ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band: An Inside Look with Professor Dan Boner
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...
6 min read
Neighbor N8
:
Jan 31, 2025 3:33:36 PM
Heyo Neighbors—we're starting a new festival artist series today, and I am so excited to share this interview! In Episode 27 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I talk with the festival legend Keller Williams about his long and amazing musical career, and what has allowed him to produce 35 records in just over 30 years! 😮
Keller shares that he'll be adding a few more projects to that list over the course of 2025, and some insider info on how those projects are coming together.
We actually cover a ton of his current projects and tour stops, as well as how he started looping in the first place, way back in the late 90's and how this outstanding bassist played a role in inspiring him to take it to the next level. You'll want to hear about the cool new iPhone app that Keller has used to create tracks like Two Lips/Tulips as well as other EDM-inspired songs he classifies as "Acoustic Dance Music".
We even get into what it was like to preform at a few festivals with his daughter Ella. Plus, hear some insider info about his plans for the upcoming Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival happening at the Florida Sand Music Ranch from Feb 19-22, 2025.
Set in the stunning Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL, Resonate Suwannee 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of live music, immersive art, and natural beauty.
Taking place April 4–6, 2025, this festival is a paradise for lovers of psychedelic jams, funk, and electronic fusion, featuring a diverse lineup of artists known for their improvisational energy and deep grooves.
This year's lineup includes Lotus, The Disco Biscuits, Papadosio, SunSquabi, and many more, delivering mind-bending performances across multiple stages. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy Suwannee’s famous moss-draped oak trees, scenic trails, and swimming spots, creating a perfect blend of nature and festival culture.
Camping options range from primitive tent sites to upgraded RV hookups, with plenty of space to relax and connect with fellow festival neighbors. Whether you're there for the music, the community, or the serene surroundings, Resonate Suwannee is a must-attend event for jam and electronic fusion fans.
For tickets, lineup updates, and camping details, visit Resonate Suwannee’s official website.
Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival is back for its 14th edition, bringing an incredible mix of live music, outdoor adventure, and community vibes to the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Taking place May 23–26, 2025, at Pop’s Farm in Martinsville, VA, this festival is known for its laid-back atmosphere, diverse lineup, and family-friendly experience.
This year’s lineup features a stellar mix of national and regional acts, blending rock, bluegrass, funk, and soul. Attendees can expect performances from Trampled by Turtles, Keller Williams, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Andy Frasco & The U.N. and many more.
Beyond the music, Rooster Walk offers a variety of activities, including yoga sessions, guided hikes, kids' zones, and craft beer tastings, making it a great experience for all ages.
Camping options range from tent sites to RV hookups, and festival neighbors can also enjoy nearby lodging options in Martinsville. Whether you're a seasoned festival neighbor or a first-timer, Rooster Walk provides a perfect setting for a long weekend of live music, good food, and community spirit. For tickets, lineup updates, and more details, visit Rooster Walk’s official website.
Get ready for a weekend of world-class bluegrass, roots music, and family-friendly fun at ROMP Festival 2025. Hosted at the beautiful Yellow Creek Park in Owensboro, KY, this beloved festival returns June 26–28, 2025, bringing together some of the biggest names in bluegrass.
This year’s lineup features legends and rising stars in the genre, with performances by Del McCoury Band, Sam bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, Mountain Grass Unit, Fireside Collective and many more. The festival also offers interactive workshops, artist-led jam sessions, and plenty of activities for all ages, including a dedicated kids' zone and late-night sets for those looking to keep the music going.
Festival neighbors can enjoy on-site camping in a scenic setting, with options for both tent and RV campers. Plus, Owensboro—known as the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World—offers easy access to great local dining and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum.
For tickets, full lineup details, and camping info, visit ROMP Festival’s official website.
After taking a year off, Domefest 2025 is officially back—bringing high-energy jams, vibrant community vibes, and outdoor adventure to ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill, WV.
