ROTHBURY (AP) -- Tens of thousands of people will descend upon this tiny village in western Michigan for the first Rothbury music festival, a "green"-themed event that will feature more than 70 acts during its four-day run that begins Thursday at the Double JJ Ranch resort.
None of Rothbury's 416 residents knows exactly what to expect. Its four downtown businesses -- Rothbury Hardware, Rothbury Tavern, Morgan's Kountry Kitchen and the local Wesco gas station -- anticipate a surge in sales.
Organizers aren't disclosing ticket sales figures yet, but they told the Detroit Free Press for a story published Sunday that attendance will hit 40,000. About 200 acres of the resort will be available for camping.
The festival's professional traffic coordinators will try to keep roads clear. Its large crew of security workers will assist the five part-time officers that make up Rothbury's police department.
"We hope we're prepared for this, but we really don't know what to prepare for," village President Bob Walker told The Grand Rapids Press.
Such are the pitfalls of an inaugural concert event of this size, regardless of the amount of planning. The lineup of performers includes the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Snoop Dogg and Modest Mouse.
The festival will offer workshops, panel discussions, film screenings and presentations devoted to environmental issues. There also will be a farmers market, yoga presentations and open-mic opportunities for attendees -- on a smaller stage.
Passes for all four days start at $244.75. Besides music, there will be a circus and an energy fair.
Rothbury organizers haven't settled on an all-encompassing definition for their event. It appears to lie somewhere among the neo-hippie vibe of Bonnaroo, the freak-art spirit of Nevada's Burning Man and the indie cool of Coachella.
"The thing that's unique this year is each of these new festivals is able to create its own distinct experience and community," said Carrie Lombardi, whose Boulder, Colo.-based firm, Madison House Presents, is producing Rothbury in partnership with Los Angeles promoter AEG Live. "That's important. That's what will keep people coming back."
Brian Lipsitz, the 24-year-old son of Double JJ owners Bob and Joan Lipsitz, is the linchpin who brought together the huge musical event. He wanted to help his parents make their destination resort a showcase for live music.
As venue coordinator, Brian Lipsitz said he is making changes to bring environmentally sensitive practices to the resort that will last long after the festival fans return home.
"Double JJ needs to walk the talk," he told The Muskegon Chronicle.
On the Net:
Rothbury festival:
Double JJ Ranch: http://www.doublejj.com
Madison House Presents: http://madisonhousepresents.com
AEG Live: http://aeglive.com
If you go
Information about the inaugural Rothbury music festival, if you go:
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday
WHERE: Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, about 20 miles north of Muskegon. Take the Winston Road-Rothbury exit on U.S. 31 and follow the signs.
SCHEDULED ACTS: Dave Matthews Band, Trey Anastasio, Widespread Panic, Snoop Dogg, Phil Lesh, John Mayer, Primus, Modest Mouse, 311 and many more.
TICKETS: Starting at $244.75 for four-day passes. No single-day tickets being sold.
Print this story
E-mail this story
