Tough Decisions by Ross Sandelius

Billboard Magazine reports that last year's four-day Rothbury Festival ranked No. 8 on their 2008 top-grossing festivals tally, pulling in $7.4 million and drawing 120,820 music fans. Unsurprisingly, they're doing it all over again this summer July 2-5, 2009:

The Dead, Bob Dylan, The String Cheese Incident, Willie Nelson & Family, and The Black Crowes are among the top acts set for the second annual Rothbury, a weekend-long festival produced by Madison House Presents and AEG Live. The event will be held July 2-5 at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan, about three hours northwest of Detroit.

...Other artists confirmed to appear include Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley & Nas, STS9 (2 shows: full band/Live PA Set), G. Love & Special Sauce, Gov't Mule, Broken Social Scene, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Guster, Les Claypool, Chromeo, Girl Talk, The Hold Steady. Ani DiFranco, MSTRKRFT, Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade.

In addition to the music, Rothbury organizers are emphasizing the sustainability initiatives that aim to produce a near zero-waste event. They are also once again organizing the Rothbury Think Tank, with educational sessions and community discussion groups focused on the topic of the "New Green Economy."

Tickets go on sale at noon this Friday (March 20) and there's even some layaway options and lots of packages right here. Absolute Michigan will have lots more coverage of Michigan's largest music festival in the weeks and months to come!

For now, here's more Rothbury posts from Absolute Michigan and here's a great collection of 2008 Rothbury Festival pictures (including some great panoramas) over at Michigan in Pictures.