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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musicfestivalspodcast.com

Enter for your chance to win GREAT Festival Ticket Packages 🎟️

musicfestivalspodcast.com/win-music-festival-tickets

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.

Enter to Win FREE Music Festival Ticket Packages 🎟️

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

SUBSCRIBE 👉 Email Newsletter

https://musicfestivalspodcast.com

Subscribe on YouTube 🎥

https://www.youtube.com/@musicfestivalspodcast

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

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 for this summer and fall. Join me as I recap the night’s standout performances from bands like The Funk Factory, ekoostik hookah, and Top Scrub, and see some of the performances from the weekend along with aerial drone video footage of the venue.

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Subscribe to the Channel

Live Performances Playlist

Band & Musicians Interviews Playlist

Conversations with Your Festival Neighbor

Music Festival Ticket Giveaways 🎟️

Click to Enter

BONUS FEATURE 👀

ekoostik hookah LIVE at Poe Rd - Set 1 Encore, "Ecstasy" (4.26.25)

Find the Venue 🏕️

Poe Rd. Music Sanctuary

Band Channels from the Season Opener 🎸

ekoostik hookah

The Funk Factory

Top Scrub

Videos on Grand Rapids Ohio History 🏞️

Hidden History of Grand Rapids with Matthew Ellis

Discover the 419 - Grand Rapids, Ohio

Behind the Lens - Grand Rapids, Ohio

Key Moments in the Podcast ⏯️

00:22 Episode introduction and what's inside

01:25 A Brief History of Grand Rapids Ohio

04:20 About Poe Rd. Music Sanctuary's Owner & Team

05:41 Aerial Drone Footage of Poe Rd. Music Sanctuary

07:08 ekoostik hookah LIVE performance: "Walk Real Fast"

15:15 Episode Wrap Up with Venue & Vibe Footage

17:18 Hookahville 60 Ticket Package WINNER Announcement

18:00 How to Win Free Music Festival Tickets

18:09 How to Subscribe to Music Festivals Podcast

18:27 Get Deals from Our Partners

18:52 Up Next Week: Interview with Ben Majeska of Armchair Boogie

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

Music Bed Intro —

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 details. He shares stories of collaborating with Grateful Dead legends Phil Lesh and Donna Jean Godchaux, and describes the thrill of playing Jerry Garcia’s iconic guitars—including Alligator—thanks to the Grateful Guitars Foundation.

The episode also features a preview of the 2025 Dark Star Jubilee lineup, highlighting standout acts and what to expect from Jeff’s own side project, Jeff Mattson & Friends. If you’re a jam band fan or festival-goer, don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of Legend Valley’s favorite annual events.

SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Episodes ⏯️

YouTube: @musicfestivalspodcast

Ticket Giveaways 🎟️

Enter to Win FREE Festival Ticket Packages

Find Dark Star Jubilee 🏕️

Official Festival Website

Band YouTube Channels from the 2025 Jubilee Line Up 🎸

​ ⁨@darkstarorchestra⁩

⁨@moeperiod⁩

⁨@warrenhaynes⁩

⁨@Salmonmusic⁩

⁨@danieldonato⁩

⁨@toomanyzooz5641⁩

⁨@armchairboogie4522⁩

⁨@OrganFairchild⁩

⁨@TheSpikedrivers⁩

Find Legend Valley 🏕️

Venue Website

YouTube Venue Playlist

Key Moments in the Podcast ⏯️

00:00 Introduction to Jeff Mattson of Dark Star Orchestra

06:28 Embracing Pigpen-Era Grateful Dead

09:09 Zen Tricksters' Audition with Phil Lesh

12:21 Working with Donna Jean Godchaux

14:42 Dreaming to Play Alligator & Grateful Guitars

19:49 Dark Star Jubilee Community and Vibes

22:31 Festival Ticket Giveaway & Newsletter

24:09 Expand Your Festival Experience

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Production

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 Unit and Willow Osborne as well as see footage of the venue, the light shows in the cave. Stay until the end to watch Campfire Jams led by Water Tower and Willow Osborne.

SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Episodes 👀

YouTube

Website

Enter to Win Festival Tickets 🎟️

Find Camp Cosmic 🎸

Find the Featured Bands and Artists 🎵

@WillowOsborne

@danieldonato

@mountaingrassunit

@watertowerstringband

Find The Caverns 🏕️

Website

YouTube

Key Moments in the Podcast ⏯️

00:00 Convenient Campground Near Caverns

05:50 "Bonnaroo Campground Buyout Notice"

10:19 Unity Through Shared Live Experience

10:59 "Cosmic Fans Boost Production Team"

15:46 Solo Instrumental Graduation Project

17:56 Grateful for Recorded Band Practices

20:59 "Growing Excitement for Our Tour"

24:08 Awe-Inspired Banjo Gift Quest

27:24 Homeschooling Over Traditional Education Benefits

31:20 Bluegrass Solo Structure Basics

36:18 "Willow Shines at Camp Cosmic"

40:19 Music and Tattoo Festival Highlights

42:01 Follow & Rate Neighbor Nate

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

Opening Music 🎶 Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

Holly's Website

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#musicfestival #livemusic #bandinterviews #campcosmic #danieldonato #thecaverns

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 changing band dynamics have significantly shaped their sound as well as their music festival's vibe over the years. We touch on the unique connection between Hookah and the Grateful Dead, and Dave reminisces on stories and key moments in Hookahville's history. Throughout the conversation, Katz underscores the importance of community and camaraderie at Hookahville, explaining what makes the festival a special experience for its dedicated attendees.

Find Әkoostik Hookah🫠

Find Dave Katz on Facebook 🎹

Official Band Website

Official Band Facebook Page

Listen on Spotify

About Hookahville Music Festival ⛺️

YouTube Channel

Hookahville Festival Website

About Roost on the River 🔥

Flyover Venue Tour

Venue Website

Key Moments in the Podcast ⏯️

04:48 Emotional Complexity in Relationships

07:21 Nine-Song Set Creation

10:58 Naming the Band's Origin Story

16:17 Contrasting John's and Ed's Songwriting

17:23 Reality-Inspired Storytelling

22:17 "Reflecting on Ticket Giveaway Days"

24:29 Overzealous Law Enforcement at Festivals

28:23 "Trial Period for New Band Member"

30:47 Sweeney's Memorable Performance

34:07 Festival Venue Change Explained

38:22 Reunion Tribute in Hugoville

41:16 Music Festival Experience Lost Connection

45:27 Hookahville 60 Music Festival Preview

46:55 How to Win Festival Tickets

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

Intro Bed Music — Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

Closing Bed Music — Ekoostik Hookah - Fly

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#davekatz #hookah #hookahville #MusicFestival #FestivalCulture #johnmullins #edmcgee #ericlanese #jsglive #NeighborN8 #LegendValley #hookahheads #FestivalCommunity #GratefulDead #MusicPodcast #LiveMusic #bobwier #jerrygarcia #roostontheriver #newarkohio