DMB, Modest Mouse Lead Rothbury Festival

Summer 2008 is shaping up to be the year of the Big American Rock Festival -- coming soon to a field near you -- and Rothbury, Michigan is the latest small town to order it up, supersized with the works. The rock 'n' roll rodeo, called simply Rothbury, will be held at the Double JJ Ranch on July 3-6, featuring a lineup of non-stop music, heady eco-panels and endless summer activities. Rothbury will be anchored by the Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, John Mayer, 311, Phil Lesh and Friends, Modest Mouse, Primus, Snoop Dogg, Michael Franti and Spearhead, the Disco Biscuits, STS9, Thievery Corp., Bassnectar and the Black Keys (for the complete list, hit up www.rothburyfestival.com).

In describing the event to Spinner, the promoter's spokesperson, Carrie Lombardi, says that the venue itself will distinguish Rothbury from the pack. "It's unusual to have existing infrastructure like Double JJ offers," she says. "In addition to on-site lodging options and amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants and bars, the scenic landscape is varied and features lakes, forests and fields."

Like Bonnaroo, Rothbury will be artistically vibrant, with circus arts popping up in unusual places throughout the event. And like Atlanta's Echo Project, Rothbury will offer an environmental Think Tank, Energy Fair and enough greening incentives to attract the owners of every pair of Birkenstocks in the land. As if having two members of Phish -- Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman -- performing didn't already ensure that.