A couple of months ago, it looked like Rhode Island’s popular Rhythm and Roots Festival was history. Then, out of the blue, came a welcomed press release: Chuck Wentworth has closed a deal with Connecticut’s GoodWorks, and the festival is a GO.

Wentworth was hired as a consultant and, working together, they pulled off a miracle – attracting record crowds to Ninigret Park in Charlestown.

The combination of Wentworth, GoodWorks, perfect weather, a powerful lineup and great PR by Cranston’s Ginny Shea brought the loyal fans and hundreds of new concert-goers to Ninigret for the three-day festival.

Friday night was New Orleans jazz night with three bands, including the fabulous John Papa Gros Band to kick things off.

Saturday attracted a multitude of younger fans who came to see Grace Potter and Anders Osborne and Jackie Greene. Meanwhile, the traditional Cajun and Zydeco fans danced the night away in the dance tent to Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas and the Pine Leaf Boys.

With festival favorite Steve Riley back home in Mamou, Louisiana, with Covid, fans were disappointed.

Filling the gap was the surprise hit of the festival, Nick Bosse and the Northern Roots, coming all the way from North Stonington, Connecticut.

Bosse sounds a bit like a mellow Toby Keith and sings his heart out on every country song, from originals to covers.

The festival closed with Little Feat, a band popular with the younger crowd

Congratulations to all for saving this great Rhode Island tradition.