In episode 54 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I take straight into the magic of Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, Ohio for a recap of Grassfire 2025—an Ohio-based bluegrass festival held this year over the July 4th weekend.
Returning to this Ohio Campground and festival venue always takes me to a new level of excitement and appreciation for the deeply rooted community that calls this place home all summer.
Having first visited Grassfire and Grateful Fest in 2024, I still get lost in the sprawling, wooded grounds. While there is definitely a “regulars versus visitors” dynamic in the vibe, for me Nelson Ledges is a one of a kind space that feels welcoming, friendly and fun.
Fuel the Music with DLaw Coffee CompanyReady to take your festival mornings (or any morning) up a notch? Meet DLaw Coffee Company—the official fuel behind our early starts and late-night memories. Crafted by Drury Anderson (yep, the powerhouse vocalist and mandolin shredder behind Mountain Grass Unit), DLaw’s small-batch, high-octane blends are tailored for music lovers, festival wanderers, and anyone who lives for a little extra kick in their cup.
Start with the Heady Breakfast blend—smooth, bold, and festival-ready. Need more oomph for those sunrise sets? Level up with Heady Breakfast Plus for a serious caffeine boost. And if a touch of flavor sets the mood, Mr. Charlie’s Cinnabon flavor is a must-add to your lineup.
Sip what the musicians sip and savor the spirit of community, adventure, and pure musical energy with every bag. Ready to try it? Grab yours now at dlawcoffeecompany.com and make your next cup a festival experience—wherever you are. DLaw Coffee Company: Fuel the Music.
The episode highlights NLQP's eclectic and seasonally permanent vendor scene. Hanz, of Hanz's and Strings and Things, offers a glimpse into his booth where used guitars “fly off the shelf” and into the hands of the next breakout player — maybe.
“I'm getting a lot of people that just want to start and that have never played before. I just sold a guitar not 10 minutes ago to a kid, wanted to learn to play.”
For Hanz, the magic is about inspiring campers to pick up a guitar and spark future campfire jams—a direct nod to the power of music as community glue.
Jackie, another vendor at The Ledges, brings a different perspective with her dual role as both purveyor of revitalizing and caffeinated lemonades and a transformation life coach who guides her clients to practice things like breath work. She sees her work at the festival as both hydrating the crowd and uplifting spirits:
“We're here to uplift people, and then in this environment, people get dehydrated or depleted, and we're just here to hydrate people and give them good vibes, serve them up. My goal is always to have people leave here feeling better than they did when they walked in.”
Jackie’s commitment to her festival “niche” shines as she describes how this community helped her rewrite her own story, trading a potential future in therapy for a more interactive role supporting festival-goers.
This episode also features some heartfelt words from the park’s ownership, reflecting on three decades of hosting gatherings and the “unnecessary kindness” that defines the Nelson Ledges crowd. There’s practical advice on the quirks of festival logistics, glimpses of the Del McCoury Band gracing the stage, and real talk about the challenges and joys of life in the music festival lane.
For fans of acoustic jams, immersive festival culture, and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who make the magic happen—Grassfire 2025’s recap is not to be missed.
Watch the full 4K video on YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe to catch more from the neighborhood.
Next Week: Lazy Jam #7 — 2025 Festival PreviewNext week I’m sitting down with OJ Wilson, the heart and soul behind Lazy Jam, a festival that draws a tight knit community, killer bands and deeply friendly vibes.
You'll hear OJ open up about what it really takes to keep a festival experience progressing for seven years, sharing stories that go well beyond music and touch on friendship, loss, and the power of community.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into prepping the land and building a better festival experience. We’ll also talk about this year’s killer lineup, the upgrades to the new stage, and what makes Lazy Jam a truly special festival.
Make sure to subscribe and tun in next week!
Allie & The Night Krals turned heads and warmed hearts with a mesmerizing full-set performance at Pickin’ on Picknic 2025, held July 11 at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair, Missouri.
From the opening riffs of their fiddle-laced bluegrass-rock fusion to the final bowed crescendo, the ensemble’s chemistry was impossible to miss. Allie Kral—whose fiddle playing and soulful vocals anchor the group—wove haunting melodies across that echoed through the ambiance of the Walnut grove, transcending genre lines and engaging both dedicated bluegrass fans and curious newcomers alike.
What made this set special wasn’t just the musical rigor, but the palpable connection they shared with the audience. Filmed live, the full performance captures the rustic magic of the festival’s 10th anniversary. Stream this to your TV in 4K this evening and feel the energy for yourself
Video Credit: Music Festivals Podcast — Allie & The Night Krals at Pickin on Picknic (7.11.2025) — Lost Hill Lake, St. Clair, MO (Full Set)
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