Tokyo Sexwhale performs at last year's Jamboree.

Angela J. Cesere I AnnArbor.com

Now that the uproar over the event’s name has died down, organizers of the two-day Michigan Roots Jamboree, Friday and Saturday in Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park, say the focus is now firmly where it belongs — on the festival itself. “Last year a lot of our time and energy was put into defending (the name),” said festival Director Don Sicheneder about the event’s original, and ultimately divisive, moniker, the Ypsitucky Jamboree. Intended to pay homage to the Southern heritage of many Ypsilanti residents, the name was viewed as derogatory by some members of the community, so it was changed. “This year it’s really a non-issue,” he said.

The Jamboree is presented under the auspices of the non-profit Depot Town Community Development Corporation. Proceeds will go to Ypsilanti’s parks and to Depot Town improvement projects. “Last year it was a huge success, an absolute blast. I think that everybody that came got a lot of value out of it. Everybody walked away very happy. We’re looking to do the same thing this year,” Sicheneder added. That shouldn’t be too hard, considering the mix of well-known local and regional acts that have been booked. Among those scheduled to perform are The Macpodz, ekoostik hookah, Dick Siegel, The Ragbirds, Hullabaloo, Black Jake & the Carnies, nervous but excited, October Babies and Smokestack, which is getting together for a reunion show. The lineup — with two stages this year — reflects a broadening of the Jamboree’s base to include more genres than bluegrass, the style out of which the event has its origins.

Listen to a selection of songs by performers at this year's Michigan Roots Jamboree: Originally, the Jamboree was conceived as a bluegrass festival, partly because Sicheneder is in the bluegrass band Dragon Wagon. But the decision was eventually made to make the event more inclusive; now fest-goers can hear bluegrass, folk, jazz-rock fusion, world music and more. “The thing about last year and again this year is no matter what type of music that you’re into, you’re going to go and watch the bands and think, ‘Wow, they’re great at what they do.’ The roots of bluegrass and folk are still there, there are a number of different bands that are playing that genre,” he explained.

Sicheneder said more than 100 acts applied to be in the Jamboree, making choices difficult. “We’ve got such an immense talent base in Washtenaw County, so really the heart (of it) I wanted to keep here. Also, I’ve seen every one of the bands on the list, and live performance is No. 1 for me,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of bands that put together a great CD but when it comes to live performance they wouldn’t shock and awe. So a major criteria was to make sure their live performance was spectacular. I wasn’t as much concerned with the genre as with the energy they bring. Do people want to watch them, do people want to dance to them, do people want to connect with them live? “I picked some of the ones that did an amazing job last year, and then some new ones, like ekoosik hookah, the Smokestack one-time reunion … everyone is pretty excited about that,” he said. The Jamboree also has an art festival component, with works on display by 20 Michigan artists. There will also be live art, Sicheneder said “While a band is performing on one stage, on the other the other stage there will be someone painting a four-foot by four-foot work of art to the music. … the art will be available for auction after the artists are done painting.” On-site camping in Riverside Park is a new addition to this year’s Jamboree. “I don’t know of another festival in the country that is held in a city environment with camping available right on site. We’re doing a very limited number,” Sicheneder explained, urging those who have said they want to camp but have not yet made a reservation to do so immediately so they won’t be disappointed. No open cooking or grilling will be allowed; however, food can be purchased from vendors or ordered locally for delivery to the park. Security will be on hand around the clock. “I think the value of being able to camp in the city and having all that right there is really something special,” Sicheneder added. “We’re really looking to keep people in Ypsilanti for the weekend so they can see what it has to offer.”

Roger LeLievre is a free-lance writer who covers music for AnnArbor.com.