Hookahville 60 Festival Recap — Ohio’s Longest Running Music Festival

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 years.

Get an inside look at this Ohio-grown iconic jam band festival, with this in-depth recap. I review standout performances including memorable sets from Ed McGee and other special guests, and share my thoughts on the Roost on the River venue, touching on everything from logistics and camping to amenities.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, plenty of shoutouts to the Hookahville community, and highlights of unique festival traditions like creative theme nights and crowd activities. The band Ekoostik Hookah, born in a smoky Columbus basement back in ’91, has become a cornerstone of the Midwest jam scene.

Known for weaving together psychedelic rock, blues, funk, jazz, and bluegrass, their signature “hookah” sound is built on improvisation and that electric energy only a live crowd can bring. For over 30 years, they’ve toured relentlessly, hosted the legendary Hookahville festival since '94, and kept fans dancing coast to coast. Founding members like Dave Katz, Steve Sweney, and Eric Lanese have steered the ship while welcoming a rotating crew of talented musicians.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or grab the audio podcast wherever you listen—and be sure to check out how to win free festival passes on musicfestivalspodcast.com.  And, don't forget to subscribe!

Enter to Win Tickets to the 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers' Festival

If you love bluegrass, roots music, and good times with great people, you don’t want to miss this.

I’m talking three days of incredible live music, late-night jams, workshops, and fun for the whole family-plus, kids 12 and under get in free!

Entering the ticket drawing is super easy-just follow the link to the official contest page and throw your name in the hat. Imagine kicking back in the Shenandoah Valley, discovering new artists, and making memories you’ll be talking about for years.

Don’t miss your shot to join us for one of the best weekends of the year. Hit that link, enter now, and maybe I’ll see you at Watermelon Pickers’ Fest 2025!

Next Week: All Good Now Recap

Next Friday on the Music Festivals Podcast, we'll be recapping the All Good Now Music Festival held in Columbia Maryland at the Merriweather Post Pavilion from June 14th - 15th, 2025.

Led by promoter Tim Walther, 2025 marked the inaugural year of the completely reimagined All Good Festival — one of the most iconic gatherings in American jam band history that was first launched in 1997 by Tim Walther and creative director Junipa Contento-Süslü.

Whether you're a longtime All Good fan or discovering the magic for the first time, this is definitely a music festival that should be included in your summer festival plans.

Festival Performance of the Week 

This week's festival performance of the week features Ekoostik Hookah with guests Ralf Mowf and Don Safranek on additional percussion preformed the song "Smile and Sing" as part of Saturday night "Hookah 3.0" era show at Hookahville 60, a music festival held at Newark Ohio's Roost on the River Music Centre on Thursday June 6th, 2025.

Ekoostik Hookah, born in a smoky Columbus basement back in ’91, has become a cornerstone of the Midwest jam scene. Known for weaving together psychedelic rock, blues, funk, jazz, and bluegrass, their signature “hookah” sound is built on improvisation and that electric energy only a live crowd can bring.

For over 30 years, they’ve toured relentlessly, hosted the legendary Hookahville festival since '94, and kept fans dancing coast to coast. Founding members like Dave Katz, Steve Sweney, and Eric Lanese have steered the ship while welcoming a rotating crew of talented musicians. One of their crowd-favorite tunes, “Smile and Sing,” captures everything Hookah stands for — joy, connection, and letting the music move you. It’s a song that brings people together, a feel-good anthem that’s become a staple of their live shows. Even if the lyrics aren’t all over the internet, the vibe is unforgettable: just smile, sing, and be part of the moment.