Music Festivals Podcast

Discover why the 54th Walnut Valley Festival has become one of America's most beloved acoustic music, bluegrass, Americana, folk, and Celtic music festivals. In this episode, Neighbor N8 sits down with Executive Director Bart Redford to explore the festival's rich history — from the unique "Land Rush" to the legendary National Flat-Picking Championships, world-class instrument co...

What was Electric Forest 2026 really like? In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I'm joined by Whiskey Drinks Jeff who has just returned from Rothbury, Michigan to break down one of the year's most talked-about EDM festivals. We discuss the incredible art installations, iconic spaces like the Observatory and Grand Artique, standout performances, camping culture, and the unique commun...

Join my conversation with Patrick Newton, Stateb Chair of the North Carolina Forward Party as we discuss their grassroots effort to build a movement based on values, start up culture and community action at music festivals. You'll get updates on where the party stands today, learn about their involvement at Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance in Pittsboro, NC, and, if you&#3...

Join Neighbor Nate as he sits down with promoter Stacy Sinclair for a preview of the 2026 Watermelon Pickers' Fest in Berryville, Virginia. In this episode, we discuss the festival's unique community, camping culture, late-night jams, workshops, contests, and what attendees can expect at one of the Mid-Atlantic's favorite bluegrass and roots music gatherings.🎻 About the Festival 🏕️ Ab...

For this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I'm joined by Peace, Love & Vans Co-Founder Zach Daudert to get a quick preview their upcoming #vanlife #festival in Spanish Peaks Country, CO at the beautiful Hummingbird Ranch.🚐 Follow Peace Love & VansWebsite: https://www.peacelovevans.com/overvie... YouTube: @PeaceLoveVansFestivalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instag...

In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, we sit down with Madison, WI-based poet, writer, and artist Adam Pergmeant of Flow Poetry for a conversation that travels well beyond the page. Adam shares the story behind his creative work, the influences that shaped his unique voice, and how poetry, music, and community intersect in his life. We also dive into his unforgettable experience joining the...

I'm joined by Ohio festival veteran and musician Whisky Drinks Jeff of  @TheWhiskeyDrinks  for a new recurring series covering the latest news, trends, rumors, and realities happening across the festival world. Key Moments 00:00 – Introduction & Launch of Festival News & Updates with Whisky Drinks Jeff 03:12 – Summer Camp Music Festival cancellation discussion 08:47 – Rising festival p...

I'm joined by Ohio festival veteran and musician Whisky Drinks Jeff of ‪@TheWhiskeyDrinks‬ for a new recurring series covering the latest news, trends, rumors, and realities happening across the festival world. We’ll be dropping these conversations regularly throughout the summer tour as we travel festival-to-festival across the country producing recap episodes, documentaries, livestreams, art...

In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Paul J. Zak, neuroscientist, author, and professor at Claremont Graduate University, to explore the science behind human connection—and how it shows up in places like music festivals. Dr. Zak is best known for his groundbreaking research on oxytocin, often called the “moral molecule,” and how it drives trust, empathy, generosity, and...

In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, we sit down with Young Fiend (Austin Relyea) from the extended Ekoostik Hookah family to talk about his journey into the scene, working behind the scenes in merch at Hookahville, and what it’s like being deeply embedded in the jam band community ... as a hip hop artist. We get into how fandom turns into family, the day-to-day grind of festival life, and...

Adonis Guava of Guavatron joins us live at the festival to talk Florida roots, and the #jamtronica scene, improvisation on stage, and what fans can expect when the band returns to  @WhippersnapFest  2026. Our talk gets into touring highlights, new music, and the evolving Guavatron sound. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE for VIDEOS 📺 @musicfestivalspodcast Like MFP? Please support the show 🙏🫠 https://buymea...

In episode 69 of Music Festivals Podcast, Tom Hamilton (JRAD, Billy & the Kids) joins Music Festivals Podcast to talk touring, and the inspiration behind his new debut solo album 'I’m Your Vampire'. We also talk about shows past and some of the amazing musicians involved who are no longer with us .. and of course, what they taught us. You'll see clips from last year's JRAD show...

