Roots N Blues Festival Unveils 2022 Lineup Topped By Wilco, Jon Batiste, Bleachers & Chaka Khan

After making a historic statement for the need for gender parity in the music industry by hosting an all-women led event in 2021, Roots N Blues will return in October featuring a lineup that continues to expand the definition of roots, while being balanced in regard to gender and generation.

The Oct. 7-9 fest is topped by Wilco and Tanya Tucker on Friday, Jon Batiste and Chaka Khan on Saturday and Bleachers and Old Crow Medicine Show on Sunday.

“We’re continuing to expand on what we started in 2021 by exploring all corners of American Roots Music – moving away from a narrow definition and adopting a broader view of what roots music is,” says Shay Jasper, Co-owner of Roots N Blues. “This is the most exciting, eclectic lineup yet. There will be something for everyone at Roots N Blues!”

The lineup also includes Hippo Campus, Larkin Poe, Tank and the Bangas, Houndmouth, Cautious Clay, Jackie Venson, Steeldrivers, Jaime Wyatt, The Dip, Brittney Spencer, Liz Cooper, Kassi Ashton, The Heavy Heavy, representing a range of artists from Americana, roots, blues, R&B, country, bluegrass, soul, folk, and rock.

“The central focus of our vision for the future of this festival is equity – both on and off the stage,” says Tracy Lane, Co-owner of Roots N Blues. “We strive to remove the barriers around live music – gender, age, race, ability, and income – for our artists, staff, and audience.”

Jasper and Lane were recently honored as part of Pollstar’s Women Of Live 2022 list. In addition to shining a line on a diverse bill of fantastic women artists, the festival co-owners and producers implemented changes backstage and front of house.

As Lane told Pollstar, “This included contracting with a 50% female-owned event security company whose employment practices prioritize race and gender diversity. We also moved the needle forward with regard to safety and equity behind the scenes by hiring a diverse staff that included women and non-binary individuals in security, artist relations, and production roles.”

Festival passes and single-day tickets for the 2022 edition are on sale now at: https://rootsnbluesfestival.frontgatetickets.com/.

Rather than VIP packages, fans have the option to make a $200 donation to Friends of the Festival in addition to purchasing their 3-day festival pass for access to lounges and up-front viewing at both stages. The tax-deductible donation helps further the legacy of the Festival, employs hundreds of Missourians, and provides access to music literacy and history programs to children throughout the state.

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Pollstar + VenuesNow 2022 Women Of Live: Tracy Lane and Shay Jasper