We talk a walk down memory lane to explore the rich history and Ed's own personal experiences surrounding Hookahville, and Ohio-based Music Festival that has operated for 30 years.
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.
The 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! 😎
I'm so grateful for the community that surrounds Ekoostik Hookah. When I asked for help with photos from Hookahvilles past, you all took the time to go through personal photo albums and share your own favorite shots and memories from festivals through the years. I hope it was as fun for you all as it was for me to see your shots! Thank you, friends. 🙏
Ed McGee at Fall Hookahville 2023
Photocredit: Craig Hiegel
Hookahville 1999
Photocredit: Kaylən Rose
Hookahville 1999
Photocredit: Kim Taffy Cunningham
Next week on the Music Festivals Podcast, we're setting sail (literally) with a feature on Rhythm & Sails 2025 — a one-of-a-kind music experience that blends live music, sailing adventures, and deep community in the heart of the Caribbean.
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 this intimate, floating festival came to life.
Picture this: 7 catamarans (all 42-50 footers), a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, and daily concerts across the islands of St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, and more. It's equal parts festival, sailing expedition, and soul-recharging retreat — and their sixth voyage is nearly sold out.
We’ll get into the origin story of Rhythm & Sails, which all began with a rainy-day jam session in Maru that sparked a whole new kind of festival experience. You’ll hear what it’s like to live on the water alongside artists, crew, and fellow music lovers, and how the team curates truly personalized experiences for every guest — from hands-on sailing lessons to chef-prepared meals. We’ll also explore the behind-the-scenes magic of hosting two to three intimate performances a day against a stunning Caribbean backdrop, and how Rhythm & Sails is committed to sustainability, cultural exchange, and creating unforgettable music moments that last a lifetime.
If you’ve ever dreamed of what a festival could be off the grid — where guests jam with artists, wake up on the water, and unplug from the everyday — this is one you don’t want to miss.
The New Mastersounds are a British four-piece band renowned for their infectious blend of jazz, soul, and boogaloo, drawing inspiration from the iconic sounds of Booker T and The Meters. Formed in Leeds in 1999 by guitarist Eddie Roberts and drummer Simon Allen, the band later added bassist Pete Shand and, in 2007, keyboardist Joe Tatton, replacing Bob Birch on organ and piano.
With a career spanning over two decades, The New Mastersounds have released 15 studio albums, including their latest, "Old School" (2024), which showcases their signature blend of retro-soul-funk with a modern twist. Their music often features intricate instrumental grooves, occasionally complemented by guest vocalists and horn sections. Notable collaborations include working with Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Art Neville, among others.
I was super stoked to get to fully shoot and produce this full set when they headlined Sunday night of the Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival held in Brooksville, Florida at the Florida Sands Music Ranch from from February19th - 22nd, 2025.
The New Mastersounds LIVE (Full Set) 🌴 Whippersnap Music Festival (Saturday 09.22.2025)