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 these iconic Ohio music festival grounds. I break down everything from the camping setup, to the food and merch on “Shakedown Street”.

You'll meet long-time vendor Hanz (who’s inspiring new campfire guitarists), and Coach Jackie from Impactful Energy, who’s serving up both revitalizing beverages and positive vibes as a master transformation life coach. Plus, you'll catch some thoughts on the festival community from NLQP owner Evan Kelley as well as a and live intro and performance from the Del McCoury Band. Stick around for next week’s preview of the Lazy Jam 7 festival, and don’t forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes music festival coverage.

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Enter for your chance to win Music Festival Ticket Packages 🎟️

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

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

https://nlqp.com

Grassfire Festival 👀

https://nlqp.com/our-events/

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 lineups featuring bands like Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, and Falling in Reverse, to insider tips on camping, shuttle logistics, and snagging those coveted tattoo and prison tour spots.

Trust me, you'll want to get this one, as well as other Danny Wimmer Presents music festivals on your calendar for 2026

Watch the Festival Documentary 🎥

Inside INKCARCERATION 2025 — A Music & Tattoo Festival Documentary Film 📺

https://youtu.be/srNEbRgA-14

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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 music lessons are evolving for her, and how the bluegrass and jam band community truly feels like a second family.

We also get into the evolution of Fireside Collective’s sound, including their transition from traditional bluegrass to exploring a wider mix of genres after adding drums to their lineup. Jesse opens up about the band’s creative process, choosing cover songs, and what it takes to reach those electrifying flow-state moments on stage—especially during festivals.

We wrap up with a look at their upcoming shows like Watermelon Pickers Festival, and the excitement around their new single, “Memphis in the Morning,” plus news of their forthcoming album.

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Find Jesse Iaquinto 👀

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesse_fireside

Find Fireside Collective 🔥

https://www.firesidecollectiveband.com

@FiresideCollective

https://www.facebook.com/FiresideCollectiveBand

https://www.instagram.com/firesidecollective

Find the Watermelon Pickers Festival ⛺️

https://watermelonpickersfest.com