Roots Picnic: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Last year’s Roots Picnic was an incredible event that brought together a wide range of artists for a spectacular show. Attendees that braved the sweltering heat (and man, it was HOT!) were treated to excellent performances from Gnarls Barkley, The Dap Kings and of course, The Roots.
Last year's Roots Picnic was an incredible event that brought together a wide range of artists for a spectacular show. Attendees that braved the sweltering heat (and man, it was HOT!) were treated to excellent performances from Gnarls Barkley, The Dap Kings and of course, The Roots. There was certainly no shortage of memorable moments, and we spoke to a few people who went last year and are planning on returning about what stood out the most and what they're excited to see this time around.
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What act gave the best performance at last year's event?
The Roots.
What was the most memorable thing about last year's event?
The unbearable heat. It was one of those typical Philly heatwaves. It had to be triple digits. Musically, the most memorable thing was when The Roots took the stage at 8 p.m. right around dusk. The sky was orange and they did "I Will Not Apologize" over War's "The World Is A Ghetto" instrumental.
What act are you most excited about seeing this year?
Easily seeing PE backed by the Roots and Antibalas. I'm also curious to see how TVOTR and the Black Keys sound in an outdoor festival format without the benefit of the acoustics.
What were your overall thoughts on last years show?
It was incredible. I hope this event gets to be as big as SXSW or Bonnaroo.
Travis, 29, Philadelphia
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What act gave the best performance at last year's event?
Damn, that's a tough one. Esperanza Spalding, Sharon Jones, The Roots second set ("I can understand it" set), Gnarls Barkley. Damn, that's a tough one. Every act was good.
What was the most memorable thing about last year's event?
Besides the heat? Other than falling in love with Esperanza Spalding? Seeing Gnarls Barkley perform. I didn't perform, but if it's as hot as it was last year, then I'm going up on that stage just to cool off.
What act are you most excited about seeing this year?
Public Enemy, backed by The Roots and Antibalas, performing It Takes A Nation Of Millions... in its entirety.
What were your overall thoughts on last years show?
Awesome! You know how good a festival gotta be to stay in over a hundred degree heat? Every single act was good.
Gary, 27, Planet Earth
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What act gave the best performance at last year's event?
The Roots, Gnarls Barkley, and Diplo...everything I saw was good though.
What was the most memorable thing about last year's event?
The 100 degree weather all day and those guys having a dance-off in the tent. Oh yeah, and Hub coming back to play bass for "Mellow My Man."
What act are you most excited about seeing this year?
Public Enemy with The Roots/Antibalas, The Roots, The Black Keys, TV on the Radio...I can't pick just one!
What were your overall thoughts on last years show?
Great show and well worth my day and money, but I'm much more excited about this year's show. Last year it was an odd mix with groups like Deerhoof and Dap Kings playing on the same stage and sometimes I was conflicted on whether to be under the tent or out watching an act... this year all the main acts are bands/groups to which I listen. The thing that made last year's show great was just the sheer number of quality acts you got to see on one day.
Chris, 25, Virginia
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What act gave the best performance at last year's event?
I'd have to go with The Roots' main set. The return of Hub was a great moment, also my first time seeing P.O.R.N. live.
What was the most memorable thing about last year's event?
Hub's return, Questo playing drums with Gnarls and the dance off in the tent... that one awful dude was freakin hilarious.
What act are you most excited about seeing this year?
P.E. with The Roots / Antibalas. Thats gonna be one for the ages. Black Keys too, they always kill it. And of course The Roots' solo set- I'm hoping they do something with Antibalas because the Soundclash in Boston with those 2 was incredible…
What were your overall thoughts on last years show?
HOT! But weather aside I had a blast. Dont sleep on the pre-picnic jam too, that was just as good, if not better than the actual Picnic. That was my first time seeing Santigold and Janelle Money live and they were excellent. This year's should be interesting with Soulive headlining- not quite sure what to expect.
Dave of itsallthewaylive.net and therootslive.com, New York
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What act gave the best performance at last year's event?
The Roots, hands down!
What was the most memorable thing about last year's event?
The heat. If the show had not been so good, I would not have stayed. I'm shocked no one passed out.
What act are you most excited about seeing this year?
Public Enemy!!
What were your overall thoughts on last years show?
Last years show was great, but they should have known better than not have the Roots close the show. I felt sorry for GB 'cause I left as they started their set.
Will, 31, illadelph