Here at Roots & Rhythm it has always been about the music. We are very excited to announce our 2025 lineup. Take a moment to explore more about each artist/act below. As always it’s going to be a real memorable event folks! Bring a chair and your dancing feet! These are all headliners so don’t miss a minute. The Central Park Main Stage will begin at approximately 12PM, on festival day, Saturday June 21st.
Back by popular demand!! John Nemeth.
As a teenager in the early ‘90s growing up in the muddy potato fields of Idaho, John Németh was drawn to the hard-edged hip hop sounds and rock bands of the day, until a friend, Tom Moore, introduced him to the Junior Wells and Buddy Guy classic “Hoodoo Man Blues.” Together they formed Fat John & the 3 Slims, which is still regarded as a legendary band in the Boise region. John played harp and sang in local bands, often opening the show for nationally touring blues acts and quickly caught the ear of established blues musicians. It didn’t take long before he was releasing his own recordings, “The Jack Of Harps” (2002) and “Come And Get It” (2004), featuring Junior Watson, and performing in Junior Watson’s band.
John relocated to San Francisco in 2004, where he had the bitter-sweet good fortune to undertake a two-year stint with Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, filling in for the ailing Sam Myers. Németh immersed himself in the deep musical waters of the Bay area, absorbing more of the soul and funk grooves of what he calls “the early East Bay Grease sound” of San Francisco and Oakland bands.
John’s talents did not go unnoticed and he soon signed a recording contract with Blind Pig Records. His national debut for that label, “Magic Touch” (2007), produced by Anson Funderburgh and featuring Junior Watson on guitar, received an ecstatic response from fans and the media, and he was hailed as the new voice of the blues. Living Blues enthused, “Magic Touch gives hope that the blues will survive.” In 2008 Németh was recruited by Elvin Bishop to do some performances and contribute four vocal tracks to his Grammy-nominated album “The Blues Rolls On.”
Németh released two more albums on the Blind Pig label, “Love Me Tonight” (2009) & “Name The Day (2010), both hitting #6 on the Billboard Blues Chart, and beginning his long string of Blues Music Award (BMA) nominations, numbering 20 at last count. John has also won two Blues Blast Music Awards – Best New Artist Debut Recording and Sean Costello Rising Star Award. John followed up with two independently released live albums in 2012, “Blues Live” and “Soul Live.”
In 2013 John relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, where he teamed up with producer Scott Bomar and his classic Memphis Soul band, the Bo-Keys, to create an album of revisited soul classics, “Memphis Grease” (2014 Blue Corn), which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Blues Chart. John won the 2104 BMA for Best Soul Blues Male Artist, followed by “Memphis Grease” winning Best Soul Blues Album in 2015.
In 2017 Németh released “Feelin’ Freaky” (produced by Luther Dickinson) on his own Memphis Grease label, crushing all barriers of style and genre with an album of original songs that defied all the usual pigeonholes, drawing from his strong influences in blues and R&B, as well as contemporary sounds in hip hop and rock ‘n’ roll. Later that same year, Németh was part of a side project “The Love Light Orchestra Featuring John Németh” recorded live at one of Memphis’ favorite watering holes, Bar DKDC. The 10-piece band was initially envisioned by guitarist Joe Restivo, vocalist John Németh and arranger/trumpeter Marc Franklin.
Németh returned to Electraphonic in December of 2019 with his seasoned road band of young gun players, The Blue Dreamers, featuring 19 year-old guitar phenom from Philadelphia, Jon Hay, drummer Danny Banks and Matt Wilson on bass for a rowdy southern swamp roots session resulting in his 10th album, “Stronger Than Strong” demonstrating, yet again, his uncanny ability to skillfully blend retro and modern blues and soul into compelling music that is simultaneously old and new.
Very special appearance by Vaneese Thomas-
https://www.facebook.com/vaneesethomasmusic
Born in Memphis Tennessee, Vaneese is the daughter of Rufus Thomas, whose legendary
career as a musician and entertainer began in Vaudeville and spanned more than half a
century in R&B recording and radio. Her older siblings are the hit recording artist “Memphis
Queen” Carla Thomas and the highly respected keyboardist Marvell Thomas (R.I.P.).
Embracing this remarkable musical legacy, Vaneese carries forward the rich heritage of
Memphis soul and R&B; music that has touched generations and crossed many divides. At
the same time, she has combined all the influences of her background and experience –
R&B, gospel, blues, and jazz – to cultivate a soul-stirring style that’s all her own.
