EVENTS - Mark your calendars for these upcoming RNBNBBQ events!
FRIDAY, MAY 25TH
Healing Blues Exhibit
6-8PM at Yoga Sol
FRIDAY, MAY 31ST
Samantha Fish RNBNBBQ Pre-Party
8PM at The Blue Note
THURSDAY, JULY 11TH
Brews for Blues Kag Tapping
5:30 PM at Flat Branch Pub & Broadway Brewery
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
The District RNBNBBQ Kickoff Party
in Downtown Columbia
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH
Roots N Blues N BBQ!
At Stephens Lake Park
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
Saturday, Sept 21 ½ Marathon starts at 7am, 10K at 7:30am
from Flat Branch Park
At Stephens Lake Park
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
Roots N Blues N BBQ!
At Stephens Lake Park
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND
Gospel Brunch
Roots N Blues N BBQ!
ACCESSIBILITY
Thumper Entertainment is working with a committee to create an accessible event for all music lovers to enjoy at Stephens Lake Park.
Special ADA parking will be available at the Riechmann Pavilion Parking Lot, right next to the ticket gate and festival entrance on a first come, first serve basis. Many shuttles will be ADA accessible and run from all downtown parking garages as well as area hotels and other locations.
Pets are not allowed within the event grounds. However service animals, which have been trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, are welcome. The owner of the animal may be asked to describe the type of service the animal provides.
The event entrance is off of Walnut next to the Riechmann Pavilion. A route as flat as possible will be mapped out in advance from the entrance into the festival. The grass will be cut prior to the event to keep the terrain as manageable as possible.
Thumper Entertainment will provide ADA accessible porta potties at the event in an easy to access location.
If you are in need of special assistance, please call us in advance at 573-442-5862 to identify your needs and approximate arrival time in order that we may better serve you.
A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO:
The Disabilities Commission
Great Plains ADA Center
The City of Columbia
Department of Occupational Therapy School of Health Professions
And all of those involved with the Accessibility Committee
For any questions or special requests contact INFO@ROOTSNBLUESNBBQ.COM.
ENDLESS SHUTTLE
Roundtrip transportation to and from the Festival
All Shuttles begin operating a half hour before gates. Shuttles will operate until all patrons have been transported from the Park.
Downtown Route: 8th & Walnut Garage, 8th & Cherry Garage, 6th & Cherry Garage, 10th & Cherry Garage, 5th & Walnut Garage
Hotels Route: All of our preferred hotels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival?
First Launched in 2007, the festival features over 30 artists representing the genres of roots, blues, gospel, country, folk and soul. The line up includes international, national, regional and local artists. American Blues Scene Magazine called it "One of the most prominent festivals in the country!" As well as live music, fans enjoy delicious BBQ from local and national vendors. Included in the festival is a ½ Marathon and 10K race on Saturday morning. Runners enjoy live music along the scenic course and enjoy BBQ, beer and a medal at the finish line. The festival is a fun, true, and unique celebration of music, food and culture.
When is the festival?
The 7th Annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 20-22, 2013 at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia, Missouri.
Why is the festival moving to Stephens Lake Park?
Organizers want to enhance the experience for fans. We'll have more green space, enjoyment of one of Columbia's most beautiful parks, improved mobility, increased BBQ vendors, more relaxed and inclusive fan experience, and reduction of city resources.
Where in the park is the festival?
The festival will be held in the Northeast end of Stephens Lake Park behind the Riechmann Pavilion. There will be plenty of room for fans to spread out and enjoy the festival. The ticket gate and only festival entrance will be located next to the Riechmann Pavilion. View the festival MAP.
Where should I park and how will I get to the Festival from there?
Parking is available in any of the downtown parking garages. Shuttles will run from marked stops in all 5 city garages throughout the festival weekend. Fans are encouraged to go to the District and enjoy local restaurants and retailers then catch the Endless Shuttle, ride bikes or walk to the event. Shuttles will also run to and from our PREFERRED HOTELS.
What about the BBQ?
Organizers are increasing the number of BBQ vendors but removing the competition so everyone will get to experience the BBQ. We will be inviting some previous BBQ competitors as well as local District restaurants to be vendors in 2013.
When and where can I get tickets?
Tickets are available online now on the TICKET PAGE.
Tickets are also sold in the Blue Note Box Office.
Can we leave the festival and come back in later in the day?
Yes, re-entry will be allowed. Individuals seeking re-entry will need to wear and present their valid day-of or weekend wristband to enter. Riding the Endless Shuttle to The District and enjoying local restaurants, retailers and all Columbia has to offer is encouraged.
What is allowed in the festival area?
The following items are ALLOWED at Roots N Blues N BBQ:
Blankets
Chairs
Baby strollers
Non-Professional Recording Equipment (Point & Shoot Cameras, Flip Video Cameras, etc.)
The following items are NOT ALLOWED at Roots N Blues N BBQ:
Outside beverages, this includes water, soda, alcoholic beverages, coffee, etc
Coolers
Glass containers
Weapons
Noise makers and laser pointers
Pets (However, service animals, which have been trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, are welcome)
Professional recording equipment
Can I bring a chair?
