The show will go on at Rhythm and Roots

September 2, 2011

Photo By ANTHONY aRUSSO A large tent is set up at Ninigret Park in Charlestown for the 2011 Rhythm and Roots Festival. The stacks of wood panels in the center of the picture will be laid out under the tent and turned into a 40x120 foot dance-floor.

CHARLESTOWN - The 2011 Rhythm and Roots Festival is upon us once again.

Crews have been hustling and bustling around Ninigret Park to get the stages set up in time for the first acts, and according to the festival’s founder, Chuck Wentworth, everything is right on schedule. Some difficulties have arisen, as most of the area is still without power as of Tuesday afternoon, but Wentworth is not worried at all.

"In the aftermath of a hurricane, we have no power, so that is stressful,” he said. “It’s that feeling of the unexpected, we don’t know what’s in store. This is never a routine, there’s always something unique, each year is different. There is always some factor that comes into play to take a major role in the festival.”

While having no power provides the set-up crews with a unique challenge, a hurricane is not a new nuisance to the festival. According to Wentworth, Hurricane Earl was moving up the coast at the time of last year’s festival, but the show went on, as will this one.

We will make it happen,” he said. “if power is not restored in time, we have backup generators ready to go.”

For more information, pick up a copy of The Chariho Times.