Written by Michael Broerman
Coming to Glouster, Ohio this summer is the highly anticipated return of Family Roots from Bee Raye Productions. Starting Friday, May 10 Smoke Rise Ranch Resort will host the sixth Family Roots fest since the event began in 2011, only to go on a three year hiatus in 2016. Headlining acts this year include two nights of Melvin Seals and Jerry Garcia Band, Ghost Note, and a PA set from Ozric Tentacles, the recent addition of DrFameus (Allen Aucoin of Disco Biscuits) along with a myriad of regional and national acts from across the live music spectrum.
Family Roots has an eclectic history of past lineups, including performances by Steve Kimock, Conspirator, Jahman Brahman while also featuring visionary artists like Alex and Allyson Grey.
When asked how he and Jerry Garcia Band fit into the diverse lineup of Family Roots, Melvin Seals connected the festival to the legacy of his beloved bandmate, Jerry Garcia.
“The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia was so much a part of the genesis of not only jambands and bands that utilize improvisation,” Seals said. “But both were pioneers of music festivals themselves. From the vendors and fans to the general carnival-like atmosphere of a show, Jerry and company were there from the beginning, and we still love that feeling, that vibe, that wavelength.”
Smoke Rise Ranch in appalachian Glouster, Ohio is a 2,000 acre campsite that also features rental cabins and activities such as horseback riding and hiking trails. This working cattle ranch hosts events year-round, with cabins and camping and dinners to dances. The ranch is bordered by Wayne National Forest, Burr Oak State Park and a wildlife management area, totalling over 30,000 continuous acres.
However, the natural beauty of the Buckeye state is only part of the reason why Seals is always sure to make a stop in Ohio.
“Ohio has some of the best sports and music fans in the country,” Seals said. “They are generous, hospitable, and love to have a good time. Who wouldn’t want to come back?!”
But what makes Family Roots unique among the myriad of jam festivals happening in Ohio this summer is right there in the name: family. The festival is organized by Raye Ann and Bryan Richard Sandborn, a husband and wife power couple who decided to put Family Roots on hiatus for three years in order to focus on their own family and raising their children. But now they’re back with a vengeance to make this the best Family Roots yet. And that passion of a grassroots effort is something that bleeds through to the stage, according to Seals.
“We play the same way whether there’s a hundred people coming out or thirty thousand,” Seals said. “We do it for the fans, to bring them that connection that we’ve all felt for so long. It’s still there and as important as ever to bring to every corner of our planet.”
Tickets are still available for $100 and will remain at that price even as gates are opened on May 10. Get yours today at https://www.familyrootsfest.com/tickets.html
See the full lineup below and see you at Smoke Rise Ranch!
Keeping it in the Family: The Return of Family Roots (Preview)
