In episode 39 of Music Festivals Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Mattson from Dark Star Orchestra to explore his career, his role and history in the band and their upcoming 2025 Dark Star Jubilee 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 .We get into what is was like for him to live his dream, collaborating with Phil Lesh and Donna Jean Godchaux on both classic and original material.
Listeners also get a preview of Dark Star Jubilee, 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), 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.
Enter to Win the Ticket Packages to Outstanding 2025 Music FestivalsI’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.
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.
As Florida’s premier Allman Brothers Band tribute, Steeln’ Peaches 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 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 we shot in my camper.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share the set with your neighbors!
Video Credit: NRMedia Group, LLC—Steelin Peaches Deliver AMAZING LIVE Performance at Whippersnap 2025
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