It was a sad day last week when we learned of the death of Rhythm and Roots founder Chuck Wentworth.

I first met Chuck when he was in partnership with the original Cajun & Bluegrass Festival at Stepping Stone Ranch  back in the mid-sixties.

Chuck introduced me to some of the greatest music on the planet, born out of places like Mamou and New Orleans, Louisiana, played with the much maligned accordion and sung in a Creole language I couldn’t understand.

The music made you move your feet, stand up and dance, and feel joy beyond comprehension.

Chuck moved the festival to Ninigret Park in Charlestown in 1998, opening it up to a wider audience, and adding Roots music from around the world. His wife, children and grandchildren were all part of the staff.

He continued his radio show at URI and ran the February Mardi Gras dance at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, in addition to his full-time job at URI.

He introduced us to roots stars like Cape Bretton fiddler Natalie McMaster, Cajun star Steve Riley, zydeco legends, blues singers, Tex-Mex bands, and western swing.

In 2022, Chuck’s health problems caught up with him, and he was forced to step down from his role as full-time promoter/producer of the world-renowned Rhythm and Roots Festival. Chuck turned over the reins to GoodWorks productions out of Connecticut, and until his passing continued to work with them as mentor and coordinator.

Beside all that, Chuck was one great guy, stopping to say “hello” to festival fans  from all over the United States and Canada.

He will be missed, but never forgotten.

A celebration of his life will be held at a further date.

RHTHYM & ROOTS 2024

Save the dates of Rhythm & Roots 2024, to be held at Ninigret Park August 30 and 31 and September 1.

A partial list of entertainers has been announced, headlined by country rock star Emmy Lou Harris and Grand Ole Opry members, the Old Crow Medicine Show.

More information will follow, so get on the mailing list at rhythmandroots.org.