--- title: Dark Star Jubilee Preview with Jeff Matson of Dark Star Orchestra description: Exclusive interview with Jeff Mattson of Dark Star Orchestra, Dark Star Jubilee festival preview, and a ticket giveaway worth $1500. Don't miss out! image: https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/Jeff%20Mattson.png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-preview-with-jeff-matson-of-dark-star-orchestra#main-content) [![MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg?width=1600&height=1600&name=MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg "MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1")](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) [![MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg?width=1600&height=1600&name=MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg "MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1")](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) - [Home](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) - [Podcast](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/podcast) - [Campfire Blog](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog) - [Festival Documentaries](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/music-festival-documentary-films) - [Band Interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/band-interviews) - [Get in Touch](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/contact) Search Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu - [Home](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) - [Podcast](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/podcast) - [Campfire Blog](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog) - [Festival Documentaries](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/music-festival-documentary-films) - [Band Interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/band-interviews) - [Get in Touch](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/contact) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link 3 min read # Dark Star Jubilee Preview with Jeff Matson of Dark Star Orchestra [![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : Apr 25, 2025 7:19:46 AM [band interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/band-interviews) ![Dark Star Jubilee Preview with Jeff Matson of Dark Star Orchestra](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/Jeff%20Mattson.png) In episode 39 of [Music Festivals Podcast](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/), I had the pleasure of chatting with [Jeff Mattson](https://youtu.be/3P203XRsMVk) from [Dark Star Orchestra](http://www.darkstarorchestra.net/) to explore his career, his role and history in the band and their upcoming [2025 Dark Star Jubilee](https://darkstarjubilee.com/) music festival. From guitars to drum kits, DSO’s gear changes nightly to match the show’s time period. Jeff reflects on stepping into the lead guitar role and DSO’s devotion to authentically recreating different Grateful Dead eras. He opens up about the challenge of mastering the Dead’s catalog with era-specific precision, saying, “Suddenly I had to… be sure I was addressing the ‘83 version of the song or the ‘92 version...” He shares stories of playing Jerry Garcia’s guitars, including Alligator and others, through the [Grateful Guitars Foundation](https://gratefulguitars.org/) .We get into what is was like for him to live his dream, collaborating with [Phil Lesh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5lOmJAZMuk) and [Donna Jean Godchaux](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1RzbN-NBTo) on both classic and original material. Listeners also get a [preview of Dark Star Jubilee](https://darkstarjubilee.com/), known for its laid-back vibe and standout lineup. Since its inception in 2012, the festival has become a central gathering for fans of Grateful Dead-inspired music and the broader jam band community. The event is designed as a family-friendly, community-oriented festival, emphasizing a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where fans can connect and enjoy multiple days of live music at an iconic venue that played host to some classic Grateful Dead shows in the 80's and 90's. We also talk about Jeff's side project, Jeff Mattson & Friends (including his pal and DSO keys player [Rob Barracco](https://www.instagram.com/rob_barraco/)), which blends a mix Dead tunes with Dylan, The Band, and their own originals. For jam fans and Deadheads, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at DSO and one of Ohio’s most-loved music festivals.  Watch the 4K Video on your TV or listen however you get enjoy your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe.     --- ### [![Screenshot 2025-03-20 at 8.31.49 AM](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-03-20%20at%208.31.49%20AM.png?width=460&height=596&name=Screenshot%202025-03-20%20at%208.31.49%20AM.png)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/win-music-festival-tickets)Enter to Win the Ticket Packages to Outstanding 2025 Music Festivals I’ve teamed up with All Good Presents to give YOU 🫵 the chance to experience all 3 of these unforgettable gatherings in one summer — a ticket package worth $1500! You have until midnight on Sunday, April 27th to enter the drawing. Each neighbor who enters can earn extra entries by liking, following and subscribing to all the social media accounts listed below. The winner will be randomly selected and announced during the podcast episode on **Friday, May 2nd, 2025**. - [Dark Star Jubilee — May 23-25, 2025](https://darkstarjubilee.com/) Legend Valley, Thornville, OH - [All Good Now — June 14-15, 2025](https://allgoodpresentslivemusic.com/all-good-now/) Merriweather Post Pavilion , Columbia, MD - [4848 Festival — July 17-19, 2025](https://4848festival.com/) Snowshoe Mountain Resort , Snowshoe, WV [![Enter to Win](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/46998063/interactive-187665014025.png)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKL4LpyzOLQBzx6FUCrCcLQgASoYeR6KXVtTXsHQGVB3J7fNx0ihOodR%2FfaQjYszzT%2BJb0hRcpgZS2fPBX5KeWS1RuR18RLUOtV4C5C97dYxDpTFe09kfSgoL%2FavrnM3eaz2nx4RAbC2xFttQsI41qmKTrveXa1MZilNM2Tr1QoFzDe394qMgtWAKlEnA4kbkf68mjei2GfKwILrJUoTg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=187665014025&portalId=46998063) ---   ### ![Pickin on Picnic Festival](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pickin25_1200x1200_lineup-1024x1024.webp?width=497&height=497&name=Pickin25_1200x1200_lineup-1024x1024.webp)Next Week: Pickin' on Picnic Festival Preview  Festival Producer Ryan Kemp will be joining us next week to provide an in-depth preview of the Pickin' on Picnic Festival, an event that is celebrating it's 10th Anniversary this summer. Held at the picturesque Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair, Missouri, the festival will take place from July 10th to 13th. Pickin’ On Picknic began in the fall of 2015 in the Ozark Hills of Missouri, founded by a group of friends united by their love for bluegrass music. Over the years, Pickin’ On Picknic has featured a diverse lineup, from bluegrass legends to emerging artists, and has always emphasized personal connections between musicians and the audience.  