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Festival Frenzy

RiverRoots Committee plans 2017 ‘festival lineup announcement party’

Run Boy Run band set to perform at February party

(February 2017) – The RiverRoots Music and Folk Arts Festival will open the festival season on the banks of the Ohio in Madison, Ind., in less than four months, but local fans will be able to attend a big RiverRoots event on Feb. 11 at Red Bicycle Hall when the festival lineup is announced.
The lineup announcement is a major part of the RiverRoots Music Series. Fans gather to hear the names of the bands coming to play the festival, but also to see a performance by bands that have played the festival or the Music Series. This year, Run Boy Run will perform at the announcement event.
“Run Boy Run was a part of The RiverRoots Music Series back in our first season and then, as happens so much, part of the official festival lineup back in 2015,” said Red Bicycle Hall Music coordinator Tony Novello. “They were brought to our attention by local music and festival lover, Mike Moseng. They bring great energy, beautiful music and a familiarity to Madison. We needed a band that could bring something just a little bit different for the lineup, and they do just that.”

Photo by John Sheckler

Run Boy Run performed at the very first RiverRoots Festival.

“We’re looking forward to adding a square dance to our show this time around, and getting people up and moving,” said Grace Rolland, a cellist, vocalist and square dance caller. “ Even if you haven’t danced a square since elementary school, you are welcome. This will be beginner and advanced friendly dance, with all moves taught, and plenty of fiddle tunes to go around.”
According to the band’s website, “The unique sound of the band is rooted in the traditional music of the Appalachian South, continuing a sense of innovation in traditional American music put forth by bands such as Nickel Creek, Crooked Still, and The Wailin’ Jennys. Run Boy Run continues this journey into music that is dynamic, orchestral, and brimming with beauty. Three strong female voices weave a tapestry of sound, and the award-winning fiddlers cut a path for a tightly formed rhythmic front. “
The band will offer a big surprise at the lineup party this year. After they play their first set, they will teach square dancing and then lead a square dance at Red Bicycle Hall.
“We have known that Run Boy Run had this Square Dance thing they did for a while now and just haven’t been able to put something together,” Novello said. “This became a great opportunity to do it.”
While Rolland is calling, the other members of the band get out and show people how to do it and a have super fun hoedown.
“The plan is for Run Boy Run to do a set of music then break for our lineup announcement. After that, we will hopefully be set up for the square dance.” said Novello.
This is the first season for RiverRoots to bring the Music Series to other venues around Madison. It is a lot of work to put all these shows together, and Novello said he was a little worried about the change. But the venues and people running them were gracious and receptive. This year, the Music Series will be having shows at Red Bicycle Hall, Thomas Family Winery, Off Broadway Taproom, the Ohio Theater and at Hanover College’s Fitzgibbon Recital Hall. 
“It is our hope that this can continue and expand in the years to come,” said Novello. “Something new this year is utilizing a grant obtained from Indiana Arts Commission. We can use this money to reach out to our community to educate and expose younger folks to music. We will have several workshops with our artists to discuss music theory, songwriting, etc.  The Accidentals, Darrell Scott and Ben Sollee are just some who have, or will participate. We also could not do any of this without the support of our sponsors, whose dedication to the community should never go overlooked.”
“Run Boy Run is a fantastic example of River Roots, said RiverRoots Festival Coordinator Dan Williams. “We strive to bring in quality artists from around the country. You may not have heard of every band in our lineup, but everyone will find a new favorite every year at the festival.”
“We’re excited to be returning to Madison. This will be our third appearance here, and it’s become one of our favorite towns in the U.S.,” said fiddle and guitar player Matt Rolland. “The RiverRoots community is a dedicated one and makes bands feel very welcome. It seems like there are an above average number of acoustic music lovers in Madison for it’s size, a pocket of music enthusiasm. Not every town has a place like Red Bicycle Hall or a festival like RiverRoots.”

• All RiverRoots and Music Series data is on Facebook, the website and twitter. Music Series tickets are available at www.redbicyclehall.com.

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