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

In episode 36 of Music Festivals Podcast, we're setting sail on the voyage of a lifetime — a one-of-a-kind music festival experience that takes select music enthusiasts , side-by-side with their favorite artists on an adventure through St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands.

I’m talking with Ashley Hart, one of the co-founders, along with Anders Beck (member of Greensky Bluegrass and Rhythm & Sails Music Director) and Damian Quigley, (Co-Founder & Brand Director) to dive into how Rhythm & Sails, an intimate, floating festival came to life.

Picture this: 7 catamarans (all 42-50 footers), a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and daily live jams and the unbelievable and untouched beauty of the islands of St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique. It's equal parts festival, sailing expedition, soul-recharging retreat and one hell of a party that is sure to create life-long friends along the way. Their sixth voyage, set to depart from St. Vincent this May is nearly sold out!

After doing this interview, I am completely sold on experiencing the magic of this one-of-kid trip for myself! Trust me on this — make sure to watch the episode on YouTube — the videography and photos they shared with me are absolutely stunning!

About Rhythm & Sails 🔭

​YouTube: @rhythmandsails

Instagram: @rhythmandsails

Website: rhythmandsails.com

----------

Find Ashley Hart ⛵️ @partythor

Find Damian Quigley 🛥️ @dcquigley

Find Anders Beck 🎶 @andersdobro and Greensky Bluegrass

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Key Moments ⏯️

00:40 Festival Ticket Sweeps Winner Preview

01:00 About the Rhythm & Sails Experience

02:30 Ashley's experience with sailing

04:12 Damian's path to Rhythm & Sails

06:26 Anders first Rhythm & Sails Trip

07:28 About the Yachts

09:37 Anders on how the music works

12:24 This year's artist line up

14:46 Ashley on How the voyage is structured

17:51 Guest arrival and voyage prep in St. Vincent

19:27 About the Island of Mayreau

20:47 About the Island of Mustique

20:47 About the Island of Bequia

25:02 Why Anders gets excited for the adventure

31:20 "Thriving" as a dinking game

34:13 How to get on board Rhythm & Sales

38:27 Festival ticket package winners announced

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

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B-Roll Credits 🎥

Rhythm & Sails - St. Vincent & the Grenadines - May 2023

Floating Through Paradise - Rhythm &...

In this episode of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down for a evening conversation with one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Ed McGee. We talk a walk down memory lane to explore the rich 30 year history of this iconic music festival and Ed's own personal experiences surrounding Hookahville..

Ed reflects on his first Hookahville performance in 1994, sharing how he became part of the festival's origins and his initial connection with the band, ekoostik hookah. He shares more on his recent shows with One Under, detailing how the band overcame some unexpected challenges to deliver an incredible performance at last year's Lazy Jam 6 Music Festival.

Ed also shares some interesting things about his personal creative process as he discusses writing music for films, including the inspiration behind the 2023 single, "Last Good Knife." We wrap up with stories of Hookahville's past and raise a glass to good friends past.

Find Ed McGee 🎸

@edmcgee9594

edmcgee.com

Find Ekoostik Hookah 🫠

ekoostik.com

Spotify

About Hookahville ⛺️

@ekoostikhookah3535

hookahville.com

About Roost on the River 🔥

Roost on the River Preview Flyover Drone Footage

rotrmusic.com

Key Moments 🎙️

00:00 Tyler's Last-Minute Musical Switch

05:30 "Unforgettable Rehearsal Experience"

11:41 "Song Creation for Movie Credits"

17:46 "Songwriting for Movies: A Reflection"

25:34 Unexpected Job Interview at Party

26:29 Hookahville Memories with Heffe

35:07 Discovering Joy in Singing

38:55 Grateful Dead 50th Anniversary Reflection

44:53 Reunion Anxieties and Resolutions

49:11 Nostalgic Moment at Frontier Ranch

57:33 "Unity Through Rhythm and Art"

01:02:48 Intimate Music Festival Dynamics

01:07:03 Bobby Schindler's Role in Reunion

01:13:17 Exclusive Deals for Music Enthusiasts

01:13:55 Hookahville 60 Festival Preview

------------------------

Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

Title Sequence Music Bed 🎧

Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

hollybowling.com

Stream the set on Nugs

Closing Music Bed 🎧

Closing Music Bed Recording Credit: @‌Yxz3ss

Dragon fly eh2.0

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B-Roll Credits 🎥

B-Roll Credit: @‌musicfestivalspodcast

In episode 34 of Music Festivals Podcast, we go behind the scenes with Tim Walther and Janice Hurley of All Good Presents to to explore the Trifesta — a trio of legendary festivals that includes Dark Star Jubilee, All Good Now (formally the All Good Music Festival) and the 4848 Festival. Plus, you'll have a chance to enter to win tickets to all three events this summer valued at over $1500.

All Good Presents Trifesta Festival Dates 📆

Dark Star Jubilee (May 23–25, 2025, Legend Valley, OH)

@darkstarorchestra

instagram.com/darkstarjubilee

facebook.com/darkstarjubilee

darkstarjubilee.com

All Good Now (June 14–15, 2025, Merriweather Post Pavilion, MD)

@AllGoodMusicFestival

.instagram.com/allgoodnowfestival

facebook.com/allgoodnowfestival

allgoodpresentslivemusic.com/all-good-now

4848 Festival (July 17–19, 2025, Snowshoe Mountain, WV)

@4848festival

www.instagram.com/4848festivalwv

www.facebook.com/4848festival

4848festival.com

Key Moments 🎙️

00:49 – What Is the Trifesta?

