Shrouded by the devastation left in Katrina's wake a few days earlier, the spirit of Rhythm & Roots Festival 2005 in Charlestown RI rose to the occasion by raising nearly $100,000 to help the victims of this natural disaster. The festival, heavily rooted in Cajun and Zydeco music, featured many artists who make their homes in LA. None cancelled but their hearts were with their family and friends who remained at home in LA.

What was happening in LA was on everyone's minds and in their hearts and interspersed through every conversation. Every set throughout the weekend included a tribute to New Orleans. A particularly poignant moment was during Marcia Ball's set when she launched into Randy Newman's song "Louisiana 1927." The audience was stilled and most had tears in their eyes as Marcia sang "Some people got lost in the flood ….. Louisiana, Louisiana, They're tyrin' to wash us away…." During an interview, Marcia stated the song has been part of her repertoire for some time but admitted it was very hard to sing the song in the wake of Katrina.

The weather was late summer perfect for the three day festival and the crowds came out to enjoy the last festival of the season. The spirit of NOLA didn't dampen the festivities but rather brought the best out in everyone who attended. Throughout the weekend,. MCs would announce the latest total raised by the crowd. It was quite moving to see the support garnered as festival goers gave and then gave some more.

With two stages and a powerful line up it was hard to choose where to be. The lure of the dance pavilion was irresistible with a line up of top Cajun and Zydeco favorites. Geno Delafose and French Rocking Boogie kicked it off on Friday evening to a tent full of reveling dancers. A crowd favorite, Geno pumped up the energy which stayed high throughout his set and spilled into Steve Reilly and the Mamou Playboy's set. Steve's signature blend of Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop is quite danceable which kept everyone on their feet with a smile on their face. .

Make no mistake; R&R is a dance party. The high energy dance party continued on both stages throughout the weekend with two more sets from both Geno and Steve Riley. Dancers also were treated to two sets from Poullard, Watson, and Adams with their deep rooted traditional Creole music. Plus they joined in during Magnoila's (RI's local favorite Cajun band) sets on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If that wasn't enough to keep the energy going there were sets from Zydeco Hogs, Creole Cowboys, Donna the Buffalo and Leroy Thomas. Leroy was particularly handsome in his patriotic shirt and paused during his Sunday evening show to pay tribute to New Orleans. Steve Riley closed the weekend out on a high note.

Dance music wasn't the only thing happening at R&R. The main stage hosted greats like Marcia Ball with her NO style honky tonk and Keb' Mo'with is bluesy folk style. Old time music lovers were treated with The Wilders and the highly entertaining Asylum Street Spankers. The Spankers were crowd pleasers with their tight vocal harmonies and comic pieces. The afternoon set included the song "Boogers" for the kids. Sonny Landreth, another NO performer, was also quite danceable with his swinging blues style. Little Feat closed out the weekend on the main stage.

Throughout the weekend, the Rounder Workshop tent was busy first with a Film Festival each evening. During the day various musical workshops were hosted by The Wilders; Poullard Watson, and Adams; Nevins, Ellis & Gellert; Riley, Delafose and Lege; The "Earls from Uncle Earl (who did not otherwise perform); Spankers Unplugged; Robbie Fulks; and a Fiddle Frenzy with Greeley, Gellert, Ellis and Brunet. .New to R&R this year was a Cajun Academy for Kids hosted the entire weekend by Michelle Kaminski of Magnolia. Plus there were all of the fun things that were going on in the Family Tent for the kids.

R&R is also noted for its late night jams and particularly well known is the Slippery Sneaker's/Eric Fahey dance floor. As you walked around the campsites, you were treated with a variety of jams. Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys were jamming both evenings at Slippery Sneaker's site which seemed to be the place to be. If you went home on Labor Day feeling rested, you probably missed out on some of the best times found at the festival.

Chuck Wentworth, his management team, and the scores of volunteers should be commended on pulling off such a great festival despite the deep concerns for the people in the Gulf States. We should applaud Chuck for organizing the fund raiser that will provide a modest amount relief from some of the unfortunate residents of NO.