Sunday night, Sept. 1, Old Crow Medicine Show closed out the 26^th annual Rhythm & Roots festival in Charlestown, R.I., with a trademark, high-spirited set from the perpetually charged, good-time sextet.  The evening’s weather cooperated just in time for the Medicine Show finale, with the third of the fest’s three days otherwise marked by intermittent showers. Saturday’s headliner, Emmylou Harris, also played through a light mist that grew heavier into the night yet provided a fitting backdrop to her exquisitely delicate and moving performance that only further solidified her status as a national treasure. With an ebullient run of songs that characterized a youthful first day, Daniel Donato and Cosmic Country injected their energetic, outlaw slant for a Friday final that foreshadowed a weekend of diversity and celebration to follow.

The fest, now entering its second quarter-century, has been a cherished favorite of the region, with its Labor Day weekend schedule signaling the traditional passing of summer.  Expanded greatly from its origins as a Cajun and bluegrass gathering in the woods of southern Rhode Island, the three-day extravaganza currently features three separate stages at a spacious seaside location, with its main Rhythm stage attracting a range of exceptional talent in the Americana scene.  This year’s event was no exception, including notable undercard sets from Southern standouts, Drive-By Truckers, and Larkin Poe.

The Truckers preceded Old Crow with a gritty, ragged, and rocking appearance, digging in following the Canadian alt-folk of Toronto favorites, The Strumbellas.  Earlier in the day, Shemekia Copeland celebrated her wedding anniversary at R&R with a performance touching down in fiery blues, funky soul, and classic country- with a set that could have doubled as symbolic of the fest as a whole.  There was Saturday’s New Orleans party with Rebirth Brass Band and Larkin Poe’s always rousing takes on modern and traditional blues.  And there was Yarn’s swamp Yankee vibes and the Brooklyn soul of Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds- together with Donato, on Friday for the festival’s youngest lineup.  Honorable mentions are due for Quinn Sullivan’s searing, early Sunday frame, as well as the two artists closing the Roots tent- on Saturday and Sunday nights, respectively- with Glen David Andrews and GA-20.

And with a revolving slate of Cajun and zydeco performers entertaining the arms, legs, and feet at the Dance tent, the fest reliably stayed true to its rhythm and roots. There was the unfortunate cancellation of the wonderful Ruthie Foster (with Pine Leaf Boys subbing in). Yet, even with that and the occasional raindrop, it was, once again, three days of fantastic music, food, and lasting summer fun on the shores of Southern Rhode Island.