In the thick heat of every Arkansas summer, we usually look to the light toward the annual four-day musical and culinary celebration called Roots Fest. When COVID-19 struck at the beginning of spring, it skewed this year’s plans. Although we won’t be attending the festivities in person, the Roots crew has curated a live-stream event this week.

Hosted by Kyle Kellems of Ozarks at Large, and Roots co-founders Bernice & Bryan Hembree of Smokey & The Mirror and Chef Jerrmy Gawthrop, the Thursday Stream-a-Thon will give viewers a helluva time. Roots regulars and favorites Birds of Chicago, John Fullbright, The Steel Wheels, Raina Rose, The Honey Dewdrops, and even Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are a handful of musical guests set to perform on Thursday night.

Though the event is free, the festival still needs your support. Please consider making a donation, if you are able, or purchase Roots merchandise to wear during the Thursday Night live stream. Roots viewers may also purchase a chef-curated chicken dinner or handcrafted pizza (available for Thursday curbside pickup from the ROOTS HQ in downtown Fayetteville) to enjoy while watching the live stream.

FROM THE TEAM:
“ROOTS has always believed in the importance of accessible community programming. In this spirit, the virtual streaming event will be open and free to everyone, however, advance registration is required.”