National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Billing itself as "a party with a purpose," Michigan's Rothbury Festival will debut on July 4th weekend, 2008. This next-generation music festival, held at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury Michigan, will feature four days of music and camping with over 70 bands on eight stages, including headliner Dave Matthews Band. Rothbury will also host will a Think Tank, an Energy Fair and other enviornmental initiatives.

In addition to the Dave Matthews Band, Rothbury boasts a jam band- and indie-rock heavy lineup that includes Widespread Panic, John Mayer, Primus, Thievery Corporation, The Black Keys, Snoop Dogg, Modest Mouse, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Medeski Martin & Wood, Gov't Mule, Iron & Wine's Sam Beam and more.

Fans of global music can check out Rodrigo y Gabriela, DJ Rekha, Gogol Bordello, The Mickey Hart Band, Steel Pulse and the Wailers.

Rothbury states that it's goal is to "harness the unique energy of the live music community into a durable social movement" toward "Climate Change and Clean Energy Alternatives." To this end the festval will offer two events within the event.

The Rothbury Think Tank will offer various buzz sessions and roundtables between leading scientists, scholars, writers, progressive political and corporate leaders, youth leaders, and entertainers. The Think Tank will address the topic of Climate Change and Clean Energy Solutions, geared toward conversations related to corporations, government/policy makers, and the individual.

Rothbury's Energy Fair, will allow attendees engage hands-on with cutting edge, sustainable technology and products, offering a flurry of scheduled and surprise activities, plus food/drink, vending, performances/presentations on the Workshop Stage, contests and interactive opportunities, and much more. The Double JJ Ranch festival site also offers trails, forests, fields, lakes and beach fronts, and even on-site lodging, bars and eateries.

For more information on ticketing, camping, complete lineups and schedules, consult the Rothbury Festival website.