Blame My Roots Festival fills the void left by Jamboree in the Hills

In the small sleepy town of Belmont, just east of the Guernsey County line, a tradition is being carried on that brings back memories of music, fun, camping and friends. The old-fashioned country music festival is encapsulated in the three-day event known as the Blame My Roots Festival. This year the festival is scheduled to take place from July 14 to 16.

Located at the Valley View Campground across from the former Jamboree in the Hills location, the festival offers camping, beer, and some of today’s hottest country music artists. Founded by Chris Dutton, the festival was started to fill the void brought about by the end of Jamboree. Once a prominent summer tradition, Jamboree in the Hills shut its doors after 28 years in 2018.

Dutton realized the community desired that summertime tradition and formed Blame My Roots. The festival harkens back to the days when top-selling artists brought their talent to Belmont. Tanya Tucker, Keith Urban, Joe Diffie, and Gretchen Wilson are just a sampling of artists known to pick a few tunes at Jambo.

The Blame My Roots Music Festival was canceled in 2020 due to COVID, but came back in full swing last year. The crowds were thrilled to see performances by hitmakers such as Niko Moon, Lee Brice, Neal McCoy, and headliner Miranda Lambert among others.

Headlining this year’s event is country music superstar Dierks Bentley. Performing along with Bentley will be Chase Rice, Ashley McBride, and Randy Houser. Niko Moon is scheduled to return, along with Walker Montgomery. Rounding out the weekend will be performances from artists North to Nashville, David Lee Murphy, Levi Hummon, Priscilla Block, and more.

Camping is permitted at the grounds, and while the redneck run to get a good spot doesn’t feel quite the same, the overall atmosphere makes up for it. The festival hosts numerous parties before the actual concert.

Various food trucks and food vendors will offer their tasty creations to campers and festival attendees, and a beer garden will be available as well.

Tickets are available and can be purchased at http://www.blamemyrootsfestival.com. Prices range from $25 for the Thursday night Raised Rowdy Kickoff party to $79 for general admission on Friday. Saturday general admission tickets are $89, and VIP tickets are also available. Camping passes can also be purchased online, and spots are selling quickly. Primitive spaces are available for $170 and front yard camping passes are $400.

For more information on the festival visit the event Facebook page or check out the Blame My Roots Festival website.