Highly regarded within the music industry, Vaneese’s talents as a singer, songwriter,
producer, and actor have made her a sought-after solo performer as well as a first-call
vocalist for projects by other top-name artists. She has worked with the renowned
recording producer Phil Ramone and has sung with an astonishing array of internationally
known performers including Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson,
Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen to name a few. Vaneese has sung with the
Baltimore and Colorado Symphonies in “Too Hot to Handel” under the baton of Marin Alsop
and at Several Pavarotti & Friends concerts in Modena, Italy; The Montreux Jazz Festival in
Switzerland; The Michael Jackson & Friends concerts with Luther Vandross in Seoul, Korea,
and Munich, Germany, and soul music festivals in Porretta, Narni, and Perugia, Italy.
Ge]en Records released Vaneese’s first major recording in 1987. The self-titled album
included the Top Ten R & B hit “Let’s Talk it Over.” In 1999 Vaneese used her own Peaceful
Waters Music label to release, When My Back’s Against The Wall. A few years later came A
Woman’s Love (2004), which combined R&B and silky, smooth-jazz vocals and in 2009
Vaneese released Soul Sister Vol. One, a collection of seminal soul classics. The CD, and
the live show Vaneese has created from it, both pay tribute to some of the original soul
sisters and honor the historical value of this irrepressible music. Since 2014 Vaneese has
released five albums dedicated to her father and the music she was born into – Blues For
My Father, (2014 Segue Records), The Long Journey Home (2016 Segue Records), Down
Yonder (2019 Segue Records), Fight The Good Fight (2022 Blue Heart Records) and
now Stories In Blue (2024 Overton Music).
In addition to concerts and recordings, Vaneese has worked extensively in film and
television. She was the voice of Grace the Bass on the PBS series “Shining Time Station”
and Clio the Muse, Goddess of History, in Disney’s “Hercules.” She has sung on numerous
film soundtracks including “Anastasia,” “Mighty Aphrodite” and “The First Wives Club.” TV
appearances include “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Late Night with Conan
O’Brien,” and “NBC’s Today.” Vaneese has also produced recordings, created vocal
arrangements, and written songs for Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Bob James, Larry
Coryell, Melba Moore, and Diana Ross. She helped found the Swarthmore College Gospel
Choir and continues to direct the Alumni Gospel Choir. Vaneese is a six-time Blues Music
Award nominee for Soul Blues Female Artist and “Blues For My Father” garnered two BMA
nominations for Best Soul Blues Album & Best New Artist Debut. Vaneese recently
appeared as a featured guest at Black Opry concerts in Memphis & NYC.
Little Red Rooster Blues Band-
http://www.littleredrooster.com/
Since their formation in 1988, they have become one of the Delaware Valley’s premier blues bands, consistently delivering their own brand of blues, always combined with a crowd-pleasing, high-energy performance and a whole lot of fun!
The band has built a community of friends and fans of the blues, one that cannot be matched! They have performed at clubs and festivals throughout the United States, and have even toured Europe on multiple occasions. To date, they have released 7 CDs of original material, all of which were widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike!
In February of 2015, the band was inducted into the International Blues Hall of Fame, and in 2016, they were voted Best Band in Bucks County, PA, by the organization Bucks Happening. In July of 2018, the band’s CD made Living Blues Radio Chart’s Top 25. The success of the CD Lock Up The Liquor continued. On January 26, 2019, The Little Red Rooster Blues Band’s Lock Up The Liquor won The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge and awarded Best Self-Produced CD for 2019.
Their passion and respect for the music, along with their ability to fully engage their audiences, virtually guarantees a phenomenal live blues experience. They’re just… Terrific!
From Baltimore (Bawlimer) Maryland, Flatfoot Sam & the Educated Fools–
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063652713097
Flatfoot Sam & the Educated Fools
Flat Foot Sam (Sam Peightal) is a seasoned and dynamic artist whose soulful blend of Swing, Jump, Chicago, and Down in the Basement ‘Gut Bucket’ Blues has captivated audiences for nearly four decades. With a powerful stage presence, Sam has become known not only as a skilled harmonica player, but also as a strong, soulful vocalist. Whether belting out high-energy jump blues or crooning a heartfelt ballad, his performances are marked by intensity, passion, and an undeniable authenticity.Having been a staple of the East Coast blues scene for nearly 40 years, Sam has earned a reputation as a captivating front man and versatile performer. Throughout his extensive career, he has been the driving force behind the house bands at both Twist and Shout and Tornado Alley, venues that helped shape his musical identity and establish his commanding presence.Sam’s impressive list of collaborations includes sharing the stage with blues legends such as Koko Taylor, Junior Wells, Charlie Musselwhite, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Sean Costello, and the Nighthawks. His band, The Educated Fools, has performed at major blues festivals, including the Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival, Western Maryland Blues Festival, and the Johnny Johnson Jazz & Blues Heritage Festival, earning praise for their energetic live shows and deep connection to the roots of American blues music.With his authentic sound and vast musical experience, Flat Foot Sam continues to bring the essence of the blues to new generations of listeners while honoring the tradition that has defined his career.
