Road To Blue Ox

*Re-publication of this episode from June, just before the 2025 Blue Ox Music Festival* The final episode before gates open at this year’s Blue Ox Music Festival! Nate and Justin connect with Mike from Greensky to discuss what they’ve been up to and look ahead to celebrating a milestone in their career as a flagship of jamgrass scene. Also mentioned are some updates and information to be aware of...

Justin and Nate had a great conversation with Warren Haynes! We discussed his past collaborations that led him to where he is today, dove into his new album and learned about the incredible band he will have along at Blue Ox. There are a few timely announcements about the festival and we also listened to a song by The Wildmans, who are performing on Saturday on the Saloon Stage. Featured Music: “T...

We’re back with a new episode in anticipation of this year's Blue Ox! Justin and Nate chatted with Leah Song of the sister-led group, Rising Appalachia. We discussed their journey around the country, developing their signature rendering of folk music and keeping rooted with a family that continues to inspire their music, pace of life and sense of place in the world. We listened to a couple of thei...

This is the last episode of the season just days before the 10th anniversary of The Blue Ox Festival! Welcoming her back to Blue Ox for her 3rd-ish time, Nate & Justin were thrilled to have a conversation with Molly Tuttle about the development of her music and the formation of Golden Highway. It was a great chat preceded by some event updates. Thanks for listening and very soon we’ll see you...

Anyone familiar with Wisconsin bluegrass knows of our guest, Art Stevenson. He has been keeping traditional bluegrass going in the region for 30 years with his band, High Water. Nate and Justin had a great chat with him about his musical development, his show on WORT community radio, and his own involvement with festival organizing. We are excited to hear them perform on Saturday, June 29th on Blu...

Lindsay Lou joins us from her home in Nashville, TN for an in-depth conversation about her new album, Queen of Time . She will be performing at Blue ox on Thursday 6/27. We listen to a song from the band contest winner, Emmy Woods and the Red Pine Ramblers. Nate and Justin also discuss a couple new festival features. Thanks for listening. Featured Music: “The Waiting Days” - Pert Near Sandstone “M...

We are kicking off this season properly by interviewing Mr Festival himself, Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon and the High Hawks. He shows us the true resilience required to be a touring musician that remains as occupied as he is. Nate and Justin get the dish on how for 35 years he has helped maintain progressive bluegrass with his influential bands. With Vince we are all in good hands. A few festi...

This is the last episode before the Blue Ox Music Festival gates open on Thursday June 22nd! As usual, we’ve treated this as a festival guide and include some helpful advice prior to arriving. Also, Justin meets up with Jimbo from the Potluck String Band. They chat about how Potluck navigated the bluegrass festival circuit as attendees to form what became their ensemble, leading them to build a ho...

Bonnie, Joy and Eve from Big Richard called us from a campground in California while on the tour that leads them to the Blue Ox Festival mainstage. We talk with them about how the band was formed, their quick rise in the bluegrass scene, and the irony of their name. It was great to get to know them prior to their performance in a couple weeks! Nate and Justin also give some important tips and remi...

Mike Gordon talks to Pert Near Sandstone’s Justin and Nate about the inspiration and process of recording his new album, “Flying Games,” and the band he’s bringing to the Blue Ox Mainstage. We cover a lot of ground with him that includes musical brain states, harnessing the muse, and the Integratron. We also listen to a couple of his new songs and share some pre-festival announcements. Thanks for...

In this first and only vancast episode, join Nate, Justin and J as they tour Bowling Green, KY and discuss Blue Ox from the comfy confines of Pert Near’s tour van. The incredible guitarist, Yasmin Williams, talks to Nate and Justin about her musical origins and influences. They explore her unique approach to composing, current collaborations, forthcoming releases and more. Don’t miss Yasmin’s guit...

Kyle Tuttle joined us from the road as he was traveling, not on tour, yet still called in from the van! We had a great chat about his musical background and his many varied collaborations that continue onto the Blue Ox main stage this June. We listen to some of his musical recordings and also a song from the band competition winners, The Spine Stealers, who will be joining us this year on the Back...

