Rocket Shop 7/9/2014: Root Camp

Words by Kiera Magnetti. Photo by James Lockridge.

Six musicians from two different bands packed onto the Big Heavy World couch on Wednesday night to have their photo taken and to talk about the upcoming Root Camp festivities. Root Camp will be the second installment of an event presented by Big Heavy World and The Root Center, a nonprofit based in Lincoln, VT that grows and donates organic vegetables and herbs to those in need. The festival will feature workshops, vendors, and two days of fantastic musical performances.

According to Dan Murphy of Total Demo, the musicians appearing at the festival are supporters of both Big Heavy and The Root Center. “I think all the bands playing have a socially conscious mind,” he says, and is met with nods from the other five fellows on the couch. “Not in the sense of ‘say no to drugs,” or something like that, but more in support of a tight-knit sense of community and camaraderie. I think we all have a positive message.”

The festival will take place at The Root Center’s location in Lincoln. Total Demo has been around for less than a year, and Root Camp will be the band’s second festival performance. Gang of Thieves has played a number of festivals, but never a farmland event. “This is kind of uncharted territory,” says Tobin Salas (Gang of Thieves). “But even if not a lot of people show, it’s still going to be an amazing vibe,” adds Ian Greenman (Total Demo).

Check out Gang of Thieves and Total Demo at Root Camp this weekend! Tickets can be purchased at http://therootcenter.org/rootcamp.