Lazy Jam #7 Festival Recap — A Backyard Campout with a Killer Line Up

In episode 60 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I take you deep into the heart of Lazy Jam #7—a unique gathering at Lazy Acres Farms in Hartsville, Indiana.

Lazy Jam isn’t your typical festival. The event is hosted on Vicky Despain’s meticulously maintained property, complete with fairway-like grass, a tranquil pond, and woodsy camping. This welcoming, low-key vibe is at the core of what sets Lazy Jam apart—strangers really do stop strangers just to shake their hand ... and when that happens, strangers become family.

Get the scoop on all the festival highlights: from family-friendly activities and a dog-loving crowd (yes, even my German shepherd Angus made his festival debut this year and was a hit!) to communal fires that spark organic jam sessions and late-night memories. Lazy Jam’s true magic isn’t just the music—it’s the people.

So if you want an inside look at the kind of small festival that makes a big impact—or just love hearing about unforgettable sets that end with fireworks—hit play on this week’s recap of Lazy Jam #7. Pull up your favorite chair, pour a cup of coffee, and join the podcast family. Trust me, you’ll want to be part of this neighborhood.

Magnolia Boulevard — Debut Album Set For November

One of this year’s musical standouts was Magnolia Boulevard — they are a soulful southern rock band from Lexington, Kentucky, melding blues, rock, Americana, and Appalachian influences into an emotionally resonant and improvisational style led by captivating vocalist Maggie Noelle and co-founder/keyboardist Ryan Allen.

The group has navigated both personal and professional adversity—including the passing of original drummer Todd Copeland and the challenges of the pandemic—to continue growing their audience and artistic vision. Now joined by Roddy Puckett (bass), Austin Lewis (guitar), and Brandon Johnson (drums), Magnolia Boulevard has spent 2025 releasing a string of monthly singles, all building toward their debut self-titled LP due out November 28, highlighted by recent singles such as “Devil You Know”.

Their distinctive sound and heartfelt anthems have garnered spots on festival lineups and support slots with major acts, reflecting both a “dream team” lineup and a surge of creative momentum leading into their highly anticipated album release. 

If you want to hear a great interview with Maggie from earlier this summer on what's ahead for the band, check out this interview on the Roots Music Rambler Podcast.

Remembering Jay

There’s also a heartfelt birthday tribute O.J.'s wife Lisa, accompanied by a tribute to Jay Despain—the original dreamer behind Lazy Jam — whose vision of bringing people together lives on with every note played and every friend made. Jason Andrew DeSpain passed away Monday July 1, 2024

Jason loved music and was co-founder of Lazy Jam Music Festival.  He also enjoyed working in the woods and was known for his raging campfires.  He loved spending time on his family’s property and keeping it maintained.  It's been amazing over the past two years to see just how much healing this small music festival has brought to the close friends and family that knew him best.

Other Community Shout Outs

As always, I wrap the show with special shout outs to some amazing supporters of Music Festivals Podcast — including my friend Laura Miller, who wasn't able to make the festival weekend, but kept the online crowd engaged in the comments from her couch at home during the live stream!

There was also young 11-year-old festival volunteer Ryland McLaughlin, who mastered video switching for the live stream on the fly. Ryland is the son of my good friends Ed and Lacy McLachlan.

I also had the chance to meet "Pops" — a very kind gentleman who was enjoying his time at Lazy Jam with his granddaughter. It's amazing to think that an entire generation of kids will still be exposed to music festivals by an aging generation of deadheads who have been there since the early days if festivals in the U.S.

Then there is the Van Wert, Ohio Hookahheads crew who have all adopted me into their circle.  These folks represent the best of people and the true power of music festivals to build strong bonds and long-lasting friendships.

And a big shout out goes to O.J. Wilson and his wife Lisa, John Yates, Vicki DeSpain and the entire community that circles around Lazy Acres to keep the land beautiful and ready for the next show!

And finally, a special shout out to Vicki DeSpain for allowing all these crazy hippies, hookheads and festival camp neighbors to spend the weekend on her beautiful farm, remembering her son and enjoying the community and the friendships that meant so much to him. It was a real good time ... and we are all so grateful! 🙏

Festival Performance of the Week: Hot Like Mars

I saw Hot Like Mars for the first time last weekend at Lazy Jam #7 and they played an absolutely fantastic set to close out Friday night following Magnolia Boulevard. 

But like it sometimes happens, the internet got sketchy with cloud cover that impacted the signal from Elon's satellites.  What's worse is that because my hard drive had been running hot all day, the recordings of their set got corrupted.  I was bummed out ... Anthony and the band took us to Church until the end of the encore at 1:45am. (They were supposed to be done at 1am, but the crowed was on fire and kept asking for more. 🫠

Hot Like Mars is a Chicago-based quintet that emerged in late 2023 and quickly made waves in the regional scene. Their lineup consists of Anthony Perry (lead vocals, keys), Frank “Frankie” Minella (guitar, vocals), Patrick Walsh (guitar), Lamontae Norwood (bass, vocals), and Wes Julien (drums, vocals).  Musically, they fuse soul, funk, dance grooves, and elements of rock and jam-band improvisation, with a foundation rooted in gospel and Motown traditions.

In a short span, the ensemble has made a name for themselves with high-energy live shows, viral exposure on TikTok and Instagram, and a steadily expanding touring footprint.They’ve released multiple live singles and a live album, and are gearing up to drop their first studio single followed by a full-length album in spring 2025. 

And, what's more is I get to see them live again this weekend and a second crack at getting the stream and recording right.  They are going the heat up at Sacred Harvest Festival, Saturday 9/27 from 7:30-10:00pm. If you're not able to make it out this weekend, make sure to tune in to catch their show on YouTube and the Facebook Page to catch their set on the Festival Live Stream!