It’s not hard to see that Ada G. Barnes has a passion for local music. She built an entire festival around highlighting Scenic City artists.

The three-day celebration, RootsFest, will kick off its second year today and is expected to draw even more fans of local music fare than last year, Barnes said.

“I heard a lot of people say it was the best festival they’ve been to, and these are kids that do tours all summer,” she said. “I think we’ll have a higher turnout this year, for sure, as long as people have a good time, that’s what it’s all about.”

Two stages will host bands from a range of genres, including reggae (Milele Roots/Vibe Irie), bluegrass (Smokey’s Farmland Band) and rock (All Things Green).

In addition to the shows, an activities tent and children’s play area will be set up. Fans may get a chance to settle bets over who’s better, Milele Roots or Degobah Militia, with an all-band kickball tournament.

Although the majority of bands are Chattanooga-based, some regional acts have slipped in from Atlanta, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala. The main goal is to bring the local music community, bands and fans alike — a too-rare occurrence, Barnes said.

“The way local music is, it’s hard for everyone to see everyone else,” she said. “I was in Milele for a while, and I missed getting to see my friends play, so I thought we should have a weekend for everyone to get together. These are amazing musicians that aren’t really well known.”

IF YOU GO

* What: Second annual RootsFest.

* When: 7 p.m. today-7 p.m. Sunday.

* Where: Cherokee Farms, 2035 Old Mineral Springs Road, Lafayette, Ga.,

* Admission: $25 single-day pass, $40 two days and $50 for three day (includes camping).

* Phone: (423) 645-9699.

* Web site: www.roots-fest.com.

SCHEDULE

(Subject to change; check Web site for updates.)

Today

7 p.m. River City Hustlers

8 p.m. The Current

9 p.m. The MIcrodahts

10 p.m. River City Assault

Saturday

Noon. Rickey Starr

1 p.m. Vortex Park

2 p.m. Ahead Band

3 p.m. Smokey’s Farmland Band

4 p.m. Vibe Irie

5 p.m. All Things Green

6 p.m. Brandy Robinson

7 p.m. Newberry Jam

8 p.m. The Homegrown Band

9 p.m. Dog House Riley

10 p.m. Milele Roots

Sunday

Noon. Jo Diggs Gypsy Parade

12:45 p.m. Seersucker

1:15 p.m. Jon Wimpee

2 p.m. The Owls

3 p.m. Cannonbus

4 p.m. Voodoo Cracka

5:15 p.m. Skip Cisto/Dagobah Militia

7 p.m. Molly Maguires