Heyo Neighbors—we're changing the strings on this week on the episode away from WinterWonderGrass. A few weeks back, I had the chance to sat down with Professor Dan Boner, director of the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots Music Program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU).
If you love bluegrass music as much as I do, you’ve probably wondered how the incredible musicians we see play at festivals get so good at such a young age.
Professor Dan had a great way of putting it: “If you want to play this music, you’ve got to immerse yourself in it—jam sessions, festivals, and a lot of practice.” Dan and his top-notch faculty at ETSU are dedicated to keeping the Appalachian musical tradition alive while also preparing their students for real-world careers in the music industry.
In our conversation, we talk about the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, including recent festival performances and how the program attracts students from all over the world. “We’ve had students from Canada, Japan, Scotland, and even Iran,” Dan shared. The band’s upcoming performances, including their appearance at Bluegrass in the Blue Ridge Music Festival in April, that will showcase the exceptional talent coming out of this program.
Take a listen to this week’s episode to learn more about what it takes to make a career in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots Music
Imagine listening to live bluegrass while overlooking the breathtaking landscapes of Kaua’i. That's the general idea behind Leftover Salmon's new Spring music festival.
From March 28–30, 2025, High Country Kauai will bring that dream to life. Hosted by the legendary Jam Band, this inaugural event is a must for anyone seeking a blend of great music and fresh tropical vibes that only the Hawaiian Islands can offer.
You’ll get to experience multiple sets by Leftover Salmon alongside performances by other talented artists including Sierra Hull, Lindsay Lou, Tavana, BrownChicken BrownCow StringBand and many more.
The festival will be held in one of the most picturesque locations in Hawaii—The Porter Pavilion located at Anaina Hou Community Park.
Ticket have been on sale since December and are available for about $150. For all the details and to grab your passes, check out High Country Kauai Festival website.
If you’ve never been to Jazz Fest, this is the year to make it happen!
From April 24–May 4, 2025, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes over the New Orleans Fairgrounds with one of the most diverse lineups you’ll see all year.
This year’s headliners include Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, and Lil Wayne & The Roots. Other standout acts include Goose, Kacey Musgraves, Santana, Joan Jett, and local favorites like rapper Big Freedia and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Tickets start at $85 for general admission, with multi-day packages and VIP options available. Beyond the music, you’ll enjoy world-class food vendors, local crafts, and cultural exhibits celebrating the heritage of the Big Easy.
The festival also takes place in a location with convenient access to downtown New Orleans, you won’t have trouble finding nearby accommodations or taking an entertaining stroll down Bourbon Street.
Get your tickets and more details at New Orleans Jazz Fest website.
If you’re looking for a laid-back festival experience with plenty of community vibes, StrangeCreek Campout is calling your name.
From May 23–26, 2025, you can enjoy four days of live music and camping at Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
This festival is all about connecting with nature and music. With multiple stages featuring acts like Max Creek, Ryan Montbleau Band, Pink Talking Fish, Roots of Creation, Creamery Station and many more stellar bands, there’s something for everyone.
Late-night bonfires, drum circles, and plenty of jam sessions make the evenings at this fest full of chances for lively community participation with your camp Neighbors.
Tickets are reasonably priced, with early bird weekend passes starting at $180, offering a great opportunity to enjoy a full festival experience without breaking the bank.
Campground accommodations include shaded tent sites and family-friendly areas. It’s a perfect spot to relax, reconnect, and enjoy great music. Learn more at the StrangeCreek Campout website.
This one’s really a unique take on a music festival, comlete with an incredibly bill of bands and musicians.
The Highbridge Hills Jamboree takes place at the Highbridge Hills Disc Golf Megaplex in Wisconsin. Dates for 2025 have been set for July 10th-13th with this festival offering a unique combination of some killer live music and world-class disc golf.
The 2025 lineup is jammed with talent and will include headline performances from Keller Williams, Armchair Boogie and Squeaky Feet along with regional and local acts including The Trouble Notes, The People Brothers Band, Wonder Funk and many more.
While enjoying the music, attendees can explore the Megaplex’s expansive disc golf courses or relax at their campsites surrounded by beautiful Wisconsin woods. But if you're not into Disc Golf, that's okay. Bonus sets are scheduled in the evening along with a Thursday night campfire jam open to all camp Neighbors in attendance.
