Music Festivals Podcast

In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I’m recapping a wild and muddy weekend moshing at INKcarceration 2025, the massive metal and tattoo festival at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. It was extra special this year because I got to bring my son Kaden along to rock out at his very first music festival. I break down everything you need to know before you go: from the heavy-hitting...

In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down for a fireside chat with Jesse Iaquinto from Fireside Collective. We talk about the role that family plays both on and off the stage, Jesse’s life in Asheville, North Carolina, and what it’s like to bring his wife and young daughter along to festivals and shows. Jesse shares some heartfelt stories about musical moments with his daughter, how m...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I recap my trip to the 4848 Music Festival held at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe West Virginia to cap off my All Good Presents "Trifesta" summer road trip. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at this unique mountain top music festival from the perspective of the VIP volunteers who help set and maintain the positive and family friendly vibes, t...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I recap my trip to Missouri for the 10th anniversary of the Pickin' on Picnic Music Festival at Lost Hill Lake. It was my very first visit to Missouri, and this festival was packed with highlights, from a magical hickory grove venue to some of the best bluegrass and jam grass music around. I share my experiences at this incredibly well-organized even...

Heyo neighbors—in this episode on the podcast I’m hanging out with Jesse Shultzaberger, the powerhouse drummer behind Larry Keel’s Electric Larryland. Jesse’s a staple in the East Coast jam and bluegrass world, and he’s got some awesome stories to tell. We dive into how he picked up the drums thanks to his dad, all the bands he’s been part of (like the Woodsheders, the Randy Thompson Band, and his...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with two true bluegrass legends—Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland—to talk about their brand new collaboration and the stories that have defined their unique journeys. We get into their deep roots in bluegrass, experiences growing up in musical families, and how Michael adapted to becoming one of the most influential fiddlers despite signi...

In this episode, I recap my visit to the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival in Michigan, a storied event that has been running for 53 years at the Eaton County Fairgrounds. From the start, the festival’s small-town charm and sense of community were clear—local history, welcoming people, and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe really set the tone. It was a privilege to see Billy Strings return to his roots...

In episode 47 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I deliver a full recap and documentary on the reimagined All Good Now Music Festival, held in Columbia Maryland at the Merriweather Post Pavilion from June 14th - 15th, 2025. Led by promoter Tim Walther, 2025 marked the inaugural year of the completely reimagined All Good Festival — one of the most iconic gatherings in American jam band history th...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I recap Hookahville 60, an Ohio music festival that has run twice annually (Spring and Fall) for 30 years. Get an inside look at this Ohio-grown iconic jam band festival, with this in-depth recap. I review standout performances including memorable sets from Ed McGee and other special guests, and share my thoughts on the Roost on the River venue, touc...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I talk with Taylor Steele, singer, song-writer and front woman for The Love Preachers, as she gears up to play her first Picking on Picnic festival at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair, Missouri. Taylor shares how her band's heartfelt songwriting, built from life experiences and a blend of roots, classic rock, and old folk influences, helped them get notic...