Sam’s band for the day will be a powerhouse unit with of some of the East Coast’s finest:
Andrew Gutterman – drums
Growing up in the Washington DC area Andrew took advantage of the DC and Baltimore music scenes and soon became known for his versatility, equally comfortable performing jazz, blues, reggae, folk, rock, and more. Andrew has since made a career out of this versatility, touring the United States, Canada, and Europe with bands such as Pokey LaFarge, Kim Wilson, The Pietasters, Junior Watson, Miss Tess, and many more. Andrew is also an educator and author, having almost 20 years of teaching experience and applying that experience in his drum instruction book “Offbeats & Backbeats”.
Pete Kanaras – guitar
First gaining regional notice in the late 80’s with the NY blues bands Rockinitis, Pete slowly gained national attention with lengthy stints in the bands of Little Sammy Davis (1989-’93), Steve Guyger (The Excellos, 1990-1994), The Nighthawks (1995-2004), The Chris O’Leary Band (2015-2024) Pittsburgh soul legend Billy Price (2016-present), San Francisco soul legend Charlie Owen (2016-present) and many others. Pete’s close association with Flatfoot Sam Peightal goes all the way back to 1995, when Sam worked at the legendary Washington DC area roots music club Tornado Alley. They’ve been performing together whenever they can ever since, 30 years and counting.
Steve Kirsty – bass
here’s a quote about the great Steve Kirsty from his current employer, Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Steve is the bassist on the band’s current release “Struck Down”. Kim: “Steve Kirsty has got a great sound. He’s got great musicality. So many musicians compartmentalize other people’s licks, put them in a different order, and call that creative. Whereas Steve is actually very creative on his instrument. But he’s a bass player. He knows he’s there to hold down the fort along with the drums”.
Tam Sullivan – keys
a Washington DC native, Tam has worked with many of DC’s finest for over four decades, starting out in hardcore go-go bands and then branching out into jazz, traditional blues and r&b bands. he leads the stellar Brother Bill Quintet, which specializes in classic Blue Note Records-era jazz. he was also a charter member of Billy Price’s Charm City Rhythm Band.
And now for something completely different, Laid Back Country Picker-
https://www.laidbackcountrypicker.org
The night Laid Back’s high school classmates went on their senior trip, he played his first professional bar gig. It was not his first show, as he had played bass in local bluegrass bands, but it opened the door to smoky bars and honky-tonk survival. Over the years he went on perform and record with many well-known artist, often uncredited, as was the Nashville way. He has played with everyone from the Georgia Satellites to the Kentucky Headhunters. Opening for Thin Lizzy and The Guess Who, recording at Johnny Cash’s studio as well as the now defunct Butcher Shoppe in Nashville (owned by John Prince and Sturgill Simpson) Laid Back has seen some things. LB served as a mentor to a young Tyler Childers, who now has Laid Back signed on his Hickman Holler label. Mr. Childers has made several films with LB and included him in his music videos, as well as having him open a CD release show in New York City and open his sets at the Ryman Auditorium and Red Rocks Amphitheater. Over the years Laid Back has honed his craft and played simply for the love of the music. His no rules approach to musical performance flies in the face of those who prefer their music to fit neatly into category. Equal parts Led Zeppelin, Waylon Jennings, Stanley Brothers, David Bowie and Motorhead, and that’s just the beginning. Laid Back is a product of the 1970s when lines were often blurred. He doesn’t care what you call it, he just wants you to feel it. Attentive to the audience and ready for conversation, a Laid Back show is an interactive lesson on music, pop culture and whatever else is on his mind that day. Whether he is playing with his full band or grinding out heavy guitar riffs with his companion Honey on drums in the White Stirpes inspired duo, you leave the concert knowing you have seen a show. There will be a meet and greet and Laid Back will stand and talk until everyone is satisfied. Because it’s not just about playing songs to an audience, it’s about a shared experience with his fellow man. Laid Back’s mantra is “playing country music and treating people right”. He strives to uphold that pledge every night
