In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I chat with Aimee Riegel, Executive Director of Lovegrass Music Festival, about how a casual bluegrass jam at Wilson State Park grew into one of Kansas' most welcoming grassroots festivals. Along the way, we talked about the volunteers, musicians, and families who have helped shape Lovegrass into a nonprofit event that now brings hundreds of people together each summer without losing the spirit that started it all.
Some festivals begin with a business plan... Others begin with a handful of friends making music together.
Lovegrass Music Festival belongs to the second group.
By the end of my conversation with Aimee, one thing stood out to me.
Lovegrass hasn't grown by becoming bigger - it's grown by staying true to the community that built it.
Like so many great festival stories, Lovegrass didn't begin with grand ambitions.
It started with a group of friends who loved bluegrass music and wanted an excuse to spend a weekend together at Wilson State Park. A few bands, a campground, and a shared passion for acoustic music were enough to get things started.
Each year, a few more people showed up. More musicians wanted to play. More campers wanted to be part of it. Before long, what had begun as a simple gathering had become something much larger than anyone expected.
To help support that growth, Lovegrass became a nonprofit organization, opening the door to grants, larger artists, and new opportunities while keeping its grassroots identity firmly intact.
One of the things I appreciated most about talking with Aimee was how often she redirected the credit away from herself.
Lovegrass may have an Executive Director, but it runs because of the people who believe in it.
Today, nearly 100 volunteers donate their time to help make the festival happen. Some serve on committees throughout the year. Others help with setup, hospitality, parking, children's activities, or countless behind-the-scenes jobs that most attendees never see.
That's what grassroots festivals look like.
They're not built by one person—they're built by neighbors who simply want to create something worth sharing.
While Lovegrass continues to welcome nationally recognized acts, Aimee is just as excited about introducing audiences to artists they may not have discovered yet.
The 2026 lineup reflects that philosophy, featuring IBMA Award nominees East Nash Grass, the rapidly rising Johnny Mullenax, The Debutants, and a strong collection of regional performers who represent the next generation of bluegrass and Americana. You can also catch Aimee's band, 80 Proof Alice as a part of this incredible lineup.
It's a reminder that festivals don't just celebrate great music.
They help audiences discover what's next.
Another thing that makes Lovegrass unique is how intentionally it welcomes every generation.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can participate in instrument workshops, browse local vendors, and enjoy activities designed especially for children.
Young musicians can learn from experienced players, families can spend time together between sets, and everyone has an opportunity to become part of the weekend instead of simply watching it unfold.
That spirit of participation has always been part of bluegrass music.
Lovegrass simply creates the space for it to happen.
This August, Music Festivals Podcast will make its first trip to Lovegrass Music Festival, bringing live performances, artist interviews, and festival coverage directly from Wilson State Park.
After hearing Aimee tell the festival's story, I'm looking forward to more than just the lineup.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when nearly a hundred volunteers, a welcoming campground, and a shared love of music come together to create something that feels bigger than a festival.
Because that's really what Lovegrass has become.
Not just a weekend of bluegrass. A community that keeps finding new ways to welcome people in.
We'll see you down the road, neighbors.
Festival Performance of the Week: 80 Proof Alice
A little preview of Aimee performing "Where the Grass Grows by Moonlight" with her band 80 Proof Alice live from Wave Witchita. Be sure to catch 80 Proof Alice at Lovegrass August 6-8.
Video Credit: @80ProofAlice — 80 Proof Alice - Where the Grass Grows by Moonlight - Live from Wave Wichita 10/19/24
Neighbor N8 : Jul 26, 2026 5:46:40 PM
In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I chat with longtimeLovegrass Music Festivalattendee Maggie Menhusen about what has kept her and her...
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...
Neighbor N8 : Jul 23, 2026 6:00:01 AM
In this episode of Music Festivals Podcast, I'm joined by my festival neighbor Whisky Drinks Jeff of The Whiskey Drinks to look back at another...
Neighbor N8