Billy Strings at the 53rd Charlotte Bluegrass Festival — A Recap

In episode 48 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I take us deep into the very special 53rd Annual Charlotte Bluegrass Festival, held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charolette, MI, including a special Thursday night show from the festival's hometown hero, Billy Strings.

This week we recap my largely impromptu road trip up to Charlotte, Michigan and what it meant to witness a homecoming set from bluegrass phenom Billy Strings at the Eaton County Fairgrounds—a place that played a pivotal role in his musical upbringing.

We'll set the stage by explaining just how unique the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival is—it's absolutely the smallest venue and crowd that I have seen Billy play at in over five years, and it was really interesting to see Billy in this venue that was very different from the stadiums and large arenas he's used to playing in now. 

You'll get a vivid picture of what makes this festival such a magnet for families, pickers, and bluegrass fans: from the quaint, friendly energy of Charlotte, to the historic value of the fairgrounds, to the laid-back and open-hearted festival culture where jams echo across the campground well after dark.

Billy Strings himself, who grew up attending the festival with his father starting at age 4, shares heartfelt memories and reflects on how Charlotte shaped his path:

“This is the very first bluegrass festival I ever went to. When I was a little kid…my dad was holding me, seeing Jim and Jesse out here and it changed my whole life.”

His return to this festival was more than just another gig; it was a celebration of community roots, generational tradition, and the magic of passing music from one family member to the next.

A Bittersweet Bluegrass Weekend: Celebrating the Life of Debra Apostol

But the episode also takes us through some emotional territory, as news broke that Billy’s mother, Debra, passed away unexpectedly the night after this incredibly memorable concert. The podcast covers how Billy chose to go on with his next show in Lexington, Kentucky, sharing his personal grief and gratitude with his fanbase.

“It was my decision to carry on with tonight's show because that's what my mom would have wanted me to do. She really loved this group of people…if you're going through some, I'm going through it too," Billy says.

The episode reflects on this moment of radical vulnerability and the support that music communities provide in times of heartbreak and celebration alike.

Get the Charlotte Bluegrass Festival in Your Plans for 2026

From historic facts about the festival’s 50-year legacy to stories of picking circles and surprise guest performances, this recap will make you want to toss your own instrument in the trunk and head to Michigan next summer.

Whether you're a bluegrass diehard or just curious about what makes regional festivals tick, don’t miss this heartfelt, inside look at one of the most meaningful stops on the bluegrass calendar. Watch or listen to the full episode for stories, tips, exclusive music, and a real sense of what it’s like to be part of the Charlotte Bluegrass family.  You can already register for next year's festival at the official website: charlottebluegrassfestival.com

Watch the full episode on YouTube or grab the audio podcast wherever you listen—and be sure to check out how to win free festival passes on musicfestivalspodcast.com.  And, don't forget to subscribe!

Ticket Package Drawing for the 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers' Festival Opens Next Week

If you love bluegrass, roots music, and good times with great people, you don’t want to miss this.

I’m talking three days of incredible live music, late-night jams, workshops, and fun for the whole family-plus, kids 12 and under get in free!

Entering the ticket drawing is super easy-just follow the link to the official contest page and throw your name in the hat. Imagine kicking back in the Shenandoah Valley, discovering new artists, and making memories you’ll be talking about for years.

Don’t miss your shot to join us for one of the best weekends of the year. Hit that link, enter now, and maybe I’ll see you at Watermelon Pickers’ Fest 2025!

Next Week: Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland Interview

Next week, don’t miss our special July 4th episode featuring twin fiddlers Jason Carter & Michael Cleveland.. These two long time friends consistently sit among the top string slingers on the planet. Earlier this year, they came together on a collaboration that in my humble opinion is something pretty special.

We’ll dig into their new album, stories from the legendary Grand Ole Opry, as well as preview their upcoming headline appearance at The 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers Festival in Berryville, VA.

Don’t miss any of the action—tap Subscribe on YouTube so you’re always in the loop when new episodes, live jams, or fun behind-the-scenes clips drop.

And if you want the good stuff—like giveaways, festival news, and artist stories—sent right to you, jump on our email list. Stick around and be part of the crew, you’ll always know what’s coming up next! 

Festival Performance of the Week:

On Thursday night at Hookahville 60, longtime fans were treated to a powerful dose of nostalgia during the special “Hookah 1.0” era set, which kicked off the weekend at Roost on the River Music Centre in Newark, Ohio.

The band opened their set with “Freedom Flying,” a fan-favorite anthem written by the late John Mullins that captures the spirit of pf the the early days of the band’s journey.

With Ralf Mowf behind the kit, Don Safranek layering in subtle rhythms on auxiliary percussion, and Nat Reeb lending both guitar and vocals, the performance had an unmistakable chemistry — a fusion of vintage Hookah energy and deep, lived-in groove. Nat is also known for having the ability to sing John's lyrics in the same gravely, bluesy and soulful voice that has an uncanny resemblance to John, without feeling like it's a cover. It's a really unique, and in my mind a way to pay homage to good friends past, keeping John's memory present and his music alive for future generations to enjoy in a very live way. 

“Freedom Flying” soared through the crowd with its laid-back, melodic drive and lyrical yearning — a reminder of why this song became a cornerstone of the band’s early catalog. Nat’s delivery of the tune paired beautifully with the expanded rhythm section, creating a dynamic ebb and flow that felt both old and new at the same time.

For those lucky enough to be on the grounds that night, it was more than just a song — it was a time capsule, a love letter to an icon at the roots of the Midwest jam scene, and a perfect kickoff to what would become a weekend full of celebration and reunion at Hookahville’s milestone 60th edition.

"Freedom Flying" – Ekoostik Hookah 1.0 at Hookahville 60