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Rootwire Fest Leaves Logan Roots Behind
By: Sara Brumfield | Athens Messenger
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The name and message behind the Rootwire Transformational Arts Festival will continue into its fifth year this month, however the event has left its roots in Logan and will take place at Sunshine Daydream Memorial Park in Terra Alta, West Virginia.
The music and art festival will be held July 17-20 with artistic expression at its core. Rootwire will not only include a lineup of dozens of musicians such as Tipper, Shpongle, Beats Antique and EOTO, but also performance art, live painting, workshops, spiritual ceremonies and more.
Rootwire was created in 2010 in part by Athens-formed psychedelic band Papadosio. Members of the band previously told The Athens Messenger that Rootwire was meant to serve as an annual homecoming for the band, who now reside in Asheville, North Carolina.
Last year, Papadosio and the promoter of the event, Edward Quackenmeyer, parted ways and it was decided that the festival would not return to Hocking County. Allegedly the change was due to local law enforcement targeting festival patrons as they entered or exited the event.
“Our number one concern is the safety and protection of our patrons and their rights and freedom from tyrannical law enforcement. We firmly believe we would get the same, if not worse treatment if we have another Rootwire at your place,” Quackenmeyer wrote in a message to William Kaeppner, owner of Kaeppner’s Woods on Sutton Road in Logan where the festival had been held.
But drama aside, the festival will carry on at its new West Virginia location. Ticket sales again will be limited to 5,000 to promote an intimate environment.
Several bands that are no stranger to the Athens music scene will also be performing, including Manitoa, Sassafraz, Boomslang and MoJoFlo.
Advance weekend passes are $150 and include parking and camping. Gates will open at noon on July 17. For information and schedule, visit www.rootwirefest.com.