The 3rd Annual Roots Family Reunion Promises Music, BBQ, Art, And Community

This Saturday, July 13, the folks from Roots Café (639 5th Ave) are presenting the third annual Roots Family Reunion at Littlefield (622 Degraw St). It’s an evening of music, food, art, and most importantly, community.

We asked Gypsy George, the event’s organizer and one of its performers (and an enthusiastic member of the Roots family), a few questions about how it came to be, and what we can expect to see.

SSN: What was the genesis of the Roots Family Reunion?

Gypsy George: The idea for Roots Family Reunion began as a way to showcase all the amazing talent that exists in South Slope. The Brooklyn ‘scene’ always seems to be associated with areas like Williamsburg, Greenpoint, etc. Yet, we have a very vibrant, organic scene that has been developing for some years now and has largely gone unnoticed.

Jamey ‘Brother’ Hamm (owner of Roots Café), Chris Q. Murphy, and myself would organize music nights throughout the South Slope (Roots Café, Bar 4, Korzo), and figured we needed to take it to the next level. This community — essentially — revolves around Roots Café. All the musicians, artists, etc. that will be present at the event have all met each other through the café.

That is why our tag line is ‘celebrating the community, music & art of Roots Café.’ Not to sound clichéd, but we really are a family.

This is your third year…are there any changes in store?

Besides featuring 10 bands (which is the most we have ever had for the event), we are offering free BBQ with admission courtesy of Hometown BBQ. Plus, we will have a dedicated art gallery at Littlefield’s front room featuring a handful of amazing South Slope artists.

What separates the Roots Family Reunion from other music and art festivals?

The community. We really support each other in a way I’ve never experienced in any other neighborhood. Everyone involved truly believes in each other’s respective talents. As a result, that translates to the audience. Roots Family Reunion is a shared experience by everyone. It’s not a show; it’s an event.

What can you tell us about the artists that will be performing?

Much like South Slope, the artists performing at Roots Family Reunion reflect the diversity of our neighborhood. Musically, the night will move from bluegrass to hip hop and everything else in between. It will be an eclectic night. Does that mean it will be all over the place? On the contrary, much like our community everything compliments and balances each other. Rather than single out any particular set of artists, I would prefer (in the spirit of the event) to list all the acts performing (in order of appearance last to first):

Rabbi Darkside
Barnyard Brothers
Gypsy George & the Open Road Love Affair
Chris Q. Murphy & the Fiendish Thingies
The Alex Mallett Band
Trisha Ivy
That Moon
Your Friend, Kimi
Matt Frye
Union St. Preservation Society

What can audience members expect this Saturday at Littlefield?

Lots and lots and LOTS of awesomeness!!! It truly is a night of celebration. Much like any family reunion, it will be a grand affair with food, drinks, and dancing — a good time guarantee!

For more information about all the acts, visit the Roots Family Reunion website; to buy tickets in advance, visit the Littlefield site.