2026 Roots and Blues Recap (Pt. 3)
I reached out to performers, crew and attendees and asked them about their Roots and Blues experiences. Alex Lee Warner was a little late to the blog party, but that’s totes understandable. He had school commitments, shows to shred, and then a trip down south. Anyway, this young man is all heart and it was worth waiting for his comments!
Alex Lee Warner at the 2026 Roots and Blues Festival
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“This year’s Lancaster Roots & Blues hit different. Honestly it was a milestone for me. I’ve played it before, and I’ve been there the past three years but more as a guest, a bystander, just soaking it all in.
I still think about being 11 years old, seeing Eric Gales and Larkin Poe for the first time… fast forward to being on that same festival lineup? That’s not something I take lightly. From being a guest with Quentin Jones and Rockett 88, to stepping into the Midnight Jam in past years with Bobby Gentilo, Joey Daughtery, Eduardo Oviedo and so many killers… that’s where the magic has always lived for me.
But this year? This year felt like stepping fully into it. The Alex Lee Warner Band got the call to be part of the lineup Rich Ruoff put together. All I can say is WOW. The level of talent, both local and from all over the country, was unreal. I’m beyond honored to have been part of it. Rich, thank you for everything you do and for believing in us. We played Zoetropolis what a spot. The room, the sound, the energy… everything was on point. Huge shoutout to Ben Roth for making it all happen. Packed house, great vibes, nothing but love.
And to my band Wayne Rosario, David Zienkiewicz, Rich Campbell, and Rich Sexton you guys are everything. I mean that.
Now let’s talk about the real magic… The Midnight Jam this year might’ve been my favorite yet. Bobby has this insane ability to throw musicians together in a way that just works - you don’t question it, you just feel it. One second you’re looking around like “who are these people?” and the next it’s “holy sh*t, what just happened?” I got paired up with Amani Burham, Henry Maass, Garret Lutzo, and David Fleming and we had never played together before. Not even a conversation beforehand. But the second we started, it felt like we’d been playing together for years. That connection, that energy, that unspoken understanding. It was fire! Those are the moments that remind me exactly why I play music. They push me, shape me, and make me want to be better every single time.
And somehow it didn’t stop there. I got the opportunity to stay up with Jimmy James, Bobby Gentilo and Rose Hudson - after that set and man… just another incredible moment. That’s Roots & Blues. That’s the magic. And I’m grateful to be a part of this years festival.