You'll also learn why Ryan and his team support the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which provides financial assistance to bluegrass musicians and music industry workers facing mental illness, disability, or age-related challenges. --- ### Festival Performance of the Week  As Florida’s premier Allman Brothers Band tribute, [Steeln’ Peaches](https://www.steelnpeaches.com/) electrified the 2025 Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival's opening night with a powerful two-set performance, channeling the spirit and sound of Southern rock legends. I was able to shoot and produce this full set, which took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. [Whippersnap](https://youtu.be/q066Rn-dsD0) is a three-day, family-friendly music and arts festival held at the scenic Florida Sand Music Ranch. The 2025 edition featured over 25 bands across two stages, with genres spanning jam, funk, Americana, bluegrass, and blues. The video is in 4K so you can cast it up to your TV and jam out tonight with Steeln’ Peaches’, and for a bonus feature, check out this 🎥 [interview with lead guitar player Dan Heitz](https://youtu.be/JY0EtTzTxK4) we shot in my camper. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share the set with your neighbors! Video Credit: [NRMedia Group, LLC](https://www.nrmedia.biz/)—[Steelin Peaches Deliver AMAZING LIVE Performance at Whippersnap 2025](https://youtu.be/OUkiKKmBlv0) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Dark Star Jubilee 2025 Recap: Vibes and Community at Legend Valley](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/DSJ%202025-1.jpg)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-2025-recap) #### [Dark Star Jubilee 2025 Recap: Vibes and Community at Legend Valley](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-2025-recap) ![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) [Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : May 30, 2025 6:23:21 PM In episode 44 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I take you inside the heart of the 12th annual Dark Star Jubilee, held annually at the iconic Legend... [band interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/band-interviews) [Read More](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-2025-recap) [![Behind the Scenes of Dark Star Jubilee, All Good Now & 4848 Festival](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/Trifesta%20Poster%20Cropped.png)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-all-good-now-4848-festival) #### [Behind the Scenes of Dark Star Jubilee, All Good Now & 4848 Festival](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-all-good-now-4848-festival) ![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) [Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : Mar 21, 2025 9:50:28 AM 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... [band interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/band-interviews) [Read More](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-all-good-now-4848-festival) [![Music Festival Recap: WinterWonderGrass 2025 in Steamboat Springs, CO](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/PXL_20250301_042215310.jpg)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/winterwondergrass-2025-steamboat-springs-colorado) #### [Music Festival Recap: WinterWonderGrass 2025 in Steamboat Springs, CO](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/winterwondergrass-2025-steamboat-springs-colorado) ![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) [Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : Mar 14, 2025 9:59:24 PM In episode 33— the official start of Season 3 of Music Festivals Podcast—I recap my recent trip to WinterWonderGrass 2025 in Steamboat Springs,... [band interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/band-interviews) [Read More](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/winterwondergrass-2025-steamboat-springs-colorado) ##### About Music Festivals Podcast About Music Festivals Podcast ![NeighborN8 No Background](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NeighborN8%20No%20Background.png?width=323&height=242&name=NeighborN8%20No%20Background.png) I'm your host [@neighborN8fests](https://www.instagram.com/neighborn8fests/) (follow me on Instagram) and I am stoked to be your neighbor in this little festival adventure we're on.  Join me every Friday as we dive into the music festival scene with onsite footage, interviews, performances and even festival camping hacks so that you can know before you go... Music Festivals Podcast is a weekly podcast with new episodes every Friday everywhere you get your podcasts. Find daily videos of live festival performances and more on the [YouTube Channel.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClgQs3tJlctNKPDLJ0_Fgyg) Want to get in touch? [Email Neighbor Nate.](mailto:neighborn8@musicfestivalspodcast.com) ##### Featured Festival Highlights Featured Festival Highlights   - Privacy Policy - Become a Guest - Sponsor a Season © 2026 Music Festivals Podcast is a production of NRMedia Group, LLC | All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Neighbor N8", "url" : "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8" }, "dateModified" : "2025-04-25T11:19:46.964Z", "datePublished" : "2025-04-25T11:19:46.000Z", "headline" : "Dark Star Jubilee Preview with Jeff Matson of Dark Star Orchestra", "image" : [ "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/Jeff%20Mattson.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/dark-star-jubilee-preview-with-jeff-matson-of-dark-star-orchestra", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-2.jpg" } } } ```