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 classic Grateful Dead shows, to fresh takes from folks attending for the first time, there’s something here for every music festival fan.

We dig into what the “vibe” at Dark Star Jubilee and other music festivals really means, with honest answers from people who gave up regular jobs to live life on the music festival circuit. I talk with executive director Carrie Ruppert about how Positive Legacy, the official non-profit of this year's DSJ, and how the organization uses the power of music festivals to give back to local communities. Vendors and artists share why this festival stands out, the festival's family feel, kindness between strangers, and why each year of Dark Star Jubilee keeps everyone coming back for more.

Key Moments in the Episode ⏯️

00:00 - Introduction to Dark Star Jubilee 2025

03:21 - Perry & Claudia 2nd Year at Jubilee

03:58 - Kim on 15 years of festival vending

05:19 - Carrie on Positive Legacy, the official non-profit partner of DSJ

05:38 - Jerika on trading her teaching career for festival art vending

06:19 - Jeff compares Deadhead & EDM festival culture

06:47 - Holly & Joe on the smallness of the festival community

07:29 - Perry & Claudia on 50 years of festival touring

09:33 - Healthcare worker overcomes "Vibe Shift"

10:33 - Jerika on the freedom that comes with festival life

14:24 - Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand

14:37 - How Positive Legacy supports local communities

17:46 - Kim on the mental health benefits of festival touring

17:09 - Holly & Joe on why Dark Star Orchestra does the dead well

17:25 - Defining and understanding the concept of "Vibe"

28:48 - How to enter to win free music festival ticket packages

30:04 - Preview of next week's show: Taylor Steele of The Love Preachers

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

SUBSCRIBE at musicfestivalspodcast.com

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#musicfestival2025 #documentary #festivaldocumentary #interview #musicfestival #livemusic #festivalvibes #festivalculture #jambandfestival #jambands #gratefuldead #deadheads #legendvalley #ohiofestivals #ohio #ohiogrown #documentaryfilms

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 bluegrass music gatherings.

Stacey discusses her own journey from theater major and educator to bluegrass musician and festival organizer. You'll also hear what’s in store for the 21st edition of this event set to take place September 4th — 6th, 2025 at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds. We cover the events standout lineup featuring Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, Foghorn String Band, Fireside Collective, and many other great acts. Stacey breaks down the festival’s hands-on workshops, family and kids’ activities, and the vibrant late-night jam scene that welcomes players of all skill levels.

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Find Stacey Sinclair 🎻

facebook.com/StaceyRaeSinclairMusic

Find Watermelon Pickers' Festival 🏕️

watermelonpickersfest.com

instagram.com/watermelon.fest

facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573008939645

Key Moments in the Podcast ⏯️

00:00 From Theater to Teaching Transition

03:21 Passion for Teaching and Community

07:01 Learning Music Like Language

09:32 "Finding Family at Watermelon"

14:21 Country Festival Moves to Fairgrounds

17:45 Owner's Unexpected News in January

21:26 Festival Expansion and Continuity

22:49 "Shenandoah Valley Labor Day Festival"

29:00 Diverse Bluegrass Festival Overview

31:11 "Join the Jam: Sing and Play"

32:41 Watermelon Festival Kids and Teen Discount

36:01 Camping and RV Options Available

41:23 Win Incarceration Festival Tickets

42:25 Rate Podcast & Explore YouTube Extras

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

https://www.nrmedia.biz

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#musicfestival2025 #interview #musicfestival #livemusic #festivalvibes #festivalculture #bluegrassfestival #bluegrass #bluegrassmusic #virginia #berryville

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 anticipated Pickin' on Picnick at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair, Missouri.

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https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/win-music-festival-tickets

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Subscribe on YouTube 🎥

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Find Ben Majeska 🎸

https://www.instagram.com/musicbandguy

Find Armchair Boogie 🎸

Website YouTube Spotify Facebook Instagram

Find Pickin' on Picknick 🏕️

https://pickinfestival.com

Tickets YouTube Facebook Instagram

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#musicfestival #livemusic #festivalvibes #festivalculture #pickinonpicknick

#bluegrass #bluegrassfestival #bluegrassmusic #bandinterview #interview