In episode 68 of Music Festivals Podcast, we're recapping #HangCon 2026 — the Worlds biggest Hammock Camping convention, that takes place each year at the Florida Sand Music Ranch. SUBSCRIBE 📺 @musicfestivalspodcast Like MFP? Please support the show 🙏🫠https://buymeacoffee.com/musicfestiva...The episode also sheds a light on The Will McLean Foundation, a Florida non-profit organization that has...

In episode 67 of Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with Drury Anderson — mandolin picker and lead vocalist of Mountain Grass Unit — for a conversation that goes far beyond the stage and into the roasted and caffeinated mind of this break out bluegrass musician and his Alabama-based side venture, DLaw Coffee Company. We're also checking in from the Start of of #HangCon 2026 — the Worlds Large...

In episode 66 of Music Festivals Podcast, you'll get the my take on the top 7 trends for music festivals in 2026. Plus, get a load of the wildlife Neighbors we find out and about at the Florida Sand Music Ranch including drone footage of a 14ft Alligator who lives in our lake. We've named Althea. If you’re into festivals, campground culture, live streams, and behind-the-scenes access — you...

In episode 64 of Music Festivals Podcast, you'll get the scoop on the show's first official media residency at a festival venue! We'll also get into some details on next summer's MFP festival tour. Plus I recap the 2025 Sunshine Hootenanny Music and Arts Festival in Brooksville, Florida a few weeks back, which was an absolute banger of a late season fest. If you’re into festivals,...

In this episode, I share my firsthand experience traveling as a full-time RV festival roadie, including a deep dive into how the AMAZING Harvest Hosts app has already transformed my travels. This episode was shot on the way down to the Sunshine Hootenanny Music and Arts Festival in Brooksville, Florida — and we'll cover more on that next week. But this week, I break down the unique perks of Ha...

In this episode, I’m back after a couple weeks away with a big life update and an inside look at Whippersnap 2026! I’m recording all the way from my new home base at Berkshire Lake Campground in Ohio and sharing some personal changes, while also announcing exciting plans for more live streams and festival content coming your way. Then, I welcome Shane LaVigne and Dylan Conway, the masterminds behi...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with Nausheen Punjani, the COO and Co-Founder of Eventeny, a thriving music festival management software company , to talk about how technology is changing the game for festival promoters and organizers. 📺 SUBSCRIBE 📺 youtube.com/@musicfestivalspodcast -------- If you’re a festival promoter, you know how chaotic talent management can be....

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I take you on a full recap of Lazy Jam #7, a truly intimate gathering held at Lazy Acre Farms in Hartsville, Indiana. Get to know the beautifully maintained grounds, the warm sense of community, and all the little things that make this festival standout—from the incredible friendliness of the crowd to the range of family-friendly activities, vendors,...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I take you on a guided walk through everything that has happened so far in the 2025 festival season and give you a look at what's still to come. From unforgettable venues like the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville, FL during Whippersnap, to classic gatherings like Hookahville and brand-new experiences at places such as the Ohio State Reformator...

In this episode of the Music Festivals PodcastI’m recapping my incredible experience at the 21st Watermelon Pickers Festival in Berryville, Virginia. I had the pleasure of meeting some camp neighbors along the way, from Mark Stewart of  @ StayFreshcheese   who joined me on production, and to reflect on what festivals truly mean to those who go—to longtime vendor Steve Higgins, who reclai...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I was thrilled to sit down with the incredibly talented Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. We talked all about her Grammy-nominated vocal album "I Built a World," what it was like transitioning from being known strictly as a fiddler to stepping up as a vocalist, and the journey that led her there—including the influence of the American Roots Program at Berklee and...

In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with OJ Wilson, the heart behind the Lazy Jam Music Festivals, to get the inside story on how this unique festival has not only survived but thrived for seven years. OJ shares how Lazy Jam started as a small gathering of friends and slowly grew into a tight-knit community—still keeping its grassroots, backyard feel with thoughtful touches like...

In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I’m recapping my day at Grassfire 2025, held over an epic 4th of July weekend at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, Ohio. We'll explore the truly unique and interesting vibe of the NLQP venue and share some tips on camping there for festivals. Get the low down on the spring-fed quarry lake and beach, and how to make the most of your time on thes...