Welcome back as we kick off a new season of the ‘Road To Blue Ox’ podcast! Thanks to The Last Revel for a great interview. We talk about their history and what led them to releasing “Live At The Blue Ox Music Festival.”  Also in this episode, Justin and Nate discuss this year’s lineup along with other festival features and announcements. Thanks for tuning in! Featured Music: “Stay All Night”...

This is the last episode before the festival opens its gates! In this episode we interviewed Ben Majeska of Armchair Boogie. If you haven’t seen Armchair play at the festival or in your town, take the opportunity. Certainly it seems appropriate that they have the word boogie in their name. We also listen to some music from The Last Revel, gush over Del McCoury and discuss some of the features you...

In this episode Justin and Nate have a great chat with Andrew Altman of Railroad Earth and listen to a couple of their newly released songs. With only two months until festival gates open this June even the squirrels seem to be excited! We also feature music from Humbird’s latest release and Cedric Burnside’s recent Grammy Award winning album. Featured Music: “Stay All Night”  -  Pert Ne...

We are back with another podcast season leading up to the Blue Ox Music Festival on June 23-25, 2022! Justin was able to catch the “Master of the Telecaster” for a great interview before his performance in Minneapolis. Nate and Justin discuss this year’s line up and listen to a song from Riddy Arman. Thanks for listening! Featured Music: “Stay All Night”  -  Pert Near Sandstone “Old Maid...

We are right around the corner from the gates opening! Nate and Justin check in with new information as we near this year's festival. This month on the podcast we speak with Austin based singer songwriter about recording and getting back on the road. Music from Sunny War is featured.   Featured Music:  Shakey Graves - “The Recipe.”  Sunny War - “Mama's Milk."  Pert Near Sa...

Greetings! The Road to Blue Ox continues. On this episode, Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters joins us! We discuss the recent return to live performances and touring as the world begins to emerge from the pandemic. Chris explores the Dusters’ origins and factors influencing the trajectory of bluegrass and acoustic music today and we highlight a tune from their new Bill Monroe Tribute alb...

This is a special episode dedicated entirely to the memory and celebration of our friend and colleague, Max Graham. Several of his closest musical friends spoke to us or sent messages to create this tribute. We hope this will help the community who will miss him dearly grieve his loss, and for those who didn’t know him personally to gain a fuller appreciation of his life and legacy. If you feel co...

In this episode Nate and Justin speak with Nora Brown from her home in Brooklyn.  The future of old-time banjo is in great hands with her.  We have the pleasure of giving an exclusive first listen to a single from the Henhouse Prowlers’ upcoming album, ‘The Departure’ to be released on March 28th!  Other news of the Blue Ox Music Festival is detailed herein.  It is with sadness...

Starting 2021 by looking to August, Justin and Nate talk about the lineup for this year’s festival and then discuss their favorite albums from 2020. A few new additions to the festival are covered and then we have a great chat with local Minneapolis band, Good Morning Bedlam. We talked with them about their development into playing folk music, what they’ve been doing during this past year, and clo...

Nate and Justin are thrilled to bring you another episode this season with a virtual Blue Ox Music Festival on the near horizon! It was a salve for the spirit to chat with Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades who also provides a couple of their unreleased songs for us. We hope this will find you well as we virtually stretch out in the grass of the Whispering Pines Campground. Watch the ev...

We are back with some current information preceding the festival.  Nate took a Mexican vacation which prompted a discussion of marine biology. Justin ventured into his own uncharted territory while interviewing his new favorite musician, Lillie Mae, who will be performing at Blue Ox this year.  Featured Music: Charley Crockett “In The Night” Lillie Mae “A Golden Year” Pert Near Sandstone...

Welcome back to the Road To Blue Ox Podcast!  We are well on our way heading toward the 6th annual Blue Ox Music Festival this June 11-13, 2020. Nate and Justin are back to tell you what’s new and highlight some of the artists joining us this year. After getting to jam with Jerry Douglas recently, we caught up with him and had a great chat about chickens mostly, but also Japan and a bit about...

The final episode of Road To Blue Ox before the gates open!  We sat down with Them Coulee Boys' brothers Soren and Jens Staff to talk about their musical evolution. They also give us a hint at what it's like being based in Eau Claire, which has become an artistic hub of the region, aside from being the home of Blue Ox. The Festival season is here! Nate and Justin discuss what to expect as you...