Routes to the River music, arts fest debuts Saturday

NEWPORT — The Routes to the River Music and Cultural Arts Festival is set to make its debut Saturday, May 4, from noon to 10 p.m. behind Newport City Hall. Those attending are encouraged to bring a folding chair to the free family-friendly event.

There will be a variety of performers as well as craftspeople, demonstrations and food. There will be Cherokee music and dance, storytelling, old-time Appalachian music, moonshine still building, cornhusk ragdoll creations, Native American crochet dolls, gourd art, wet felting demonstrations and leather crafting. Artisanal crafts will be made on site.

Performers include Cruz Contreras, the frontman, founder and driving force behind the Black Lillies’ raw and rootsy sound. He is also co-founder of Robinella and the CCstringband. His former band mate, Robinella, will perform as well. Kukuly and the Gypsy Fuego will blend Latino, Brazilian, Spanish and French swing music.

AniKituhwa will bring the same Cherokee dancers, drummers and storytellers that have been at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Daniel Tramper, three-time Cherokee hoop dancing world champion, will also be there.

Boogertown Gap will blend authentic Appalachian music and storytellers. Boogertown Gap also uses spoons as one of their instruments of choice.

Todd Wright, a multi-instrumentalist, will play a set of old time traditional music, which includes using the hammered dulcimer.

Lew Bolton, an award-winning storyteller and author, will offer stories for both adults and children. Britt Barnes, the knifemaker who won Forged in Fire will be among the artisans in attendance. Denton Bragg, a wild food forager, will also be at the event. Many local artists and vendors will also be in attendance.

Gill’s Barbecue, Nikki’s Frybread and Grill, Baz Bakery and Deli, McDowell’s Boiled Peanuts and Sweet Toad Ice Cream will be on hand. Organizers said there will be activities for attendees of all ages.

Marilyn Asbury, festival coordinator, said that “We’re trying to be inclusive to all different cultures.” She explained there will be a variety of music and activities, so there is sure to be something for everyone at the event.

“We’re hoping to hit something for everybody,” she said. “We’re making it very intergenerational, so it can be good for any member of the family. Our plan is to have this every year and so far, it is looking very successful.”