Countless studies have shown music has a positive effect on the growth and health of plants. So, where better to have a concert series than among the vast collection of plants at downtown Fort Wayne’s Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory?

Botanical Roots Music Fest is a two-day concert series of local and national performers, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 2-3.

The festival features a variety of groups with a focus on traditional American music. Headliners will be Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band on Friday and John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band on Saturday.

In an interview with Whatzup, Kimberly Hartman, program coordinator for engagement at the conservatory, said the series saw steady growth in the years leading up to the pandemic. 

Following a hiatus, community members warmly welcomed Botanical Roots’ return last year.

Award-winning headliners

This summer, concertgoers can enjoy two nights of outdoor performances with a focus on instrumental music, though some artists will perform with vocals. 

The Friday night performance will feature artists from the realm of zydeco and reggae.

While many have heard of reggae, not as many in northeast Indiana have heard of zydeco. Hartman, who has been with the conservatory nearly three years, said Botanical Roots offers a unique opportunity for concertgoers to engage with this unique American genre that originates from Louisiana.

Zydeco is similar to the blues and is described by the Louisiana tourism department as “a blend of Louisiana French accordion music and Afro-Caribbean beats” that has been refined over the years to blend influences from other genres.

“If they would like to continue enjoying the reggae and the zydeco, it’s an opportunity to come out and support it so we can continue doing it,” Hartman said.

Hartman described Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band as a can’t-miss set. That’s particularly true since the group arrives in Fort Wayne fresh off of a 2024 Grammy win for Best Regional Roots Music Album for 2023’s New Beginnings. 

This year, the group also celebrated their induction to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and won Beat Music Awards for Best Zydeco Artist and Best Zydeco Album.

The Kalamazoo-based reggae band Zion Lion will also perform Friday as will locals Unlikely Alibi and Sankofa with DJ MSG.

On Saturday, the vibe will shift to blues and R&B Soul with John Primer & the Real Deal Blues Band. 

The three-time Grammy-nominated Primer recently won two honors at the 2024 Blues Music Awards, one of which was for his latest album, Teardrops for Magic Slim, released in February 2023. The album was hailed as “a superb tribute” to Primer’s former bandmate Morris “Magic Slim” Holt by Blues Blast Magazine and marked one decade since the singer-guitarist’s death at age 75. 

Soul and R&B artist Aliah Sheffield will also perform on Saturday. Featured local performers include Phil Schurger’s Sungate and Swell Time. 

Opportunity to visit

Hartman described the atmosphere at the conservatory during Botanical Roots as “really mellow” and said the concert series takes “advantage of the fact that we are in the middle of gardens in a natural setting.”

As part of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, she said the opportunity to incorporate music into the conservatory’s offerings pushes beyond their educational mission and spotlights the recreational events hosted by the organization. 

In addition to music, concertgoers will have full access to the gardens to view the conservatory’s diverse collection of 2,000 plants from 1,000 varieties. 

Hartman hopes the concert will not only entertain but also introduce newcomers and infrequent visitors to the conservatory’s year-round offerings, fostering increased involvement with the organization that welcomed its 3 millionth visitor in February.

Two-day tickets are $25, and day passes can be purchased for $15.