Q&A with Dan Sheehan, Producer of California Roots Festival

[Lori Hatmaker]

California Roots Festival is a huge event that we all look forward to every year. I got to speak with Dan Sheehan, who runs the festival (along with Jeff Monser) to get some behind-the-scenes info.

California Roots Fest is a huge supporter of the community. What are some of the ways you contribute and give back to the community?

DS: This year we are bringing on a few non-profits and showcasing them at the festival, as well as on our social media. We also love to hire local and buy local when we can. When it comes to our music community, we feel that we give artists that might not have a platform to showcase their music and talents. We love our community.

 

What is the process/how do you choose the artists each year?

DS: We are already starting the process for next year's line up. We lay out our dream line up and then start placing it into the days of the festival to see how it all fits. It's not the easiest process in the world. It's always funny when people say, "You should have booked so and so..", when it's really not that easy. An artist like Fat Freddy's Drop is one I have been trying to book for the last 3 years. It's not from lack of trying, but timing.

 

What is different this year from previous fests?

DS: This year's line up is a bit different, with artists such as The Roots and JBT. It's still the same festival run by the same people. We are independent producers working day and night to bring the best possible festival to people. Other cool features we are adding this year is the CA MOMI Art and Wine Retreat. It's going to be a cool spot where we will feature all of the art vendors of the festival. We will be releasing more info on that shortly.

 

What are you most looking forward to for this year?

DS: I love this event more than I can even express. It's not just about one thing. It's about the event and then the people that it brings; the artists, the smells, everything. My favorite times are when my headliners show up at 8 a.m. ready to souncheck and then once our gates are open! It's a feeling I can't even describe.

 

What are some of your favorite moments from past years' California Roots fests?

DS: This is a hard one. One of the moments that really stands out in my mind is last year when I went on stage at 1:30 on Friday and Stick Figure was playing. I looked out at the crowd and the vibes were so high my heart skipped a beat.

*Stick Figure photo by Cindi Arrata/Surf Roots Radio

 

Many thanks to Dan Sheehan and make sure you don't miss out on California Roots Festival 2015!!

You can buy your tix at www.californiarootsfestival.com