Inside the Live Music Industry with Producer & Manager Cary Psutton

We’re kicking off Season 2 of the Music Festivals Podcast with a packed show. I’ll share the latest news about pre-sales and ticket deals for some of the best festivals happening across the country.  You’ll hear my exclusive in-person interview with Cary Psutton, a career veteran of the live music industry.

Cary has been touring with some major acts, managing a roster of talented artists, flying drones in Las Vegas’s cutting-edge Sphere, and even moonlighting as a stand-up comedian in Columbus.  We’ll wrap up the episode with our “Festival Performance of the Week,” featuring the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band and 15-year-old mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis performing a classic bluegrass tune.

Field of Vision Festival Pre-Sale is Live

The Field of Vision Festival is set to take place in Buena Vista, Colorado, from August 15–17, 2025. Presented by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, this festival promises incredible music set against one of the most picturesque backdrops in the country—Mount Princeton.

The event will be hosted at Meadow Creek, a location known for its pristine beauty, complete with a creek and a swimming pond. Tickets are now available, with weekend passes priced at $300 and single-day passes at $100. If you’d like to start the festivities early, there’s an early arrival option on Thursday.

Camping options include car and tent camping, group campsites, pre-set glamping tents, and RV sites with or without power. ADA accommodations are also available to ensure accessibility for all.

The festival is an all-ages event, with cashless transactions throughout the grounds. Official shuttles will run from Denver and Colorado Springs, and there will be a free local shuttle connecting the town of Buena Vista to the event site. In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, the festival places a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility.

Use the pre-sale code “coconutcongas” to secure your tickets now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Meadow Creek Festival website at meadowcreekco.com.

If you’ve never been to Meadow Creek, check out our YouTube channel for tours of the venue, stage views, and more details to help you plan your trip.

All Good Now Festival Returns in 2025

The All Good Now Festival is making a triumphant return to celebrate its roots while offering a fresh, contemporary experience. This two-day event will take place June 14–15, 2025, at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.

Originally launched in 1997 as the All Good Music Festival & Campout, this event has deep ties to the Grateful Dead community. Founder Tim Walther created the festival as a way to carry on the spirit of the Dead after Jerry Garcia’s passing.

The 2025 lineup features headliners like Goose, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, and The String Cheese Incident. The Disco Biscuits, moe., and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are also on the bill, alongside newer acts like Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and Neal Francis. With a mix of jam bands, bluegrass, and funk, there’s something for everyone.

The Merriweather Post Pavilion offers a beautiful setting surrounded by Symphony Woods, complete with unique attractions like the Symphony Woods Shakedown and the Legends Sculpture Garden. Tickets are now on sale, with pre-parties scheduled in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., leading up to the event.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the official website at allgoodpresentslivemusic.com/all-good-now.

Suwannee Spring Reunion is Set for March 2025

Mark your calendars for March 20–23, 2025, for the Suwannee Spring Reunion at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. This festival offers a stellar lineup of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music, all set in a stunning natural environment.

Performers include legends like The Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush, and Peter Rowan, along with rising stars and fan favorites like Donna the Buffalo and Kitchen Dwellers. The lineup is still growing, so keep an eye out for additional announcements.

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park spans over 800 acres along the banks of the Suwannee River, offering multiple camping options, from RV sites to tent camping, cabins, and even treehouses. The park features miles of trails, kayak and canoe rentals, a disc golf course, and a swimming pool. It’s a destination worth visiting, even when there isn’t a festival happening.

Tickets aren’t available just yet, but you can sign up for updates at suwanneespringreunion.com.

About the ETSU Pride Band

To close out this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to feature the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, a collegiate bluegrass band from East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Program, alongside the exceptionally talented 15-year-old mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis.

Together, they deliver a captivating live performance of the Stanley Brothers’ classic, “Gonna Paint the Town.” I felt like the performance not only showcased their technical skill and deep understanding of bluegrass standards, but also serves as a perfect reminder of the incredible talent and fresh energy emerging from the bluegrass scene today. A a vibrant and exciting future lies ahead for bluegrass music in the hands of these you talents.

Bluegrass Mandolin on the Rise: Meet Wyatt Ellis

Wyatt Ellis, a 15-year-old mandolin prodigy from Maryville, Tennessee, has rapidly ascended in the bluegrass scene. Inspired by Bobby Osborne's iconic solo on "Rocky Top," he began playing the mandolin at age 10. Under the mentorship of artists like Sierra Hull and the late Bobby Osborne, Ellis has developed a remarkable proficiency.

His debut album, "Happy Valley," released in February 2024, features collaborations with bluegrass luminaries such as Marty Stuart and Sierra Hull. Ellis has graced stages at prestigious venues, including the Grand Ole Opry, where he made his solo debut in November 2023.

Wyatt's performances, characterized by his exceptional technical skill and profound respect for bluegrass traditions, have garnered widespread acclaim from both audiences and industry veterans alike.

His ability to seamlessly blend intricate mandolin techniques with a heartfelt appreciation for the genre's rich history has captivated listeners, leaving a lasting impression on those who witness his artistry. Whether performing on grand stages or intimate venues, Wyatt's dedication to preserving and innovating within the bluegrass tradition shines through.

Up Next Week: Talking with the Founders of TuneHatch

Next week, I’ll delve into the fascinating world of a Nashville-based tech startup called TuneHatch.

This innovative platform functions much like a matchmaking service, specifically designed to connect artists, venue owners, and promoters in a seamless and efficient manner. By leveraging advanced algorithms and a deep understanding of the music industry, TuneHatch aims to simplify the process of booking live performances, ensuring that artists find the perfect venues to showcase their talents, while venue owners and promoters discover the ideal acts to draw in enthusiastic audiences. This exploration will uncover how TuneHatch is revolutionizing the way live music events are organized, making it easier than ever for all parties involved to collaborate and create unforgettable experiences.

Thank you for listening and for being part of the Music Festivals Podcast community. If you’re enjoying the show, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. And if you see me at a festival, stop by and say hello—I’ll be handing out some fun festival swag!

Until next time, happy planning, and I hope to see you at a festival soon.