BELLOWS FALLS — There will be moments of bitter as well as sweet.
The 14th annual Roots on the River Music Festival promises to be an event to remember as perennial headliner Fred Eaglesmith tips his hat to the four-day event for the last time.
The lineup is set, excitement is rising, and the Sunday show is already sold out.
Roots 2013 will be held June 6-9 at a number of venues throughout town, and will see the last festival appearance of headliner Fred Eaglesmith and his Traveling Steam Show. That, of course, is the bitter part.
Although the festival will continue without Eaglesmith, the lineup this year features many of the favorites who've delighted fans through the years, such as Mary Gauthier and Roger Marin, as well as some new voices and sounds, such as David Wax Museum.
The music itself is always the sweet part. The lineup this year begins on Thursday night at 33 Bridge St., with local favorites The Cold River Ranters followed by Sean Rowe and Girls Guns and Glory.
The music starts at noon on Friday in downtown Bellows Falls with performances on the Square.
Look for Poor Old Shine, Bellows Falls' own Milkhouse Heaters, After the Rodeo, and Skumm & Oats. Make your way to the Bellows Falls Farmers' Market for performances by The Heather Maloney Band and Sam Creigh.
The evening will continue under the Big Tent at the Rodeway Inn with performances by Grant Peeples, Shelley King, and Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones.
Saturday's memorable lineup includes The Sea The Sea, Dan Weber, Roger Marin Band, David Wax Museum, Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers, The Steel Wheels, and Carolyn Mark.
The evening will round out with the much-anticipated arrival of Eaglesmith and his Traveling Steam Show.
The weekend winds down Sunday at the Rockingham Meeting House with the ever-popular pairing of Eaglesmith and Mary Gauthier. The two artists have written songs together, and their duets in the old venue are always deeply moving. With Eaglesmith's last bow, it promises to be even more poignant.
Following the traditional street hockey game, the Farewell Ball will be held at Café Loco at Harlow's Farm with the Ray Mason Band.
If you've never been to the festival before, this is a good year to start. The festival is smoke-free and family- and dog-friendly, with a special staffed children's tent on the Saturday of the festival, and family priced tickets.
There is limited seating under the big tent, so plan to come early to get a good seat, or bring a small lawn chair or blanket. Vendors will be on hand to provide food and drink.
This year's festival nonprofit partner is The Vermont Foodbank (www.vtfoodbank.org). Please bring non-perishable food items to each concert location to support Our Place Drop In Center.