In this episode of Music Festival Podcast, get festival highlights and real stories from the 12th annual Dark Star Jubilee held over Memorial Day Weekend at Ohio's iconic Legend Valley Concert Venue.  You’ll get behind-the-scenes insight into what makes the festival tick, hearing directly from attendees, vendors, artists, and the people who run it. From stories that go all the way back to cla...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, you'll get the inside scoop on the 21st annual Watermelon Pickers Festival from producer Stacey Sinclair. This long-standing festival held annually in Berryville, Virginia has a deep and rich history, and is in the midst of a major evolution—from its 1960s origins to its revival and growth into one of the area’s top Americana, roots, old-time and blu...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sat down with Ben Majeska—lead guitarist, vocalist, and the energetic force behind Armchair Boogie—for a deep dive into the band's origin story, the wild ride of festival touring, and their unique place in the exploding jam-grass scene. With festival season heating up, Armchair Boogie’s summer is packed with can’t-miss dates, including the highly a...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, we take a up-close look at a truly one-of-a-kind Midwest music venue. I’m breaking down the Poe Road Music Sanctuary’s 2025 Season Opener in Grand Rapids, Ohio—a one night festival held at a hidden gem set in the middle of the cornfields with a history as unique as its lineup. Poe Rd. is definitely an Ohio festival venue that should be on your list f...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, we get the inside scoop on the upcoming 2025 Pickin' on Picknick, a Bluegrass Festival celebrating it's 10th year of production and held annually in St. Clair, Missouri at Lost Hill Lake. I had the chance to sit down with festival producer and promoter, Ryan Kemp , for an exclusive preview of this long-standing Missouri bluegrass festival. We dive in...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, get the inside scoop on the upcoming 2025 Dark Star Jubilee with NeighborN8 and special guest Jeff Mattson of Dark Star Orchestra. Jeff discusses what it was like stepping into the lead guitar role with DSO and how the band meticulously recreates different Grateful Dead eras, even going so far as to match equipment and style down to the finest detail...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I recap Camp Cosmic 2025, a music festival produced by Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country and held annually at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee. This is the second year for this insanely fun music festival where a shows are held in the iconic cave stage. You'll hear excerpts of exclusive band interviews with Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, Mountain Grass...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Dave Katz, founder and maestro behind one of my all-time favorite jam bands, Әkoostik Hookah. SUBSCRIBE for Video Episodes ⏯️ ⁨ @musicfestivalspodcast⁩ WIN FESTIVAL TICKETS🚨 Enter at the Music Festivals Podcast Website Dave shares the unexpected beginnings of Hookahville, and discusses how Hookah's music and the cha...

In episode 36 of Music Festivals Podcast , we're setting sail on the voyage of a lifetime — a one-of-a-kind music festival experience that takes select music enthusiasts , side-by-side with their favorite artists on an adventure through St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands. I’m talking with Ashley Hart, one of the co-founders, along with Anders Beck (member of Greensky Bluegrass and Rhythm &...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down for a evening conversation with one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Ed McGee . We talk a walk down memory lane to explore the rich 30 year history of this iconic music festival and Ed's own personal experiences surrounding Hookahville.. Ed reflects on his first Hookahville performance in 1994, sharing how he became part of the festival'...

In episode 34 of Music Festivals Podcast, we go behind the scenes with Tim Walther and Janice Hurley of All Good Presents to to explore the Trifesta — a trio of legendary festivals that includes Dark Star Jubilee, All Good Now (formally the All Good Music Festival) and the 4848 Festival. Plus, you'll have a chance to enter to win tickets to all three events this summer valued at over $1500. All Go...

In episode 33— the official start of Season 3 of Music Festivals Podcast—I recap my recent trip to WinterWonderGrass 2025 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Watch for an exciting recap of Winter Wondergrass 2025 as NeighborN8 takes you on a journey through this unique ski and snowboard music festival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The episode features behind-the-scenes insights into the logistics of...

In the final Music Festivals Podcast episode of Season 2, I talk with Alex "Gator" Petropoulos, Drummer for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Alex and I get into his journey of joining the band and the influences he brings to their music. The conversation covers the band's approach to improvisational jams and their unique recording process, including their recent album, "Day and Time". Alex gives us a hi...

In Episode 31 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I recap and review the Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival that took place from 2/19 - 2/22/2025 at the Florida Sand Music Ranch with headliners Steelin' Peaches, Keller Williams, The Polyrhythmics and The New Mastersounds. You'll also hear interviews from Daniel Heitz, guitar player for Steeln' Peaches and Sierra Oriana McRae of Healing Arts Sanctuary...

In Episode 30 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with Ben Bloom of the The Polyrhythmics, a Seattle-based powerhouse instrumental group that emerged from Seattle’s deep funk scene. Originally just a recording project, the band’s first live show revealed an unexpected energy that changed everything. With over 15 years of touring and recording, their evolving sound continues to blur genre li...