Headstash

Headstash's ROOTWIRE 2012 Preview Guide

GA Tickets: $85.00, GA with RV: $145.00

3rd year – Last year's attendance: 2,500 – Camping: Yes

2012 Lineup: Papadosio (three days), OTT, Random Rab, Dopapod, Phutureprimitive, Rising Appalachia, Chris Dyer, Govinda, The Malah, Totemical, Akara, Koan, Kaminanda, Bird of Prey, George Atherton, Geoglyphics, Nadis Warriors, Kyrstyn Pixton, Deaf Scene, Dixon's Violin, Silo Effect, Telesma, Michael Garfield, pH Factor, Andrew Wagner , Cope, Sweet Melis, Mazeguider, The Manhattan Project , Azura, Rae Vena, Tom Reed, Chali 2na and the House of Vibe, See - I (featuring members of Thievery Corporation), DubConscious, Snarky Puppy, Signal Path, UV Hippo, Damn Right!, BioDiesel, Futexture, The Coop, Consider the Source, Sonmi, Eumatik, Third Nature, Skeetones, Sumilan, Sassafraz, Amarru, Jones 4 Revival, Srikalogy, Amanda Sage, Roman Vilagrana, Krystleyez, Randal Roberts, Josh Audiss, Andy Reed, Morgan Mandala, Emily Kell, Sarah Tracy

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History 

Rootwire began two years ago when Papadosio set out to try and build something that was completely their own. The initial goal was to create a gathering that was more than just a festival. Rootwire was conceived as a place where smaller artists got to share the same stage as the headliners – visual art was given the same emphasis as the music and everyone in attendance feels like a VIP.

Papadosio wanted to create an event with a truly communitarian experience, built through grassroots production rather than corporate profit seeking. For the first year, the band essentially created and ran the festival all by themselves. They put every ounce of effort into the planning and twice that into the production.

Now in its third year, the festival has really come into its own as a gathering. The lineup is a massive assortment of every type of artist imaginable sharing the entire grounds. They have kept the same location for its intimate feel and great camping amenities.

Per tradition, the festival starts with the meditative opening ceremony and closes with the acoustic mega-jam. Every day showcases different workshops and seminars led by visionary speakers, yoga instructors and spiritual gurus.

The daytime features group meditations and enlightening, interactive presentations to enrich the body, mind and soul. As the sun goes down, the spiritual energy from the daytime fuels the performances and the whole venue evolves into a mind-bending dance party.

Best Things

Affordability. With tickets priced at $85.00, the cost of the entire event boils down to a little over $20.00 a day. For the sheer size and scope of the production, it’s one of the best-priced festivals out there. Those in attendance get an astounding bang for their buck.

Four nights. The length of the festival is set in order to create and maintain the fullest community possible. Each day is intended to present as much diverse and fantastic art possible. The festival is more than just a musical party – it’s a gathering where like-minded people can share an experience.

Do’s

Attend the workshops. There are unique speakers and workshops running throughout the daytime, so be sure to drop by the tent and catch the presentations. Keep an open mind and you will certainly learn something about the world. You might even learn something new about yourself.

Make new friends. The whole festival is an endless sea of smiling faces. Those who have been to Rootwire make a point to be sure to return If you have been before, you won't be able to walk anywhere without seeing old friends from previous years. If it’s your first time, be social and open because you’re bound to see them year after year.

Bring your own art. Unlike most festivals, all forms of artwork are encouraged. Papadosio is trying to inspire and bring out the artist in everyone. They insist that everyone should bring whatever it is that makes them creative. Be sure to bring your wire wraps, hoops, camera or whatever it is that is the implement of your own creativity. You can hone your skills or discover something new you never knew you were great at.

Don’ts

Don't overpack. Due to the layout of the venue, the campgrounds and parking lot are a bit far away. Only bring what you're comfortable carrying with you. It's not a fun way to start off a festival bringing your stuff back and forth. They do have a tractor shuttle to lighten the load, but you don't want to be at its whim.

Don't sleep too much. The lineup is incredibly deep and each artist is handpicked by Papadosio for the event. All the bands are immensely talented and their music is phenomenal. Just because they don't have a late-night timeslot doesn't mean you shouldn't check them out because you're bound to be pleasantly surprised.

Atmosphere

Papadosio is boldly and consciously trying to create a different type of festival experience. Their years of national touring have introduced them to all types of festivals across the country. It’s taught them what works and what doesn't, and they have seen firsthand what is most important to those in attendance and playing. Rootwire is their chance to build the festival they want to, taking the best parts of everything they have seen and putting it in one place. The experience is one that is unique to the band and the whole place reflects the vibe that they wish to present.

Who To Check Out . . .

Visual tent/installations. The art tent is arguably the focal point of the festival. An army of visual artists from all over the country gather under one temporary roof to create a ton of amazing works of art. Eventually, it resembles a museum in its vast and diverse collection. Give yourself some time to walk through - you might be there awhile.

Govinda. The worldly sounds of Austin-based producer Shane Madden are vibrant, eclectic and entrancing. He tops off his production with live violin for an effect that is absolutely beautiful.
Tent Stage: Saturday - 12:30 to 1:30 a.m.

Snarky Puppy. This group from Dallas calls themselves "a collection of musicians" with over 25 members in regular rotation. They create an incredible jazz-based fusion that is as cerebral as it is groovy. You can sit back and admire the complexity of their compositions or just move your body. Snarky Puppy will be a welcome break from the mainly digital artists.
Main Stage: Friday - 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Three types of Papadosio. The band gets to flex their musical muscles with a live PA set, a traditional electronic set and an acoustic super-jam. This is where they're at their best and you won't see them like this anywhere else.

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Stay tuned for more coverage leading up to Rootwire. Headstash will have a video crew on hand for some in-depth multimedia coverage.

Who's excited for Rootwire 2012? What are some of your favorite things about the festival or your do's and don'ts? Let us know in the comments below . . .