Neighbor N8
Video Credit: NRMedia Group, LLC—ekoostik hookah LIVE — Full Set at Woodlands Tavern in Columbus, Ohio
Episode 40 of Music Festivals Podcast, brings listeners an inside look at Missouri’s Pickin' on Picknick Bluegrass festival, celebrating its 10th year at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair.
In this week’s episode, I talked with curator and event producer Ryan Kemp about the festival’s deep roots in the bluegrass scene, its evolution from a friends’ gathering into an annual cornerstone Midwest event, and its ongoing mission to support musicians’ mental health through the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
Photo Credit: FestyGoNuts
Ryan shared his journey from picking up guitar as a kid to becoming an upright bass player with Arkansas bands like The Squashers, and how his love for bluegrass shaped the festival.
“Music is pretty universal once you start to get a grasp on what’s going on. You know, translates to multiple instruments. I’ve just picked...I’ve been a bass player was kind of where I landed at for 20 plus years,” Ryan says, highlighting the natural progression that drew him into the collaborative spirit of bluegrass.
Listeners will get a glimpse into Pickin' on Picnick’s unique character, held among 65-year-old walnut trees along the banks of the Meramec River. Ryan discusses the growing pains and heartfelt community building that went into creating a festival that “feels like a family reunion.”
The episode covers the festival’s laid-back vibe, the iconic walnut grove full of hammocks, and a lineup this year boasting legends like Del McCoury, Armchair Boogie, Minnesota's Gin Strings, and the Larry Keel Experience.
But Pickin' on Picnick is more than just a music event—it stands out for its commitment to mental health. This mission took on new urgency after the tragic loss of Jeff Austin, a friend and performer.
Photo credit: Jamie Seed Photography
Ryan recalls, “When you come off of that, I’ve even myself have experienced it…you kind of come off of that high and like, oh, man, I got to go back to the real world. And it’s depressing out here, you know. Just trying to give people some resources and some tools to carry on beyond just our festival.”
Festival perks go far beyond music. There’s shaded camping, youth discounts, activities like paddleboarding and swimming at the lake, hiking, and daily campfire jams at the core. The site is family-friendly and flat for easy navigation. Early birds can snag discounted tickets and even upgraded camping packages with AC bathrooms and prime shady spots.
This episode will give festival neighbors fresh insight into how the Midwest bluegrass scene keeps growing, how producers like Ryan Kemp combine tradition with new ideas, and what makes an intimate, community-focused festival experience truly special.
Don’t miss this conversation for behind-the-scenes stories, heartfelt reflections, and all you need to know before heading to Pickin on Picnic’s 10th birthday bash.
Watch the full episode on YouTube or grab the audio podcast wherever you listen—and be sure to check out how to win free festival passes on musicfestivalspodcast.com.
Enter to Win the Ticket Packages to Outstanding 2025 Music Festivals
I’ve teamed up with Ryan and his team at Pickin's Festivals to give YOU 🫵 the chance to experience the 10th Anniversary of the Pickin' on Picknic Bluegrass Festival, happening summer at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair, MO from July 10th-13th — a ticket package worth over $400!
Entries close at midnight on Tuesday June 1st, 2025 — don't miss your chance to enter to experience this special festival in the Walnut Grove for FREE!
Each neighbor who enters can earn extra entries by liking, following and subscribing to all the social media accounts listed below.
he winner will be randomly selected and announced during the
podcast episode on Friday, June 6th, 2025. Enter today!
Next Week:
Poe. Rd. Music Sanctuary Season Opener Recap
Poe Road Music Sanctuary is an extremely unique backyard music venue located just outside historic Grand Rapids, Ohio, at 24401 Poe Rd. W.
The venue is known for its close-knit, welcoming atmosphere and natural acoustics, making it a favorite for both musicians and audiences seeking a relaxed, festival-like experience. It's literally an island of trees situated right in the middle of the massive cornfields that make Ohio famous.
Poe Road Music Sanctuary hosts seasonal music events that feature live bands, food trucks, vendors, live painting, bonfires, and camping. The property is owned by Wayne Barger, and incredibly kind local musician who purchased it in 2003. Wayne describes himself as the "caretaker" of the sanctuary, emphasizing the community-driven and collaborative spirit of the venue. He is deeply involved in organizing and producing the music events, often working with local artists and volunteers to create memorable experiences.
The season opener for 2025 took place on Saturday, April 26. The event featured performances by The Funk Factory, Ekoostik Hookah and Top Scrub. Make sure to tune in next week to get the low down on the venue's history and their 2025 season of music festivals.
Festival Performance of the Week
This week’s featured performance is an outstanding full-set video of əkoostik hookah’s electrifying show at Woodlands Tavern in Columbus, Ohio, captured during their two-night run on April 18 and 19, 2025.
I was stoked to have the chance to shoot and produce this multi-camera production of my favorite band at one of my favorite Columbus Ohio music venues as the hookah gets ready for the 60th edition of their namesake festival, hookahville. Their signature blend of Midwest jam rock was packed palpable energy, and so was the crowd, and their performance highlights why ekoostik hookah remains a staple of the live music scene after more than 30 years. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, this video is a must-watch entertainment for your weekend.
Grab a beverage and stream the full set on YouTube in 4K to your TV and enjoy watching the full performance this weekend!