Rhythm and Roots ain't got no gumbo...

It was a mini Labor Day Weekend tradition to travel to Ninigret Park in Charleston, RI with Johnny Gumbo for the Rhythm and Roots Festival. Actually, the Gumbo attended more often than I, once even chronicling the event via cell reports. But, alas, JG has moved onward and westward, so this year's Rhythm and Roots will have no Gumbo.

But fear not faithful Gumbees, for there may be a new Labor Day Weekend music tradition - Spokane's Pig Out in the Park:

In its 29 years, Spokane’s annual Labor Day weekend event in the park has metamorphosed from an outdoor food venue for a couple dozen local restaurants into a six-day extravaganza that’s possibly the largest free music festival west of Chicago, according to organizers. This year’s lineup features 75 acts — including country headliner Ricochet and Lucinda Williams — performing on three stages Wednesday through Monday. The nonprofit Six Bridges Arts Association’s two beer gardens and a wine garden will pick up a lion’s share of the $156,000 entertainment tab. article - band listing

(Side note to the Gumbo: Markie G filled in admirably as MC at the DePaolo Foundation golf dinner, but I heard whispers in the room that he just wasn't as suave, clever and goodlooking as the "other guy." But don't say anything, because Mark's a very sensitive guy.)