link to another Rothbury blogger who posted some videos of Rothbury.