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.

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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.

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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.

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⁨@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