Lazy Jam #7 Festival Preview with Promoter OJ Wilson

In episode 54 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with OJ Wilson, the heart and mind behind Lazy Jam, to talk through the incredible seven-year run of this grassroots music festival in Hartsville, IN. 

What started as a private party among friends back in 2019 has quickly become one of the Midwest’s most anticipated intimate gatherings, drawing a passionate community that keeps the spirit of homegrown fests alive. OJ’s story offers an inside look at how Lazy Jam has grown organically, year by year, while fiercely protecting the feeling that makes it special.

Fuel the Music with DLaw Coffee Company

Ready 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.

How to Grow a Homegrown Festival

OJ attributes the festival’s lasting success to steady, intentional growth and a deep focus on its core audience. “We never tried to get too big too fast. Each year, we just nudge the budget up a little and bring in slightly better acts,” he explains. This cautious approach helps Lazy Jam keep its close-knit, backyard campout feel, where everyone is made to feel like family. As OJ puts it, “You’ll never make everybody happy—but if you try, you can come close. We really work to cater to our people.”

The episode also highlights the festival’s special setting—a cherished piece of land once owned by OJ’s late best friend Jay, whose memory the Lazy Jam community now honors each year. Last year’s tribute even included a life-size Jay cutout visiting campsites. OJ previews this year’s new, expanded stage and shares a few behind-the-scenes stories—like dealing with hornets and tornado cleanups—that make the festival possible but go unnoticed by most attendees.

A Stacked Line Up

We run through the 2025 lineup, with personal stories behind booking acts like Magnolia Boulevard, Hot Like Mars, Almond Butter Band and Austin & The Syd Experience, fulfilling a longtime dream and coming as almost an after party to Hookahville 61, Ekoostik Hookah. OJ’s excitement is palpable when he talks about finally hosting Hookah:

“I started my journey with all of this, and I saw Hookah for the first time in 1995… To even think that right now we’re getting ready to have them at our festival is… it’s a dream come true for sure.”

Lazy Jam’s size, layout, and atmosphere all serve the main goal: genuine community. Whether you know everyone or are hoping to meet some new music-loving friends, this festival’s laid-back, welcoming crowd can’t be beat. As OJ puts it, “If there’s 250 people there, my wife and I probably know 225 of them… it feels the right size.”

For anyone craving a music festival that still feels personal, where your campsite neighbors are friends you haven’t met yet, this episode will get you fired up for Lazy Jam 7.  Watch the full 4K video on YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe to catch more from the neighborhood.

Next Week: Bronwyn Keith-Hynes

Get ready to step into the world of Bronwyn Keith‑Hynes, the virtuosic fiddler turned front-and-center artist. Fresh off her Grammy-nominated contributions with Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Bronwyn is now touring the U.S. with a full slate of 2025 dates—from intimate club stages to major bluegrass festivals.

This spring, she released her boldest project yet, I Built a World, marking her debut as a lead vocalist. On the album, she's joined by a stellar lineup—including Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Dierks Bentley, and even fiancé Jason Carter—blending heartfelt storytelling with genre-defying fiddle work.

Join us as Bronwyn recounts her transition into crafting her own musical universe — expect stories of touring, creativity, and the dreamscape of music she’s built. Make sure to subscribe and tun in next week!

Festival Performance of the Week: