Nestled in the heart of Cape Cod, Outermost Roots and Blues Festival has quietly become one of Massachusetts’ must-see music events. Founded by G. Love, this annual gathering at Nauset Beach is more than just a celebration of roots and blues—it’s a testament to the power of community, music, and friendship.
This year’s festivities takes place the weekend of October 12 & 13 and marks a special milestone for the festival as it enters its fourth year, evolving from its early days as the Cape Cod Roots and Blues Festival into the intimate two-day affair it is today.
G. Love, the festival’s visionary, shared the journey in an interview, reflecting on how the event has blossomed:
“It’s a dream come true for me to curate this festival. It was originally called Cape Cod Roots and Blues, but COVID shut us down, and we rebranded it as Outermost Roots. It’s been gaining momentum ever since.”
The 2024 lineup is nothing short of impressive, with headliners like Slightly Stoopid, making their only appearance in the Boston area this year, and Hawaiian artist Ron Artis II, who has been with the festival since its inception. The festival also welcomes Judith Hill, the renowned soul and R&B singer, as well as Iam Tongi, the American Idol winner who’s making waves across the country. G. Love teased that there will also be some surprise guests, saying,
“We’ve got some unannounced big names, but I can’t say who. Let’s just say, if you know me, you might guess.”
Ron Artis II / Courtesy Outermost Roots and Blues Festival
One of the unique aspects of Outermost Roots is its scale. Unlike the massive festivals of the West Coast, G. Love emphasizes that this is a small, homegrown event. “We’re doing two days at 5,000 people a day. It’s not huge, but it feels big for Cape Cod. The site is right by the beach, and unless we move off the beach, we can’t push it too much bigger. But I think this size suits it perfectly,” he shared.
This festival thrives not just on its impressive lineup but also on the friendships and collaborations that G. Love has fostered over the years. He explained how he’s been able to bring in major names like Slightly Stoopid through long-standing relationships.
“They’re doing me a super solid by playing. It’s all about helping each other out, just like how we helped them out early in their career.”
While the festival may remain small in terms of attendance, its impact on the music community is vast. G. Love has always been about opening doors for up-and-coming artists. “The biggest thing in my career has been inspiring others to play music and helping emerging artists get a leg up,” he said. “We’ve helped a lot of people along the way—Jack Johnson, Slightly Stoopid, Citizen Cope. And now, seeing them return the favor by playing our festival, it’s just a beautiful thing.”
Slightly Stoopid / Courtesy Outermost Roots and Blues Festival
The Outermost Roots and Blues Festival is more than just a series of performances; it’s a gathering of like-minded music lovers on Cape Cod’s picturesque shores. For G. Love, it’s not about turning it into a massive event but about cultivating something that will last.
“I want to make this a tradition, a community, something people look forward to every year,” he said. “That’s what festivals are really about.”
With its focus on genuine connections, incredible music, and the spirit of roots and blues, Outermost Roots and Blues Festival is poised to become a Cape Cod tradition for years to come.
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