Sunshine Hootenanny Music & Arts Festival 2024 Recap

Florida is nice this time of year.  This week on Music Festivals Podcast, I recap my trip to last weekend's Sunshine Hootenanny Music and Art Festival at the Florida Sands Music Ranch in Brooksville, FL.  It was the inaugural year of the Fall Hoot with great people, great bands and a super cool venue.

It's also Black Friday and I've got more early bird and blind faith ticket promotions, some of which end tonight at 11:59pm. And, we'll wrap this week's show with a clip from the Friday night performance from the headliner jam band, moe.

Photocredit @neoighborN8fests
Keyboard player Nate Wilson, newest member of moe.

Photocredit @neoighborN8fests
moe. on Friday 11/22/24 on the Sunshine Stage

Photocredit @neoighborN8fests
Blue Skye Pipe & Drum. on Saturday 11/23/24 on the Moonlight Stage

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Florida Sand Music Ranch is a Dog-Friendly venue, even if you are a MASSIVE as this gentle giant!

Dronecredit @neoighborN8fests
Jerryland: Celebrating the Jerry Garcia Band  crowd flyover on Saturday 11/23/24 at the Moonlight Stage

Festival News, Notes & Links

Sunshine Hootenanny Music & Arts Festival at the Florida Sands Music Ranch

Hosted by Obsession Productions, the Sunshine Hootenanny Music & Arts Festival was hosted at the Florida Sand Music Ranch in Brooksville, FL.

In it's first year of production, this fest already boasts an impressive and diverse lineup that mixes local, regional and national acts. The three-day event also showcased local youth and regional acts across music genres. 

The festival features a mix of genres including classic rock, southern rock, bluegrass, reggae, and jam bands across two stages -- the Sunshine Stage and Moonlight Stage.  Headlining this inaugural year are jam band legends moe., who will perform two sets.  Other notable acts include Lemonade With Bobby Lee Rogers, Tru Phonic, Grandpa's Cough Medicine, Grateful Dawg, RJ Howson, Berry Oakley Jr. & Friends, Dose, One Love Rising, and Ship Of Fools.  You can find articles on how the fest went down on both JamBase and Relix.

The festival features all kinds of things to keep you and your camp neighbors busy when the stage lights aren't on. Key experiences included a Sound Meditation Workshops, multiple Yoga sessions, late-night campsite jams and designated areas for fire spinners. The festival was also packed with wide range of food and merch vendors, including some of the BEST festival grilled cheese I've had this year -- I mean, grilled cheese is a fucking must-have provision at any good fest.

I was really impressed with how the whole thing went down, so shout outs are definitely due to Turner Moore, his right hand lady Jillian and the whole Obsession Productions team.

Tickets are on sale now for the Sunshine Get Down so make sure to take advantage of the their one pricing and get down to Florida in the Spring for this one. You won't be disappointed!

Bonnaroo 2025 Presale Ends Tonight

And finally, the big one: Bonnaroo, the long standing music festival in Manchester TN that has become a rite of passage for live music enthusiasts across the country.  Everyone should go to Bonnaroo at least once.

The 2025 presale kicks off next week. This year's festival line up is with an incredible list of acts, featuring headliners such as Pretty Lights, the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers, and one of my personal favorites, Greensky Bluegrass.

These artists are just the tip of the iceberg, as Bonnaroo is known for its diverse range of performers spanning multiple genres, ensuring there's something for everyone. With ticket prices typically starting around $344 for general admission and going all the way up to $22,000 for 4-Day Super VIP packages for two, Bonnaroo caters to any neighbor's desired experience.

It's a bucket-list event.  Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, Bonnaroo is an experience that will leave you with some great memories and great performances.

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival

The Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is set to make its much-anticipated return on September 20–21, 2025, at the picturesque Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, MD. This festival, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning waterfront views, promises to be a highlight of the year for music lovers.

While the official lineup is still being kept under wraps, anticipation is building as festival-goers eagerly await the announcement. If last year's stellar performances are any indication, attendees can look forward to an impressive array of talent.

Previous years have featured renowned acts such as Oteil & Friends, the dynamic Infamous Stringdusters, and the incredibly talented Sierra Hull, among others. These artists have captivated audiences with their exceptional musicianship and engaging stage presence, setting a high bar for this year's event. With such a strong history of showcasing top-tier bluegrass and Americana artists, the Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival is sure to deliver another unforgettable experience filled with toe-tapping tunes and memorable moments.

