Well, the Rothbury experience has been an adventure thus far. In order to help take part in the ‘green’ aspect of Rothbury (and not to mention the cost of gas), I carpooled from Tennessee with a HeadCount volunteer. We left on Tuesday night from Nashville and my friend and I drove straight through the night. It’s been a few years since I’ve pulled an all-night driving session (Big Cypress) in order to arrive on site on time. After experiencing a little bit of ticketing problems and witnessing a down pour of rain we were finally allowed on site. At first, I was a little scared because the mud I saw gave me a flashback to Coventry but then I realized it was supposed to rain on Wednesday only. By Friday, the site has mostly dried up.

[Percussion Monkeys!]

Thursday I spent time exploring the vast site that is Rothbury. This is by far the most interesting festival site I’ve ever seen. The Double JJ Ranch has everything from horseback riding, to a water park, and you can even catch 18 holes if you’re so inclined. The lake is beautiful, and while you’re there you can catch a game of volleyball or challenge someone to horseshoes. This is all the stuff that is part of the ranch, I haven’t even started on the actual festival amenities.

READ ON for more on the first day of the first-ever Rothbury Festival…

From what I can tell the site is very well laid out. I haven’t heard too many horror stories of having to wait in traffic to get on site. The stages are in easy walking distance, but at the same time far enough away so the music doesn’t bleed over onto another stage. The Tripolee Domes remind me of the jungle gym I used to play on in grade school, except for the addition of lighting rigs and a stage in the middle of all of them.

The port-o-let situation has been good thus far. If you’re lucky enough you’ve found one with a hand sanitizer dispenser. The only bad experience thus far are the lack of water stations on the camp grounds and in the site. One of the big things Rothbury is trying to do is eliminate the use of selling bottled water and encouraged patrons to bring empty containers to fill up water on site. I’m still having problems finding the potable water to fill up my solar shower, much less drinking water. The other problem is that the General Store is supposed to be the only place that sells ice, which makes it difficult to transport. But, overall, being a first year festival the site and more importantly — music are coming together nicely.

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to visit the Conscious Alliance canned food sculpture and I’m told that it’s supposed to be the world-largest canned food structure. Then, I took a moment to check out the Farmer’s Market on site. The fruits and veggies are local, fresh and most importantly reasonably priced. One thing I noticed was that all the trash cans were very clearly marked for compost, recycle, and landfill. Later in the day, individuals were stationed at each trash receptacle in order to educate people and make sure they disposed of their waste correctly. I was really impressed with this feature at the festival — a great way to stay true to their word on making this a green festival.

Another aspect of the festival is the on-site artistic installations and Rothbury spared no expense. The fences are lined with Christmas lights and the Sherwood Forrest is overtaken with hammocks, lights, and shiny objects.

Overall, it’s been a great experience. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to check out The Underground Orchestra, Perpetual Groove (with the new keyboardist), Zappa Plays Zappa (complete with an “Owner of a Lonely Heart” jam and Cartman impression), Lotus, and I ended my evening with The Disco Biscuits, who did not disappoint. The weather is perfect here and I can’t wait for more music, more atmosphere, and the fireworks tonight. What a great way to celebrate my freedom!

[All photos by Jennifer Kirk]

[Conscious Alliance Canned Food Sculpture]

[Where your waste goes]

[Sherwood Forest]

[Tripolee Domes]

[Underground Orchestra]

[Perpetual Groove]

[Zappa Plays Zappa]

[The Disco Biscuits]

• More festival photos can be found here