This year’s festival runs from August 7–9, offering a unique mix of live music and outdoor activities in the heart of New River Gorge.
Curated by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, the festival will feature multiple sets from the host band, along with a lineup of jam favorites still to be announced. In addition to the music, festivalgoers can take advantage of ACE Adventure Resort’s world-class amenities, including whitewater rafting, zip-lining, hiking, and a waterpark, making it a dream destination for music lovers who crave a little adventure.
Blind Faith tickets are on sale now, giving fans the chance to lock in their passes before the full lineup drops. Whether you’re a longtime Domefest attendee or a first-timer, this return edition is set to be an unforgettable experience in a stunning natural setting. For tickets, lineup updates, and camping details, visit Domefest’s official website.
Grassfire Festival returns to the legendary Nelson Ledges Quarry Park campground in Garrettsville, OH, from July 3–6, 2025, offering a stellar lineup of bluegrass talent in a picturesque setting.
This year's festival features a truly unbelievable collection of talent with performances by national acts such as Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth, and Yonder Mountain String Band, The Travelin' McCourys along with many more acts.
Beyond the music, festival neighbors can get lost in the natural beauty of Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, including swimming, paddle boarding, cliff diving, hiking, and shaded camping areas. The festival also offers family-friendly activities, workshops, well-kept playgrounds and a variety of food and craft vendors right along the beach.
Tickets and campsite reservations are available now, with options for general admission and group packages. Children under 16 can attend for free. For more information, including the full lineup and ticket purchases, visit the official Grassfire Festival website.
Lovegrass Music Festival 2025: Bluegrass & Community at Wilson State Park
Get ready for a weekend of live bluegrass, community spirit, and outdoor adventure as Lovegrass Music Festival 2025 returns to Wilson State Park in Russell County, Kansas. Taking place August 7–9, 2025, this festival offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for bluegrass lovers of all ages.
This year's lineup features a diverse mix of regional and national bluegrass acts, including Kyle Tuttle Band, Front Porch, Debutants, Magoo, 80 Proof Alice, and Old Sound. In addition to the music, festival neighbors can enjoy interactive workshops, art installations, family-friendly activities, and plenty of campground jam sessions all over the camp.
Camping options are available inside Wilson State Park, allowing attendees to stay close to the action while enjoying the beautiful Kansas outdoors. Whether you're picking along by the campfire or soaking in the main stage performances, Lovegrass Music Festival delivers an unforgettable experience. For tickets, full lineup details, and camping info, visit Lovegrass Music Festival’s official 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. That's our official email newsletter
Neighborhood subscribes get exclusive content that's not published on the website or channels as well as chances to enter drawings for ticket giveaways to festivals all over the U.S. Subscribers also get access to discount codes and deals from our growing list of supporting partners.
Make sure to visit the homepage and sign up to Join the Neighborhood with your email address. You'll get no more than one email each week as we roll into the spring and summer festival seasons. See you on the inside. 👋
In researching for my conversation with Keller Williams, I happened upon video released in 2021 from of Keller and his Daughter Ella preforming "Pin It Down" by Madison Cunningham. We talked about this a bit in the interview a bit. And, I think that might have been the part I took away that was the most impactful. Above everything else creative and interesting that he is, Keller is most importantly, a very proud Papa.
Ella has a great voice, and it strikes me just how naturally into the music she gets—it seems to just carry her away. I guess apples don't fall that far. Keller raved about her song writing ability in the interview, so maybe we'll see some original tunes from Ella on Williams-family band festival videos in the future. Hope those include some "gun-muff" level guitar solos from her brother...
Ella & Keller Williams - FloydFest Bus Stop Recording Sessions (2021) —"Pin It Down"
Video Credit: @FloydFestBusStop
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...
Heyo Neighbors—there is SO MUCH going on down in Brooksville, Florida for enthusiastic festival neighbors like us this Spring! In Episode 28 of the...
Heyo Neighbors—my guest this week and her band are heating up the bluegrass scene in a big way. We’re continuing with another installment in the...