Chairs are welcomed at the festival. However we ask that everyone follow our festival seating guidelines and keep all chairs back beyond a certain point to keep pathways clear.
How do I get to Columbia and the festival?
For Directions, GO HERE.
Or fly American Airlines, the official airline of the festival. American Airlines offers flights directly into the Columbia Airport at a DISCOUNTED RATE FOR OUR FANS.
How do I get travel packages?
We have teamed up with CID Entertainment to offer Travel Packages for those visiting Columbia for the Festival. Travel Packages can be paired with GA or VIP Whole Hog passes and include a three-night stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, posters, and custom water bottles. To learn more about travel packages, please visit HTTP://WWW.CIDENTERTAINMENT.COM/HOME/ROOTSNBLUESNBBQ.PHP
Can I bring my bike and where will I park it?
Bikes are encouraged. Bike parking will be available inside the main entrance of the event.
What is the easiest way to get around downtown Columbia?
Walk, bike, take the Roots N Blues shuttle, or the FastCAT Express
What about kids?
Everyone is welcome at the festival. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
Can I upgrade to VIP Whole Hog?
Yes. Upgrade at the ticket gate. Check out the Whole Hog experience HERE.
Where can I pick up will call tickets?
Will call tickets can be picked up at the main ticket gate at the festival.
Will there be a free area?
No. Organizers encourage everyone to come out and buy a ticket to support the festival, or you can volunteer at the festival to get a free ticket. The City of Columbia also uses a lottery system to hand out free tickets.
What kind of arrangements do you have for accessibility?
We are happy to do our best to accommodate everyone. ADA parking will be available at the Riechmann Pavilion Lot on a first come, first served basis. If you have any special needs requests please send us an email at INFO@ROOTSNBLUESNBBQ.COM
Will you be recycling?
Yes, the Roots N Blues N BBQ festival is doing its part to help keep the festival green. Please recycle all appropriate materials in the designated bins throughout the festival footprint.
What is going on in the District that weekend?
Catch the shuttle to enjoy specials and discounts from featured restaurants and retailers in the District all weekend long. Look for the Roots N Blues N BBQ guitar pick logo in the windows of downtown businesses, and ask what sort of Roots N Blues N BBQ discount they are offering.
Will Festival merchandise be available for purchase?
A variety of festival and artist t-shirts, hats, posters, and other items will be sold at the festival.
When is the Roots N Blues N BBQ race and how do I sign up?
The Roots N Blues N BBQ ½ Marathon and 10K will be held Saturday, September 21, 2013. More information and map routes can be found HERE.
What is The Roots N Blues N BBQ Foundation and Blues in the Schools?
The Roots N Blues N BBQ Foundation is a nonprofit organization based out of Columbia, MO. The Foundation's mission is simple. Through efforts of volunteer leadership, professional staff, the music industry, fans, sponsors, and musicians, we will provide the resources and energy to promote all aspects of roots and blues music and positively impact our society at large.
Through the Blues in the Schools program, the foundation is able to cultivate and enrich cultural awareness in our community. The program has been offered at 19 Elementary schools in the Columbia area. Children learn about the unique history, culture, and tolerance that blues music promotes through hands-on experience with award-winning performers. At the end of the program, the children perform on stage in front of a live audience at the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival. Email FOUNDATION@ROOTSNBLUESNBBQ.COM for more information or to make a donation.
Visit the FOUNDATION page >>
VENDORS
The Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival is now accepting vendor applications for 2013!
Vending at The Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival gives you the chance to be part of one of the best blues festivals in the country, and to offer delicious food and expose your company to the thousands who attend the festival. All applications and payments must be submitted by mail no later than August 1, 2013.
STEP 1 - Become familiar with vendor requirements and guidelines by reading the Roots N Blues N BBQ VENDOR INFORMATION.
STEP 2 - Take a look at the guidelines for applying on the VENDOR CHECKLIST.
STEP 3 - Once you know how it all works and what to do, fill out the VENDOR APPLICATION.
Return completed applications and payments to:
Roots N Blues N BBQ
c/o Thumper Entertainment
attn: Vendor Coordinator
910 East Broadway, Suite 10
Columbia, MO 65201
For questions, please contact: VENDORS@ROOTSNBLUESNBBQ.COM
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering for Roots N Blues N BBQ gives you the chance to be part of one of the best blues festivals in the country, and to enjoy the festival as a fan. If accepted as a volunteer, you'll be assigned two 4-hour shifts, and in return receive a full 3-day pass to the festival, as well as a limited edition Volunteer Staff T-shirt.
To apply as a volunteer, follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Become familiar with the process by reading the Roots N Blues N BBQ 2013 VOLUNTEER POLICY GUIDE.
STEP 2 - Peruse the list of positions available in the VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES DIRECTORY.
STEP 3- Once you know how it all works and what you want to do, fill out a VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.
After completing the application, you can log in to your VOLUNTEER INFORMATION CENTER (VICNet) account to update your profile.
Assignments will be made beginning in late July. There will also be a Volunteer Fair at Mojo's on May 1st, from 5:30-7:30pm.
For questions, please contact: VOLUNTEERS@ROOTSNBLUESNBBQ.COM
