Rothbury: Swim at your own risk
It's likely the signs at Rothbury's Big Wildcat Lake that say "swim at your own risk" are standard, swimming safety fare. But Rothburians are learning the signs may have another meaning. Several campers are saying they were dirtier when they got out of the lake then they were when they jumped in. Indeed, earlier today, many were lined up to shower off at a small shower nozzle after exiting the lake. I saw campers jump in the lake and winced when the splash that resulted was brown. There are big patches of sludge along the surface -- a friend said its never good when you look out at a lake and parts of it aren't moving. But showering in the public showers isn't all that appetizing, either. Best advice? Shower on Monday when you get home.
Snoop Dogg has no idea where he is
He has now shouted out East Lansing three times. Uh, dude this is Rothbury, maybe you didn't get the memo? In his defense, he is playing Common Ground this year, but that's still a few days off. Maybe while there he'll offer a few "where you at, Rothbury?" shout-outs.
Snoop plays to biggest crowd of fest
Big Snoop Dogg is in the house. He hit the stage riding a lowrider bicycle and launched into "Tha Next Episode," while the biggest crowd of the weekend thus far threw their hands up in the air. The scene was much different a few hundred yards away on the Sherwood Court, where Detroiter Bettye LaVette played to the weekend's smallest crowd, a criminally tiny group of stragglers. But she gave them a powerful, emotionally wrenching set rich in soul and blues, and warmth. It was a true homecoming show for LaVette, who was born in Muskegon. As LaVette sat on stage and delivered a stirring Willie Nelson cover, video screens at the Odeum flashed to girls in the crowd, who in turn flashed the camera. Whatever, people are here to party, and Snoop gives them a perfect excuse to. Snoop proceeded to light up a joint on stage, while proclaiming "it's 4:20!" He then wished all the "mother (blankers)" in the crowd a happy 4th of July.
Good morning, Rothbury
Rothbury day 2 is underway. Campers are waking up and heading to the on-site lake en masse -- must be shower time. Folks are moving a bit slower than they were yesterday, but are still chipper. Jakob Dylan, the day's first big act, takes the Sherwood Court stage at 12:30.
The Disco Biscuits' glowstick armageddon
When the Disco Biscuits hit the Ranch Arena stage at Rothbury at 11:15 Thursday night, a flurry of fans tossed big, colorful handfuls of glowsticks in the air, a practice which continued throughout their set. To me, it felt like Rothbury's first Moment. The picturesque Ranch Arena stage is the coolest of the fest's three stages -- it's surrounded by trees and has a healthy green lawn in the front of house, unlike the Sherwood Forest stage, whose lawn is more like a field of busted straw -- and as it came alive in bright bursts as glowsticks came flying every which way, it felt like something special was happening at the Double JJ Ranch. As for the band itself, I was stumped by the band's funk- and electronic-tinged jamminess. There were two 30-second sections about an hour into the set where I finally felt like I was "getting" it, but those moments were quickly lost as the noodly spirit of the jam took over.
Taking bets on Snoop Dogg
I'll bet dollars to donuts Snoop Dogg's first words when he hits the Rothbury stage will be, "what the f--- is up, Rothbury?" Any takers? Snoop performs at 4:15 at the Odeum.
Taking bets on Snoop Dogg
I'll bet dollars to donuts Snoop Dogg's first words when he hits the Rothbury stage will be, "what the f--- is up, Rothbury?" Any takers? Snoop plays at 4:15 at the Odeum.
Sherwood Forest is magical at night
You've gotta see pictures, I can't describe it in words. Let's just say I saw some dude hugging a tree with all his might, and I didn't blame him.
OK, for real this time: Rothbury has officially begun
"Hey Rothbury, how you guys doin'?" With those words, spoken by Don Strausburg of AEG Live, Rothbury officially kicked off at 6:30 p.m. sharp. Strausberg intoduced Rothbury festival director Jeremy Stein, who introduced the Kyle Hollingsworth Band, the first band to perform at Rothbury. Hollingsworth took the stage and said, "Alright guys, Rothbury '08!" and launched into a keyboard-heavy jam that is still going as I type this, and doesn't sound like it's going to let up anytime soon. Welcome to Rothbury.
Right now in the swimming area...
There are more lifeguards (three) than swimmers (one).