03:50 – How Dark Star Jubilee Inspired This Podcast

06:00 – Tim’s Origin Story: From Dead Lot to Festival Boss

14:50 – Building a Business with Nothing But Flyers and Passion

22:30 – The Rainstorm That Created a Magical Night with Mickey Hart

29:30 – What Makes 4848 Festival So Unique

35:00 – Snowshoe Lodging, Shuttles, and Lakeside Morning Sets

40:00 – All Good Now: A New Era at Merriweather Post Pavilion

44:00 – Fan Experience, Festival Decor, and What’s Next

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

Title Sequence Music Bed 🎧

Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24

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B-Roll Credits 🎥

Bill Graham - Bill Graham Reminisces About The Fillmore East - 8/19/1984 - New York City

Bill Graham - Interview - 8/4/1974 - KQED (Official)

The Festival Tapes 1.0: The Grateful Dead & Friends

In episode 33— the official start of Season 3 of Music Festivals Podcast—I recap my recent trip to WinterWonderGrass 2025 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Watch for an exciting recap of Winter Wondergrass 2025 as NeighborN8 takes you on a journey through this unique ski and snowboard music festival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The episode features behind-the-scenes insights into the logistics of traveling to Steamboat Springs and navigating the festival scene. You'll get highlights of standout performances from artists like Mountain Grass Unit, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, The Fretliners, and many more incredible bands.

Experience the uniqueness of attending a ski and snowboard festival with continuous music performances throughout the day and get to know the ins and outs of attending this annual Colorado. Discover insider tips on festival travel and accommodations to enhance your WinterWonderGrass adventure. And, find out how you can become a contributor to Music Festivals Podcast!

Key Moments 🎙️

05:16 "Join Music Festivals Podcast Network"

07:08 "Travel Challenges to Winter Wondergrass"

11:29 Steamboat Springs Music Experience

15:12 Steamboat Springs Bus Schedule Guide

16:17 Steamboat Festival: Shuttle Tips

20:45 Steamboat Resort Activities and Convenience

24:39 Music Jam Opportunities at Festival

28:01 Steamboat's Missed Powder Days

31:27 Kyle Tuttle: Master Banjo Player

35:17 Energetic Performance by Pixie Band

36:59 Winter Wondergrass: Worth Every Penny

About WinterWonderGrass Festival 🏔️

@wondergrassfestival

winterwondergrass.com

bonfirentertainment.com

About Steamboat Springs 🚠

steamboat.com

steamboatchamber.com

Win Festival Tickets -- Join The Neighborhood 🎟️

https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/

Find NeighborN8 🔎

Instagram: instagram.com/neighborn8fests

Request coverage: musicfestivalspodcast.com/contact

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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

nrmedia.biz

Title Sequence Music Bed 🎧

Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

Holly's Website: https://www.hollybowling.com

Stream the set on Nugs: https://bit.ly/holly-bowling-set-DSJ24

Mastered audio for "Hey Mama" provided for use by DVC MGMT

In the final Music Festivals Podcast episode of Season 2, I talk with Alex "Gator" Petropoulos, Drummer for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Alex and I get into his journey of joining the band and the influences he brings to their music. The conversation covers the band's approach to improvisational jams and their unique recording process, including their recent album, "Day and Time". Alex gives us a history of Dome Fest and why it's called that in the first place. You'll also learn about the festivals newest location and the line up set for late summer 2025. We also chat about "the Flock" and the special relationship the band maintains with the members of their dedicated fan base.

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Key Moments 🎙️

05:29 Adapting Styles in Music Bands

07:59 Breaking the "P" Album Tradition

10:10 Live Show Musical Experience

14:55 Crowd Influence in Studio Recording

16:10 "Band's Stage Dynamics and Fest Shift"

21:56 Nugs: Essential for Jam Band Fans

25:27 Dynamic Setlist Planning

28:38 Win Festival Tickets & Discounts

29:34 Join Neighbor Nate's Expanding Community

Find Alex "Gator" 🐊 Petropulos

Instagram: instagram.com/gatorbeats

YouTube: @GatorBeatsAP

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong 🏓

Website pigeonsplayingpingpong.com

The Flock on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/theppppflock

Instagram: instagram.com/pigeonsplaying

Tour: pigeonsplayingpingpong.com/tour-dates

YouTubeL @pigeonsplaying

Find Dome Fest 🏕️

domefestival.com

Win Festival Tickets -- Join The Neighborhood Newsletter 🎟️

https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/

Find NeighborN8 🔎

Instagram: instagram.com/neighborn8fests

Request coverage: musicfestivalspodcast.com/contact

------------------------

Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

https://www.nrmedia.biz

Title Sequence Music Bed 🎧

Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

Holly's Website: https://www.hollybowling.com

Stream the set on Nugs: https://bit.ly/holly-bowling-set-DSJ24

------------------------

B-Roll Credits 🎥

Dan Leaves Pigeons Playing Ping Pong - Live Music Daily 2012