Details on ticket pricing and performers will be announced soon. Stay updated at Highbridge Hills Jamboree website.
The annual 4848 Festival is returning to the Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia, bringing together live music and mountain adventure.
The festival will take place from July 17th - 19th on the mountain, with a lineup that perfectly blends Americana, bluegrass, and jam band performances from acts including Lake Street Dive, Greensky Bluegrass, Dark Star Orchestra as headliners. Other weekend performances will come from Boombox, Dogs in a Pile, The New Mastersounds, Sam Grisman Project, The Lil Smokies, Fireside Collective and even the YouTube sensation Saxsquatch.
Set at an elevation of 4,848 feet, Snowshoe Mountain is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Activities include hiking, scenic lift rides, some absolutely amazing downhill mountain bike trails and even water sports in the lake. Accommodations range from cozy resort lodges to onsite camping options for both tents and RVs. Visit the 4848 Festival website for more details.
The Re/Evolution Summer Jam Will Have a Full Moon
Nestled in the scenic Darrington Music Park in Washington, the Re/Evolution Festival blends music, art, and community in an unforgettable way. The dates for 2025 have been set for August 6th-10th, and will feature an eclectic lineup of artists and creative workshops for attendees of all ages.
This year's headliners include Melvin Seals & JGB with 2 sets on on Saturday night during a projected full moon. Other notable acts for the weekend will include Holly Bowling, Space Bacon, Yak Attack and Cytrus.
This festival is a haven for nature lovers and music fans alike, offering camping options surrounded by lush Pacific Northwest landscapes. Whether you’re participating in an art workshop or catching a set by your favorite band, Re/Evolution fosters a festival vibe of creativity and connection for all camp neighbors who make the trip.
For tickets and the latest updates, check out Re/Evolution Festival website.
I've come to know Turner Moore since my trip to is fall festival—The Sunshine Hootennany— that took place at the Florida Sand Ranch last October.
What I didn't know is that before producing some truly excellent festivals, Turner produced and hosted one of the largest Whisky Festivals around, lovingly named the Whiskey Obsession Festival and hosted in Sarasota Florida.
After 7 years of annual whisky festivals, Turner handed the reins of the event to Dave Sweet of the Chicago-based Whiskey and Barrel Nite in order to focus on his other "obsession" of producing jam music festivals.
A previous guest of Music Festivals Podcast in episode 16, Turner is be back with us next week to share the schedule announcement for this year's Sunshine Get Down Music & Art Festival. It's going to be a banger, so make sure to tune in to see what he has planned for this April event at the Florida Sand Music Ranch.
If you found this website for the first time on a Google Search, I’d love to have you join The Neighborhood. This is the twice monthly email newsletter that also gets you some exclusive insider content as well as discounts and deals only available in your email inbox.
Within the month of January, you'll notice a new contests page on the site that will house ticket giveaways for various festivals throughout the year, including CaveJam, WinterWonderGrass, InkCarceration, the Sunshine Get Down and many more to come. Make sure to get on the list so that you can enter to win free passes to some killer fests!
You can also connect with me on Instagram @neighborn8fests or drop me an email with suggestions, new festival tips, or just to say “heyo.” If you see me out at a fest, don’t hesitate to come say hello.
I was digging through the Music Festivals Podcast channel on YouTube and completely forgot about this gem from Billy Strings Renewal 2024 at Meadow Creek. While it's a short clip, it's one of the only videos that shows Billy actually preforming at Renewal 2024 in Buena Vista, CO.
You already know that Ol' Bill left the festival shortly after the Friday afternoon audience Q&A to be with Alley during the birth of his son River Roy Apostle. This is clip of Billy and the boys playing "Escanaba" from the new album Highway Prayers record that was launched at that year's fest. Before playing, Bill explained that the main riff actually was derived from a Jazz exercise that his guitar teacher gave him to practice. The song, which is one of my favorites from the album, was actually named after a small town in Michigan.
I'll get to see Billy play live many more times in my life, but getting to be a part of Renewal 2024 for all the events that unfolded for Bill and Alley was a truly lifetime music festival experience. If you happen to read this post and were in the crowed, please share your own stories from Renewal 2024.
Video Credit: Music Festivals Podcast
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