Blind Faith tickets are on sale now. Use code BAYGRASSER5 for an additional 5% off until November 30, 2024. Get your tickets at baygrassfestival.com/tickets

CaveJam 2025

This Memorial Day Weekend festival, taking place on May 24–25 at The Caverns in Grundy County, TN, promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers.

The event will showcase an impressive lineup featuring the renowned jam band String Cheese Incident, known for their eclectic blend of bluegrass, rock, and electronic music. Joining them are the Infamous Stringdusters, celebrated for their innovative approach to bluegrass, and the energetic Andy Frasco & the U.N., who are sure to deliver a high-energy performance filled with funk and rock influences.

In addition to these headliners, the festival will include a variety of other talented artists, ensuring a diverse musical experience. Performances will be held across two unique venues: the outdoor amphitheater, which offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty, and the iconic underground cave stages, providing an intimate and acoustically rich setting that enhances the live music experience. This festival is a must-attend event for those seeking a blend of exceptional music and breathtaking venues.

Tickets are available now. Visit thecaverns.com/cavejam for details.

Bourbon & Beyond 2025

From September 11–14, 2025, the Highland Festival Grounds in Louisville, KY, will host Bourbon & Beyond, produced by Danny Wimmer Presents. The 2024 lineup included heavy hitters like Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, and Beck, so expect an equally impressive roster for 2025.

Passes are on sale now at bourbonandbeyond2025.frontgatetickets.com

Hookahville 60

Hookahville is gearing up to celebrate its monumental 60th edition from June 5–7, 2025, at the scenic Roost on the River in Newark, OH. This iconic festival, which has become a beloved tradition for fans of jam bands and live music, promises an unforgettable experience.

Attendees can look forward to an impressive lineup featuring six sets of ekoostic hookah, a band renowned for their eclectic sound and captivating live performances. These sets will span the band’s different eras, offering a nostalgic journey through their musical evolution.

Adding to the excitement, special guests Nat Reeb and Ed McGee will join the festivities, bringing their unique talents and energy to the stage. This milestone event is not just a celebration of music but a gathering of a vibrant community that has supported and cherished Hookahville over the years. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this festival is sure to deliver a weekend filled with incredible music, camaraderie, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Weekend passes start at $149, but non-electric RV spots are already sold out. Learn more and get your tickets at hookahville.com

WinterFest Columbus

Happening next weekend on Saturday, December 7, WinterFest Columbus is a free event hosted by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department at the picturesque Bicentennial Park, nestled in the heart of downtown Columbus.

This festive celebration offers a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit with an array of activities and entertainment for all ages. Attendees can enjoy a variety of craft breweries showcasing their finest seasonal brews, providing a perfect opportunity to sample local flavors and warm up with a delicious drink.

The event will also feature an exciting lineup of live performances, including the soulful sounds of Austin & the Syd Experience, the electrifying beats of DJ BlackUnicorn, the foot-stomping bluegrass tunes of the Rumpke Mountain Boys, and the unique musical stylings of Saxsquatch. With such a diverse range of musical acts, there's something to suit every taste, making it an ideal outing for families, friends, and music lovers alike. WinterFest Columbus promises to be a vibrant and joyous occasion, setting the stage for a memorable start to the holiday season.

Find event details at winterfestcolumbus.com

Up Next Week

As we move forward into Season 2, things are getting pretty fucking interesting!

Next week, I'll be back with a conversation I had with the founders of TuneHatch, a cool Nashville-based software company that is essentially a dating website for performances and venues.

In the weeks following that, and now that the festivals slow down for the next few months, you'll hear even more great conversations including my talks with the boys from Mountain Grass Unit, one of the hottest new bluegrass bands on the scene. These guys have become one of my favorite new acts and were a delight to talk with.

You'll also hear my conversation with Trey Hensley, IBMA guitarist of the year and one of the nicest guys in the music businesses. He's also a great dad and finds a way to balance national touring while staying 100% engaged with his family.

And, next weekend I'll be covering the Columbus Winterfest on site, so look for more videos to hit the YouTube channel from that event as well as all the events from 2024.

Thank you for being part of The Neighborhood! Remember to subscribe and rate us on your favorite platform. I'm looking forward to being your camp neighbor soon!