In episode 37 of Music Festivals Podcast, I was delighted to sit down with Dave Katz, founder and maestro behind one of my all-time favorite jam bands, Әkoostik Hookah to dig into 30 years of the iconic Ohio jam band's history.
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.
Enter to Win the Ticket Packages to Outstanding 2025 Music FestivalsThe time is now. Hookahville 60 is taking place June 5th - 7th at the Roost on the River Music Center in Newark, Ohio.
This long-standing music festival is a magical place where you'll get to connect with the rest of the hookahheads community and get to see all eras of a band that has delighted audiences with their fresh, psychedelic and Ohio-grown brand of jams for the past 30 years.
The lineup includes Ekoostik Hookah performing in three unique lineups that celebrate all eras of the band (known by fans as Hookah 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0), along with a solo set by Ed McGee.
Other performers include the high-energy rock band Zoo Trippin’, blues-rock fusion group The Whiskey Drinks, improvisational jam band Krisb’s Midnight Railroad, soulful rockers Apostle Jones, and the funk-driven Groovy Roots. Full details and tickets are available at hookahville.com.
And, don't miss your chance to enter the biggest drawing we've done to date.
I’m teaming 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 Friday, April 25th 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.
Good luck, Neighbors! 😎
Next Week: Camp Cosmic Festival RecapI'm super stoked to be heading down to one of my favorite festival venues this weekend to join the fun at the second annual Camp Cosmic.
This early Spring music festival is the brain child of Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country and has expanded to two nights for this year, held from April 11–12, 2025, at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee. The event features four underground performances by Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, with opening sets by Mountain Grass Unit each evening.
After the cave shows, the festivities continue in the campground with acoustic performances by Water Tower featuring Willow Osborne, along with open jam sessions—so bring your instruments and join in the music-making under the Tennessee sky.
Beyond the music, Camp Cosmic offers camping, yurt glamping, food trucks, and craft vendors, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Attendees can also participate in cave tours to explore the subterranean wonders of The Caverns. Gates open at 9 a.m. on Friday, with performances beginning at 6 p.m. each evening. If you are heading that way this weekend, come and say hello!
It's only appropriate that this week's performance of the week is "Fly". This heartfelt tribute by Dave Katz of Ekoostik Hookah, was written in memory of the band's co-founder, John Mullins, following his passing in 2017. Dave first debuted the song in March 23rd, 2019 at Woodlands Tavern in Columbus, Ohio.
The song encapsulates the profound impact Mullins had on the band and its community, and the lyrics reflect themes of remembrance, loss, and the enduring bonds of friendship, resonating deeply with fans and serving as a poignant homage to Mullins' legacy. All said, it's an extremely important tune in the band's vast catalog of original music.
Video Credit: tg420eh — Ekoostik Hookah - Fly
Neighbor N8 : Mar 29, 2025 4:33:48 PM
In episode 35 of Music Festivals Podcast, I was privileged to sit down with one of my all time favorite singer-songwriters and guitarists, Ed Mcgee...
Neighbor N8 : Apr 24, 2025 2:19:00 PM
In episode 38 of Music Festivals Podcast, I recap Camp Cosmic 2025, a music festival produced by Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country and held annually at...
Neighbor N8 : Jun 13, 2025 6:00:00 AM
In episode 46 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I recap Hookahville 60, an Ohio music festival that has run twice annually (Spring and Fall) for 30...
Neighbor N8