Rhythm on the River returns to Roger's Grove Park after pandemic-related hiatus

Jul. 7—For the first time since 2019, Rhythm on the River — the highly anticipated Longmont-based free festival — returns to Roger's Grove Park.

Kicking off on Friday and rolling into Saturday, the two-day event promises an exceptional lineup of acts, activities, a 5K run, an artisan market and much more.

"Personally, I'm excited to see everyone together and celebrating again," said Sam Calhoon, Longmont recreation program coordinator. "I'm also really proud of our focus on Longmont for the return of the festival this year — local bands, local vendors, local partners."

Calhoon looked to Jessica Carson — musician, former director of the Longmont Chamber of Commerce and current director of Octave Records at PS Audio — to help with the festival's curation.

"I told her I wanted to focus on our region, and she really crushed it," Calhoon said. "I'm really happy to have her on board this year, and I couldn't be more excited to see these musicians this weekend."

Carson was responsible for organizing the first Winter Walkabout Music Showcase and helped orchestrate events previously for The Soundpost Sessions.

Rhythm on the River's bill features a cross-section of folk, blues, soul, Americana, alt rock and more. From dirt-floor folk punkers Gasoline Lollipops to blues band Mojomama, there definitely is something for everyone.

"The most rewarding part of curating this lineup is just getting to be part of the comeback of live music," Carson said. "Two years ago I booked this festival, and it was canceled due to COVID. It's exciting to see live music back and more celebrated than ever."

Other acts include Foxfeather, Gabriel Mervine Trio, The 89s, The Burroughs, Taylor Shae, Sturtz, Wellington Bullings, Many Mountains and Tim Ostdiek.

"I tried to create a balance of bands that Longmont knows and loves while adding in new names that I've come across in the last few years during my work with Octave Records," Carson said. "Concert-goers will see a mix of local and regional acts."

It's rare that this level of entertainment can be seen for free all in one place, but creating accessible live music experiences is certainly a priority for Longmont.

"I'm grateful to the City of Longmont for creating this opportunity for free music," Carson said. "When the genuine love and appreciation of music fans meets spectacular talent, a special music scene is created, and that's what we all get to enjoy on the Front Range."

Participating bands are equally thrilled to see the comeback of this well-crafted event.

"We feel so fortunate to share our community with so many stellar artists," said Carly Ricks Smith, vocalist and cofounder of Foxfeather. "Getting to see and support our peers and friends is such a blessing, especially after the last few years. Covid put a hold on so many aspects of life, and we are honored and excited to be invited to share the stage with awesome musicians in the beautiful town of Longmont."

Foxfeather stays busy playing throughout the Front Range, but also has a reach beyond Colorado. Tight musicianship and a palpable charismatic stage presence has garnered the group a sizable following.

"We are planning on the trio arrangement of Foxfeather, and are very excited to have special guest and one-time bandmate Oliver Jacobson on the fiddle," Smith said.

No matter the arrangement — whether rocking out as a full band or presenting a more scaled-down group — Foxfeather always summons folks to the dance floor.

When Foxfeather performed at Longmont Elks Lodge in April as part of Spring Walkabout Music Showcase, attendees were treated to electrifying covers of Fiona Apple's "Criminal" and Melissa Etheridge's "I'm the Only One."

Smith's powerhouse vocals only added to the '90s tracks that proved to be the perfect shot of warm nostalgia fans drank up.

"We always love to pepper in some fun covers," Smith said. "Melissa Etheridge and Fiona Apple are definitely some heavy influencers for us musically, and we love to showcase a multitude of badass women. We are still working out our exact set list, but we will certainly throw in some fun tunes."

Also joining the lineup for the first time will be Wellington Bullings, a soul and R&B singer based out of Louisville. With smooth vocals and honest songwriting, Bullings continues to grow her fanbase.

"My debut album titled 'because I want to' was about three years in the making," Bullings said. "We will be performing songs off of the album, as well as new originals that will be featured on my next project."

She will play Rhythm on the River's Amphitheater Stage on Friday starting at 6:15 p.m.

Bullings returned to the Front Range this week after a trip to Europe, and the journey across the pond has left her motivated to craft new tunes.

"London has left me very inspired," Bullings said. "This city is truly magical. You can expect lots of new music from me very soon."

Also playing the festival for the first time will be Many Mountains, a cosmic-folk duo featuring K.R. Nelson and Dustin Morgan.

"Sharing the stage with friends and being with the community on these beautiful Colorado summer nights is always something that excites me about these events," Nelson said.

Many Mountains plays the Amphitheater Stage Saturday at 6:15 p.m.

"For our set on Saturday, Many Mountains will focus on performing songs that span across our catalog of releases and also a few new, unrecorded tunes that we've recently written," Moran said. "It'll be nice to celebrate summer and music among the incredibly gracious community of Longmont."

The two are also enthused to be audience members and take in sets by the varied acts performing.

"Both nights of Rhythm on the River have really terrific acts," Nelson said. "Wellington Bullings and Augustus will certainly highlight what is an incredible lineup. Dustin and I are both excited to catch both those artists."

In addition to not-to-be-missed performances, attendees can participate in a 5K run that starts on Friday at 7:45 p.m.

An outdoor Adventure Land, in the upper parking lot, will appeal to thrill-seekers looking to be a human Foosball player, take a spin in the gyroscope and soar to new heights on the bungee trampoline.

Bricks Market at the Grove, also happening during Rhythm on the River, will satisfy the needs of shoppers seeking gifts from local vendors.

There will also be activities presented by Longmont Library, cornhole, a mobile arcade with vintage games and St. Vrain Rotary Duck Races benefiting local charities.

An entire Restaurant Row provides various food options from vendors like Beau Jo's Pizza Truck and Come Get it All Southern Cuisine.

Wine and beer will be provided by a number of local purveyors of brews including Left Hand, Wibby, 300 Suns, Oskar Blues and others.

"I hope attendees feel connected to our community again," Calhoon said. "I know folks have really missed this event, and we've missed it too. I really hope at this year's festival they can let loose, see their neighbors, talk to their city's employees and help us get our groove back."