Headstash

The Malah with Mike Rempel. The Malah rounded out the Main Stage lineup Saturday night with the crowd firmly in their grasp. Fresh off the release of their new album, “Light Forms,” the Colorado group brought some new sounds with them to Logan, Ohio.

They started off their set with a few tracks that were much more upbeat than their typical ambient grooves.

“Hell yeah, this has a Lotus feel to it!” exclaimed the zombie-like dancing man next to me.

Amazingly, Lotus’ Mike Rempel joined them on stage just moments to play a few songs including “Sweet Spring.” Rempel, who has played and recorded with the group many times before, utilized smooth jazzy tones and light tasty licks to really put this set over the top and force the crowd into a dancing trance.  

BioDiesel – Johnny Rabb. One of the best aspects of Rootwire is the lack of schedule conflicts, but there were an inevitable few. After the first few songs from Dopapod on the Main Stage Friday night, I decided to forgo the rest of their set and head to the Tent Stage to check out BioDiesel on the advice of some friends. They spoke of Johnny Rabb as some percussive freak of nature with his Guinness World Record single stroke rolls. I had to check it out.

Joining forces with Brother’s Past’s Clay Parnell, they made one of the most astonishing electronic acts I have ever seen. Rabb’s speed, technique and intricacy on the drums were baffling to watch while Parnell’s bass lines and samples perfectly rounded out this live drum and bass duo’s arsenal.

Krystyn Pixton – Secret set at the tree. Late Friday night as we regrouped at the campsite and prepared to head to Earthcry, our ears caught some unknown enchanting melodies. With a communal itch to find the source of these sounds, we followed our ears and stumbled upon a Krystyn Pixton secret set. Her angelic vocals and compositions create a heavenly soundscape that transcended us to a blissful dream world. Her quirky innocence brought comfort to all as she kneeled in front of her keys and enticed participation in her loops.

Papadosio worked tirelessly throughout the weekend to create the Rootwire experience and still somehow managed to play four mind-blowing sets. Thursday night they played their PA set, which is pure improv with Anthony Thogmartin mixing the band live.

Saturday they played two sets with sit-ins from Eli and Rob of Dopapod, a Mike Rempel sit-in for “All I Knew,” and a Krystyn Pixton and Lilly-Anne Merat sit-in for a Pixton original.

They left the entire Rootwire audience demanding more after they finished their second set and responded with an energy packed “The Eyes Have Eyes.”

Sunday night they topped off the festival with their acoustic set. It’s truly incredible to witness these guys unplug. When you take away the synths and samples, it becomes a mind-blowing organic musical experience that shows the musical genius that is Papadosio.

Following Chali 2na and The House of Vibe on Sunday night was Third Nature on the side stage. This trio from Connecticut blends an amazing array of sounds to create a synchronized ambient funk livetronica experience. Coupled with vocal harmonies complete with meaningful lyrics, each song flows smoothly and pleases your aural senses.  

One thing that really caught my attention as the weekend progressed was the amount of talent at this festival – more specifically, the percussionists. I think it’s safe to say some of the most talented and technical drummers touring today were present: Johnny Rabb (BioDiesel), Seth Fankhauser (The Malah) and Mike Healy (Papadosio). They all have such unique stage presence, speed, precision and technical discipline. These guys are absurd at their craft and very inspiring to watch.

Rootwire is very different from the vast majority of festivals because it’s a transformational festival. It’s focused on creating a positive atmosphere based on art. They brought in many amazing visual artists, performance artists, workshops, ceremonies and installations. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that hits you on all fronts and sends you home with a sense of revival and spirit with a greater outlook on all things.

-- John Manion